Built for Subaru

Author: Kalford215

  • Best Portable Power Station for Subaru Camping

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    A portable power station keeps a phone, a light, a laptop or a small fridge running when you camp out of your Subaru. Capacity is measured in watt-hours, and the right size depends on what you plug in. We chose these for their high ratings and large review counts.

    Quick Picks

    • Best compact, most reviewed: Jackery Explorer 300 (292Wh), 4.6 stars from 11,000+ reviews

    • Best compact alternative: Anker SOLIX C300 (288Wh, 300W), 4.5 stars from 1,700+ reviews

    • Best for a small fridge and more: Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1070Wh, 1500W), 4.7 stars from 3,700+ reviews

    • Best LiFePO4 battery: BLUETTI AC180 (1152Wh), 4.5 stars from 2,800+ reviews

    • Best high output: EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic (1024Wh, 1800W), 4.7 stars from 1,300+ reviews

    Subaru Outback parked at a campsite with a tent and dogs nearby
    Power station runtime equation: 292 watt-hours divided by 50 watts equals 5.8 hours best case

    Watts vs Watt-Hours

    Watt-hours (Wh) tell you how much energy the battery holds. Watts (W) tell you how much a device draws and the most the station can output. Divide watt-hours by a device’s watts to estimate runtime, and expect somewhat less in practice because of conversion losses.

    Roughly What You’ll Run

    DeviceTypical drawNotes
    Phone chargeAbout 15 Wh per full chargeMany phones hold 12 to 19 Wh
    LaptopAbout 50 to 60 Wh per chargeCheck your charger’s wattage
    LED lanternUnder 10 WRuns for many hours
    12V compressor fridgeCheck your model’s specCycles on and off, so average draw is lower than peak

    Compact: 300Wh Class

    A 300Wh class station covers phones, lights and a laptop for a weekend. The Jackery Explorer 300 lists 292Wh and has more than 11,000 reviews at 4.6 stars. The Anker SOLIX C300 lists 288Wh and 300W output at 4.5 stars.

    Big Capacity: 1000Wh Class

    If you want to run a small fridge overnight, a laptop for work, or charge an e-bike, step up to about 1000Wh. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 lists 1070Wh and 1500W at 4.7 stars. The EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic lists 1024Wh and 1800W at 4.7 stars, and the BLUETTI AC180 lists 1152Wh with a LiFePO4 battery at 4.5 stars. They cost more and weigh more, so check the weight against where you’ll store them.

    Charging and Storage in a Car

    • Check the maker’s temperature range. A car parked in summer sun can get hotter than many stations allow.
    • Many stations charge from a car 12V outlet, but that is slow, so check how long a full charge takes.
    • Secure it in the cargo area so it can’t slide, and keep it dry.

    FAQs

    What size power station do I need for car camping?

    A 300Wh unit covers phones, lights and a laptop. Step up to about 1000Wh for a fridge or longer trips.

    Can I charge it from my Subaru?

    Many can charge from a 12V outlet, but it is slow. Check the listing for charging time.

    How long will it power a fridge?

    Divide the battery watt-hours by the fridge’s average draw, then allow for losses.

    Is it safe to leave in a hot car?

    Check the maker’s temperature limits. Heat can damage lithium batteries.

    Final Thoughts

    Add up what you want to run, divide by the battery’s watt-hours, and buy one size above what the math says. For most weekend trips a 300Wh unit is enough, and a 1000Wh unit covers a fridge.

    Related Guides

  • Best Sleeping Pad for a Subaru: Outback, Forester, Crosstrek

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    A good sleeping setup is the difference between a great night in the back of your Subaru and a miserable one. The right pad depends on your cargo floor, how cold it gets, and whether you sleep alone. We chose these for their high ratings and large review counts.

    Quick Picks

    • Best memory foam: Roll-up memory foam camping mattress pad, 4.4 stars from 2,400+ reviews

    • Best tri-fold: MLILY 4-inch tri-fold gel memory foam mattress, 4.4 stars from 4,800+ reviews

    • Best self-inflating: Gear Doctors Oxylus self-inflating pad, 4.4 stars from 4,700+ reviews, R-value 4.3 listed

    • Best SUV air mattress: Double-sided flocked SUV air mattress, 4.3 stars from 1,600+ reviews

    Empty Subaru Outback cargo area with rear seats visible
    Photo: Bindydad123, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    Top-down view of a Subaru cargo floor with arrows for pad length from sill to seat back and pad width between the wheel wells

    Start With Your Cargo Floor

    Fold the rear seats flat, then measure two things: the length from the hatch sill to the folded seat back, and the width between the wheel wells. Our model guides cover how much room each car has: Outback, Forester and Crosstrek. Buy a pad that fits those numbers, not the biggest one.

