The Subaru Outback is a gateway to the great outdoors, offering rugged capability and versatile space for adventurers. But to unlock its full potential, the right accessories are essential. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or a cross-country overlanding journey, equipping your Outback with purpose-built gear can transform it into a mobile basecamp. In this 1,300-word guide, we’ll explore the top-rated accessories for camping, off-grid living, and outdoor exploration—all tailored to the Outback’s unique design. From rooftop tents to recovery gear, these picks will elevate your adventures while keeping practicality and durability in focus.
1. Rooftop Tents: Turn Your Outback into a Mobile Campsite
A rooftop tent is a game-changer for campers seeking comfort and convenience. Unlike ground tents, these setups keep you elevated from uneven terrain, critters, and moisture. The Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 ($2,199) is a standout for Subaru Outback owners, featuring a lightweight aluminum frame and a 3-season sleeping capacity for two adults. Its low-profile design (9” height when closed) minimizes wind resistance, preserving fuel efficiency.
Installation Tips:
- Pair it with Subaru’s OEM crossbars or upgrade to Yakima JetStream Bars ($389) for added weight capacity (up to 165 lbs dynamic).
- Ensure the tent’s mounting hardware aligns with your roof rack’s channel system.
Why It Works: The Outback’s roof rails (220 lbs dynamic capacity) handle most rooftop tents effortlessly, and the vehicle’s stability control ensures safe handling even with a top-heavy load.
Keywords: Subaru Outback rooftop tent, best roof rack for camping, Thule Tepui Ayer 2 review.
2. All-Weather Floor Mats: Protect Your Interior from Mud and Debris
Adventures mean dirt, and the Outback’s cabin deserves protection. WeatherTech FloorLiners ($199–$299) are laser-measured for a perfect fit, covering every contour of the Outback’s footwells. Made from high-density thermoplastic, they trap mud, snow, and sand, preventing permanent stains on carpeting.
Bonus: For pet owners, the Husky Liners X-Act Contour ($175) includes a rear seat cover ($149) that shields upholstery from claws and wet fur.
Pro Tip: Opt for the “laser-cut” label to ensure compatibility with the Outback’s precise dimensions, especially in newer models (2020–2024).
Keywords: Subaru Outback all-weather mats, WeatherTech vs Husky Liners, best floor mats for outdoor adventures.
3. LED Light Bars: Illuminate Off-Road Trails and Campsites
Upgrading your Outback’s lighting is crucial for night-time trail navigation or setting up camp after dark. The Rigid Industries SR-Series 20” Light Bar ($499) mounts seamlessly to the front bumper or roof rack, casting a 130-watt beam that reaches 1,500 feet. Its IP69K rating ensures durability against rain, dust, and vibrations.
Installation:
- Use a Curt Wiring Harness ($45) for plug-and-play connectivity to your high-beam switch.
- Avoid obstructing the Outback’s Eyesight cameras (if equipped) by mounting below the windshield.
Alternative: For a budget-friendly option, the Nilight 22” LED Bar ($85) offers 12,000 lumens but lacks Rigid’s rugged housing.
Keywords: Subaru Outback LED light bar, off-road lighting setup, Rigid Industries SR-Series review.
4. Cargo Storage Solutions: Organize Gear with Modular Systems
Cluttered gear can turn a road trip into a headache. The Decked Outback Drawer System ($1,299) revolutionizes cargo management with two lockable, 200-lb-capacity drawers that fit beneath the rear floor. It’s compatible with the Outback’s full-size spare tire, maintaining accessibility while adding 2.5 cubic feet of hidden storage.
For Smaller Budgets: The Husky GearBox ($129) is a customizable divider that keeps recovery straps, tools, and cooking kits neatly separated.
Pro Tip: Pair with a ROLA Roof Basket ($199) for bulky items like firewood or folding chairs, freeing up cabin space.
Keywords: Subaru Outback cargo organization, Decked drawer system review, best trunk storage for camping.
5. Portable Air Compressors: Tackle Trailside Tire Emergencies
Airing down tires improves traction on sand or gravel, but reinflating is a must before hitting pavement. The VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor ($299) delivers 150 PSI and can refill the Outback’s 18” tires from 15 PSI to 35 PSI in under 90 seconds. Its alligator clamps connect directly to the battery, ensuring reliable power.
Budget Pick: The Morpflate Quad ($249) includes a 4-tire inflation system, cutting refill time by 50% compared to single-hose models.
Safety Note: Always monitor the Outback’s battery voltage during use to avoid draining it below 11 volts.
Keywords: Subaru Outback air compressor, best tire inflator for off-roading, VIAIR 400P performance.
