My Subaru Crosstrek Solo Winter Camping Setup!

2017 Subaru Crosstrek - Winter Car Camping Setup
My car camping adventures started a little over 2 years ago with an old mattress topper, several blankets, and two summer sleeping bags. Ever since, I have been making improvements to the setup and wanted to make a video to document my progress.
If you have any questions about my gear or setup, feel free to comment below!
Disclaimer: Check for car camping legality in your area!

[@alyc8625]

That thing you made for the buddy heater is so smart!

[@mitchsends]

Thanks, it also works great for bottles and mugs that are too big for the cupholders!!

[@jasonwelch1609]

I agree

[@newconor]

Agreed that’s pretty clever

[@oeddin3928]

Just recently got my Crosstrek and have been looking for videos just like this! Subscribed and looking forward to more content, great video man

[@treflipmatt]

Such a nice setup! It seems really methodical and perfectly placed. Definitely gives me ideas! Great job. Good video! Keep it up.

[@mitchsends]

Thanks, will do!

[@RawVeganGinger]

Love your setup!!! Add some Amazon links to your gear so you can get a percentage and we can find the exact gear 👌👌

[@SteveHencye]

Great setup. Definitely stealing the rear seat table idea!

[@brandocommando6593]

This is great. I have a built 4runner that I use camp in butbI also have a crosstrek for my daily and I'm so tempted to mimic this and start camping in the Subie.

[@mitchsends]

You should!! Its a great stealth camper and it retains body heat much better than cars with more volume!

[@TheNewMediaoftheDawn]

Nice setup. I have the same fishing buddy heater, but got sick after prolonged use even with windows cracked, although I was doing all night security, a few hours here/there is probably fine. There is still gas vapours off it. I’d just use the car heater, make it toasty warm and go to sleep with almost no window cracks, or no cracks. And just use that heater as backup. Anyhow, nice setup!

[@mitchsends]

Thanks for the info, I'm trying to refine my setup so any input helps! I will use it as a backup, for emergency situations when the car doesn't start - but I bet it will get the most use outside of the car, on cold days during parking lot lunch breaks. The 'gas vapors' I think you're concerned about is carbon monoxide (CO) which is a byproduct of incomplete (not enough oxygen) propane combustion. If oxygen levels are low, the heater has an O2 depletion shutoff and will turn off to prevent any further increase/output in the amount of CO. Although, this alone does not prevent against CO poisoning!!

[@TheNewMediaoftheDawn]

@@mitchsends yes C0 is dangerous, but window cracks helps that, but the vapours I’m referring too are toxic fumes you breathe, I’m not sure of the chemical makeup, but if you burn a garbage bag, it’s like that but not as bad of course…. I was referring to using the car heater than shutting it before sleep, with closed windows there’s still some oxygen flowing from vents and cracks.

[@easymixedsignals534]

omg tv mate table is a genius idea. I need itfor my small car

[@edenyy5569]

Great content! It is exactly what I am looking for. I have a 2022 crosstrek. I want to drive to my local ski resort for snowboarding each weekend, which is 2.5 hour's drive from my home. I don't want to go another 2.5h to get home after snowboarding.

[@mitchsends]

Glad it was helpful! If I'm just going up for one day, I typically drive up the night before. It's easier to beat the crowds!

[@jonm7888]

@@mitchsends where do you park for the night? Can you stay in the lot at the moubtain?

[@cloudy_95_]

Awesome set up! Just recently got my crosstrek and this gave me some good inspo! Thanks for providing links

[@fujiyan]

Very excellent. Nice setting.

[@kayepperson189]

Awesome so very creative

[@shootermacgavin1]

Great job very interesting

[@tpseeker3367]

Sweet set up. Love the buddy heater holder & that table is the chef's kiss to top off the build. Get a Carbon Monoxide Detector!!! Puzzled on what the pink rope & carabiner is for. Look into @MathewHeiskell or @TomtheDilettante for a push button hatch release to open the hatch from inside. Just make sure it's a Covered button so nothing hits it & accidentally opens the hatch. Look into getting an OBD scanner like scangauge 2 to keep an eye on CVT & Radiator temps. The $50-$150 for a scanner can save thousands.

