According to a new report from Kampgrounds of America (KOA), camping has exploded in popularity in the last six years. If you have been out recently, you have experienced overcrowded campsites. You want to get away from it all, but with all the new interest in camping how do you find the solitude? The “sport” of Overlanding allows you to get out, explore, and experience the journey, not just get to a destination. There's a new term called "glamping", but what is it and why is Subaru the perfect vehicle for it?
A new story from WardsAuto says 80 percent of Americans have spent time outdoors since the global coronavirus pandemic began earlier this year, and 32 percent are first-timers. The report also says, because there are new items available like rooftop tents and easy-install camper systems, for vehicles like the Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback, an alternative term “glamping” (glamor camping) has arisen. It's glamorous when you can be isolated and still enjoy some creature comforts.
1. Subaru vehicles have been at the forefront of the glamping movement boosted by the brand’s “go-anywhere” attitude. Subaru doesn’t just offer standard all-wheel-drive on its SUVs; Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback models. They also provide dual-function X-Mode. You can read about the advanced off-pavement feature here and its off-road benefits.
2. You don’t have to spend $20,000 on aftermarket components for your vehicle. You can outfit your Subaru for a few thousand dollars, and your vehicle is ready. All you need are all-terrain tires, camping gear, sports gear, and a roof rack and a top cargo carrier to haul the equipment.
3. You can sleep in your Subaru
If you don’t have $2,000-$3000 to invest in a rooftop tent, newer Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek vehicles are big enough to throw down a sleeping bag, and two people can sleep comfortably in the back.
We found a company that makes cool gear for your Subaru to turn the vehicle into a comfortable and convenient sleeping spot within minutes. The company is Luno Life, and its signature product is an air mattress that is made specifically for your Subaru Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek.
The mattress fits perfectly behind the front seats with the back seats folded flat. They use durable Oxford Nylon fabric, and you can take your furry friends with you on the camping trip as they are pet-friendly for easy cleanup. The mattress costs $224.99.
4. Many aftermarket suppliers
Many aftermarket suppliers offer camping equipment to take your Subaru Forester, Crosstrek or Outback to the next level. There are many styles of rooftop tents, easy-install camper systems, and in-vehicle fridge units to turn your Subaru into a mobile campsite.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press and the founder of Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Comments
Might be great camping but
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Might be great camping but good luck getting there and back reliably. My 2019 crosstrek was on its third cvt whdn i got rid of it. CVT is a fancy word for a $7400 transmission that a big problen. First one at 47000 miles then two in a row at 59000. Sold the car with 61000 miles after owning it one week short of 2 years. Never again Subaru. Back to Jeep.
That sucks, I have 98,000
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In reply to Might be great camping but by C West (not verified)
That sucks, I have 98,000 miles on my 2018 crosstrek and have not have any issues with the tranny, did you get tranny fluid for the cvt?
I'd switch too after all
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In reply to Might be great camping but by C West (not verified)
I'd switch too after all those problems, but jeep is 100x worse. Unreliable Fiat junk
Might be great camping but
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Might be great camping but good luck getting there and back reliably. My 2019 crosstrek was on its third cvt whdn i got rid of it. CVT is a fancy word for a $7400 transmission that a big problen. First one at 47000 miles then two in a row at 59000. Sold the car with 61000 miles after owning it one week short of 2 years. Never again Subaru. Back to Jeep.
I purchased a 2014 Outback
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I purchased a 2014 Outback and drove it 78000 miles without any problems. I gave it to my son who is enjoying it. My other son owns a 2017 Outback and he has not had any problems.
This channel is a totally
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This channel is a totally sponsored Subbie love fest!
Subbies are very overrated and AWD will be nothing but a No Wheel Drive once its crappy CVT fails or overheats and shuts down !!!
This is a great idea! I'm on
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This is a great idea! I'm on my third subaru and they have all taken me on many long journies into the backcountry. I usually just drive to a trail and start backpacking, but the older I get, the more car camping seems like a solid choice. I can officially add camper to the long list of capabilites of the subaru, I couldn't possibly drive anything else!
Yes you could , hope your CVT
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Yes you could , hope your CVT does not poop out on you as it did on so many and even if it is still working why struggle with it when you can have normal and proper automatic ?
My manual 2014 Crosstrek has
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My manual 2014 Crosstrek has been very reliable and I’ve taken it off road and through mountains plenty of times. Sorry you all got the wrong transmission. But if Subaru stops selling manuals my next car will be something else. #NeverCVT
This is why you should have
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In reply to My manual 2014 Crosstrek has by Why-Can’t-Amer… (not verified)
This is why you should have picked a MANUAL transmission. Subie CVTs come from JATCO (IIRC), and they suffer the same problems of other companies that use them (Nissan, etc.). I drive my MANUAL in LA traffic; it can be tedious at times, but worth the peace of mind knowing that I'm not looking at an out-of-warranty $8K bill. To date, the only issue I've had with my Subie (and I've explored trails and desert with it) are a $50 ABS wheel sensor (replaced by me). #NeverCVT. If Subie stops selling MANUAL transmissions, I change brands; never a CVT, worst case is a proper automatic.
Would be nice to have a "hot"
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Would be nice to have a "hot" outlet to charge a phone withouf running the car. I take my 2002 Sierra truck instead of my Forester, because of this. It's a big deal!