No-Build Camping Setup in a Subaru Crosstrek! (SUV/Crossover Tour)

[@peterzeller5736]

The only thing you need is a car and you can literally go anywhere for any time. This guy has the bare minimum and is living the dream.

[@Wopayne]

I car hiked The Rockies in a 1969 VW in 1969. All summer and into the fall. I had a pillow & case, an LL Bean blanket, an enamel cup with a washrag, toothbrush and bar soap. I had a spare set of clothes. I worked construction for gas and hamburger money! I had FUN!

[@air4334]

I like how you never interrupted him. Great set up !

[@heidihill2361]

I love that he enjoys his life and is prepared for anything.

[@OspreyFlyer]

Al, I roll the same as you! I'm a 68 yo disabled senior but life is out there not in a house being old. I walk, hike, avid birder, naturalist with chronic pain but I'm not stopping. I'm set up same way (simple!) in a Kia Sorento. Maybe we'll cross trails someday.

[@jacquelynhill1598]

Thank you! Same!

[@sonny1597]

Kia Sorento makes a good camping rig .. I’ve seen a few. Sorry didn’t get back to you sooner .. I’m in the Tucson VA recovering from a triple bypass 😃

[@OspreyFlyer]

@@sonny1597 🙏❤️

[@OspreyFlyer]

@@sonny1597 All the vehicles are a trade-off. I've had medium and large vans that I used as minimalist camper vans + three minimalist 4WDs that were both large and small SUVs. At my stage of life it needs to be big enough to sleep in and decent mpg. Hope you have speedy recovery! 👍

[@RomeoEdward]

I'm in my mid 70's and roll the same as you with my Subaru Forester. Just keep going!

[@Frank-nh9fe]

Nice simple setup. Note no frig. I'm a fan of canned soup. Simple, one can for each meal. Easy. Doesn't let waiting for the perfect setup get in the way of getting out there and doing it.

[@Frank-nh9fe]

@@33Jenesis nice idea. I found the traditional camp dry food offerings overly expensive.

[@33Jenesis]

@@Frank-nh9fe yup, dehydrated bag meals are too expensive. I use powder soup, dehydrated veggies, oatmeal or crushed instant noodle to make a quick one pot meal.

[@susanavenir]

I think this guy just sold me a Subaru!

[@janetg14]

He’s 6’ and he fits sleeping in a Crosstrek without having to move the front seat up? That’s impressive! Cool guy😊

[@voiciray]

Yeah, I wonder how. It would be a tight fit. 🤔

[@abigcess]

I’m 5’10” and need to move front seat all the way up with back tilted down to sleep comfortably in my 2019 Crosstrek

[@sonny1597]

It's not so much moving the seat forward as it is to stand it up straighter .. that was the most efficent way to lay the bed out

[@darlenegrant6117]

Thank you❤

[@thrillofthechase3313]

Hey, I know that guy! Very impressive. A true modern day adventurer.

[@ColinAdventures]

I’ve lived full time in my 2022 Crosstrek since I bought it new last year. My setup is actually very similar to this one. Works great! I want his tires though…

[@tm8747]

a message to the owner of the crosstrek , the K&N air filter is a greeat thing, but if your going to be offroad or dusty places , buy a 99cent store, queen size, pantyhose , place the pantyhose over or filter into the pantyhose to block the fine dust entering the air filter, believe me it works , used this in desert storm on the tanks air cleaners and never had a problem, if you dont the fine dust with SANDBLAST THE INSIDE OF THE MOTOR AND THEN YOUR BUYING A NEW MOTOR, ? MY 2004 DODGE TRUCK HAS 421,000 MILES ON THE SAME MOTOR BECAUSE OF THIS TRICK?

[@twr41cox]

Motorcycle riders are gear and packing experts.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Al is an awesome man and the Subaru Crosstrek is my favorite gasoline lifted wagon!

[@Klosguitarscarbonfiber]

Glad you chose to bring along one of our guitars with you on this trip! Keep it KLOS!