[@mitchsends]

The OBD scanner is a great idea! My roommate has one for his truck and its so convenient - I'll give the channels a look. I'm sure that will help me out, especially on the cross country road trip.

[@mitchsends]

The paracord/carabiner setup is for an additional light fixture that is powered from my Jackery's USB port. I wanted to have a secondary light source that wasn't going to draw power from the car's battery, especially for extended periods when the car is not on! But it also doubles as a hanger to dry gloves and socks overnight.

[@debbybridge7064]

Just bought a Crosstrek. I love it. I like the seat up in the back--great idea. Now where does the dog or dogs go???

[@mitchsends]

Good question! Might need to inflate the whole mattress, unless they're small enough to fit in the seats!!

[@amymason4515]

Looks great! I have a very similar setup in my '19 Crosstrek, using a Trailgate sleeping platform from REI. I don't tend to camp in sub freezing temps, so I haven't invested in a heater yet, but will look at the Mr. Buddy if I decide to go that route.

[@doolietunes5726]

What size Trailgate do you use?

[@amymason4515]

@@doolietunes5726 I have the single, I set up a tent when I'm not solo. The single allows me to keep the single back seat up.

[@mitchsends]

The single seat makes things much easier for solo trips!!

[@BoxCarBoy12]

Nice setup! Can you provide a link to the rear seat table you use? And do you get condensation or moisture issues using the propane heater inside the car?

[@mitchsends]

www.amazon.com/tv-tray-table-tv-trays-for-eating-tv-dinner-table/dp/B01LZPMFW9

[@mitchsends]

Thanks! I use the propane heater only for emergency situations, but I have tested it a few times. I did not experience any condensation when the heater was in use, but I always have the windows cracked for safety. You shouldn't operate a propane heater in a closed environment due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning!

[@rcinematic]

Goals

[@countdebleauchamp]

The fold up table for the rear seat worked out wonderfully.

[@drk321]

I'd definitely be using an electric heater.

[@LanceErcanbrack-ub3ng]

I have been looking for some boxes to fit. Can you tell me where you got yours and dimensions please? Also your mattresses? Thanks!

[@doolietunes5726]

I'm waiting for my 2023 Crosstrek to arrive at the dealership. So glad I came across your video as I see some cool things I'd like to try out. Could you link me to the folding tray you have in the backseat? Thanks!

[@mitchsends]

www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1C5M65?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@mitchsends]

Just beware - it's not a perfect fit. I typically use a zip tie around the tray's legs and the rails of the driver's side seat to lock it down. The legs are also adjusted independently, where the left side is one notch longer than the right side, so the table is level!

[@j.t.c.9157]

The heater would make me nervous... maybe research another product.. cheers!

[@RiverJumper7]

Good video thanks

[@ibebaggy]

So shit some of those companies still don't offer international shipping.

[@Thewayof9]

What's the size of the tote boxes

[@treytonbotz]

Where at in CO!? I live here and drive a crosstrek too, I love it out here super reliable especially during the winter

[@mitchsends]

I'll be staying in Silverthorne - have an Airbnb booked for about a week, but the true car camping will begin after that!!

[@Shpider1111]

@@mitchsends hit me up if you need some tips regarding 'secret' spots to pass the nights around Summit. I car camp and ride Epic's resorts (mostly Keystone) every weekend.

[@andrewrettenberger6189]

you gotta put links to items you use

[@mitchsends]

I have newer videos with product links. Check out, What I Pack for My Winter Road Trip - Subaru Crosstrek Car Camping Gear Walkthrough kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIjMh2uKnbCfnZo

[@andreasthomas9539]

😆👍 super

[@jengdante4579]

Al fin un video good

[@johnreese3762]

WOW!!!

[@ironman1518.]

Where did you get the yellow lid boxes to make the headreast/pillow area?

[@mitchsends]

Home Depot or Lowe’s! 7 gallon storage bins

[@willbennett8799]

Why soo many mattresses?

