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SO CAL CAR LIFE
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items Welcome to the most expensive state in the nation. If you get stuck in your car ongoing, you will need to get scientific about how to make it work. These tips are also great if you travel for tourneys or last minute plans when all the hotels are boo...
Sections
7
Sleeper Seat
Car windows
Cleaning Agents
Food Storage, Utensils
Food Prep, Serving
Utilities
Sleeper Seat
Sleeping in a car is easier than you thought, and more helpful than I'd ever imagined. What started as a coast to coast family caregiver strategy turned into a family saving relationship w my son who I'd have otherwise had to leave. Being the dad who...
This is the third item you'll need; experiment w the right thickness and try to adjust for the contour in your passenger seat so you can sleep on a flat surface. Getting just the right thickness is key, more than a yoga mat but less than a raft. This...
Shop Camper Sleeping Pads & Mats
I got the purple pillow for my birthday one year and it literally saved me in a pinch. If you're tall, you may need to bolster the back of your knees (extra room for height).. these are great pillows for tradition use but I used mine to bolster hips ...
The Purple Pillow® | Ergonomic GelFlex Grid Pillow
If you have kids you should use these but also if you sleep in your car you can protect the surface and extend the lifetime plus boost your resale. There are many types, some are more expensive, IMO this is a great investment. Pick out colors that na...
Car Seat Covers for Auto Interior Protection
It truly is the same (thin) pads you'd use at a campsite that you'd want in a car. The trick in a car is they can't be thick or you'll be too near the car dome/roof on the inside.
9 Best Sleeping Pads (Backpacking, Car Camping & More)
What does Reddit say? Those are some great setups, in my case I was foung it in a sedan.
Your favorite budget (car camping) sleeping pad
Still one of the grestest hacks of all time, this idea was borne from a single and solitary idea. I refuse to be a victim and I also refuse to abandon my son w his mom.
Seat sleeper to rideshare ready
Car windows
From blocking out the light to staying incognito, this is literally your first piece of spy gear for car life in the urban wild. Tons of people in sunny So Cal use them to keep their car cool; no one cares if someone is inside. Out of sight, out of m...
When you park, throw the front screen up, walk around to your passenger seat and chill long as you like. This keeps the temperature down a lot. You might think in Cali you'd be outside but the sun and wind will burn you quick so park in a carport, bl...
Car Sun Shades for UV Protection
For sleeping in your car, you really don't want outsiders knowing you're in there. It's important to lock your doors also. Get you back windows limo tint then put these in the front which is also 35% tinted out. If you don't have these, use a shirt o...
Sfee Car Window Shade 2 Pack Retractable
The glare proofing is good but I prefer opaque. Still, better than nothing, gets darker as sun sets especially behind tinted glass.
Sun Shades for Car Windows
Cleaning Agents
It's truly awesome how well leather cleans, how supple it restores, how rich it smells. Don't let it get too dry & it will keep for ages.
Car Leather Cleaners
It's nice how well this stuff works but I recommend you cover your face as you apply. Be mindful of being downwind of your own work and don't lick your lips after.
Meguiar's, Hot Rims Wheel and Tire Cleaner, G9524
Dash and glass care is a really nice touch especially if your car starts taking on a smell of it's own. Like anything life is full of oils, residues, dirty hands and feet plus food spills. Be prompt, take care of it, I make sure to have this in the t...
Turtle Wax Quick and Easy Dash and Glass Car Interior
If you haven't shopped for this stuff lately, you might notice an explosion of options. No real difference between the autozone places and the major super retailers.
Microfiber Noodle Tech Interior Duster
Food Storage, Utensils
The cooler I have is perfect for the following reasons: It doesn’t take up my whole trunk, plus it can be both loaded and unloaded (bail out the old water w a cup) without removing it. New ice in and old water out is absolutely the key. In the middle...
Coleman Chiller Cooler 9/16/30/48/60qt Options
This one has a drawer. When my son was having all-day track meets, I would astonish him by pulling out chocolate milk and eating salad that is crisp and fresh at 3pm. I'm saying, turning your car into a full food ready machine is a miracle. On the th...
Waterproof Cooler Containers
Using small water tight containers inside the cooler is key if you want to keep brownies or something that can't get soaked. Unexpected hiding place for mini flashlight, wallet or other valuable items like keys or smokes.
Small Waterproof Dry Box for Kayaking 5.5x4x2.4"
For a car-thermos, you'll want the larger, largest metal ones (no microsplastic) that are double layer which prevents external condensation. Having a bunch of these is nice assurance as it gives cooking water. Refill them w your cooler ice as it melt...
Thermos 64 oz. Icon Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle
I find chopsticks especially useful for car as they don't break easily, fit well in door and are good for salad and rice. Very easy to clean and slim storage profile. Didn't realize they come in bulletproof titanium.
Premium 304 Stainless Steel Chopsticks Set - 2 Pairs Titanium Plated Japanese Style
What's reddit say about Chopsticks vs spoon? Spoon is nice but you can drink from a bowl. Chopsticks will save you in a pinch.
A spoon and a fork are more practical than using chopsticks
Sharp serrated knife blade is quite important for many things like tomatoes, cucumber, mango or potato. Mine is shockingly sharp and I store one in the trunk and one under my heavy plastic floor mat.
Serrated Knife
Food Prep, Serving
Easy to forget items but if you don't have them you'll need to cut on a hardcover hook and eat w the back of a pen. The pen absorbs the liquid, its not a good look. Place your cutting board upright next to the cooler in the trunk with a rag that will...
Being in your car is like camping. It's easy to forget what we have at home, but need in car. You need to pack in pack our all your food prep and serving surfaces. Bamboo is naturally antibacterial so it's a nice choice over wood or plastic which can...
Bamboo Cutting Board Set
I find chopsticks especially useful for car as they don't break easily, fit well in door and are good for salad and rice. Very easy to clean and slim storage profile.
Chopsticks | Reusable Wood & Bamboo Options
Utilities
Agsin since you're not at home, planning for napkins and eating utensils csn be ready to forget. A good trick for washing items is to do it in a thick ziploc bag which is like having a small sink.
This item could save you. For all the bad press, these break down and pull apart easily so they don't destroy or build up in plumbing.
Kirkland Signature Premoistened Flushable Wipes
Non fragrant is cool but I kind of like the coconut wet wipes, get 'er done camper. It can be 50-100+ miles between rest stops in the Utah desert.
Equate Flushable Wet Wipes, Coconut Scent, 96 Wipes
It doesn't look like much but a real camper has to think or and carry everything. Get it right and you'll enjoy the whole experience more.
Kitchen Sink - Past Season
Power
Getting a solar device is great but you'll also want something that lives in console box
BLAVOR 10,000mAh Solar Wireless Charger
These come in many sizes; what's nice is having about four sizes for different items.
High Capacity Power Bank 100000mAh Fast Charging
These are much larger than what I use; this would be good for families, prolonged dates
The Best Power Stations of 2026 | Lab Tested & Ranked
These are versatile; my main is just a bit smaller
Portable Power Banks & Chargers Perfect for the Outdoors
These are similar to the size I have in my car. Mine was $80; it is constantly charging while I drive so its typically ready when needed. What's nice is that it can be used while it's charging, so my son can play games on my phone while I'm driving
0.7'' Ultra-Slim 20000mAh 45W Power Bank