[@HunterMann]

One of the best Subaru Car camping tours I’ve seen in a long time

[@glohearne]

Great call with that SpotX thing! Going to have to look it up and if it’s only $39 for emergency SOS, you can’t beat that peace of mind when out in the middle of nowhere. Thanks for calling that out!

[@Terraducky]

Al has his s#%! together! Love the car set up and especially love the guitar and it's story! Thanks for the tour, Al!

[@omcincy7622]

Al seems like a down to Earth guy and inspiring to me since I'm about the same age. He's done a great job with the no build set up, gave me a lot of good ideas that will work ou my Outback. I had an extended old GMC conversion van that I set up for camping, lots of room but just too much for gas. Small set ups like this are my favorite, especially if you're a solo adventurer! Thanks Al!

[@sonny1597]

@@omcincy7622 My other rig is a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr with 279K miles on it .. 33" BFG's, lockers, winch, aux gas tank .. and 15 mpg! Google 'Al Maurine Ford Explorer' and my rig should pop up. I went lighter and smaller with the Trek. It's way more nimble then my Ford or a Jeep! 🤠

[@SherrieAllen-f5v]

I'm wavering between 2 vehicles and I think Al just helped me pick the one I want. Just got to remember about the oil leak problem with Subaru's around 100,000 miles. Cool car, cool guy. Happy Trails, Al.

[@sunshine3914]

Either you’re an expert interviewer & editor or Al is an excellent host… possibly both. Thank Al for the heads up on the guitar.

[@dr.keegan5303]

Old ppl are great at explaining stuff. It’s how they pass on the sacred knowledge. I’m wondering why he hasn’t put that roof rack that holds up to 700 lbs to use yet.

[@cindi7955]

This was so interesting and Al is someone after my heart as I love the older things that were made so much better and also I have attachment issues to some very good stuff like Al does to the water bottle. He has all he needs and doesn't waste space on extras. Great interview!

[@louisepotier2784]

Now that was a great guitar pause! Thanks 🙂 The small carpet idea to protect the feet, nice. No one seems to mention the cutting rocks... All the spaces were put to good use - great ideas. The fact that AL had already been around on a motorcycle is probably why he knows about limited space. Thank-you AL and Tristan for the tour! Have a great day! 🙂

[@SuperAudionut]

This guy is a treasure. Admire the simple approach. Don't need much to enjoy outdoors. I was convincing myself that I need the Outback Wilderness to be comfortable. I'm 5'7". Crosstrek Sport or Wilderness would do.

[@waltertaylor5395]

Love my little Crosstrek and been to most of the National Parks on the east coast plus state parks,wildlife refuges,etc. Learned a few tricks from this guy. Well done. Like h9k I used to motorcycle camp when younger. Now retired I enjoy traveling to the wild and cool places. Works for me.

[@wildelectricgoose]

I love seeing clean minimal setups like this. Always seems to be the older gentlemen who have this stuff down. i's are dotted and t's are crossed. Love it.

[@devinbartley5768]

As a man half his age I hope to be doing what he is doing when I am retired and in a similar style.

[@expressivepets1]

I had that tri-fold mattress; I loved it! Heated, 12V jacket? In interested in that gear. I love this gentleman; he is a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for sharing.

[@markcummings6856]

Nice tour. Al is on top of things.

[@earthangel8730]

Great car. I have the same. In the right tailwind conditions, flat highway terrain and cruise control set to 60mph, I've gotten 40mpg on long distance road trips! I would never describe a Crosstrek as a small car. It seats 5 adults comfortably.

[@sonny1597]

The reason I went with the Crosstrek was the mileage and it’s 700 lbs lighter than the Outback .. makes a difference off roading .. the Trek is more nimble than a Jeep.

[@laurabeth8616]

This dude is amazing. I'm in the process of getting my Crosstrek all set up for adventures and I'm so inspired by him. I hope I'm this cool when I'm his age.

[@hendersonhiking9597]

Very well thought out and every piece of gear makes sense (and cool guitar), thanks for posting 😊

[@Bonehead-Chris]

I really enjoy this gentleman. Great video.

