Can you sleep in your Subaru Outback?
Yes. The Subaru Outback is a popular choice for car camping because its flat, long floor with the rear seats folded down provides a comfortable sleeping surface for many people. This makes overnight stays or longer trips feasible inside the vehicle.
This article explains how sleeping in an Outback works, how much space you can expect, a practical setup guide, safety and legal considerations, gear options, and tips to maximize comfort during road trips or camp nights.
Space and comfort: how much room is there
With the rear seats folded, the Outback offers a long, relatively flat sleeping surface. In most model years, you can expect roughly six to seven feet of flat length, which is enough for most adults to lie fully stretched out. The width across the cargo area accommodates a standard sleeping pad, though the wheel wells can intrude slightly in some configurations. In cold or wet weather, a good sleeping pad plus insulating blankets helps create a comfortable microclimate inside the cabin.
Remember that exact measurements vary by year and trim, so check your specific model’s cargo length when the seats are folded. Personal comfort also depends on the pad size you choose and how you position yourself on the flat area.
How to set up your Outback for a night of sleep
Here is a practical step-by-step approach to turning your Outback into a comfortable sleeping space.
- Choose a safe, legal overnight location such as a designated campground, rest area, or permitted parking area.
- Clear the sleeping area and fold the rear seats flat to create a continuous surface from the cargo floor to the back of the front seats.
- Place a sleeping pad or mattress on the flat surface. A 2–3 inch thick pad or a compact car-camping mattress typically works well.
- Add warmth and insulation. Use a cold-weather sleeping bag rated for the expected temperatures, plus blankets or a liner as needed.
- Provide privacy and ventilation. Use window shades or sunshades, crack a window for airflow, and avoid running the engine while sleeping.
- Stow gear safely and securely. Keep electronics, belongings, and any gear out of the way of your sleeping area and exit paths.
With the space prepared, you can rest more comfortably. Always verify that you’re parked legally and that your setup doesn’t block exits or create hazards for yourself or others.
Safety, legality, and best practices
Sleeping in a vehicle can be convenient, but it requires careful attention to safety, weather, and local rules. The following points help reduce risk and ensure a safer night on the road.
- Ventilation and engine use: Do not sleep with the engine running in an enclosed space. Exhaust fumes can accumulate and pose serious health risks. If warmth is needed in cold weather, prioritize proper clothing and insulating layers, then rely on a comfortable, well-insulated sleeping setup.
- Weather and temperature: Use an appropriate sleeping bag and insulation for the night’s low temperature. In hot weather, ensure ventilation and consider shading to reduce interior heat buildup.
- Legal considerations: Overnight parking rules vary by location. Many places allow overnight camping in designated campgrounds or rest areas, while some cities prohibit sleeping in vehicles. Always check local regulations before settling in for the night.
- Security: Park in well-lit areas when possible, lock doors, and keep valuables out of sight. Consider using an alarm or a personal safety plan if you’re in unfamiliar surroundings.
- Vehicle readiness: Ensure your Outback is in good working order, especially if you’ll be traveling to remote areas. Have a charged phone, emergency kit, and a plan for emergencies.
Weather and temperature considerations
Cold or damp nights require extra insulation and a reliable sleeping bag. Hot nights benefit from airflow and shade. Be prepared to adjust your setup if conditions change, such as adding a reflective sun shade to reduce heat buildup or layering additional blankets when temperatures drop.
In practice, prioritizing safety, ventilation, and appropriate gear makes sleeping in an Outback a practical option for many camping and road-tripping scenarios.
Gear and options to improve comfort
Enhancing comfort in your Outback is about balancing space, insulation, and accessibility. The right gear can make a significant difference in how well you sleep.
- A sleeping pad or mattress sized for car camping (roughly 2–3 inches thick) to provide insulation from the floor and a softer surface.
- A temperature-appropriate sleeping bag, plus a liner or extra blankets for added warmth or layering.
- Window shades or reflective sunshades for privacy and to help regulate interior temperature.
- A compact travel pillow and a lightweight blanket for better neck support and comfort.
- A small battery-powered fan or a low-output heater designed for safe use in vehicles (use only as recommended by manufacturer and never with windows fully sealed).
- A portable power bank or USB charger to keep devices powered overnight.
- Ground cover or a tarp to protect against moisture if you plan to sleep partially outside the car in a sheltered space.
Gear choice matters. Start with a solid pad and proper insulation, then add weather-appropriate layers and window coverings as needed to stay warm and comfortable.
Summary
The Subaru Outback is well-suited for car camping because of its flat rear load floor and roomy interior. With the rear seats folded and a sleeping pad in place, most adults can lie flat for a night’s rest. Safety and legality should be considered at every stop: ventilate properly, avoid running the engine while sleeping, park in permitted locations, and secure your belongings. With thoughtful preparation and suitable gear, sleeping in your Outback can be a practical, comfortable option for road trips, camping weekends, or spontaneous overnight adventures.
