Car travel – special considerations when choosing equipment

A car trip does not begin with the first kilometre, but with preparation. Once the route has been planned, another question arises: what to take with you so that you do not have to compromise between comfort and minimalism on the road.

Everything seems easier when travelling by car: more space, more opportunities. But this is precisely why it is easy to overload the car with unnecessary items or, conversely, forget something important. A well-stocked boot, a well-designed sleeping area, a convenient kitchen and basic camping equipment are not a luxury, but a matter of convenience in everyday life.

In this article, we will discuss what camping equipment is really worth taking on a road trip and what you can do without, depending on the format of the trip and the length of the route.

Main equipment groups

Preparing for an expedition or a long off-road trip will consist of two main points: preparing the car and gathering the necessary tourist equipment. We will talk about preparing the car another time, but now let's talk about the things you can't do without.

Quality sleep

First, decide where you plan to spend the night. These can be motels, campsites or parking areas in nature.

For trips without a clear connection to infrastructure, car tents or campers are often chosen. If the route is far from populated areas, it is important to consider insulation, ventilation, and a flat surface for sleeping.

Comfortable kitchen

Decide in advance whether you will be cooking full meals or limiting yourself to freeze-dried foods. This will determine the set of dishes you need: for hot meals, you will need a stove, pots and pans, and for quick snacks, a minimal set from an integrated system and a personal set will suffice. 

A cosy camp

To make your stops comfortable, it is worth having basic furniture, a light source and a tent or awning. This allows you to not depend on the weather and organise a place to rest without unnecessary chaos.

Hygiene while travelling

Even when hiking, it is important to stay clean and well-groomed. It is important to consider:

• how to organise a camping shower and toilet (and yes, you should brush your teeth on the road too 😉). 
• what mini hand washing kit to take with you, what wet wipes and antiseptics to choose — they make staying in nature much easier. 
• how to keep clean clothes and towels during a road trip.
• how to transport all your belongings — in the boot, in a roof box or on the roof — and secure them properly so that they do not shift or get damaged while driving.

We will discuss all these details further on.

Sleeping under the stars: Where to sleep on road trips

We won’t be looking at staying in hotels, but will focus on options for sleeping far from civilisation. 

Where to sleep on a road trip

A camper van is the perfect solution for pickup truck owners, such as Mitsubishi L200, Toyota Hilux or VW Amarok. It is a ready-made folding living structure that is installed on a camper van and is a ready-made home on wheels. It is easy to unfold, usually has 3-5 sleeping places, and everything inside is equipped for your comfort. Popular Alu-Cab models have won the hearts of travellers all over the world. 

We have an article on the advantages of such campervans for pick-ups, click through and read it.

Roof tents are mounted on the car roof or on crossbars; they set up faster than a traditional tent and don’t take up space in the boot. There are different types: 

• on the roof of the car;
• side modules;
• small tents that attach to the doors.

They are suitable for frequent trips when it is important to quickly break camp. You can stop anywhere, quickly set up camp and enjoy nature without any hassle. They can accommodate from 2 to 5 people. When choosing, consider the permissible load on the roof and the height of the car.

A tourist tent is a portable home consisting of a frame and, most often, two layers of canvas. They vary in capacity and moisture resistance. For car trips, pay attention to camping models. They are more spacious, with a height of 160 cm and above, and a separate vestibule that can be used as a kitchen or for storing things. The downside is that you need to find a flat surface without stones to set it up. But if you use a thick 8-12 cm mat, a relatively horizontal place under the tent will suffice. 

The boot of a car is an economical option for spending the night on a trip. The pros are that it is cheap, as you don't need to buy almost anything, you don't need to look for a ‘special’ place, you just need to park the car on a +/- horizontal surface. The cons are that not every car has enough space for a comfortable night's sleep. In large SUVs and full-size off-road vehicles, you can fold down the rear seats and set up a sleeping area for two. However, in more compact crossovers, such as the Duster or RAV4, there is not enough space — it will be cramped to sleep. In addition, ventilation problems often arise in a closed cabin, which reduces the comfort of the night.

How to set up a sleeping area

When travelling, the quality of sleep depends not on the type of accommodation, but on the right equipment. The basics are a mat and a sleeping bag. If they are not suitable for the season or size, your rest will be superficial.

• Mats have a digital thermal conductivity index — r value. In short, the higher it is, the better the mat itself will retain heat. They come in different thicknesses and widths. You can read more about this in the article. 
• When choosing a sleeping bag, focus on the comfort temperature rating. Some manufacturers specify comfort separately for men and women — this is important. In addition, sleeping bags vary in size, shape and filling. You can find more information in the article.

Additionally, a small travel pillow takes up minimal space but significantly improves your rest. On a long trip, you will notice the difference after just a few nights.

Where to cook on the go: practical tips for the traveller’s kitchen

When travelling, cooking isn’t about the location, but about having the right equipment. Whether the cooking process is quick and convenient depends entirely on how well you prepare – which stoves, burners, gas canisters and cookware you choose. A well-thought-out camping kitchen saves time and energy and allows you to cook even in remote locations without unnecessary hassle. 