[@ajt0319]

Cool car, cool dude. Cheers to you both for sharing this Swiss Army knife of a rig.

[@EfficientRVer]

As always, a great interview/tour. You shoot and edit rig tours so much better than most folks. Very similar setup to a lot of Prius campers, or any hatchback/wagon/SUV for that matter. But the Crosstrek does have a really nice AWD system, and is more capable in mud/etc than you'd think. I have a Prius Prime, but will admit the standard Prius is better for camping due to my bigger battery raising the rear floor. My setup is extremely similar, but with a 50 liter fridge where he has his purple blanket rolled up behind the passenger seat. You get to choose your pillow height by choosing 30/40/50 liter fridge (Alpicool CX series or clones) or a new Setpower that also fits most cars there, unlike most fridges. Another major difference is that I cut down a 48 inch aluminum ruler (wedged between seatbelt retractor trim) to use as a curtain rod flexing to the shape of the roof behind the front seats, and use doubled/tripled black photo backdrop material to separate the front from rear of the car.. Removable (in 1 second) mesh window socks on rear door windows, with option for interior window covers also. Springy hatch window cover. Then I can use window covers on windshield and front windows, or not. In some situations, having the front seats just appear empty but visible, is desirable. In general, covering up all stuff with the black material works great, so nobody can see his Jackery, camera bag, etc. Prius and Prius Prime are both longer than the Crosstrek, so allow a longer bed....but less headroom above it than the Crosstrek. The Subaru AWD is very nice, but 30mpg vs 50-60mpg is a consideration if you travel a lot. It's a 2600+ mile drive to my favorite camping spot, and I'm into efficiency, so I'm admittedly biased. Best to limit a Prius lift to 1.5 inches (metal kit from Prius Offroad) or 30mm to 40mm (various kits/brands mostly with polyurethane spacers originating from Russia and Ukraine). A reasonable compromise between passenger tires and BFG KO2 LT tires, are just going with upsized snow tires, preferably "extra load" XL spec ones, I've been running Michelin X-Ice3 on every Prius I've owned for about 8 years. Up to 10 load index numbers above stock by choosing XL snow tires. Surprisingly, they last over 60K miles, running them year round, which didn't used to happen with snows. Also, no measurable loss of mpg (especially considering that XL tires need to be inflated 6psi higher than the door-jamb number to actually gain their better load rating), unlike the offroad truck tires I'm sure. The price of the new version of Michelin (X-Ice Snow is replacing X-Ice 3 or Xi3) is getting out of hand, so I've bought a pair each of Continental VikingContact7 and General Altimax Arctic 12 to try out.

[@devinbartley5768]

Thanks for this comment. Really informative. I have a Prius and occasionally camp in it without anything fancy (just a sleeping bag and air mattress). Love the efficiency. However I like the crosstrek for off-road capabilities and I really miss driving a manual stick shift which crosstrek still offers so my next car may be a crosstrek if my 2010 Prius ever dies (unlikely!). Interesting to hear your thoughts on tires. I run normal x-ice tires during the winter and all seasons in the summer here in Canada. Do you notice worse efficiency or handling running the winter tires on hot days?

[@stevendavis4508]

Great setup and thanks for the tour. Must mention that in those soil conditions the TP will hardly biodegrade. Better to pack it out and leave no trace.

[@kathydawn5240]

I just watched this while sitting at a rest stop in Oregon. My car is a 2021 Crosstrek Premium, same color. I bought a 6ft by 2ft by 2in foam mattress. Have sleeping bay and blanket. Just leaned rt front seat forward. I am 5'10'. Very simple setup, like his. So far, averaged 32 mpg through Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon so far this trip on orginal oem tires. That is with a cargo box on the roof. Would be 2 to 3 mpg better without it. He has some good suggestions, for my next long trip, will use some of them.

[@waterbuck]

I would not use K&N air filters. Yes they let more air into the engine but they do it with less filtering and if you're off road that mean more dirt and particulate matter finding its way into the engine.

