8 Essential Gear Items for Truck and ATV Camping Trips

Picture turning off the paved highway, dropping the tire pressure, and watching the dust rise behind a truck loaded with an ATV and camp gear. Combining a truck and an ATV unlocks remote, pristine backcountry campsites that standard vehicles simply cannot reach. Succeeding on these self-supported overlanding trips requires a deliberate blend of rugged vehicle reliability and highly functional gear designed to survive hours of intense trail vibration.

Disclosure: This site earns commissions from listed merchants at no cost to you. Thank you!

How to Prep Your Rig and ATV for Remote Camping

Heading into the backcountry with a truck and an ATV demands a systematic approach to preparation. Unlike standard car camping, remote sites offer zero amenities, meaning every piece of gear must serve a clear purpose and function flawlessly under dusty, bumpy conditions. Proper prep begins weeks before departure by mapping out the terrain, verifying land-use permits, and planning a realistic route that matches the ground clearance of both vehicles.

Staging the vehicle setup at home is the best way to avoid trailside headaches. Lay out all gear on the driveway, inspect every strap, and test-run the campsite layout to ensure everything fits seamlessly within the truck bed or ATV racks. This dry run reveals missing components, like a lost tent pole or an empty propane canister, long before cellular service disappears.

Staging also allows for a critical assessment of accessibility. Items needed during the drive—such as recovery gear, first-aid kits, and trail snacks—must remain at the top of the load, while sleeping gear and heavy water jugs can sit deeper in the vehicle bed.

Truck Tent – Napier Backroadz Truck Bed Tent

Sleeping in the dirt loses its appeal quickly when a dry, elevated truck bed is sitting right there. A dedicated truck bed tent transforms a pickup into a mobile cabin, raising the sleeping quarters above rocky terrain, damp mud, and crawling insects. This elevation provides excellent peace of mind, especially when camping in areas with high predator activity or unpredictable weather.

The Napier Backroadz Truck Bed Tent stands out because of its storm-worthy construction and straightforward setup. It features color-coded fiberglass poles that make assembly intuitive, even as daylight fades at a remote campsite. The tent includes a full rainfly with taped seams to repel heavy downpours, while the integrated floor keeps dirt and truck-bed grime entirely separate from the sleeping gear.

• Compatibility: Fits most standard truck beds (5.0 to 8.2 feet)
• Material: 800mm PU polyester taffeta
• Features: Color-coded pole system, full rainfly, gear loft, and lantern holder

Buyers must measure their truck bed with the tailgate up to select the exact matching model, as a sloppy fit compromises weather protection. Because the tent occupies the entire truck bed, all other gear must be unloaded or transferred to the cab or ATV during the night. This tent is ideal for campers who want a comfortable, budget-friendly elevated sleep system, but it is less practical for those who need to drive their truck to nearby trailheads once camp is established.

Camping Mattress – Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad

No gear item impacts physical stamina on a multi-day trip more than a sleeping pad. A hard truck bed transfers cold and vibration directly to the body, making a high-quality barrier essential for restful sleep. A premium mattress supports spinal alignment, prevents pressure points on the hips and shoulders, and ensures campers wake up ready for a full day of riding.

The Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad is a premier choice for vehicle camping because it mimics a high-end residential mattress. Filled with 4-inch-thick open-cell polyurethane foam, it self-inflates to create an incredibly plush, supportive barrier. With an outstanding 8.1 R-value, this pad blocks the bone-chilling cold that radiates up through a steel truck bed during freezing autumn nights.

• Thickness: 3.9 inches (10 cm)
• R-Value: 8.1 (rated down to -40°F)
• Sizes: Medium, Long Extra Wide (LXW), and Queen

This mattress is bulky even when deflated, meaning it requires dedicated storage space in the vehicle cab or a weatherproof cargo box during transit. While it is self-inflating, using the included smart mini-pump to top it off achieves the perfect firmness. This pad is a must-have for those prioritizing comfort and joint support, but it is unnecessary for campers who do not mind sleeping on thin foam pads.

Hard Cooler – Yeti Tundra 45 Outdoor Cooler

Keeping fresh food cold for days in the backcountry requires more than just a basic plastic ice chest. High-end coolers protect perishables from spoilage, secure food from curious wildlife, and withstand the constant bouncing of off-road driving. A dependable cooler serves as the kitchen anchor, ensuring meat, dairy, and cold drinks remain safe and refreshing throughout the trip.

The Yeti Tundra 45 Outdoor Cooler is built for this demanding environment using indestructible rotomolded construction. It features three inches of PermaFrost insulation in the walls and lid, keeping ice frozen for days even when exposed to direct sun in the back of a truck. The heavy-duty rubber T-latches keep the lid sealed tight, preventing dust from penetrating the interior seals while rattling down dirt roads.

