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Create a cozy camp for quality fall desert adventures
Car camping offers the perfect blend of adventure and comfort, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing the conveniences of modern life. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a newbie, car camping in style can enhance your outdoor experience.
The fall desert season is not far away, and now is the time to start hunting for the right gear to dial in your camp. Here's a guide to help you elevate your car camping game.
Opt for a vehicle with ample space and versatility, such as an SUV, van, or a wagon. These vehicles provide enough room to store gear, sleep comfortably, and move around without feeling cramped.
Consider adding roof racks for extra storage, or a rooftop tent to free up interior space. Investing in a comfortable mattress or sleeping pad designed to fit your vehicle's dimensions can significantly enhance your sleeping experience. When it comes to choosing a tent, keep in mind that the desert floor might be rock-hard come October, meaning pounding those stakes in may require extra effort.
A good night’s sleep is crucial. Equip your vehicle or your tent with a high-quality, inflatable mattress or a memory foam mattress topper. Add soft, warm bedding such as a down comforter and plush pillows.
Bring along a portable stove or a compact grill. Upgrade your culinary game with a cooler that can keep perishables fresh for days, and pack ingredients for gourmet meals. Don’t forget the French press for your morning brew.
Invest in LED string lights, lanterns, and headlamps to create a cozy and functional lighting setup. Solar-powered options are great for sustainability and convenience.
Use storage bins, organizers, and cargo nets to keep your gear tidy and accessible. Designate specific areas for cooking supplies, clothes, sleeping gear, and recreational items. This organization not only looks good but also saves time and stress.
Opt for gear that serves multiple purposes, such as a folding table that doubles as a storage unit or chairs that can convert into loungers. This minimizes clutter and maximizes space.
Set up a comfortable outdoor living area with foldable chairs, a portable table, and a pop-up canopy or tarp for shade and rain protection. Rugs and floor mats can add a touch of homey comfort.
Decorate your space with personal touches like throw blankets, cushions, and even a few potted plants. These elements make your campsite feel more inviting and stylish.
Keep a few things in mind when setting up your living space:
Bring along a portable speaker for music, a tablet or e-reader for movies and books, and a power bank or solar charger to keep your devices powered.
Pack items for outdoor activities: Hiking, mountain biking, Frisbee, Uno, and more. Having a variety of activities planned ensures you can make the most of your time outdoors.
Keep a portable shower and a privacy tent for personal hygiene. Biodegradable soap and a set of quick-dry towels are must-haves. Use collapsible sinks or buckets for washing dishes, and pack plenty of trash bags to keep your campsite clean. Simplify your water game by investing in a large plastic water container with a built-in spout.
Practice Leave No Trace principles by minimizing waste and disposing of trash responsibly. Use eco-friendly products to reduce your environmental impact.
Research your destination thoroughly and make any necessary reservations in advance. Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly. Having a detailed plan ensures a smooth and enjoyable camping trip. Heading into the backcountry? Make sure your vehicle is equipped for the drive, and remember to fill up your gas tank (and water bottles) before you leave civilization behind.
Bring a well-stocked first aid kit, a reliable navigation system, and inform someone about your travel plans. Being prepared for emergencies ensures peace of mind.
Car camping in style is all about combining comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury with the freedom of the great outdoors. With the right vehicle, gear, organization, and planning, you can create a memorable and enjoyable camping experience that feels both adventurous and cozy. So pack your bags, hit the road, and embrace the beauty of nature in style!
Durango Outdoor Exchange is your destination for car camping supplies. We’ve got everything you need for a weekend (or longer) of car camping, from bike racks and stoves to tents, books, booties, headlamps, and coffee makers. Stop by, get our expert opinions, and make sure you are ready to car camp in style.
Questions: Call us at 970-259-0171.
Look–we can’t deny that huge ski areas are popular for a reason. Mega ski resorts often have the most terrain, the newest lifts, the snazziest shuttles, the most interesting base villages, and the best dining and aprés options. They can also (sometimes) have the best snow.
But big ski areas can also be a big pain in the rear. Crowds, traffic, lift lines, parking hassles, wild hotel and meal prices, and jaw-dropping lift ticket rack rates can all conspire to make skiing seem a LOT less fun than it should be.
Winter snow may still cover the high country for another six months or more, but it’s never too early to learn about what’s new in mountain bike tech for 2025. Spring Break is right around the corner and whether it’s a trip to the desert you have planned, or you are dreaming about your perfect ride for this summer, now is the time to learn about what’s new for this year.
Not up for a new bike? Come spring,Durango Outdoor Exchange will have plenty ofused bikes to choose from–we just may have the perfect project bike for some of the tech you see listed below.
One of the main ways to determine running shoe type is by looking at sole thickness. The sole is what cushions and stabilizes you, and how much of it your shoes have goes a long way to predicting how comfortable the shoes will be.
But, more sole does not always equate to a better shoe, and the reason behind this is guided in part by what kind of runner you are.
With so many shoes offering varying levels of sole thickness, how do you know what’s best for you? Let’s look at the importance of sole thickness, how it impacts your running performance, and what to look for when choosingrunning shoes in Durango.