[@mitchsends]

I don’t need the inflatable Luno air mattress on the bottom for my winter setup, but it provides a removable platform to put my winter sleep setup on. I already had it in my arsenal from summer camping so I decided to use it instead of constructing a new platform. The foam pad is just an additional insulator between the air mattress and winter pad.

[@jeannerountree952]

I like your set up. How much cooking are you doing when out in your car?

[@mitchsends]

I actually just purchased a stove for my setup, but I used my friends Coleman stove when we took trips together last winter. We would typically cook breakfast and occasionally a parking lot lunch - something easy like eggs, or sausages. Definitely going to experiment with some new meals after I get my stove next week. I'm going to make a second video before I leave for my winter road trip, so you can check it out then!

[@FrankMyers3]

Curious…how tall are you and how well do you fit while sleeping? Thanks and great video!

[@mitchsends]

I’m 6 ft 0 in and barely fit stretched out. However, I recently noticed that I can rest my head on top of the passenger seat and gives me a lot more space! If you're taller than 6 ft, the front seat can be removed with 4 bolts and a few quick connect wires underneath the seat. I am definitely considering this as an option further down the road.

[@Patrick_Ross]

@@mitchsends - I’m 6’2” and can stretch out in my 2020 Outback. I think the Outback is longer than the Crosstrek but not sure by how much. Also, I use a carry on type suitcase standing upright where you have the two storage bins. Fits perfectly.

[@tomd1914]

I’m 6’3” and can barely lay lengthwise fully stretched out in the back of my 2021 Crosstrek with the seats all the forward and tilted forward.

[@brianrichard1768]

how tall?

[@mitchsends]

6ft

[@idreamcaster]

Would there be enough oxygen if you slept with the windows closed in 20 degrees to 30 degrees temperature. Im just thinking i don’t mind the condensation but don’t like the cold.

[@mitchsends]

There have been a few nights where I forgot to crack the windows! Cars are not airtight, so there will always be an exchange of air - it will just recirculate at a slower rate. However, just because it's possible, it doesn't mean it's a good idea!

[@WanderingGingerBeard]

What table do you have for your spare seat?

[@mitchsends]

Table Mate II TV Tray

[@WanderingGingerBeard]

Thank you!

[@TLSWalters]

A winter set up in shorts and a t-shirt… your winter and mine a VERY different 😅

[@mitchsends]

I'm sure! 😂This winter setup video was filmed in mid-fall in CT - on a day that was close to 70 degrees!! I just wanted to throw a video out there before the winter season to see what kind of traction it would get, but the cold weather videos are coming soon!

[@andrewfranssen2996]

How tall are you?

[@mitchsends]

6 ft 0 in

[@2098elk]

Cheaper to rent a room at a motel!

[@bentrodoutdoors7953]

HAHAHAHA WHAT AN ABSOLUTE FAIL. Starting the timer until I read about your asphyxiation death 😂😂😂💀 (this was a joke video right?)

[@switconor]

Chill setup, I like the back seat desk thing you got goin on. I just did a pretty insane camper build in my Subaru Crosstrek with a giant solar panel on top haha

[@mitchsends]

Thanks, I'm considering getting a solar panel a little further down the road. Do you think its worth it?

[@switconor]

@@mitchsends it really depends on your usage. Some people drive enough to just keep their banks charged. I have a lot more going on like fridge/freezer, heated blanket, air fryer, the whole setup 😂 so I use a lot of power. You can always get a flexible panel and mount it to the rack which really doesn’t hurt

[@Earth_wind_dan_fire]

Love the setup! I have a few suggestions that have helped me with my car camping. A stretchable net on the ceiling so you can extra blankets, or other accessories if needed. Also a cutting window size insulation to give yourself privacy and retain more heat!

[@mitchsends]

I was considering the ceiling cargo net, but my bed is already close to the ceiling, especially my head! I'm always looking for ways to add storage space, so maybe I can make a partial one on the drivers side!? As for insulation, I already have Weather Tech SunShades for some heat retention and privacy - just didn't have them up in the video so I could have some light in the car while filming!!

[@Earth_wind_dan_fire]

@@mitchsends oh for sure. That’s definitely a factor. I have an SUV so there’s a bit more head room. Awesome setup nonetheless!