• Capacity: Holds 28 cans (using a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio)
• Construction: Rotomolded polyethylene
• Certification: Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) approved (when locked)

To get the most out of this cooler, users must pre-chill it with sacrificial ice a day before packing and use block ice for longevity. Its heavy weight when fully loaded means lifting it in and out of the truck bed is a two-person job. This cooler is perfect for adventurers who prioritize food safety and rugged durability on multi-day trips, but it represents unnecessary weight and expense for simple overnight outings.

Portable Power – Jackery Explorer 500 Station

Keeping devices charged off-grid is a matter of safety as much as convenience. Relying on the truck’s starter battery to charge phones, GPS units, and headlamps runs the risk of a dead battery in the middle of nowhere. A portable power station provides a dedicated, silent, and fume-free reservoir of electricity to keep navigation and communication gear fully functional.

The Jackery Explorer 500 Station offers the ideal balance of capacity and portability for truck and ATV campers. Packing a 518Wh lithium-ion battery pack, it can charge a smartphone over 50 times or run a 12V portable fridge for hours. Its pure sine wave AC inverter ensures sensitive electronics like laptops and CPAP machines receive clean, stable power without risk of damage.

• Capacity: 518Wh lithium-ion battery
• Outputs: 1 AC outlet, 3 USB-A ports, 1 car port, 2 DC ports
• Weight: 13.3 lbs

Campers should note that the Explorer 500 cannot power high-wattage heating appliances like coffee makers or electric heaters, which easily exceed its 500W limit. Recharging the unit on extended trips requires pairing it with a solar panel or plugging it into the truck’s 12V port while driving. It is the perfect choice for tech-reliant campers and those requiring medical equipment on the trail, but it is unnecessary for true minimalists.

Camp Stove – Camp Chef Explorer Two-Burner Stove

A hot meal is a powerful morale booster after a dusty day spent riding ATVs. Weak backpacking stoves are easily overwhelmed by wind and lack the burner size to cook for more than one person at a time. A robust, stable camp stove allows campers to cook real meals efficiently, making it the focal point of the campsite kitchen.

The Camp Chef Explorer Two-Burner Stove delivers excellent cooking performance with dual 30,000 BTU burners that boil water quickly, even in freezing weather. Its heavy-duty steel frame and detachable legs allow it to stand independently, saving valuable tailgate space for food prep. The three-sided windscreen protects the flame from mountain gusts, ensuring consistent heat delivery during windy evenings.

• Output: Two 30,000 BTU cast-aluminum burners
• Cooking Area: 448 square inches
• Fuel Type: Propane (bulk tank compatible)

This stove is heavy and bulky, making it a poor choice for those with tight space constraints. It is designed to run off a standard 20-pound propane tank, which means carrying a heavy fuel canister is part of the equation. This setup is ideal for camp chefs who want to cook multiple dishes at once, but it is too cumbersome for solo travelers who prefer simple, freeze-dried meals.

Recovery Boards – Maxtrax MKII Recovery Boards

Getting stuck in deep sand, mud, or loose gravel can turn an exciting adventure into a stressful situation in minutes. While winches are excellent, they require a solid anchor point—like a tree or another vehicle—which is often unavailable in desert or alpine environments. Recovery boards provide instant, reliable traction to pull a heavy truck or ATV out of a bind using only muscle power and vehicle momentum.

The Maxtrax MKII Recovery Boards are the industry standard because of their unyielding engineering-grade nylon construction that bends but refuses to snap under the weight of a heavy 4×4. The boards feature aggressive molded teeth that bite into tire treads to prevent wheel spin, while the double-ended design includes integrated shovels for clearing debris from under tires.

• Material: UV-stabilized, engineering-grade nylon
• Weight: 7.5 lbs per board (15 lbs per pair)
• Dimensions: 45.3 L x 13.0 W inches

Using these boards requires clearing as much debris from around the tires as possible before wedging the boards tightly against the tread. Spinning tires on the boards at high speeds must be avoided, as the friction will melt the nylon teeth. These boards are an essential investment for solo travelers and those tackling soft terrain, but they are unnecessary for drivers sticking strictly to dry, graded fire roads.

Cargo Case – Roam Adventure Co. 82L Rugged Case

Driving down dirt trails produces a fine, invasive dust that penetrates zippered duffel bags and ruins sensitive gear. Without a sealed container, sleeping bags, dry food, and electronics end up coated in grit by the time camp is reached. A heavy-duty cargo case keeps gear organized, secure from theft, and shielded from the worst elements of the trail.

The Roam Adventure Co. 82L Rugged Case is built from impact-resistant LLDPE plastic, designed to withstand heavy impacts and stacking. It features a military-grade dustproof and waterproof gasket seal that blocks fine trail dust and torrential rain. Integrated gas struts pop the lid open smoothly, while the steel lockable latches keep gear secure when the vehicle is parked at a trailhead.

• Capacity: 82 liters
• Material: Low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)
• Seal: Weatherproof gasket seal (IP67-rated protection)

This case has a rigid footprint, meaning it cannot be compressed like a soft duffel bag when empty. It is best secured using heavy-duty ratchet straps through the molded tie-down channels to prevent it from sliding around the truck bed. This case is ideal for those who carry critical gear in open truck beds or ATV trailers, but it is unnecessary for campers who keep their gear protected inside a sealed truck cab.

