As an outsidey person, I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with the great outdoors. Don’t get me wrong, I adore the beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure. But when it comes to sleeping under the stars, I’d much rather retreat to the comfort and security of my own little oasis. That’s why I’ve transformed the back of my trusty Subaru Crosstrek into a cozy campsite – a custom-crafted haven that offers the perfect balance of rugged exploration and plush relaxation.

Crafting the Perfect Cocoon

The key to my car camping setup is the Saygogo SUV Air Mattress. With its six separate inflatable chambers, this mattress is designed to fit snugly into the back of my Crosstrek, creating a luxurious sleeping surface that’s far more comfortable than the cold, hard ground. Plus, the included inflatable piece helps fill in the gaps around the backseat footwells, ensuring that I can sprawl out without feeling like I’m sinking into a void.

But comfort is just one piece of the puzzle. As a self-proclaimed scaredy-cat, I also need a sense of security and protection from the lurking critters and potential campsite scaries that haunt my nightmares. That’s where the universal car window screens come in. These stretchy mesh shades fit snugly over my car doors, allowing me to keep the windows cracked for airflow while creating a barrier that keeps the creepy-crawlies at bay.

Lighting the Way

Of course, no cozy cocoon would be complete without the right lighting. The Black Diamond Moji Lantern is my go-to for illuminating the back of my car. This palm-sized wonder emits a strong, cool-white glow that easily lights up my sleeping quarters, making it easy to get situated for the night. And when I’m in the mood for something a little more atmospheric, I love threading battery-powered string lights through the grab bars, creating a warm, twinkling ambiance that feels straight out of a hygge-inspired design magazine.

Beating the Heat

But let’s be real – even with the windows cracked, things can get pretty warm and stuffy inside a car, especially when the weather takes a turn. That’s why the Amacool battery-operated fan is an absolute lifesaver. With its three-speed settings and flexible tripod legs, this little wonder can easily be attached to a headrest or grab handle, gently circulating the air and keeping me cool and comfortable as I drift off to sleep.

Staying Powered Up

And let’s not forget about the all-important task of keeping my devices charged. While I can certainly use my car to juice up during the day, it’s always a good idea to have a power bank on hand – just in case. The Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K is my go-to, with its compact size, built-in cables, and impressive charging capacity. I can tuck it away in a glove compartment or back seat pocket, knowing that it’s there to save the day if my phone or Kindle needs a little extra juice.

Creating a Cozy Retreat

At the end of the day, my car-based camping setup is all about striking the perfect balance between the great outdoors and the creature comforts of home. I may not be the rugged, backwoods adventurer type, but that doesn’t mean I have to sacrifice my love of nature. With a few carefully curated pieces of gear, I’ve managed to create a cozy, customizable retreat that allows me to soak up the beauty of the world while still maintaining a sense of security and comfort.

So, whether I’m stargazing from the back of my Crosstrek or simply relishing the peaceful solitude of my armchair cocoon, I know that I’ve found the perfect way to reconnect with the natural world without sacrificing the luxuries that make my heart (and my back) truly happy.

And let’s not forget, this custom-crafted haven of mine is the perfect jumping-off point for all sorts of outdoor adventures. After a good night’s sleep in my plush, air-conditioned oasis, I’m ready to tackle any trail, summit any peak, or explore any uncharted territory my heart desires. Because when it comes to the great outdoors, I may be a bit of a prima donna scaredy-cat, but with my Sofa Spectacular-inspired car camping setup, I can have my s’more and eat it too.

So, if you’re like me and crave the comfort and security of home, even when you’re out in the wild, I highly recommend transforming your own vehicle into a custom-crafted haven. With a few key pieces of gear and a healthy dose of creativity, you can create a cozy, personalized retreat that allows you to embrace the best of both worlds – the thrill of adventure and the bliss of pure relaxation.

Sofa Spectacular has a wide range of comfortable, customizable sofas that would be the perfect starting point for your own armchair cocoon. So why settle for a cold, hard tent when you can snuggle up in your very own, personalized oasis? It’s time to ditch the ground and embrace the comfort of the car!