[@burnthecandleatbothendz]

I think thats overkill ,i would be fine with just laying on a foam pad as a matress and then 1 good sleeping bag to sleep in.alot less work and saves space .but then again i could sleep on a bed of nails .i also have a crosstrek ,i love my car .just drove it from Fargo to minneapolis and back to Fargo last night .its first roadtrip

[@mitchsends]

Definitely looks overkill!! I would be fine without the inflatable air mattress for winter camping, but I already had it in my arsenal from summer camping so it didn't make sense to build a platform. It wastes a bit of space when in this setup, but compacts much better than some other conversion builds. Also something to think about for winter camping - a car with less (air) volume will allow your body to more easily heat the surroundings air.

[@customer7575]

Your bed setup is luxurious for travel. The inflatable, the foam, I got that too, the heating cushion, and comfy sleeping bag on top of it all. Looks very comfy and warm for any cold weather.

[@partnah2887]

question about your gear, what brand or dimensions are those 2 bins you put in the footwell? it looks like it lines up perfectly for the mattress to lay flat. thanks!

[@mitchsends]

www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-7-Gal-Tough-Storage-Tote-in-Black-with-Yellow-Lid-999-7G-HDX/328027039

[@MBR4740]

Good video and I've done a lot of long-distance 4-season car camping trips with 4 different vehicles over 25 years. However, I would suggest finding a safer alternative to that propane heater. Maybe investigate electric blankets or battery chargeable (motorcycle-type) shirts/jackets or simply utilize your high quality sleeping bag and then (remote FOB start?) warm up your car 10 minutes before you get out of bed in morning. Instead, it sounds like you want the sketchy propane set-up to be more for clothes drying than necessarily keeping the cabin warm, given your good winter sleeping bag. Propane creates quite a lot of condensation, let alone the potentially fatal health risk in such a small area. As for your bedding and your seemingly countless mattresses, it must be nice to be young and have no back aches, let alone sloping arch for your pillow area. I started out with too many layers and mattresses but ultimately found it too squishy, like an overloaded double-stacker lunch sandwich with everything squeezing out. Instead, I adopted a simple flat surface with a single high quality thermorest mattress. Similar to upgraded business class in an overseas 787 Dreamliner flight, nothing beats a continuously flat sleeping surface versus trying to sleep in a reclining but still tilted seat-back in "Amtrak coach class". I found this when doing winter tours through SW AZ & CA parks - easier to roll over during the night plus improved sitting-up head room. Anyway, great to see you pursuing your dreams and freedom - keep up the videos. PS. Reserving the back seat for getting out of bed is a great idea, plus an area to work or enjoy evening iPad videos.

[@cherylmartin4050]

I used a couple of pink closed cell foam then an REI insulated pad it keeps then slide in and out easier. But great video 👍

[@birdingdiaries]

I have the same set up in my crosstrek. The bed on the same side and leave the other seat up to sit on. You are right it does make it easier to get in and out of the bed. I have a wooden platform on my bed side so it is level. I tried so many different things and finally have a super comfy bed. Look forward to your content!

[@mitchsends]

Nice, glad to see you had the same idea! I agree that the original angle can be annoying, but has helped a few times to offset the angle when camping on a slight slope.

[@NomusaMagical]

Amazing vid! What’s the weather + does that propane heater so close concern you? Could you stay warm without it?

[@mitchsends]

Thanks! I just finished a multi-night trip this weekend and the temps were around 20 degreed F, with windchill dropping into the single digits. The propane heater was actually a new addition this year for quickly warming up in 'emergency' situations. I wanted to have a backup heater in the case where my car fails to start! While I crack the windows when the heater is in use, I never plan to run it overnight. There's just too much room for error. For the past two winter seasons, I have been able to 'survive' without the winter sleeping pad and propane heater, with the most extreme low of -15 degrees F (without windchill)!

[@beverlymorris5781]

Hi. I love your setup. I have a 2023 Crosstrek. This summer I used a Luno air mattress when I traveled across the country. I like your storage bin idea. Thanks for sharing!