Water Jug – Dometic GO Hydration Water Jug 11L

Water is the heaviest and most critical resource carried into the backcountry, making secure storage a top priority. Cheap, thin plastic jugs from the grocery store easily puncture under trail vibrations, leading to leaks that can ruin gear and leave campers dehydrated. A dedicated, heavy-duty water container ensures a clean, reliable water supply for drinking, cooking, and hygiene throughout the trip.

The Dometic GO Hydration Water Jug 11L excels due to its rugged, BPA-free food-grade LDPE construction and blocky shape that packs easily alongside other gear. It features removable webbed carrying straps for easy transport and a wide-mouth opening that simplifies cleaning and filling. Crucially, it includes an integrated CPC quick-connect port that pairs seamlessly with Dometic’s electric faucet or water filters.

• Capacity: 11 liters (2.9 gallons)
• Material: BPA-free, food-grade LDPE
• Features: Removable webbed carrying straps, integrated CPC quick-connect port

At 11 liters, a single jug provides enough water for one person for about two to three days, meaning longer trips or larger groups will require carrying multiple units. The quick-connect fittings must be kept clean of fine trail dust to ensure a leak-free seal when attaching accessories. This jug is perfect for campers looking to establish a highly functional, modular camp kitchen, but it is less necessary for those who prefer traditional, simple pour spouts.

How to Balance Payload and Vehicle Weight on the Trail

Overloading a truck or ATV is one of the most common mistakes made by over-eager campers. Every vehicle has a strict payload capacity—found on the tire and loading information placard inside the driver’s door—which includes the weight of all passengers, gear, fuel, and the tongue weight of any trailer. Exceeding this limit strains the brakes, degrades handling, and risks suspension or axle failure on rugged terrain.

When packing, the golden rule is to place the heaviest items—like water jugs, recovery gear, and tools—low and centered in the vehicle bed, directly over or slightly ahead of the rear axle. Keeping the center of gravity low prevents the vehicle from feeling top-heavy and tippy when navigating off-camber trails. Light, bulky items like sleeping bags and tents can be positioned higher up or toward the tail end of the load.

For ATV trailers or rack loads, weight distribution is even more critical due to the machine’s smaller footprint. Overloading the front rack of an ATV slows steering response and makes descending steep hills dangerous, while overloading the rear rack can cause the front wheels to lift when climbing. Keep ATV rack loads within the manufacturer’s limits, typically under 100 pounds for the front and 200 pounds for the rear.

Securing Your Gear Against Rough Terrain and Vibration

Dirt roads are notorious for shaking loose even the most carefully packed loads. The continuous high-frequency vibration of washboard dirt roads acts like a paint mixer, slowly backing out screws, chafing soft fabrics, and sliding heavy cases around. Any item that is not securely anchored will bounce, scratch surrounding surfaces, and potentially fly out of the vehicle bed entirely.

Relying on cheap bungee cords is a recipe for disaster; they stretch under load and can easily snap, presenting a safety hazard. Instead, use high-quality polyester ratchet straps or cam-buckle straps rated for several times the weight of the cargo. Run these straps through dedicated tie-down anchor points on the truck bed or ATV racks, ensuring they pull the gear down and forward to lock it in place.

To prevent friction damage, place soft rubber mats or foam pads between hard plastic cargo cases and metal surfaces. Inspect your tie-downs at your first trail stop—after the initial few miles of dirt road—as straps often settle and loosen once the vehicle starts bouncing.

Essential Vehicle Maintenance Before You Leave the Grid

A breakdown in a remote area is more than an inconvenience; it can quickly escalate into an emergency. Before leaving the pavement behind, conducting a thorough multi-point vehicle inspection is non-negotiable. Check all fluid levels—engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid—and inspect hoses and belts for signs of cracking or dry rot that could lead to trailside failure.

Tires are your only contact with the trail and deserve the utmost attention. Inspect the sidewalls for gashes, verify tread depth, and ensure the spare tire is fully inflated and that a functioning jack and lug wrench are on board. When transitioning to dirt, airing down your tires by 10 to 15 PSI softens the ride, reduces trail wear, and significantly improves traction over loose gravel and rocks.

For the ATV, clean the air filter, check the drive belt or chain tension, and verify that the spark arrestor is clear and functional to prevent wildfire risks. Ensure both vehicles carry a basic tool kit, extra fuses, a tire plug kit, and a portable 12V air compressor to reinflate tires before returning to the highway.

Conclusion

Equipping your rig with the right gear and prep transforms remote truck and ATV camping from a rough-and-tumble test of endurance into a comfortable, seamless backcountry experience. By investing in durable, trail-tested equipment and mastering vehicle weight distribution, you unlock the freedom to explore deeper into the wild with total confidence. Pack smart, check your tie-downs, and enjoy the unmatched peace of the open trail.