The Ultimate Car Camping Experience

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Camp in your car for maximum comfort and safety

Sleeping in your car is a whole lot easier now that Luno Life created the Luno Mattress. I for one am an avid camper and for years have pitched my tent and set up camp at all hours of the day and night. Car camping was never really a thought to me or on my radar until I read about the Luno Air Mattress 2.0.

Nowadays when I go camping, I take my Toyota RAV4 in which I have a Luno Mattress designed specifically to fit the interior. Camping in general is cheaper than paying for lodging at a hotel, but car camping with the Luno Mattress is not only cheaper but way easier than pitching a tent.

The mattress is designed to fit the exact specifications of your vehicle and is easy to set up and inflate. This has easily been one of the best purchases I have made especially when it comes to something my wife and I plus our dogs love to do.

Who is LUNO Life?

Luno Life is a relatively new company but they are solely dedicated to enhancing the car camping experience. The Luno Life goal is provide as much comfort and ease to the camping experience.

The founders of the company came up with the idea while on a snowboarding trip to Mammoth because they were fed up and over the steep price of hotels. During their trip they decided to sleep in their Subaru and from there, the idea of Luno Life was born.

Luno Life has a small team of designers whose primary goal is to enhance your car camping experience and make it as affordable and effortless as possible.

About the Luno Life Mattress

The Luno Life air mattress is a great place to start for anyone looking to car camp, camp in general and especially for those looking to transition into the van life experience. Luno is the answer for not only for comfortability but also in price.

Besides the mattress being extremely comfortable, which I was skeptical about at the start, the efficiency and simplicity of the mattress is what I love the most. The quick and easy set up features of th mattress mean I can enjoy a good full nights sleep whether I’m pulled off of a road or deep in the wilderness.

Luno is designed for the beginner or experienced campers whether you are on a short trip with loved one, or one a full year trip living out of your car. The mattress serves both purposes and will leave you with a great nights sleep.

Despite being just an air mattress, when you are in the wilderness or on a trip, Luno is your bed and believe me, it feel just as comfortable as the one in your own home.

Pros

Comfort: The Luno Air Mattress 2.0 is incredibly made and offers a great and comfortable sleep. I blow the mattress up about 80% so I can have a little give, and gives me a great nights sleep during my travels. The mattress inflates to 4 inches thick so you won’t be sleeping not her hard car surface.

Convenient and Effortless: The Luno Air Mattress is very easy to set up. Roll it out along the back of your vehicle and blow the mattress up with the plug in air pump. In all, you can be ready to sleep within 5 minutes of starting the process.

Specifically Designed for Your Vehicle: Luno Life offers travelers the ability to pick from specific vehicles, mainly vehicles associated with travel but they do have a wide variety that they design the mattresses for. The mattress fits perfectly to your vehicle and even fits around and over the wheel wells. The mattress does take up the entirety of the back of the car which offers you more room for comfort.

Much Cheaper than Paying for Lodging: The Luno Mattress is made and sold as an affordable alternative to staying in a hotel. Your Luno Mattress will save you a ton of money if you travel frequently and pay for lodging often.

Provides you with a sense of security while camping: For me, I typically don’t think about the fact that there is nothing really protecting me from the outside while I am in my tent, but for many people this thought deters them from enjoying the beauty of camping. The Luno Mattress is a safe alternative to pitching a tent and provides the security of a home while getting your sleep at night.

Cons

Loss of Storage: With the purchase of your Luno Mattress and it’s usage during your trip, you will inevitably lose storage space. This can be a little problematic if traveling as a pair. Typically for my wife and I, we transfer our belongings to the front of our RAV4 while we sleep.

Air Pump can break easily: The air pump is a great and easy feature for the set up of the air mattress, but the design and build does seem a little cheap. Be careful when transferring or using the air pump because one drop on a hard surface and your out of luck for inflating the mattress.

Takes up a good amount of space in a travel bag: I used my Luno Air Mattress during a recent camping trip my wife and I took to Alaska. We packed up the mattress in a Osprey Travel Bag, and it was pretty heavy and took up a good amount of space.