[@Doc1855]

I looked at the Crosstrek, but it was too small for my needs. I bought a Forester Touring instead

[@newconor]

Check out my setup, similar but with a giant 6ft solar panel on it haha

[@AtwoodThreads]

Very nice set up there man! Simple and effective. Thanks for sharing!

[@cmr415]

how tall are you?

[@mitchsends]

6 ft 0 in

[@bobbyrado5406]

Great video! I’m just curious what size bins you have in the foot area of your back seat. If you could tell me the dimensions of those or send me a link I would really appreciate it.

[@mitchsends]

For (L x W x H), the small yellow bins are approximately (19 in x 12 in x 10 in). However, when they are stacked the total height is approx. 19.25 in! Finding the correct dimension bins took me a lot of trial and error. While these don't fill the space exactly, I use the remaining volume to store additional gear.

[@bobbyrado5406]

@@mitchsends thanks for your response! Would you buy different sized bins if you had the chance to, or are the ones you have perfect for your sleep system?

[@mitchsends]

@@bobbyrado5406 For bins, these were the best fit that I could find! The rails for the front seat limit the base dimensions, so they will never quite fit perfectly. On another note, the Luno Air Mattress comes with inflatable cubes that typically fill that space, but I used bins in this case to increase my in-car storage.

[@bobbyrado5406]

@@mitchsends Gotcha! Is there anyway you could comment the link to those bins? I looked around online, but I’m having trouble finding the same bins that you have. Thanks for your help!

[@mitchsends]

@@bobbyrado5406 www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-7-Gal-Tough-Storage-Tote-in-Black-with-Yellow-Lid-206152/305185634

[@jojo9820]

I have a similar set up but in the Impreza I urban camp it’s awesome

[@danielruprecht8932]

Cool . We have a crosstrek. My wife will love this video 👍

[@ilight11il]

Great video! I learned so much. Thank you.

[@leeperola7023]

Super cool Subaru setup.👍 Love from Great Britain.🇬🇧

[@kexist]

Great setup, I consider buy this model.

[@VendetaBrown]

Electric blanket + jackery

[@crash3x937]

Hi, what size/gallon were those HDX storage bins you had behind your seat holding up the Luno mattress? Great idea and I'd like to do the same instead of using the Luno cubes, those bins are a great storage option.

[@mitchsends]

7 Gallon! I snagged mine at the Home Depot

[@axiomic]

The Princess and the pea 😂

[@kimdagnillo8246]

How many days does it take you to get to salt lake ? I’m in RI , I’ll be going out in January to Arizona and Utah . You have a nice set up.

[@mitchsends]

I took a trip to CO last winter with one of my buddies - taking shifts and basically driving non-stop. We made it there in 28 hours. If we did the same thing for Salt Lake, it would be about 35 hours. However, this will be a solo trip and I need time to sleep, so it will likely take 2-3 days!! Still have to figure out the specifics, but a video is coming!

[@kimdagnillo8246]

@@mitchsends ah ok, I’m solo with my dog , 10 hours is my daily driving limit. I have 4 stops mapped out so I’ll see how it goes. Thanks for your reply. Drive safe.

[@mitchsends]

​@@kimdagnillo8246 Thanks! 10 hours is also going to be my max, but I'm only planning on sleeping 6-8 hours and then hopping back on the road again. Its going to be a crazy schedule, but I'm trying to get out there as fast as possible while maintaining an adequate sleep cycles! Safe travels for you and your dog!!

[@Shpider1111]

What kind and size of storage bins are you using? Mind sending a link?

[@tpseeker3367]

Think wally world has them

[@mitchsends]

Which ones...smaller yellow under the bed, or the clear ones in the back?

[@Shpider1111]

@@mitchsends the black bins with the yellow tops, the ones you put under the bed at 0:42 Could not find these at Home Depot nor WM... what's the size? Or perhaps you could provide a link? Thanks!

[@mitchsends]

I purchased mine at Home Depot: 7 Gal. Tough Storage Tote in Black with Yellow Lid

[@mitchsends]

www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-7-Gal-Tough-Storage-Tote-in-Black-with-Yellow-Lid-206152/305185634

[@alallen2767]

Good ideas. Stay safe.

