Dr. Drew's Car Camping Hacks
When the phrase "car camping" comes to mind, you might envision the well-curated craft of surviving in the out-of-doors a la Wes Anderson. It's a well executed blend of home sweet home meets the great outdoors into a savory alfresco. But when is comes to driving a rickety 1959 trailer across the country on our Save the Planet, Wear Sustainable Tour, the line between survival and car glamping begins to blur. But Dr. Drew, our Tour Manager and Master of Wingin'-It makes tight tour dates and long hours between the white lines look like a breeze. We caught up with Dr. Drew for his advice and insights into easy summer car camping.
Cot or inflatable or sleeping pad? No more sleeping pads! Cots or inflatable only to help keep the ol' back in fighting shape.
Sleeping bag VS. Blanket? What you want is a high "warm and cozy" factor and the freedom to move freely. In the summertime, I go blanket. Currently using: Down-filled Kammok Bobcat Trail Quilt (mostly because I like the name). For a lighter but equally cozy option, I'm all about the Cashmoore Blanket.
Jerky - A tasty protein filled snack that keeps froth levels high and hunger levels low. Currently munching: Epic Provisions, high quality product and a mission-based company.
Kitchen - Never hit the road without a way to heat up water. No matter where you are, you can fire up a hot meal and warm the soul. Currently using: Jet Boil Genesis Base Camp System. Lightweight, packable, everything you need to get gourmet if you want.
Quinoa - Fills you up in desperate times. Good sweet or savory.
Trail Mix - When the Jet Boil runs out of fuel and you have to go caveman style. I'm currently snacking on Shar Snacks (rhymes with "bear"), which I picked up in Austin. Organic and responsibly sourced.
A good book - Currently reading: History of Haight Ashbury by Charles Perry.
Audio Book - The sound of another human's voice can be quite comforting on the open road, especially when it reminds you of home. Currently listening to: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris.
Illumination - Headlamp: Princeton Tec. String lights: Revel Gear Trail Hound 30ft. Back up: Bic Lighter and soy candle.
A good sweater - Keeps ya warm and doubles as a pillow. Currently wearing: Midfield Hemp Crewneck.
Tunes - DemerBox for indestructible tunes and a long battery life. Currently jamming to: 2 Spotify playlists, Highway Sounds (more rocky/bluesy) and I'm With Her (all the badass ladies).
Bug Control - When you're in Charleston in the summertime, you need all the help you can get. I'm not a fan of the chemical sprays so I like to wear clothes with Insect Shield® Technology built right into it. Currently wearing: Debug Mission Ridge Pants and Debug Peak Season Shirt - they keep the bugs out and still look presentable for date night.
Trash - Rule #1: try not to make any. I like to make my own meals, buy in bulk with mason jars, and avoid takeout. But if you're driving, stick a box on the passenger seat floor, a perfect receptacle for cherry stems and peach pits.
Hydration Station - My ultimate long drive hack: strap a Camelbak to your seat and never deal with water bottle caps and spills again!
Happy Trails. Come out and see the Save the Planet, Wear Sustainable Tour on the road. Check out national summer schedule here.