About Luno Air Mattress continued:

The best part of the Luno Mattress is the effortless set up. When you receive your mattress in the mail you may experience a little bit of a learning curve but the mattress comes with a step by step set up instruction guide so it won’t be long before you are using the mattress.

My personal favorite part of the mattress is the ability to inflate either side of the mattress. I typically travel with my wife and dogs, so while we are on the move, we inflate one side of the mattress so that our 2 dogs have a comfortable surface to lay on while driving. The other side thats e do not inflate is where we keep our gear during the journey. If you travel as a single, you could keep one side inflated for sleeping and one side for storage and you won’t lose any space because of the mattress.

Who Should Buy Luno?

The Luno Life Air Mattress is a perfect purchase for those who love the outdoors and travel quite frequently. As stated before it is a great purchase for anyone from experienced travelers to beginners. If you love to camp and enjoy the outdoors, then Luno is for you.

I am super satisfied with my Luno purchase and use it frequently, but that does not mean that I don’t pitch tent and enjoy some traditional camping when on the road. A great benefit of the Luno Mattress is that is offers the choice between both.

Luno Air Mattress Vehicle Compatibility

The Luno mattress was originally designed for the Subaru Outback, and after receiving great reviews, Luno Life embarked on a mission to make car camping compatible for all SUVs and hatchbacks. If you are looking to take an SUV or Subaru out to the campgrounds or take your smaller hatchback out, Luno most likely has a design for you.

Specifications and Dimensions of the Luno Air Mattress 2.0

Height	4ft
Width	Typically depends on your vehicle
Depth	Typically depends on your vehicle
Weight	15lbs
Weight Limit	600lbs maximum

Click here to see of your vehicle is Luno Life compatible.

Warranty

Luno Life offers a lifetime warranty for $19.99 on all products and purchases of $100 or more. If you are purchasing the mattress, then you’ll be spending more than that and therefore the lifetime warranty applies to you. This warranty applies the mattress, any accessories including the air pump in which can be shipped to you in less than a week.

Price

For those of us campers and frequent travelers we all now that gear does not come cheap. I like to look at my Luno Mattress as an investment for the future therefore I can rationalize the purchase of the mattress.

The Air Mattress 2.0 runs at a price of $329.99 but they have other mattress types that run from $400for differing mattresses to $584.99 for a camper van starter pack. The price of the mattress may be a little more pricey than your typical tent, but what it does offer you is the quality of a great product and to be fair the price is around the same price as most hotels per night.

Comfort

For me, I fond the Luno Mattress incredibly comfortable and much more comfortable than setting a air pad and sleeping bag in a tent. I still camp under the stars in my tent from time to time, but I mostly I love to set up the mattress in the car and be comfortable when I sleep.

The support that the mattress offers my body in particular my bag while sleeping is unmatched form whatI have found on camping trips. The mattress design and air beams give it a level of comfortless that I am not really willing to give up while on camping trips. As I stated before my perfect level of comfort is to inflate the mattress about 80% to offer myself a little give and sinking feeling when I sleep.

The air mattress 2.0 is made up of a 300D Oxford material which is a soft micro-fiber material that gives the mattress a cool feel and sturdy finish.

The mattress comes equipped with 2 base extenders for those that are taller than the normal folk. I my self am of average height and use there base extenders to fill the gap between the front seats so that my head has a firm surface to rest on while being able to fully extend inside the vehicle.

Durability

The Luno Mattress is a very durable product. Most of us when buying any type of air mattress are immediately thinking about it popping or deflating due to a tiny hole on the surface. The Luno Mattress is designed to hold up to 600 pounds and is made with the 300D Oxford material which is designed with withstand wood chips, sharp objects, and most importantly for me, pet claws.

Luno Air Mattress Accessories

Luno Life offers a wide variety of accessories that go along with the purchase of your air mattress from starter packs, window screens, fans, and cordless air pumps.