[@staceyhightchew3256]

can i get information/links for the matress and pad that you used. mainly the bottom one that you said you can fold out for a 2nd person. Thanks!

[@tpseeker3367]

Think it's a Luna 2.0 air mattress.

[@mitchsends]

Hi Stacey, it's the Luno 2.0 Air Mattress! You can find them on 'lunolife.com'

[@TheVTX88]

Thermorest on bottom. Then big air mattress. Get rid of little air mattress.

[@mitchsends]

I took the (big) Luno Air Mattress out completely for winter camping. Currently use the thermarest foam pad on the bottom and the (small) winter sleeping inflatable pad on top!

[@anjanshakya7373]

will be waiting for travel video with this thing

[@mitchsends]

Cross-country trip starts on Dec 26th, but I have a few shorter trips planned to NH and VT over the next few weeks that I'll post in the meantime!!

[@pattygrawzis4336]

I like how you used the bins to fill the empty space behind the seat instead of the air cushion that comes with the mattress. Does it still keep the whole setup flush with the back seat down or does the head have a slight raise to it?

[@mitchsends]

The bins are relatively flush with the back seat down, there are some gaps but the bed is well supported. However when the car is on level ground, the entire bed is slightly sloped towards the rear.

[@pattygrawzis4336]

@Mitchell Ryan Interesting. Thank you for getting back to me. I'm planning to get that mattress in the near future. And I like the bins behind the seats way better than wasting that space with "balloons" haha. I could pack my clothes and whatever behind one seat and a cooler or something behind the other, or more bins 😄 I want to camp in my car at an upcoming tournament in June instead of getting hotel this year to save a few bucks haha.

[@customer7575]

I’ve attached a traveling clothing pole that attaches to the ceiling handles. While lying on my back, I can easily exit the door. Moreover, you can easily enter the door next to the bed by grabbing the clothing pole. I’m small and flexible, so it’s easy for me. I zip tied it permanently. Also fun to hold for the kids or easier for adults to position themselves around in the back seat.😂 3:59

[@bebopkirby]

If this works for you, then great. Set ups like this seem to work a lot better for a younger more pliable body folks. Older types like myself just look at this and say, better you than me.

[@dougt8215]

That TableMate TV-sofa tray table is a good idea that I might try. Also, I like that dual side inflatable mattress that can be either a single or full size mattress, depending on how many people are sleeping in the back.

[@customer7575]

You could also crack the moonroof for ventilation. Non-tilt mode of course. 8:07

[@MountainGirlwIPA]

Great job!

[@Subie-Driver]

I love our crosstrek but I don’t think I want to try and camp in it….

[@mitchsends]

It's definitely not for everybody!

[@Rusty_Nickle]

I'm glad you made this video You're set up makes the most sense for me because I still have to use my car but I want to use it for camping too. I am curious what you did to cover the windows

[@mitchsends]

I use Weather Tech SunShades! I didn't have them up in the video so I could have some light in the car to show you guys around, but they work great. They're 'black' on one side for heat absorption in the winter and 'silver' on the other for heat reflection!

[@Rusty_Nickle]

@@mitchsends thanks!

[@pepsicolazero]

Have you thought about rain guards so you can leave the window open a bit but it doesn’t look like is open ?

[@mitchsends]

I have rain guards installed - They work great!!

[@pepsicolazero]

@@mitchsends what is the portable battery thing @1:14 what’s the model name/number ?

[@sonny1597]

Got a 2021 Sport and am basically set up the same way as you. I get in and out the same way too. I use a 4" foam mattress I found on Amazon and it works great. I also have two 50 Qt Plano boxes that hold my cooking gear and food .. both go outside as soon as I stop. I run All Terrain tires so I needed a full size spare which is now carried in the roof rack .. the donut hole is loaded with all my tools and gear that I don't need immediate access too. I also put my axe, hiking poles, canopy poles .. across the back seat then fold the seats down on them .. easy way to store those items. Just finished putting a complete Rallitek Bilstein suspension under mine .. that makes a difference. I do a lot of off roading with my rig .. 4 times to Death Valley and twice to Moab so far! 🤠