Search Bar 4
Search Bar 6
Home
Garage
Search
More
888-294-4979 [email protected]
Search Bar 10
Home Blog The Ultimate Subaru Camping Guide

The Ultimate Subaru Camping Guide

If you have a Subaru, there's a good chance you live an active outdoor lifestyle, which also means camping. In the following guide, we'll cover many benefits of Subaru's models, specifically for camping and trekking outdoors. Read on to learn more.

As we see more and more people moving towards the road trip as their go-to method of travel, we're also seeing more and more people getting into the world of camping and outdoor recreation, overlanding and adventuring. Of course, Subaru has always been tied to an outdoor lifestyle, and with the brand's growth, it makes sense.

Know Your Angles

Image Credit: SubaruDrive

One of the most significant benefits of Subarus is their legendary Symmetrical All Wheel Drive systems, developed initially in rally racing. The AWD systems also offer modern benefits like X-Mode for larger hill descents. Another thing to consider when getting out of town and out on the trails are the angle restrictions of your Subaru - thinkg like approach and departure angles. We'll explain:

  • The approach angle is the maximum ramp angle that a vehicle can climb without encountering ramp-to-vehicle contact (usually the front bumper cover).

  • The departure angle is the maximum ramp angle that a vehicle can exit without making ramp-to-vehicle contact (usually the rear bumper cover, but possibly a tow hitch).

  • The breakover angle refers to the maximum angle that a vehicle can clear with the front and rear wheels on opposite sides of the angle.

In rocky and off-road terrain, Subaru's are well known for their ability to get anywhere. The newest Subaru's continue to offer class-leading ground clearance. Below we recap these angle stats for a few popular Subaru models.

Camping In A Subaru

Image Credit: AscentForums

With Subaru's more modern and larger designs, it's also become much easier to get into "car camping" by sleeping in your vehicle's large rear area. Some Subie owner even opt to move up top as rooftop tents have become very popular in the past few years. With models like the Ascent, CrossTrek, and Forester, you can also be sleeping on your roof like other #Vanlife enthusiasts! 

When deciding between traditional tent camping and car camping, be sure to compare relative size needs before you head out. Compare the your tent vs. car interior in these areas:

  • Sleeping Capacity - How many campers can you comfortably fit?
  • Seasonal Capabilities - Can your tent handle the cold ground?
  • Weight Capacity - Be sure you don't damage your tent or your suspension with too many lbs.
  • Peak Height and Floor Length - Can all the adults and kids stand or stretch out?
  • Ventilation - Fresh air is a must.
  • Accessibility - Climbing into your cargo area, or getting into/out of your tent should be considered.

If you're considering rooftop camping, be sure to review the specs listed in your Subaru manual as well as those provided by your tent manufacturer. Weight restrictions become much more important when you're on the roof and accessibility should be considered. Some rooftop tents come with ladders, others don't.

Another great way to get the most out of your Subaru when out on the trails is to add a bit of personalization! Check out this link to learn about our Essential Subaru Accessories list. Here's a quick review of the key off-road metrics you'll want to know before taking your Subie out into the wild:

Your Subie Specifications

The information listed below will vary by year, but this list provides a general overview of the capabilities of the Outback, Ascent, Forester and Crosstrek. Again, please refer to your owners manual for the exact specs on your year and model before heading into the great outdoors.

Outback

  • 18.6 degree approach angle.
  • 21.7 degree departure angle.
  • 19.4 degree breakover angle.
  • Single-mode X-MODE is standard on many models.
  • Cargo volume is 75.7 cubic feet with the seats lowered.
  • The maximum cargo length with the seats lowered is 75 inches.

Ascent

  • 17.6 degree approach angle.
  • 21.8 degree departure angle.
  • 18.2 degree breakover angle.
  • X-MODE comes standard. 
  • Cargo volume is up to 86.5 cubic feet when all the seats are down. 
  • The maximum cargo length with the seats lowered is 82.5 inches.
  • The Ascent can support a tent and occupants with a total weight of 700 pounds.

Forester

  • 22.9-degree approach angle.
  • 24.6-degree departure angle.
  • 19.6-degree breakover angle.
  • 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
  • X-mode is available on the Premium Trim level. 
  • Cargo volume is up to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats down.
  • The maximum cargo length with the seats lowered is 73.1 inches.
  • The Forester can support a tent and occupants with a total weight of 700 pounds.

Crosstrek

  • 18-degree approach angle.
  • 29-degree departure angle.
  • 19.7-degree breakover angle.
  • Limited Trim offers X-mode.
  • With the rear seats down, cargo volume is 55.3 cubic feet.
  • The Crosstrek can accommodate 700 pounds (including tent and occupants).

Subarus are built with adventuring in mind. They're made for the outdoors, from the suspension to the rooftop! If you're looking for more info or parts to get your Subaru on the trails, look no further than Subaru Parts Plus. We have over 15 years of experience with online parts sales, and all our parts are backed by Subaru's OEM parts warranty. You can contact us here, or give us a call at 1-888-294-4979.