    Pad Types Compared

    TypeBest forTradeoff
    Memory foam roll-upComfort and simple setupBulky to store, heavier
    Self-inflating padGood comfort, packs smallerCosts more for extra thickness
    SUV air mattressFits around wheel wells in many carsNeeds a pump and can lose air
    Thin foam padCheapest, lightestLeast comfortable on a hard floor

    Memory Foam Pads

    Memory foam is the easiest choice: unroll it and sleep. The roll-up memory foam mattress pad has more than 2,400 reviews at 4.4 stars. If you want something that folds, the MLILY 4-inch tri-fold gel memory foam mattress has more than 4,800 reviews at 4.4 stars. Check each listing’s width against the space between your wheel wells.

    Self-Inflating Pads

    A self-inflating pad packs smaller than memory foam and adds insulation. The Gear Doctors Oxylus lists an R-value of 4.3, which suits cooler nights, and has more than 4,700 reviews at 4.4 stars.

    SUV Air Mattresses

    SUV air mattresses are shaped to fill the rear space and fit around the wheel wells on many vehicles. The double-sided flocked SUV air mattress has more than 1,600 reviews at 4.3 stars. Confirm the fit for your exact car and fold the seats flat first.

    Staying Warm

    A pad that fills the space still needs insulation under you. Look for the R-value, the measure of how well a pad blocks heat loss. Higher is warmer, and cold nights call for a higher number than summer trips. Not every listing states one, so check before you buy. See Sleeping in a Subaru Outback for more on staying warm.

    FAQs

    What is the best sleeping pad for a Subaru?

    It depends on your cargo floor, but a memory foam pad is the simplest and an SUV air mattress fills odd spaces best. Measure first.

    Can two people sleep in a Subaru?

    It’s tight. See our model guides for how much room each car has.

    Do I need a pad if I fold the seats?

    Yes. The folded seats leave seams and a hard floor, so a pad helps a lot.

    What does R-value mean?

    It’s a measure of insulation. A higher number means a warmer pad.

    Final Thoughts

    Measure the length and the width between the wheel wells, pick a pad that fits, and match the insulation to the weather. A memory foam pad is the easiest first buy.

    Related Guides

  • How to Carry an E-Bike on a Subaru: Hitch, Roof, and Weight Limits

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    E-bikes are heavy, and that changes how you carry them. A standard bike rack that works for a regular bike can be too small for an e-bike on a Crosstrek, Forester or Outback. Here is how to decide and which racks to look at. Check each rack’s listed weight rating against your bike before you buy.

    Quick Picks

    • Best platform rack: Kuat NV 2.0, rated 4.7 to 4.8 stars on Amazon. Check its listed per-bike weight for your e-bike

    • Best premium pick: Thule T2 Pro XTR, rated 4.5 stars on Amazon

    • Best for heavy bikes: Kuat Transfer V2, a 3 or 4 bike platform rack

    • Best loading help: Thule folding loading ramp, saves your back with a heavy bike

    E-bike hitch budget: 150 lb tongue limit minus 55 lb rack minus 55 lb e-bike leaves 40 lb

    Why Weight Is the Problem

    Many e-bikes weigh 50 lbs or more, and some weigh a lot more, so check the weight on your bike’s spec sheet. Lifting that overhead onto a roof is difficult, and the roof limit is also low. On most Subarus it is 150 to 176 lbs for the crossbars, the rack and everything on them. See roof weight limits by model and year.

    The Hitch Rack Is Usually the Better Choice

    A platform hitch rack lets you roll or lift the bike to waist height, and it keeps the weight off the roof. The catch is tongue weight, because the rack and the bikes all press down on the hitch. Subaru’s hitch listings show 150 lbs of tongue weight on a standard 2022-2024 Forester and on a standard 2024-2026 Crosstrek, and more on the Wilderness trims. Our hitch receiver guide has the details.

    A Quick Weight Check

    • Rack weight (platform racks are heavy, so check the listing).
    • Plus the weight of each e-bike.
    • Compare the total to your hitch’s tongue weight limit.

    Two e-bikes and a platform rack can reach 150 lbs quickly, which is why one bike on a standard Forester or Crosstrek is more realistic than two. The Wilderness trims and some Outbacks have more room, so check the number for your hitch.