6. Portable Power Stations: Keep Devices Charged Off-Grid
Modern camping demands power for phones, drones, or refrigerators. The Jackery Explorer 1000 ($999) offers 1,000Wh capacity, powering a 45W fridge for 18 hours or a CPAP machine overnight. Its solar-ready design pairs with Jackery SolarSaga 100W Panels ($299) for indefinite off-grid energy.
Integration: Secure the Jackery in the trunk using BuiltRight Industries Molle Panels ($179), which bolt to the Outback’s rear seat anchors.
Alternative: The EcoFlow DELTA 2 ($799) boasts faster solar charging (0–80% in 1.8 hours) but has a smaller 1,024Wh battery.
Keywords: Portable power for Subaru Outback, Jackery vs EcoFlow, best solar generator for camping.
7. Recovery Gear: Prepare for Mud, Snow, and Sand
Even the Outback’s AWD can get stuck. A recovery kit is non-negotiable:
- Traction Boards: MAXTRAX Recovery Boards ($299) provide grip in mud or snow.
- Soft Shackles: Bubba Rope Gator-Jaw Soft Shackles ($40) are safer than metal hooks.
- Kinetic Rope: ARB 7/8” x 30’ Recovery Rope ($179) stretches to absorb shock loads.
Pro Tip: Store gear in a Front Runner Wolf Pack ($35) to keep it accessible and organized.
Keywords: Subaru Outback recovery gear, best traction boards for AWD, ARB recovery rope review.
8. Roof-Mounted Awning: Create Instant Shade or Rain Shelter
Awnings expand your campsite’s livable space. The ARB Series 2000 Awning ($349) deploys in minutes, offering 6.5’ x 8’ of coverage. Its aluminum frame withstands 25 mph winds, and optional walls ($199) add privacy or storm protection.
Installation: Mount directly to crossbars using ARB’s Universal Mounting Brackets ($49).
Compact Option: The Smittybilt Overlander Awning ($259) is lighter but lacks ARB’s durability.
Keywords: Subaru Outback awning setup, ARB vs Smittybilt awnings, best roof-mounted shade.
9. Portable Camp Kitchen: Cook Gourmet Meals Off-Grid
Ditch cold sandwiches for fresh meals with the Snow Peak Camp Chef ($399), a 2-burner stove that runs on propane. Pair it with the ALPS Mountaineering Table ($69) for a stable cooking surface.
Storage Hack: Use the Rear Seat Delete Kit ($399) from Flatline Van Co. to create a dedicated kitchen space in the cabin.
Keywords: Subaru Outback camp kitchen, portable stove for car camping, Snow Peak stove review.
10. GPS Navigation Systems: Conquer Unmarked Trails Confidently
Cell service dies where adventures begin. The Garmin Overlander ($699) combines GPS with public/private land maps, slope angle detection, and campsite databases. Its 7” touchscreen mounts to the dash via RAM Mounts’ Tough-Track System ($89).
Budget Alternative: Use Gaia GPS ($40/year) on your phone, but pair it with an Offline Maps Subscription to avoid signal loss.
Keywords: Subaru Outback GPS navigation, Garmin Overlander vs Gaia GPS, best off-road maps.
11. Upgraded Suspension: Enhance Off-Road Performance
For serious off-roaders, the stock suspension can feel limiting. The LP Adventure Lift Kit ($1,200) adds 2” of ground clearance, accommodating larger tires (up to 29”) without rubbing. Combined with Bilstein B6 Off-Road Shocks ($699), it improves articulation on rocky terrain.
Note: This mod may void parts of your warranty—consult your dealer first.
Keywords: Subaru Outback lift kit review, best suspension upgrades, LP Adventure vs Bilstein.
12. Water Storage Solutions: Stay Hydrated on Extended Trips
The Rotopax 4-Gallon Water Container ($129) mounts to roof racks or spare tires, offering BPA-free water storage. For in-cabin convenience, the AquaTainer 7-Gallon ($25) fits snugly behind the rear seats.
Pro Tip: Add a LifeStraw Gravity Filter ($99) to purify lake or stream water.
Keywords: Subaru Outback water storage, Rotopax mounting solutions, portable water filter camping.
Final Tips for Building Your Adventure Rig
- Weight Distribution: Keep heavy items low and centered to maintain the Outback’s balance.
- Regular Maintenance: Inspect roof rack bolts and suspension components after off-road trips.
- Community Wisdom: Join forums like SubaruOutback.org for DIY hacks and gear reviews.
Our team is creating outdoor-gear relevant articles with passion. If our articles can help you to find the correct solutions for your questions, we will be happy about that. In the content creation process, we usually collect accurate and useful information online or offline to compile our content in an organized way. Consequently, we can guarantee that you can discover some expected answers to your questions. We appreciate your time on our site.