Car Camping Checklist:

• Luno Mattress: Obviously you can’t forget the mattress.
• Pillows
• Sleeping Bags or Blankets: Don’t forget to pack a sleeping bag or blanket. I typically bring a large two person North Face sleeping bag for my soft and I and a blanket to lay on to of the mattress for extra comfort.
• Car Camping Lights
• Camping Chairs: We always bring our camping chairs so we can not only enjoy relaxing inside our vehicle but outside it as well. We toss the chairs around a fire and relax and enjoy the outdoors.
• Kitchen Set
• YETI Cooler: I love my YETI cooler for the fact that I can fit all my drinks and food inside and don’t have to worry about them getting warm or wildlife from getting at it.
• Eureka! Ignite Portable 2-Burner Propane Camping Stove: The camping stove is an absolute must for those looking to enjoy a few days in the outdoors. Save money on eating out every night by storing your food in your YETI cooler and cook it up when you are ready.
• JetBoil: Arguably one of my best and favorite purchases, my JetBoil is essential for some morning coffee and I love heating up water for oatmeal during breakfast.
• Headlamps or Lanterns: We all have to get in the middle of the night and do something on accession, be sure you have some lanterns or headlamps to light the way for you in the woods.

Alternatives to the Luno Air Mattress

There are plenty of alternatives to the Luno Life Air Mattress. A simple google search will lead to a bunch of websites selling car mattresses. Some popular alternatives are:

• Lammyner Car Air Mattress Inflatable Bed
• Farasla SUV Air Mattress
• SAYGOGO SUV Air Mattress Camping Bed 

If purchasing a air mattress for your car is not on your agenda you can always lay down some sleeping pads, or stack blankets ion the bank of the car to sleep on.

Luno Air Mattress Overview

After reading this review I think you can safely say that I love my Luno Mattress and I will tell anyone who is willing to listen why they should purchase it! From the comfort, to the ease, to the durability the Luno Air Mattress 2.0 is one of the best camping tools on the market today. I you are even remotely thinking about purchasing it, don’t hesitate just do it! Trust me it’s worth it.

Want 30 dollars off your Luno Air Mattress? Check out the referral code below:

Check out our camping essentials checklist here:

Seasoned Camper or New to Camping? No worries either way!

Whether you are a seasoned camper or looking to get into camping, there are some tips and tricks when it comes to camping that could make your life easier and your time more enjoyable. Below are some tips from our time in the outdoors that make our camping adventures enjoyable, safe, and efficient.

Camping Tips

Use a Camping Checklist

Ever finished packing or doing something and remembered that you forgot something? Everyone has. That can be very troubling when camping depending on what your forgot. Make a checklist of your gear and what you are planning on bringing. Check them off as you pack them away to ensure you have all the necessary essentials for your camping trip. Take a look at our Essential Camping Checklist Post.

Check the weather in advance

This may seem like a no brainer, but many times the weather can change quickly and staying ahead of it will make it easier to be prepared for any weather that comes your way. This also helps in making sure you pack appropriately for any weather situation.

Plan your Activities, adventures, and travel ahead of time

Camping is a lot of fun. Doing outdoor or indoor activities on your camping trip is essential to enjoying your trip. It is always best o have a plan of what you would like to do. If you need a reservation or tif there are special instructions it is best to know and have a plan before going on your trip and it is too late.

Pack a First Aid Kit when Camping

Hopefully you will not need this. But, in the woods or on the road, it is always best to have a first aid kit in case of any situation that arises. Make sure you check your kit and add the essentials if you are missing anything.

Check the Local Fire Hazard Advisory

No one wants to be the cause of a wildfire so always be sure to check the fire hazard guide for the local area in which you are traveling to. Most places will have this posted but in the event that it is not listed, do your part and come prepared with that knowledge.

Buy Local Firewood

Don’t bring your own firewood if you are traveling to a destination in which you are not a resident. Most firewood has its own natural habitat in which the humidity plays a big part in whether the wood will burn. It is always smart to be prepared with fire wood for your camp site, so pick up some at local store or at the campsite if they sell wood there.

