- 1). Find an appropriately-sized inflatable air mattress for the rear cargo area of your SUV. To make sleeping a little more comfortable, make sure you take along a sleeping bag, pillow and a blanket.
- 2). Use a storage bin or milk crate to store larger and heavier items in them like: flashlight, tool kit, duct tape, trash bags, GI shovel, hatchet, toilet paper, camp dishes, rope, frying pan, canned foods and extra clothing. Make sure you are utilizing all your interior storage compartments, such as the glove box and rear cargo boxes.
- 3). Bring a backpack with camping supplies that should include: bottle of water, cell phone, energy bar or hard candy, matches, knife, compass, first aid kit, pain medicine, small two-way weather radio, map, small flashlight, cap and gloves, space blanket, camp cup, bullion cubes, folding saw, signal mirror, glow sticks, poncho, binoculars, note pad and pencil, whistle, sewing kit, sunblock and clean wipes. As for your toiletry items, store them in a toiletry bag inside of the backpack.
- 4). Store large free-standing items such as 5-gallon water jug, folding chairs, collapsible tent, air compressor, fire wood or generator in the rear compartment. Your ice chest filled with food and drink can be place on the rear seat or floor for ease of access while driving.
- 5). Carry a gas can with you during your trip. Make sure your full gas can is secured to your roof rack, or on a rear door or bumper mount.
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