Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure

Must-have truck camping gear

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure
Truck camping offers the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. With a well-equipped truck, you can bring along all the essentials to elevate your outdoor experience. Make sure you don’t forget anything  on your next trip with this ultimate must-have truck camping gear list!  

Safety Off-Road Gear for the Rugged Terrain

If your adventure takes you off the beaten path, you’ll need off-road gear to handle the rough terrain. Here’s the essential safety gear:

Levelers and Traction Aid (Dual Function)

Levelers keep your vehicle stable when parked on uneven ground. This stability is particularly useful for cooking, sleeping, or just relaxing inside your vehicle.

Traction aids help you get out of sticky situations like mud, sand, or snow, ensuring you stay mobile no matter the conditions.

battery booster

A battery booster can get your vehicle up and running again. It is a more convenient and reliable solution than jumper cables when you’re camping in remote areas, since you can get your vehicle up and running without depending on external help.

first aid kit

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure
A first aid kit is always essential, especially when camping in off-grid locations, far from medical help. Be ready for scrapes, cuts, and minor emergencies. You can find them at the pharmacy.

Fire Extinguisher

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure
Don’t underestimate the importance of fire safety. Be prepared for unexpected emergencies—a fire extinguisher is a must-have. You can buy one in hardware stores.

power bank

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure
While it’s refreshing to unplug during your travels, a charged phone can be a lifesaver in an emergency. Stay connected and safe by keeping your electronics charged.

Auto-Camping Gear to stay independent on the road

Truck camping is all about self-sufficiency. These essentials will help you stay independent while embracing the freedom of the road:

portable shower

A portable shower gives you the luxury of a shower, wherever you go. Whether you don’t have access to a shower, or you simply prefer a private rinse, this simple accessory lets you clean up in nature. Once you try it, you’ll see that there is nothing like showering outdoors! 🌲

solar pannel

Solar panels are key for staying off-grid. They allow you to charge your power station while being eco-friendly. Its compact format also allows you to leave it on the windshield console during your expeditions for more security.

heatshield

Reflectix heatshield curtains keep your truck cool in summer and warm in winter. They can create up to an 11°C temperature difference between the outside and inside of your vehicle.

portable toilet

A portable toilet is essential while truck camping because it provides convenience and comfort, especially when camping in remote areas where restrooms are unavailable.

power station

A power station is great for staying autonomous on the road. To choose the right model you must calculate the capacity (W/H) needed based on your devices. For example, a standard 24-hours setup might include:

  • Refrigerator: 20W/h × 24h = 480W/h https://roadloft.com/en/store/alpicool-fridge/
  • 2 Cellphones: 10W/h × 2h = 20W/h
  • Laptop: 30W/h × 1h = 30W/h
  • Total: 530W/h

Ensure the power station can handle your highest-wattage device. Depending on your needs and budget, we recommend the EcoFlow River 2 Pro (768 W/h), Ecoflow Delta 2 Max (2048 W/h), Bluetti AC70 (768 W/h) or the Bluetti AC200L (2048W/h).

Truck camping essential kitchen gear

With those kitchen must-haves, you can fully enjoy cooking outdoors.

Compact stove

A single or double-burner stove lets you cook anything, from eggs to elaborate meals, with ease. It gives you the freedom to cook like you would at home.

Butane or propane tank

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure
Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure
Propane is more efficient for heating than butane, making it cheaper to use. However, butane is better for portable stoves. Choose based on your specific needs and accessories.

Refrigerator and cooler

A refrigerator or a cooler keeps your food fresh. Whether you don’t have a grocery store close to your campground or you’re on a fishing and hunting trip, this accessory is key for truck camping.

We recommend the Alpicool refrigirator/freezor. Unlike electric coolers that require constant power, it operates only when it detects a temperature change. This significantly reduces power consumption. The Alpicool C40 refrigerator can function as either a refrigerator or a freezer, reaching temperatures as low as -20°C. Learn more about this essential gear in our article Recommended accessories for short or long-term road trip.

All-in-one kitchen kit

A compact cookset such as the Bugaboo makes it easier to cook and to store. It includes two pots, one frying nonstick pan and lids with strainer. A nonstick pan is a must, it makes the cleanup easier, especially when water is limited.

set of cutlery

A wooden set of cutlery classics is a practical and eco-friendly addition to your truck camping gear. Durable and lightweight, these utensils are perfect for preparing and enjoying meals outdoors, while minimizing your environmental impact.

coffee maker

Drinking a hot beverage such as coffee or tea in nature adds so much to the outdoor experience. A coffee maker is a must for a good start to every day of your trip.

firemaple

The Firemaple X1 stove is an essential camping gear. It allows water to boil 30% faster than a traditional stove, perfect for quick meals or hot drinks.

spice container

A spice container is perfect to elevate your cooking. Bring salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and so forth. Don’t forget cinnamon and cacao powder for your coffee!

water tank

A water tank ensures a steady supply of clean water, especially in off-grid settings.