Pack Lights and Headlamps

When night falls on your campsite, it ca be quite dark and makes it very hard to see what is around you. Hanging lights around your site, and in your tent can be beneficial to seeing and enjoying your evening in your campsite. Many campgrounds have toilets and showers and if you need to go in the middle of night, a headlamps is essential for maneuvering around the campgrounds.

Pack a fold up table and some camping chairs

In case your camp site does not offer a picnic table or something similar, it’s always crucial to have some seating and a table to cook or prep on. If you plan on having a fire and enjoying some campfire tales, it’s always nice to have some chairs to chill on.

Check the campsite rules and regulations ahead of time

Most campground s have some sort of rules and regulations. Whether it be quiet hours, posting your reservation receipt so the rangers know you paid for your spot, pet regulations, and so on, it is beneficial to know the do’s and don’ts before your set up camp.

Pack away your valuables

Unfortunately, even in campgrounds full of families enjoying their time together, there may be some opportunistic individuals up to no good when it comes to your belongings. Make sure you pack away and don’t leave out anything you wish to not be stolen.

Food/Cooking Tips for Camping

Plan your meals beforehand

Take this from me. Arriving at your campsite, setting up camp and realizing you still need to eat and have no idea what to eat is no fun. Plan some meals prior to the trip, pack them away, and your life will be much easier.

Collect and Dispose of your waste properly

This is by far the most important thing to do when camping. No one wants to see trash and food scraps littered around their tent sites. The wind can blow trash, and let’s be honest, you should be disposing everything properly in your day to day life, so let’s not change that here! Most campground shave proper disposal sites so be sure to check the out and follow the instructions. Also depending on where you are, wildlife can be an unwelcome guest.

Bring reusable water bottles and a water jug

Having enough water is essential when camping. Bring reusable water bottles is essential for going on day adventures and keeping your water cold. Some things you may not think of is that if you are cooking your own food, you will need extra water to wash your hands and your utensils and bowls/dishes. Leaving dirty dishes and utensils is an invitation or wildlife to visit your site looking for some scraps.

Research nearby Grocery Stores and Restaurants

Having an idea of what is around you when it comes to food and grocery stores is always nice to know.

Sleeping Tips when Camping

Pack warm clothes for night time

Most of the time when you are out camping, it tends to get a little colder (depending on whee you are). So pack some warm sleeping clothes just in case. you can always take layers off but you can’t put them on if you don’t have them.

Pack a sleeping pad or air mattress

If you are new to camping you may think a sleeping bag is enough, and it a lot of cases it can be for sure! But, packing and having a sleeping pad or air mattress for inside your tent can be very essential for a comfortable night sleep.

Pack sleeping bags and a comfy pillow for Camping

Make sure you have your sleeping bag and know how to set them top inside your tent. A pillow is absolutely crucial in enjoying a good comfortable with sleep. You could bring a pillow from your bed, or a blow up camping pillow. Just make sure you have a pillow.

Bring extra blankets

Again, you may not need extra blankets, but it is always nice to have incase you are uncomfortable or cold. You could always lay them underneath you for better comfort.

Tent Tips when Camping

Practice setting up your tent in advance

It is always a good idea to set up your tent in advance. The last you want to do is get your camp site, go to set up your tent and realize you don’t really know how to do it. Practice in advance and it should be a breeze getting your site ready for your stay.

Set up your tent during daylight hours

Take this from me as someone who has had to set up a tent in the dark more times that I would like, it is not easy or fun. If you are able to arrive and set up camp during daylight. it is beneficial to do so.

Check the ground you are pitching tent on

Checking the ground before pitching tent can be very helpful in ensuring a comfortable nights sleep. make sure you check for rocks, twigs, holes, etc…

Do not set up tent directly under a tree

A common mistaker for new campers is setting their tent up directly underneath a tree. Yes, trees make for great shade and cool spot to chill, but wind can cause branches to fall and no one wants to be awoken in the middle of the night by a downed branch or tree limb.

