Car Camping Trial ⛺
Napier Sportz Cove Car Tent

With an upcoming trip south to the American sub-tropics, I hope to camp overnight as much as possible, basking in the palm tree rustle… or what have you. Allowing my car to be my shelter, I decided I’d try a hand at car camping. This post is my report on a couple of pieces of camping equipment and my experience during a trial run of an overnight in my car in nearby Queens, New York.

The Napier Sportz Cove car tent seemed like a perfect option. It would transform my compact SUV into a bedroom, allowing the access and airflow of a traditional tent with the sturdy weather-resistant shelter of my vehicle’s body. In the bay breeze of Broad Channel, I set up my car tent… after a wash and vacuum.

Though straightforward, it took me a bit too long to set the tent up. But I expected this because I know me. The goal was to work through it while not on the road. But there were other real factors not within my head. Firstly and given my petiteness, I needed a step stool to be able to properly secure the tent to my opened trunk. So I have to add that to my packing list. Secondly, since my vehicle does not have a rack on its roof, the long straps would need to be attached and fastened to protruding parts under the car’s hood. Embarrassingly, I couldn’t open my car’s hood. I wound up wrapping the long straps around the sideview mirrors. I guess that is more of a me problem, but, given the scope of my trip, I realize I need to get to know her a bit more… under the hood.

Inside I laid down a yoga mat, then a pilates mat, a thick woven blanket and then a sleeping bag. It was still very hard surface to lay upon, but that was not a big deal. The big deal was my camping pillows, which were not very comfortable, reeked of muskiness, and held on to too much heat. So I will bring my regular pillow on the trip.

Space-wise it was perfect for me, but might be too small for two unless they are snuggle bunnies. Get a room bunnies! Since I will be camping off The Keys with a friend, this is a consideration.

Inside my car tent! The tent extends legroom, which helps with stretching out and not feeling confined, which I was concerned with. I didn’t feel cooped up. Even with a slight underlying fear that I may. This was also aided by the window screens I will discuss a little later.

Since the warnings did not emphasize this to the level I believe it needed to, remember to not include the exhaust pipe when slipping on what is like a big sock to the back of the car. Being in the dark and in a rush might allow for this mistake.

In the end, I didn’t sleep all that well since I had busy Cross Bay Blvd beyond the driveway. But I woke up refreshed with only a slight neck ache. My celebratory selfie is an authentic first thing in the morning picture. And documents my excitement for the freedom the car tent will afford me in my trip. Once I get much faster at pitching it. Though I didn’t keep track the first time I tried to set it up, my second try I clocked at 13.5 minutes. It was much faster than the first time, but I clearly need to improve.

Another product I picked up were the 4-pack of screens for my car windows for maximum airflow. Ideally, these would block bugs while increasing privacy (important) and airflow. On the airflow tip they worked well, but this was aided by the fact that they did not cover the entirety of the window–and the mesh ripped already with the first installation. Kind of a bummer considering mosquitoes love my clean vegan blood. 🦟 I’ll likely return the screens for a different kind, though the rear ones work fine. Note the pictures to see the gaps. I also need something for my window shield, even if just a blanket.

With these items, I can better survive an ambitious trip south. I’m looking forward to hitting the road, leaving New York City, communing with nature and seeing my recently relocated BFFer. But for now, more lists!

Supply list for my car camping extravaganza, in no particular order:

• Step stool
• A lantern with spare batteries if required. This lantern served me well when I stayed in a cabin outside Yellowstone Park.
• Bins and bags to keep things in order in back of the car. I lose what doesn’t have its proper place, but you may be fine with a big pile of stuff all mixed up.
• first aid kit/emergency stuff
• spare clothes, hats for a variety of different weather elements
• flashlight and headlamp
• Shower caddy thing to easily transport stuff to shower amenities
• flip flops
• Toilet paper
• Protection of some sort. I hope I never have to use the mace that is always in my bag. But it’ll be nearby for easy access.
• Portable bluetooth speaker
• food storage/cooler
• ear plugs and eye mask in case of pesky humans
• sketchbook, journal, etc
• all the other supplies you need for the specialized activities you’re planning on doing.
• other stuff I’m forgetting 😂