Lifestraw

LifeStraw is perfect for hiking or remote camping spots. With this accessory, you can stay hydrated by filtering water from natural sources.

Microfiber towel

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure
With a microfiber towel, dry your dishes efficiently without creating excess moisture in your truck.

swiss knife

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure
With its versatile design, a swiss knife includes multiple functions in one compact tool, such as a blade, scissors, bottle opener, and more. Whether you need to cut, open, or fix something on the go, a Swiss knife is a reliable companion for truck camping, and your everyday life.

opinel knife

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure
The Opinel knife has a sharp blade and ergonomic wooden handle, making it ideal for cooking, carving, or other tasks during your truck camping trip. Lightweight and foldable, it’s easy to carry, ensuring you’re always prepared for whatever your journey brings.

Compact camping gear to maximize your space

When space is limited in your truck, opt for compact camping gear that doesn’t compromise on functionality.

foldable chairs

Foldable chairs are easy to store and are perfect for relaxing by the campfire, enjoying a meal, or unwinding by the water.

foldable table

With a foldable table, set up a convenient dining or workspace that’s easy to pack away.

Car seat organizer

A car seat organizer is perfect to store your toothbrush, sunscreen, headlamp, card games, rechargeable batteries, clothes, blankets, towels or other large objects.

Sleeping setup camping gear

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure
Who says camping and comfort can’t go hand in hand? With the right sleep setup, you’ll wake up refreshed and ready for a day of adventure!

matress

Getting a good night’s sleep on the road starts with the right mattress. For comfort, opt for a high-density foam over thickness. Additionally, look for a waterproof or impermeable cover to protect it from humidity, keeping it long-lasting throughout your travels.

If you’re looking for a space-saving option that doesn’t skimp on comfort, check out Roadloft’s mattress. It’s designed by a kinesiologist and has been tested for ultimate coziness—so you can sleep soundly, no matter where you park.

warm blanket

A warm blanket is an essential camping companion. Whether you’re snuggled up for a cozy night’s sleep or staying cozy by the fire, you’ll always be glad you brought one along.

sleeping bag

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure

Choose a sleeping bag tailored to the climate of your destination and your personal preferences. For warm weather, opt for a lightweight, breathable down sleeping bag. In colder conditions, a down sleeping bag is excellent. It offers superior insulation, while being both lightweight and compressible.

For more information on cold weather sleeping bag, read our article on How to stay warm while truck camping in cold weather.

pillow

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure

Your pillow can make or break your sleep. If you have room to spare, the Nemo Fillo is an ultra-comfy option. Otherwise, if you want something familiar, just bring your favorite pillow from home; it’s a simple way to feel cozy on the road. If you’re using a mummy bag, compact pillows like the REI Co-op Trailmade Mummy Bag Pillow are a perfect fit and keep you comfy all night.

Compact Lanterns & Lights

Brighten your campsite with small but powerful lanterns and lights for a cozy and functional setup.

portable lantern

We recommend the Moji Lantern for its lightweight and portable design, making it easy to carry anywhere. Whether you’re exploring your campsite late at night or creating a cozy ambiance in your truck camper, this versatile lantern delivers just the right amount of light.

solar lights

Add a warm and cozy vibe to your sleep setup with solar lights! Simply place the solar panel on the windshield during the day to charge, and enjoy a beautiful, relaxing glow at night. It’s a simple and eco-friendly way to brighten up your evenings, creating the perfect ambiance for relaxing after a day of exploring.

Truck camper accessories for every season

Before leaving for your trip, don’t forget to look at the weather. Your location and the time of year will determine what camping gear you need. For example, summer truck camping in Florida requires entirely different gear than a chilly December adventure in Vancouver. 😉

Ventilation gear for warm weather

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure

In hot weather, prioritize cooling gear and light fabrics. You may consider installing a fan on the ceiling of the truck bed.It is a game-changer, as it effectively expels heat from the top. Another simple solution is using portable fans to boost airflow inside your truck bed unit.This easy hack can greatly improve your comfort while you sleep, making a noticeable difference on those hot summer nights! Read on full article on the subject to learn how to manage heat while truck camping.

heaters for cold weather

Cold climate truck camping

In cold conditions, focus on insulation, layors and heaters, such as the Eberspacher Airtronic AS3 B2L heater or the Vevo heater. To learn more about truck camping in cold weather, check out our article

pro tip!

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure

For more storage and organization tips, check out our article on Truck Camper Storage Solutions. Learn how to make the most of your limited space and keep everything neatly organized!

ready to hit the road?

With this must-have truck camping gear, all there’s left to do is to start planning your next adventure! Don’t hesitate to contact our expert to discuss your projects with them.

We hope to meet you on the road soon! ✨

blogs you may also like

Truck Camping Gear: Must-Have Accessories for Your Adventure

The Passion of Traveling Freely

It’s after several years backpacking around the world that we discovered vanning. Quickly, we fell in love with this way of traveling; because it offered us so much more comfort and freedom!
Read More »