[@thenoviceman]

Great video, mich respect to this man, he is doing his golden years the right way. Everything he has is well considered and i bet he has some great adventures.

[@mrs.onyango6504]

I love that old Kat, nice rig

[@karenb1627]

I love simple efficient set ups. I too keep my ancient water bottle with me. It's like my blanket. Cool guy!!! I've had 3 boo roos.

[@sparkycoo]

Thanks!

[@terristewart6119]

Love this video! This is how I like to camp in my SUV. You have given me some new ideas! Thanks you Al & Tristan!

[@jerryhorn5866]

Way to go, Al! And thanks to Tristan for posting.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Very cool! We too did the NO BUILD approach and love the cost effective approach and the ability to change things up in our van as needed! We always love to see what others are doing in their vans! Happy Travels! Keep making memories & adventure on! ~Karen & Shannon WOY

[@topnotchreviewer1429]

What a fantastic review! Al has kept it simple. He also inspired me to buy a '23 Crosstrek Sport. I'm looking forward to getting my Trek set up for overlanding. Since I have a Dometic 12 volt, 35 liter fridge, I will figure out a way to in corporate it into my arrangement. With my old 2005 Honda Civic, I placed the fridge in the back seat. I used to use an iced cooler, but I grew tired of things becoming soggy in the melted ice water. Having refrigeration while traveling is really nice. I just hope I can incorporate it into my Trek set up. BTW, that's a terrific picture of Al and Tristin. It almost looks like Tristin could be Al's grandson.

[@cindynichols27]

Were you able to find a place for the fridge in your Trek?

[@mindfulkayaker7737]

Great. being more or less the same age of this man I feel very identified with him.

[@coachwendy5618]

Thanks for sharing this excellent video. From the great simplicity of his setup to the guitar segment it was a pleasure to watch. I've always wanted to find a way to take a guitar camping. If I find one, I have solved it!

[@lindareinen1259]

Love it! I have a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek and I’ve slept in it a couple times. I slept in the front seat, laid back with pillow n blanket. I got a great nights sleep, but then I like sleeping reclined a bit. Maybe if I was gonna start camping, I’d turn the back into a bed like this guy did. I’ve thought about it before, but my sons are against it. I sure like how he did this!

[@mandydale8036]

My kids can't believe I'm learning how to car camp but I'm following in the footsteps of a friend who is 67 years young who had this down to an art. Great video for the smaller Crosstrek - I was afraid they'd all be Outbacks.

[@garyjones2084]

Carbon fiber guitar, why have i never thought of that before! I camp mostly in the summer time, and in the southwest, so that is a great idea

[@mafemartinez2235]

loved this, we have the same car and water containers lololol. . .love the safety tips ! had no idea for $39.99 a year such a service existed

[@33Jenesis]

I like this simple setup. I have an outback. I fold down the smaller back seat to be my sleeping area. The clearance is not generous therefore I don’t have a mattress pad, just a backpacking foam pad and wool rug. The bigger back seat I don’t fold it down because it makes changing clothes, putting on shoes, and getting in and out easier. I use similar sized camping boxes, too, easy to lift and move. I have a 2x4 cotton rug for door mat and for putting up camp chair and small table. I use a vertical ice chest that fits the footwell behind driver seat in case of perishable (ice is not difficult to get when out for a few days). I still haven’t purchased a battery generator because 500w is too weak but 1000w+ is heavy and very expensive.

[@stanbyme7874]

Thank you! Travel in my Crosstrek. I’ve got Thule on top, bike rack on back & a hitch rack. Have ARB awning & attached room. The room attached is awesome but annoying! Then I watched a huge 5th wheel back into spot@campground. Took them forever. Then they turned on big tv & stayed in all night. Next day took them about 20 mins to get set to leave. Decided my silly room was perfect. Lift kit & good tires. I’m full time, vegetarian w ARB fridge, solar panel. Don’t have cool guitar, though! Perfect rig for gas & only taking what you need. Enjoy!