Next, we’ll look at what equipment you should take with you to make eating on a road trip simple and comfortable.

Generally, there are two scenarios for cooking whilst camping:

• Ready-made freeze-dried meals and dehydrated food – these are filling and high in calories. Preparation doesn’t take much time or effort. All you’ll need is a gas burner or an integrated system to boil water. Then you pour boiling water over the meal, wait 5–10 minutes, and enjoy. This ‘boot-based’ cooking is ideal for those short on time. 
• Cooking proper meals is more about comfort and culinary enjoyment on the road. In this case, you’ll need a camping stove or a more powerful burner, a set of cookware, a frying pan or saucepan, and a well-thought-out food storage system. It’s important to factor in gas consumption and cooking time, especially if the trip lasts several days. In return, you get the chance to cook your favourite dishes and make evenings at camp feel truly like home.

When choosing gas stoves or burners, pay attention to the ability to adjust the flame intensity, the size of the burners, and weather conditions; you may need to buy a windscreen.

It is best to choose aluminium cookware with a Teflon or anodised coating, as it has better heat-conducting properties, is easy to clean and lightweight. If you are cooking over an open fire, then opt for pots and pans made of thick-walled aluminium or lightweight alloys. 

For transporting food and ready-made meals, we recommend using a car fridge – it’s convenient and reliable. They allow you to keep meat, dairy products and vegetables fresh even during long journeys in hot weather. What’s more, a car fridge gives you more freedom in choosing your menu – you’re not limited to just tinned or dried food. And it also means significant savings, as you can buy food in advance and avoid having to look for shops along the way. 

Comfort on wheels: daily life on a road trip

A road trip isn’t just about the miles on the road, but also about daily life, which is worth planning in advance. A well-organised space in the car and at camp will help avoid chaos and save time. 

In this section, we’ll look at how to organise daily life on the road so that the journey is comfortable in all conditions.

Covers, organisers and containers for the car

On a long journey, the car becomes your second home, so keeping it tidy matters.

• Covers will keep the seats clean, even if you’ve just returned from the woods or mountains, or your off-roader has ventured too far into a bog.
• Organisers and containers will help you arrange your belongings so you don’t have to turn the entire boot upside down looking for gloves or a tool kit. And a well-thought-out storage system will make the journey calmer and more comfortable. 

This is particularly important on expeditions, where there is a lot of equipment and space in the off-roader is limited.

Folding furniture for road trips

Comfort on road trips is provided by various types of furniture. 

• Tables, chairs and armchairs can be set up in a matter of minutes, instantly creating space for dinner or board games. 
• Folding beds allow you to rest after a busy day on the road, and their sturdiness and compactness make the camp comfortable even in remote locations. 

We recommend opting for models with an aluminium or steel frame – they are more durable than wooden furniture.

Lighting for camping and expeditions

Lighting at camp is not just about visibility, but also about atmosphere and comfort. Portable lamps, camping torches or candle-style lamps create a cosy atmosphere and help you feel ‘at home’ even far from civilisation. 

Camping lamps are ideal for road trips: compact, with a long battery life and adjustable brightness. Many models run on a built-in battery and a power bank, which is particularly important in the great outdoors without access to electricity.

Awnings 

Awnings and canopies at the campsite provide:

• shade in hot weather — they help to lower the temperature in the relaxation area, protect against direct sunlight and overheating, which is particularly important during summer road trips;
• shelter in the rain — allowing you to stay dry during rainfall, cook food or relax without having to hide in the car or a tent;
• the opportunity to set up a proper rest area.

They set up quickly, take up little space in the boot, and their durability can withstand even windy conditions. It is thanks to these awnings that your camp becomes cosy, safe and ready for any surprises nature may throw at you, transforming your campsite into a real haven of comfort.

Features of road trips: hygiene

Even when travelling outside the city, hygiene can be simple and pleasant. Therefore:

• A foldable shower allows you to freshen up after a journey. In addition to foldable models, there are also modular showers for off-road vehicles from Alu-Cab.
• A toilet scoop provides peace of mind during stops in the wild. It is lightweight and compact.
• A towel and soap help you maintain personal hygiene, especially when standard facilities are not available.
• Biodegradable wipes help you freshen up quickly and wipe your hands or face.
• Hand sanitiser ensures hygiene after any outdoor activities.

This minimal kit helps you stay clean and keep your energy up for new routes, making your road trip comfortable and safe.

Instead of an epilogue

Road trips are about freedom and an endless horizon that beckons you to go further. To ensure every moment on the road is easy and carefree, it’s important to choose the right equipment — from tents and sleeping bags to stoves, furniture and lighting. Every detail allows you to feel the magic of adventure, to stop wherever your heart desires, and to enjoy the beauty of the world without limits. 

Don’t put off your preparations! Everything you need for a comfortable road trip is already waiting for you at the Vnedorognik.ua online store. With our help, you can easily choose the perfect set of equipment tailored to your specific trip, and set off straight away to discover new experiences.

Plan wisely, pack thoughtfully — and your journeys will become real stories that you’ll want to relive again and again.