Bikepacking may be all the rage right now, but car camping totally rules, too: You get to bring all the tools and amenities that will fit in your vehicle, but you still get to sleep under the stars and swap stories by the campfire. #Win. This gear will take your camping and riding trip to the next level. (Start planning out your best year of __bike camping with the 2017 Bicycling Calendar!)
The Helio doubles as a camp shower and mobile __bike wash. No need to suspend it up high to make it flow—just fill it, pump it up to pressure using the attached foot pump, and then hit the trigger on the seven-foot hose for a stream of water that has enough power and spray time (about five to seven minutes) to clean off bikes—or legs—covered in dry mud. A silicone Helio shower mat ($20) works well for changing before and after rides, too. —Gloria Liu
Coleman offers a modern, versatile propane cooking solution that can act as a grill or a stove thanks to interchangeable tops. It packs down small for the drive to camp, and telescoping legs mean it won’t take up precious space on a table when you get there. —Ron Koch
Big Agnes leveraged its expertise in lightweight, technical outdoor gear to make the ultimate no-frills folding chair. It packs small enough to fit in the back pocket of many car seats, and quickly unfolds into an incredibly comfortable and supportive chair that holds up to 320 pounds. —Ron Koch
Of the dozen or so portable repair stands I’ve used in 30 years as a bike mechanic, the Pro-Elite is one of the most stable and packable, making it the one I reach for when traveling.
It folds down to about four feet by eight inches, gets stashed in its included padded tote, and always finds room in the most crowded car. Three legs create a large footprint that prevents tipping on uneven surfaces. —Mike Yozell
Igloo’s Sportsman series offers similar performance as today’s trendy, superpremium coolers, for less money. The rugged, US-made shell is rotomolded, so it features a continuously thick (1.5 to 2 inches) wall of high-density foam to keep ice frozen and food cold for days longer than cheaper coolers. It’s also certified bear-resistant.
The 40-quart version holds five six-packs or enough food to fuel two people for about three days. And at 23 pounds empty, it’s fairly easy to lift and maneuver. —Joe Lindsey
A good travel mug prolongs the pleasure of a morning camp coffee. CamelBak claims that the double-walled, vacuum-insulated steel Forge will keep your brew hot for six hours, and I’ve come close to being able to vouch for that. A screw-on lid with a sealed mouthpiece lets you stash it in a pack without spillage, and a side button opens up the mouthpiece just enough for a pull, but not enough for hot liquids to flood your mouth. —Gloria Liu
The Atacama tent was designed for adventure motorcycle use, but its “garage” vestibule design makes it equally great for camping with bicycles. The large walk- or ride-through garage—which is tall enough to stand in—is separate from the three-person sleeping compartment, keeping multiple bikes and gear protected and your living quarters clean. A clever kit ($65 for two poles and some guy ropes) expands coverage by turning the garage door into an awning. —Ron Koch
This quilted puffy jacket insulates your beverage well, feels great in your hand, and makes foam or neoprene coozies seem uncivilized. —Ron Koch
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