[@virginiaallen4723]

That is so neat. We started camping in our Tesla. It is so nice to be comfortable temperature wise.

[@markpashia7067]

Much like my 2018 Rav4 but I use a 12 volt fridge in the back seat next to my sleeping set up. Pretty much the same size as Al at six foot and sleep fine on that four inch trifold flip chair/bed. I go out two or three weeks at a time. Have not sprung for the tires yet, but mine came stock with a good set up and all wheel drive. Gotten many places I probably should not have but always amazed at how capable it is. And running highway at a bit over I get 28mpg but if I drop to sixty I can get thirty or thirty two mpg. And I am a year younger than Al. Thanks for the video Tristan. Might use a couple of ideas in this.

[@diannecobb1506]

don’t throw away towels! ASPCA OR any rescue would love. them

[@EldeLDorELLEN]

Nice heads up

[@donna8243]

I was gonna comment the same!

[@birdman5223]

That was a LOT of stuff packed in there😵‍💫 Good stuff MrT👍

[@devinbartley5768]

This is a great minimal and affordable build. Good gas mileage, yet capable on dirt roads. I ended up watching the whole thing. This is my favourite style of camping/overlanding. If you are in an affordable rig you can drive anywhere you want without worrying about gas or depleting your retirement fund on an expensive build.

[@deeoh3708]

Great place to keep your walking poles. I didn't realise this space was there! Love the collapsible water containers, will be doing that too. Thanks for the ideas.

[@Brandaniron]

Guitar sounds great! Just like a resonator sound !

[@mariawalsh335]

Love to listen to your guest 😊

[@FireFighter1512]

Thank you for another great video! Love this set-up in the Crosstreck. I'm running an Outback for car camping, touch bigger and little older. I will use some of these ideas in my set-up this summer!

[@karakoppanyi3845]

Fantastic! Love your guitar Al!

[@ceceliaroberts1475]

He's got a nice little setup. He's right about the binoculars, especially if you're a birdwatcher. 😊 Shame about the Garmin, my dad gave me one when I moved to AZ, which, when my brother came to visit, I never saw again.🤔😉

[@1961Duane314]

I have a 2016 took the back seats out and fold the front passenger seat flat back. Have a solid folding 8ft folding plywood base. Also have a fridge and 100 amp hours of batteries with 200 solar. Love the mileage too Al. I am leaving in a couple of weeks to boon dock myself. Great setup.

[@jimbuffington3363]

Take back seats out is the key but few are willing m did u put a lift i?on it?

[@1961Duane314]

@@jimbuffington3363 no lift

[@mikesadventures]

I have a 2020 Crosstrek. Great gas mileage. Almost the same camp and off-road set up. 2 things are minor glitches. 1) the worthless little donut spare tire. I’d have to spend $$ and throw it on the roof if I got a full size spare. Kinda sketchy being remote without a reliable spare. 2) The back hatch does not open from the inside. It would be wonderful to sleep with it open under the stars.

[@SuperAudionut]

Going with 10ply LT tires will greatly reduce punctures. Then can carry a tire repair kit for the unexpected.

[@joshwilson6473]

I just set my a living area in the back of my Jeep Patriot and slept in it last night. It worked great.

[@jenniferbrindle7885]

Great interview! I have a similar setup for my Impreza (same size) and it works really for one person traveling on a budget.

[@CathyLarkinWebSavvyPR]

1st i've heard of someone doing it in an Impreza! Cool!

[@seth.graham]

I road trip in a crosstrek as well, the mileage is hard to beat for what the car is capable of. My only complaint with sleeping it is headroom, it's a very low roof. I deal with it by keeping the left rear seat empty so I can sit in it then kinda slinky my way into the sleeping bag.

[@stphns1737]

I totally agree w/ everything said. KO2's are the best, and I took my Coleman stove with me the first time I went out, never used it once and realized I never would. Awesome set up. Envious of 30mpg!

