Thread: Winter camping: sleep in vehicle or something else?

I'm slowly starting to do more and more overnight trips, so far I've just been sleeping in my tent, a small 2 man with no covered cooking area.
It's fine when the weather is good/warm, but sleeping on the cold ground in winter isn't great and if it's raining it's just miserable.

Even with an insulated inflatable hiking mattress the cold soaked ground gets to me eventually, so need to try something different.

I'm always going to be near my vehicle so feel like sleeping in that is a good idea, more than enough room.
However I don't want to spend a fortune on awnings, built in storage/kitchen etc.

Really I just want a simple tarp/cover/awning type set up that'll allow me to get in and out of the car under cover, cook under cover, and be able to stand up in.

I know I could just buy a $10 tarp from bunnings but then need poles, guide rope, etc. So a pre made solution would be preferred.

Would be keen to see pictures of anyone's setup, or get some products recommendations.
Also considering a swag, doesn't solve the under cover issue, but seems like a simple all in one tent, mattress, sleeping bag solution.

one thing I will not go without is my thermal blanket very light - its the kind used in old folks homes under patients - does not let wet thru - placed on top of thermal mattress its insulates one from the ground cold really well and can be folded over sleeping bag if needed - totally recommended - camps have been a black plastic man for years just does the job

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....ehicle-106458/

Originally Posted by Shearer

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....ehicle-106458/

I saw that thread, was hoping for a little more than just throw a mattress in the back.

Your FJ set up looks up nice, a ply internal setup like yours would be nice. Not sure I want a roof rack and awning setup though, a simple removable awning is all I really need.

Originally Posted by Beetroot

I saw that thread, was hoping for a little more than just throw a mattress in the back.

Your FJ set up looks up nice, a ply internal setup like yours would be nice. Not sure I want a roof rack and awning setup though, a simple removable awning is all I really need.

A big gazebo perhaps to cover the side of the vehicle? Is it a car, wagon, ute?

Originally Posted by Shearer

A big gazebo perhaps to cover the side of the vehicle? Is it a car, wagon, ute?

It's gotta be a Landy surely guessing a D3?

Originally Posted by Beetroot

Also considering a swag, doesn't solve the under cover issue, but seems like a simple all in one tent, mattress, sleeping bag solution.

In dry weather they can be really nice. Once they have been rained on they become heavy and wet everything inside and out when you attempt to stow them back away in your wagon.

I've long been a fan of sleeping in the truck in winter, easy pack up in the morning with no wet gear.
I'm 175cm and my only Terrano had heaps of space and I could crack the rear window for ventilation

My current 5dr vitara is too short so I've gone for a lightweight rooftop tent.
It's pretty quick to pitch, under 2mins and the heavy canvas is much more water and windproof than my regular hiking tents.

Originally Posted by trooper90

It's gotta be a Landy surely guessing a D3?

Yes D3, heaps of room in the back.
The way the back door opens it'd suit a read awning, as opposed to a side mounted one.

I actually have a roof rack but I took it off as it was a bit noisy and increased fuel consumption.
I can probably put a side mounted awning on the roof bars easy enough, but really would rather the work from the back of the vehicle.

Make do with what you have. To be fair I'm a short arse, but I've slept inside a Toyota Rav 4, my much loved Hilux (RIP) cab, and most recently the Missus' BMW 1 series. Most sleeps are garbage, but that's par for the course a night before, and much more preferable/safer than 3am long drive missions. Pack a spare sleeping pad/mattress/comfortable bedding/pillow/eye patch/ear plugs from home) so your hunting pack/gear is ready to go the next morning. Pack a LED light, water, snacks for breakie and toilet paper at the back of the car for the early hours. If you want a coffee (I understand) pack a hot thermos of hot water or pre-made coffee and mug - your ready to go. Your gonna need to leave the windows down during the night, and ear plugs keeps the mozzies away. Make sure the car key is on your person, so you DO NOT lock yourself out of the car on a midnight toilet run. When the dog makes his move and hogs the mattress fight him for it (all night).

My wife bought me one of these and the idea was great as I sleep in the back of our Ford Territory. The back seats fold down absolutely flat which gives enough space between the front seats and the rear door for my 196cm Thermarest. The problem is that the rear door can't be opened from inside.

Tying if off to the door handles may be problematic too?

Originally Posted by Shearer

Tying if off to the door handles may be problematic too?

To be honest I wouldn't know. Since I can't open the rear door from inside I have never used it, in fact it is still in the sealed package it arrived in.

Originally Posted by Shearer

Tying if off to the door handles may be problematic too?

You could always tie off to the back wheels.

Originally Posted by Tech

My wife bought me one of these and the idea was great as I sleep in the back of our Ford Territory. The back seats fold down absolutely flat which gives enough space between the front seats and the rear door for my 196cm Thermarest. The problem is that the rear door can't be opened from inside.
Attachment 273142Attachment 273143

Most older cars had an internal latch release, if yours is electronic you could always wire in a second button inside, that's assuming its bothering you enough to make the extra effort.