My Go-To List for Car Camping in Moab
All the gear you need for an enjoyable car camping trip in Moab!
My grandpa always had lots of wisdom. For example, do you know why older gentlemen wear their ball caps resting on the top of their head? According to my grandpa, he said it was their movement indicator. If the hat began to slide off their head it meant - whoa, slow down, what are you in a hurry for? He also said, with the right tools, any job becomes easier. And with that statement, I whole heartedly agree. With the wrong camping gear, it can be a horrible experience. But, with the right gear, it makes for a memorable experience. Here's my go-to list of camping gear that made for a great trip to Moab.
The winds can get strong in the open environment of Moab, so I prefer the a backpacking tent. It's easier to protect behind a bush or small tree and the rain fly does a good job of keeping wind-blown dirt from entering the tent. Read the full review here.
Big Agnes Mystic 15° UL Sleeping Bag
I like how the Big Agnes Mystic sleeping bag is that it snugs around your sleeping pad so that you don't roll off your pad in the middle of the night. It also has a handy cell phone pocket to keep your phone battery from dying in the cold. Read the full review here.
Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad
For car camping with my backpacking tent, this is my go-to sleeping pad. It's insulated for those cold nights. The air pressure of the pad can be easily adjusted due to its one-way valves, and it packs up quickly at the end of the trip.
Therm-a-rest Compressible Pillow
The Therm-a-rest Compressible Pillow uses cubes of memory foam, so it packs up small but expands and provides a fantastic nights sleep!
Zippo HeatBank 9s Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Cold hands can make any adventure miserable. The Zippo HeatBank 9s hand warmer is perfect for those cold nights and early mornings. Plus, it's also a battery bank to charge your phone or Petzl Bindi headlamp if they go dead!
Using the Dometic CFX Cooler means no more melted ice and soggy food containers. The CFX is basically a portable refrigerator. Simply plug it onto your car's auxiliary power outlet and set the temp and you are good to go. The Dometic also comes in handy as an additional seat around the campsite, or table. Read the full review here.
The Dometic PLB (portable lithium battery) is perfect companion to the CFX Cooler. By using the PLB, you can easily move the cooler around camp and keep your contents a consistent temperature. Otherwise, you would need to keep the CFX plugged into your vehicle.
Elevate your camp cooking! The Eureka Spire LX uses JetBoil's simmer control so you can dial in the perfect temp for cooking eggs or if you want to sear a steak! Read the full review here.
I bring my JetBoil along because it boils water quickly. It's perfect for coffee or tea in the morning and washing up pots and pans after a meal.
MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set & Skillet
The ceramic coating on these aluminum pots is absolutely fantastic for camp cooking. It makes clean-up a breeze. Plus, they nest together so they pack and travel exceptionally well. Read the full review here.
This small table is a savior. It's perfect for aprés with chips and dip and holding your favorite beverage. When it's time to cook, I place my Eureka Spire stove on it. Once that if over you can move it next to the fire for treats and beverages. Plus, it packs up nice and small!
Kelty Discovery Lowdown Chairs
A perfect height for cooking at the campsite and chillin' next to the fire. Also, they are more sturdy than the typical big box camp chairs.
Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel 60L
The 60L Migrate Duffel is a perfect size. It holds almost everything listed above - Eureka camp stove, JetBoil, fuel canisters, MSR Ceramic pots and skillet, Helinox table, Nemo tent, and Nemo sleeping pad. Read the full review here.
The Cargo Hauler 60L holds my clothes, Big Agnes sleeping bag, Thermarest pillow, and Petzl headlamp. Read the full review here.
Read my story Moab Fall Pilgrimage story here.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Do you love the outdoors?
Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.