[@theresacassler1637]

I love your car build and your guitar playing, thank you. :)

[@michelleglidingswan4334]

I like how he conserves things instead of buying new stuff.

[@Myyt6908]

love his setup. Subaru's are fantastic SUV's. The guitar was interesting too.

[@otrshark]

Prime example of K.I.S.S. Very practical and simple…love it.

[@trikael]

Car camping was a thing long before 'overland' glamping: it's simple, light and inexpensive.

[@dr.keegan5303]

I love seeeing thins one as I have a similar Subaru so that great to know.

[@waynesweeney]

Nice rig and good setup. I had a similar setup in a 94 Camry Wagon. Have a Lance 845 on a Duramax short bed. As much as I like all the amenities, I miss my Camry Wagon camper. Thanks Tristan for the video.

[@janpiper3068]

Very interesting intervew and setup alot of good information

[@oscarmayer9823]

Good compact setup. You lost me at sardines. But he is old motorcycle rider and still has the traveling bone. You meet the nicest people on the road, usually.

[@ruckinehround6965]

That’s a nice rig…have fun out there AL.

[@StrictlyPlinking]

I have that same trifold mattress. That setup definitely works in the back/bed of my Tacoma.

[@angelacraw2907]

Cool. Great guy, great guitar

[@pdecasere1]

I absolutely LOVE this guy!! And his set-up is excellent!!

[@billbuschgen520]

The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on the Subaru is the closest thing you can get to a jeep. I would like to do just what this man has. Sleep in the Subaru and do all the rest outside. Set up a gazebo tent for shade and company outside...can also close flaps and use as a shelter to poop. Get a unit that clamps on the roof for all the extras and you are good to go....plus great milage.

[@travelguy1564]

I stealth camp in my 2018 Honda Civic Hatchback, sleep in it no problems, and get 40 mpg on the highway! Way better than a huge RV Tank.

[@TheNewMediaoftheDawn]

I actually have a fairly similar set up on my trek…. I sleep on the right and have stuff on the left. Cool guy…

[@sunowl5301]

What a cool guy! Loved the guitar. Always wonder if I could camp in my Crosstrek, apparently it’s a yes!!

[@MadonnaSunSoul]

He has some great ideas!

[@masonstruckadventure9368]

What happy guy. Very smart on the tires

[@escapeartist25]

Great setup and tour! I gained some great ideas for my own small SUV. Thank you for sharing!

[@JLaddStL]

Really appreciate this video setup. I just got a 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness. This gives me ideas of setup since i haven't been able to play around with it yet. Did just order that memory foam mat / bed though. Nice to know it folds up and probably minimal modification for it.

[@samshepperrd]

That's my kind of build. Shows how any car or van can be a home with just a few items from yard sales or a thrift store.

[@JillWess.]

Wow, this was one of your best reviews!

[@terrivermillion8763]

💜 my CrossTrek, I’m using mine to pull a small camper.

[@Meggligee]

I have a 2018 Crosstrek I’ll be heading out in sometimes this year for the first time. Thanks for all the ideas!

[@jefftatchio6091]

Utah Jeff …… here ….just bought my 3rd Subaru Forester and I really enjoy the car …. My only real concern is how the CVT will work off grid . I am considering purchasing a Crosstrek ( older one ) with a 5 - 6 speed manual transmission to use off grid camping. I think overall, it could be a better option. I really enjoyed this informative video. Thanks !

[@lisabritt4284]

Thanks for sharing! Love me some kippered snacks now I gotta go get some lol. Y’all have a great day!

[@joansidor5191]

My Saturday morning ritual. Joan 😅

[@pattie5200]

It would be nice to include contact information for Al or anyone else being interviewed!! Love his setup!!

[@geoffreydlin8043]

Great walk through!! Practical and organized! Safe travels.

[@1951Roy]

Great interview, thanks for sharing

[@jeffMinnesota952]

lotta good info Al, thanks for sharing...

[@snooks73]

Awwww. Cute guitar, cool guy. This was inspiring. I loved my CrossTrek but thought it would be too small for camping.