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This is the weekend kit for car camping in an Outback: what to bring, where it goes, and how to switch the car between camp mode and driving mode. For the sleeping surface itself, see Sleeping in a Subaru Outback. For the other models, see Car Camping Setup for a Forester or Crosstrek.
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How Much Room You Are Working With
| Outback years | Behind rear seats | Seats folded |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | 35.5 cu ft | 73.3 cu ft |
| 2020-2025 | 32.6 cu ft | 75.7 cu ft |
| 2026 | 34.6 cu ft | 80.5 cu ft |
Source: Subaru trim comparison specifications. With the seats folded, the load floor is roughly 75 in long and 44 in wide by one retailer’s estimate, so measure yours. That is enough for one person to sleep at full length with gear beside them, and tight for two once the gear is inside. Anything bulky is better on the roof; see What Size Cargo Box Fits an Outback?.
Camp Mode and Drive Mode
The easiest setup is one you can flip in a few minutes. Keep the load floor clear while driving, and move things out of the way at camp instead of building a fixed layout.
| Item | While driving | At camp |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping pad | Rolled or folded on one side | Unrolled across the folded floor |
| Duffels and packing cubes | Behind the front seats or on the roof | Moved to the front seats or outside |
| Cooler or fridge | Behind the passenger seat, in reach | Outside, in the shade |
| Water | Floor behind the driver seat | Outside, near the cooking area |
| Cooking kit | Cargo area, under the other gear | Outside on a table or tailgate |
Sleeping Basics
A simple foam pad such as the HEST Foamy or the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing beats a permanent platform for most weekend trips. Add a camping pillow and a wool blanket. Full pad and mattress comparisons are in the sleeping guide.
Water, Cooler, and Food
A common guideline is about 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking and cooking. A gallon weighs about 8.3 lb, so two people for two nights need about 4 gallons, or about 33 lb. Collapsible water containers take less room once empty; rigid jugs hold up better at a campground.
- Cooler: simpler and cheaper for a weekend. A hard cooler like the RTIC with reusable ice packs keeps meltwater out of the cargo area.
- Powered fridge: worth it for longer or more frequent trips. See ICECO portable fridges and Best Portable Power Station for Subaru Camping for what it takes to run one.
- Cooking: cook outside. It keeps heat, smell, and moisture out of the sleeping area.
Storage That Moves Out of the Way
Soft storage compresses around the sleeping area; hard bins do not. Use a soft duffel, packing cubes, or collapsible bins for clothes and food, and hard bins only for heavy or fragile gear. More organization ideas are in Subaru Camping Storage Ideas.
Ventilation and Privacy
Without airflow, condensation builds overnight, especially in cool weather. Crack two windows on opposite sides. Window bug screens and a USB camping fan cover most setups, and window visors let you keep windows open in light rain. For privacy, foldable sun shades or magnetic window covers install and store faster than anything permanent.
Weekend Packing List
- Sleeping pad, pillow, and a blanket or sleeping bag rated for the night temperature
- Cooler or fridge, ice packs, and a hard water jug or collapsible containers
- Stove, fuel, pot, and a bin for dishes
- Headlamp, a small first aid kit, and a trash bag
- Window covers, bug screens, and a fan
- Clothes in one duffel, and a separate bag for wet or dirty gear
Mistakes to Avoid
- Building too much. A fixed platform and drawer system add weight and cost, and are not needed for a weekend trip.
- Loading the sleeping area with hard bins. They eat the space you need at night.
- Cooking inside. Moisture and smell stay in the car.
- Skipping ventilation. Condensation soaks the bedding by morning.
FAQs
Can two people sleep in a Subaru Outback?
They can fit, but it gets tight once gear is inside. Move gear to the roof or outside the car at night.
Is the Outback better than the Forester for car camping?
For length, yes: the Outback has the longer floor. The Forester has more headroom.
Do I need a sleeping platform?
Not for most weekend trips. A foam pad plus small foam fillers for uneven spots works well.
How do I deal with condensation?
Crack windows on opposite sides, use bug screens, and keep wet gear out of the sleeping area.
Can you car camp in a Crosstrek?
Yes, mainly solo or ultra-light. See the Forester and Crosstrek guide.
Final Thoughts
Keep it simple: a pad, soft storage, a cooler, and outside cooking. Make the car easy to flip between camp and drive mode.
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