There are many different ways to enjoy the great outdoors, whether it’s in your backyard or on a five-week backpacking trip through Europe. We all have our preferred way of engaging with nature – some of us enjoy long hikes while others prefer to lounge around on the couch at night. But let’s say you want to try something new this year – maybe you’ve never experienced camping before!
For some people, preparing for a camping trip is enough to scare them off from ever venturing out into the wild. The thought of not being within reach of their comfy bed and having only worms for sustenance might be enough to deter them from enjoying nature’s finest offerings. And that’s fine! Not everyone enjoys roughing it when they go out. But there are others among us who want to push the limits, try something new, sleep under stars that they’ve never seen before.
For you brave adventurers out there, here are some of our favorite accessories and tools for camping off-road.
Off-Roading is Taking One or More Vehicles into Locations That Are Not Accessible by Cars or Trucks
An important thing to note about this article is that “off-roading” can mean different things depending on where you are located in the world. When someone says “off-road” in an American context, they usually mean taking a vehicle off of paved roads onto dirt tracks or non maintained trails. A British person might have a different definition when talking about their off-road adventures.
A few general tips before you buy your off-roading equipment are to be cautious, stay within the boundaries of what you are capable of handling, and always wear a seatbelt. If you aren’t sure if you would enjoy camping away from civilization or not, start by trying it out in an area that is easily accessible. Maybe try taking your vehicle down a short trail that’s close to where you live. This will allow you to get used to driving on dirt roads without committing too much time or energy into exploring. Once you’re ready for the real thing, here are our top gear choices for hiking well off the beaten path.
Battery Powered Lanterns Are Best for Camping Near Power Outlets – But You Can Also Try Solar Powered Lanterns or Windup Lanterns
Being in such a remote location, you do not want to be without light. It can get dark much earlier than you think and when you don’t have any means of illumination, your camping experience will deteriorate rapidly. We recommend getting a battery-powered lantern because they are safer than candles and kerosene lamps (which can spill oil). The downside is that they need to be charged either through the use of batteries (with power outlets) or solar-powered panels. If you want another option that doesn’t require electricity, we also highly recommend looking into wind-up lanterns for camping off-road since they’re more environmentally friendly and don’t rely on scarce resources like sunlight.
Some of Our Favorites:
Solar Powered Lanterns
Pro: No wires or fuel required, can be placed anywhere. Con: Not that bright compared to other options, no emergency backup.
Wind Up Lanterns
Pro: Eco-friendly, can use them in emergencies without electricity, doesn’t rely on sunlight. Con: Cannot place them anywhere you want since they need to be wound regularly (and not all vehicles have a built-in winder), not as bright as electric lanterns.
Hammocks Are The Best Option When You Want to Sleep Above Ground Level – Just Make Sure To Hang Them High Enough So Water Can’t Splash In!
When camping off-road, it’s always better to sleep at least 30 feet in the air so that you can avoid any rain or floods. Hammocks are perhaps the lightest option when it comes to camping in this manner. They are made of nylon or other high-tech materials, so they won’t rot in case there is precipitation. Moreover, they don’t take up much space when packed inside a bag and give you great portability since you can attach them almost anywhere.
Nylon Ropes with Carabiners
Pro: Easy to set up, doesn’t damage trees if done correctly, very portable. Con: Can be difficult to sleep on if suspending at too low an angle (you might slide out), does not work for all terrains.
Advantages – Being Able to Rising is Great for Avoiding Floods and Sun Exposure
Pro: Reclining is very comfortable, great for lounging around. Con: Can be difficult to get out of when laying flat on your back, not the best option if you have lower back pain.
Advantages – You Can Easily Remove Mosquitos from Your Area with a Fan
Pro: Effective at removing mosquitos from your vicinity, can also help cool down your vehicle in case it’s hot outside, inexpensive. Con: Needs power which may not be available in remote locations, noisier than other options.
Self Inflating Mattresses Make Sleeping Away From Home Very Comfortable
Compared to a hammock or even a tent, self-inflating mattresses are much more comfortable. They are not affected by the wind or inclement weather and you can use them for various activities throughout your day which makes things a lot easier. Some of them also come with pillows attached to make sure your head is always in the right place while you’re resting.
Self Inflating Mattress + Pump
Pro: Quick to inflate/deflate, protects from ground moisture, no air pumps required. Con: Can be heavy compared to other options, exposed on one side so may get colder during cold nights.
Air Mattresses Have Better Weight Distribution Than Self Inflating Mats – But Need an Air Pump To Make Them Convenient
Pro: Portable, can be used in various ways (as a bench or an actual mattress), great comfort. Con: Needs power which may not be available in remote locations, especially heavy compared to self-inflating mats.
Disadvantages – You Have To Find One With Enough Space Which Can Be Difficult at Times
Pro: Wall to wall insulation that’ll keep the cold out, keep every bit of heat inside your vehicle making it feel warmer. Con: Expensive compared to other options if you don’t have one already, doesn’t work well for people who are restless sleepers since they tend to slide off during their slumber.
As long as you know what camping accessories and tools are necessary for sleeping comfortably at night, you won’t have to worry about anything else. Now go out there and have fun camping off-road!
The Best Accessories and Tools for Adventuring Off-Road
Hammocks are the best option when you want to sleep above ground level – just make sure to hang them high enough so water can’t splash in! When camping off-road, it’s always better to sleep at least 30 feet in the air so that you can avoid any rain or floods. Hammocks are perhaps the lightest option when it comes to camping in this manner. They are made of nylon or other high-tech materials, so they won’t rot in case there is precipitation. Moreover, they don’t take up much space when packed inside a bag and give you great portability since you can attach them almost anywhere.