    Racks Worth Looking At

    The Kuat NV 2.0 and the Thule T2 Pro XTR are platform racks, which hold the bike by the wheels and frame. The Kuat Transfer V2 is a 3 or 4 bike option. A folding loading ramp saves your back with a heavy bike.

    Tips for Carrying an E-Bike

    • Remove the battery and any bags before you drive, so the bike is lighter and the battery is safe.
    • Use a rack rated for e-bike weight that holds the bike securely.
    • Check the rack and straps at your first stop.

    FAQs

    Can you put an e-bike on a Subaru roof rack?

    You can, but the bike and rack count against a roof limit of 150 to 176 lbs on most models, and lifting an e-bike overhead is hard.

    What kind of rack is best for an e-bike?

    A platform hitch rack, because it keeps the weight low and lets you roll the bike on.

    How many e-bikes can a Subaru carry?

    It depends on your hitch’s tongue weight and the rack. One bike is the realistic choice on a standard Forester or Crosstrek.

    Should I take the battery off?

    Yes. It reduces weight and protects the battery on the road.

    Final Thoughts

    For an e-bike, start with a platform hitch rack and a quick weight check against your tongue limit. If the numbers are tight, carry one bike.

    Related Guides

  • How to Carry a Paddleboard on a Subaru Roof

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    A stand-up paddleboard is long, light and awkward, and a Subaru roof can carry one if the bars and strapping are right. Here is how the common setups compare and how to keep the board safe at highway speed. We chose these for their high ratings and large review counts.

    Quick Picks

    • Best straps: Premium tie-down straps for surfboards and paddleboards, 4.7 stars from 4,000+ reviews

    • Best bow and stern lines: Sentry ratchet bow and stern tie-downs, 4.6 stars from 3,000+ reviews

    • Best padding: Dakine Aero rack pads, 4.7 stars from 2,000+ reviews

    Kayak strapped to the crossbars of a Subaru Crosstrek
    Subaru with a paddleboard on the roof crossbars, one strap at each bar and bow and stern lines to the car

    Three Ways to Carry a Board

    SetupBest forTradeoff
    Foam blocks and strapsOccasional use, inflatable or hard boardsCheapest, but shifts if strapped loosely
    Padded rack with arms or saddlesRegular useHolds the board more securely and loads easily
    Stacker barsTwo or more boardsNeeds extra width and a higher weight budget

    Crossbars and Spacing

    Use crossbars rather than bare rails, and set them as far apart as your roof and bars allow, so a long board is supported. See our crossbar length guide for the right bar length by model, and best crossbars for kayaks for bars that suit boat and board carriers.

    Straps and Padding

    Use two straps over the board, one near each crossbar, and run them around the bar, not the rail. The premium tie-down straps are cam buckle straps sold for roof racks, surfboards and paddleboards. Soft pads like Dakine Aero rack pads protect the board and the bars.

    Bow and Stern Lines

    If the board extends past the bars, add a bow and stern line to the car. The Sentry bow and stern tie-downs are ratcheting lines made for kayaks and canoes, and they work the same way on a long board. Check the overhang rules where you drive.

    Roof Weight

    A board and carrier are light, but the crossbars, rack and board all count against your roof limit. See roof weight limits by model and year, and stay under the lowest rating in the chain.

    FAQs

    Can a Subaru carry a paddleboard on the roof?

    Yes, with crossbars and proper straps. Check the roof limit and keep the board centered between the bars.

    Do I need a special rack?

    Foam blocks work for occasional trips. A padded rack holds the board more securely if you go often.

    How tight should the straps be?

    Snug enough that the board doesn’t shift when you push it. Don’t crush an inflatable board or dent a hard one.

    Should I stop and re-check?

    Yes. Re-check the straps after a few miles, since new straps stretch.

    Final Thoughts

    Two straps, a bow and stern line for long boards, and a quick re-check at the first stop cover most of it. Pad the bars, keep within your roof limit, and skip the roof entirely if you own an inflatable board.

    Related Guides

  • Roof Rack Locks for a Subaru: What to Lock and What They Protect

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    A roof rack holds gear worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, and most of it can be taken in seconds if it isn’t locked. Locks don’t make theft impossible, but they make your car a harder target than the next one. Here is what to lock and what to look for. We chose these for their high ratings and large review counts.