Make sure you have your tent pegs

Just about all tents come with pegs to ensure your tent is secure to the ground in case of heavy wind. Make sure you have these packed away with your tent (ideally in same bag), and you have the proper tools (hammers, etc.) to secure them to the ground.

Always zip the tent when entering and leaving

No one likes to have little critters and bugs crawling on them especially inside your tent when you are trying to sleep. One to avoid uninvited guests, is making sure when entering and leaving your tent you immediately zip up the slats of the tent. If you leave them unzipped, I promise you, bugs will get in.

Don’t wear shoes in your tent

Your tent should be kept clean when camping as this is essentially your home when you are on your trip. Keep your shoes off when entering the tent.

Make sure your tent is dry before storing

This one is crucial. Most tents tend to get wet especially over night or if it rains. Make sure the tent is completely dry to avoid mold when storing your tent.

Make sure to checkout our Essential Camping Checklist for more of an idea on what to bring for your camping adventure.

Disclaimer: Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from amazon.com.

Having an Essential Camping Checklist list and making sure you pack appropriately is crucial when prepping for your upcoming trip

Whenever I gear up for an upcoming trip, whether that be camping, hiking, or anything of that nature, I make sure that I have a checklist of all the gear that I need and I make sure I check it off as it gets packed. Having a camping checklist can be an easy and effective way to ensure that of your gear and essentials don’t get left behind.

Camping Checklist

Campsite

• Tent: Closest to our Tent (REI) is The North Face Stormbreak 2-Person Tent
• Tent Footprint
• Sleeping Bag(s): Our personal favorite is the Mountain Hardware Bozeman
• Sleeping Pad (Inflatable): We use the Thermarest Trail Scout Sleeping Bad
• Pillows: Our favorite is the Wise Owl Camping Outfitters Camping Pillow
• Tent Lights. We use the Eno Eagles Nest Twilight Light Strings
• Camp Spot Lights: We use the MPowered Luck Outdoor 2.0 Solar Inflatable Light
• Headlamps or Lantern: We use the EverBrite Headlamps
• Camping Chairs: Trekology Yizi GO-Compact Camping Chairs
• Fold Up Table

Additional Items for Campsite

• Locally sourced fire wood
• Hammock: We use the Eno SingleNest Lightweight Camping Hammock
• Shade/Tarp for site

Tools

• Multi-tool(s)
• Hammer or Mallet (for tent stakes)
• Mini Saw or Axe (cutting fire wood)
• Duct Tape

Kitchen

• Camp Stove and Fuel: Personal favorite is the Eureka! Ignite Portable 2-Burner Propane Camping Stove
• Lighter or Matches
• Pots or Pans: We use the Bateray Camping Cookware Set
• Utensils: Our favorite are the Magware Magnetic Camping Utensils Set
• Jet Boil and fuel
• Cups or Mugs: YETI Rambler 10 oz Stackable is our choice
• Camping Sink
• Cooler: We use the Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler
• Water Jug: Our favorite is the Igloo 5-10 Gallon Sports Water Cooler
• Reusable Water Bottle: Personal Favorite is the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth
• Food Storage Containers

Clothing/Gear

• Moisture Wicking T-shirts
• Quick dry pants/shorts
• Outdoor shoes/boots: Personal favorite is the Columbia Flow Centre Sneaker
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Moisture Wicking Long Sleeve Shirts
• Rain Coat: I use The North Face Active Stretch Shell for men and women
• Lightweight Jacket
• Sleeping Clothes
• Fast Dry Socks

Hygiene and Protection

• Tooth Brush and toothe paste
• First Aid Kit
• Sanitary Wipes
• Toilet Paper (just in case)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Bug Spray
• Toiletry Bag: I use the Dopobo Toiletry Bag
• Pack Towel(s):We use the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
• Lip Balm: I use the Duke Canon Supply Co Tactical Lip Balm

Camping Checklist Essentials Overview

Hopefully you found these items useful in gearing up fro your next adventure. Making sure you have a detailed list with all of your necessities and essentials could have a huge impact on whether your trip is enjoyable or not. Have a great trip and enjoy your adventures!