The Outdoor Project Gift Guide 2018: Car Camping Must-Haves

These days, there are so many ways to take advantage of your favorite vehicle when it comes to camping out. Whether you're pitching a tent, sleeping in the truck bed, popping the camper, or living luxuriously in your trusty adventure-mobile, there's no wrong way to car camp - but there are definitely some items that will take your four-wheeled adventures to a whole new level. No hike-in necessary, just pull up, set up camp, and let the fun begin!

Keep charged, connected, and capturing all adventure long...

...with a Goal Zero Venture Recharger. Choose between the Venture 30 and the Venture 70. Both models sport a durable, weatherproof design that's perfect for a good campout. For an extra big smile and some additional watts on the road, pair with a Nomad Solar Panel to add a boost to your juice while outside and keep the adventures rolling for even longer.

Price range: $99 to $149, learn more and buy HERE.

A cooler to keep the adventures rolling for days.

When in doubt, go for the Yeti Hopper Two. This ruggedly robust cooler is available in 20, 30 and 40 liters, so you can size up or down depending on how big or small your camping party is. There's a reason why these coolers are so popular: They work!

Price: $299 to $399, learn more and buy HERE.

A camp stove like no other.

We're really excited with where the camp stove industry is heading these days, and after seeing BioLite's CampStove 2 you should be, too! Compact and easy to pack, this innovative, wood-burning stove is perfect for grilling, boiling, cooking, or even just adding a little ambiance to your setup when the fire bans role in. Insider tip: bundle it up with the matching grill and kettlepot attachments for the best car camping experience around.

Price: $129 to $199, learn more and buy HERE.

One camp chair to rule them all.

The Helinox Chair One claims to provide "lounge chair comfort in a super-strong and ultra-lightweight package," and we whole-heartedly agree. While there are larger options that can provide more support with more weight, we love the fact that the Chair One can lead to amazing nights at camp and even better days on the trail.

Price: $100 to $125, learn more and buy HERE.

Delicious drinks: first thing in the morning, and the last thing before bed.

Grab a pair of Stanley Classic Vacuum Camp Mugs before your next outing, and it won't matter if you're an early riser or looking to sleep in - these mugs will keep your morning joe hot for hours. Explore the other side of the spectrum with our favorite Outdoor Project + Stanley Insulated Pints for long evenings of ice-cold beverages and spectacular stargazing.

Price: $15, learn more and buy HERE.

Start looking forward to your bedtime.

After long days of exploring the great outdoors, it can sometimes be hard to wind down at the end of the day when your mind's already brewing up tomorrows adventure. We're here to tell you that, with the right gear, your evenings at camp can be just as awesome as your daylight hours - just in a different way.

Here's our go-to sleeping setup:

Sleeping bag: Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed 700 ($249 to $289)
Sleeping pad: Therm-a-rest NeoAir Camper SV ($111 to $169)
Tent: The North Face Stormbreak Tent for two to three people, or the Talus Tent 4 to fit that extra person ($159 to $299)

When you spend more nights making camp than sleeping in your own bed...

One of Tepui Tents' newest releases, the HyBox is the first of it's kind: a hybrid rooftop tent that doubles as a cargo storage system. There is more than enough room for two to sleep comfortably on those camping adventures, and there is 23 cubic feet of rooftop space for all of that gear you're looking to bring with on your next trip.

Tepui also offers great soft shell options that are ruggedized and ready for whatever you throw their way; check out the Kukenam SKY for the "toughest rooftop tent on the market" and one of our personal favorites.

Since this one's on the pricey side, we recommend taking full advantage and giving it to that special person who'll be willing to share. Just saying.

Price: $1,950 to $3,800, learn more and buy HERE.

Why stop there? Here are even more great gift ideas for that car-camping friend of a friend.

This holiday season, give the gift of...

Efficient adventure planning and tracking with an Outdoor Project Wall Map ($30-35)
Endless hours of tunes, no matter the conditions, with Ultimate Ears' Megaboom ($229)
Clean water with the Family 1.0 from Lifestraw ($74)
Light AND bug-free fun with the Thermacell Trailblazer Mosquito Repeller Camp Lantern ($59)
Go-anywhere snuggles with the Sherpa Puffy Blanket from Rumpl ($151)
That perfect cup of joe on-the-go with the GSI JavaPress 30 oz. ($29)
Toasty toes with the LL Bean Wicked Good Moccasins ($79)
Some peace of mind with Adventure Medical Kits' Adventure Medical Weekender First Aid Kit ($49)
Happy adventure dogs with the Mountainsmith K9 Cube and the K9 Bed ($60 to $65)

For more great gift ideas, make sure to check out the Outdoor Project Store.

Free shipping on all orders of $30 or more - and through the end of December 2018, 20% of sales proceeds will be donated to Big City Mountaineers, a nonprofit that provides under-resourced youth with the opportunity to have transformative experiences in the outdoors.