    Quick Picks

    • Best for matching keys: Thule One-Key System 4-pack, 4.7 stars from 1,300+ reviews, one key for your Thule bars, box and carriers

    White Subaru Crosstrek with a roof cargo basket, front three-quarter view
    Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    Subaru with a cargo box showing three lock points: crossbar to vehicle, box to crossbars and box lid

    Three Places to Lock

    WhatWhat the lock doesNotes
    Crossbars to the vehicleStops thieves removing the bars from the roofMany aftermarket crossbars accept lock cores
    Cargo box to the crossbarsLocks the box so it can’t be lifted offMost boxes lock the mounts
    Box lidKeeps the contents safeMost boxes lock the lid with the same key

    Keyed-Alike Systems Save Time

    Many rack and box makers sell lock cores that match a single key, so one key opens your crossbars, box and carriers. The Thule One-Key System 4-pack gives you four matching cylinders and keys, so one key opens your Thule bars, boxes and carriers. Check that your parts use the One-Key system before you order.

    What to Check Before You Buy

    • Brand compatibility: locks from one maker often don’t fit another’s crossbars or boxes.
    • What’s already included: many cargo boxes ship with locks.
    • Where the lock sits: a lock that’s hard to reach is a lock you stop using.
    • Cable locks for loose gear: bikes and kayaks often need a cable looped through the frame.

    FAQs

    Do roof rack locks stop theft?

    They deter it. A locked rack takes longer to defeat, so thieves tend to move on to an easier car.

    Do cargo boxes come with locks?

    Most do. Check the box’s listing and match the key to your bars if you want one key for everything.

    Can I use locks from a different brand?

    Sometimes, but only if the cores are listed as compatible. Check before you order.

    Is gear on the roof covered by insurance?

    It depends on your policy, so check your homeowner’s or renter’s coverage.

    Final Thoughts

    Lock the bars, the box and the lid, use one key if you can, and don’t leave valuables in a box overnight. It’s a small cost next to the gear on your roof.

    Related Guides

  • Keeping a Subaru Cool in Summer: Sunshades, Ventilation, and Parked-Car Heat

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    A parked car in summer can get far hotter than the air outside. A few simple habits keep the cabin of a Crosstrek, Forester or Outback more comfortable, and they matter even more with kids or dogs in the car. We chose these for their high ratings and large review counts.

    Quick Picks

    • Outback windshield shade: KUST shade for 2020-2026 Outback, 4.5 stars from 30,000+ reviews

    • Outback alternative: KUST 2020-2026 Outback shade, 4.5 stars from 19,000+ reviews

    • Forester windshield shade: EcoNour shade for 2019-2023 Forester, 4.3 stars from 126,000+ brand reviews

    • Crosstrek windshield shade: KUST shade for 2024-2026 Crosstrek, 4.5 stars from 30,000+ reviews

    Installed car seat in the rear seat of a Subaru Outback

    Windshield Shade

    A shade that fits the glass fully keeps the sun off the dashboard and steering wheel. Custom-fit shades are listed by model and year, so check that yours matches. For the Outback, the KUST 2020-2026 Outback shade is one option; the EcoNour 2019-2023 Forester shade and the KUST Crosstrek shade cover the other models.

    Side and Rear Windows

    Mesh or clip-on shades help rear passengers and car seats, which sit in direct sun on long drives. Look for a set listed for your exact model and year.

    Seats, Steering Wheel, and Belts

    Dark leather and metal buckles burn skin. A light seat cover, or a towel over the seat and buckle, makes it safer for children. Check car seat straps and buckles before you buckle a child in, and see our car seat protector guide.

    Never Leave Kids or Pets in a Parked Car

    A parked car heats up quickly even with the windows cracked, and it can be dangerous to people and animals in minutes. For dog travel, see Traveling With Dogs in a Subaru.

    Habits That Help

    • Park in shade, or face the windshield away from the afternoon sun.
    • Open the windows for the first minute of driving, then close them and use the AC.
    • Keep electronics, aerosols, medication and anything that melts out of a hot car.

    FAQs

    How much does a sunshade help?

    A shade that fits the glass keeps direct sun off the dash and wheel, which makes the car noticeably more comfortable to get into.

    Do I need shades on the side windows too?

    They help most when someone sits in the rear, especially a child in a car seat.

    Can I leave the windows cracked?

    A small gap lets heat out, but it isn’t a safe way to leave a child or pet, and it can let rain in.

    Final Thoughts

    Start with a windshield shade that fits your model, then add side shades if you carry passengers in the back. The cheapest fix is still shade and a quick vent before you drive.

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