Camping off-grid or hitting the road for a long adventure is a great way to connect with nature, but it also presents unique challenges and questions like can you keep food in your car while camping? And how to store food safely while camping?
While you may wonder if keeping food in your car is a good idea, there are several factors to consider, such as temperature control, preventing wildlife access, and ensuring that your meals stay fresh throughout the trip. Let's address them!
Overview:
The best ways to store food while camping
- Temperature control
- Avoid attracting wildlife
- Maximising space in your vehicle
- Divide food by meal
Can you keep food in your car while camping?
Yes, you can keep food in your car while camping, but it’s essential to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe. Without the right storage methods, food can spoil quickly or attract wildlife, especially in Australia’s diverse environments. The key is understanding how to manage temperature and protect your food - it’s the way you store it.
The Best Ways to Store Food While Camping
Safe and pest-free food is key to a successful mission — here’s what to consider when planning your food storage for your next outback trip.
Temperature control
Australia's climate can be intense, especially in remote areas. Temperatures can soar during the day, making it difficult to keep food fresh if left in a hot car.
To combat this, consider using a portable fridge or cooler, connected to a reliable power source like a dual battery system that can also charge using solar, to keep your food and beverages cold.
More information: How much solar do you need to power a campervan off grid?
You could even look at portable power options that aren’t fixed to your vehicle to feed energy into your portable fridge and keep your food at a safe temperature during your time away. These systems allow you to power your portable fridge throughout the day, keeping perishables such as bread, meat, dairy, and fresh vegetables at safe temperatures even in extreme heat.
Avoid attracting wildlife
While Australia may not have bears, it’s still home to plenty of curious and hungry critters and insects, such as possums, kangaroos, and even dingoes in certain regions. If you’re camping in areas known for wildlife, or there are flies, mosquitoes or ants about (let’s be honest, this is most of Aus!), ensure your food is stored securely in your car in airtight containers.
For added protection, consider using animal-proof storage bags or heavy-duty coolers. By keeping food sealed and secured in your vehicle, you’ll reduce the likelihood of attracting insects or animals to your campsite.
Maximising space in your vehicle
Maximising space in your vehicle is key to ensuring a smooth and efficient camping trip, especially if your car serves as your primary storage area. To make the most of your vehicle’s limited space, consider using stackable containers or vacuum-sealed bags for your food.
These not only help reduce bulk but also keep food organised and fresh, making it easier to access items when needed. Packing your vehicle strategically is just as important, start by placing heavier, non-perishable items at the bottom and work your way up with lighter, more fragile food at the top. This helps prevent items from getting crushed during transit and allows for easy access when you're on the road.
Divide food by meal
Dividing food by meal or type is a smart way to stay organised and efficient during your camping trip. Instead of throwing all your food into one big container, sort items based on when you'll need them.
For example, pack all your breakfast essentials - like oats, coffee, and fruit into one container, while keeping lunch and dinner supplies separate. This makes it easier to find what you need quickly, without having to dig through your entire stash every time you’re hungry.
Meal-specific containers or bags can also help you plan ahead. If you're preparing meals in advance, you can portion out ingredients per meal so you know exactly how much you have and don’t overpack.
This reduces waste and saves space in your vehicle. For longer trips, consider labelling each container by day or meal type, so when you reach for breakfast or dinner, you know exactly where to find it.
Portable power solutions for off-grid adventures with REDARC
If you’re heading off the grid in Australia’s vast outback, having reliable power for your food storage is essential. In these remote areas, finding ice for an esky or electricity to run a fridge can be next to impossible.
This is where REDARC’s portable solar panels, goblocks and battery chargers come in handy. These systems provide continuous power for your portable fridge or cooler, allowing you to keep food fresh even in remote locations, making extended trips into the wilderness worry-free. Shop REDARC portable power now or contact our team for more information.
FAQs
Can you leave food in your car overnight while camping?
Yes, you can leave food in your car overnight, but ensure it's sealed in airtight containers and kept cool. Using a powered cooler or fridge connected to a portable power source can help maintain safe food temperatures.
How do I keep food from spoiling during off-grid camping trips?
To keep food from spoiling, store perishable items in a cooler or portable refrigerator, and use solar panels or battery chargers to keep your devices powered throughout the trip.
What’s the best way to store food to avoid attracting Australian wildlife?
To avoid attracting wildlife like possums or dingoes, store food in sealed, airtight containers in your vehicle. You can also use odour-proof storage bags for added security.
