Best Car Camping Mattress for Subaru Forester: Complete Guide

Subaru Forester Mattress Guide

The Subaru Forester offers excellent cargo dimensions with best-in-class headroom. With 70-72" sleeping length and 42-52" width, it accommodates various mattress sizes for comfortable car camping.

Forester Cargo Dimensions

• Length: 70-72" (seats to tailgate)
• Width between wheel wells: 42-43"
• Width above wheel wells: 52"
• Height: 37-39" (excellent headroom)

Optimizing the Forester's Limited Space

Space-Efficient Mattress Positioning

Forester cargo area constraints demand thoughtful positioning. Measure diagonals—sometimes angling mattresses diagonally provides marginal additional space. Determine if passenger area extension (leaving one passenger seat partially upright) expands sleeping territory acceptably. Most find this unworkable—other improvements prove preferable.

Consider two-person sleeping requirements. Couples might accept closer sleeping than platform designs normally suggest. Side-by-side twin mattresses provide individual sleep space with modest compromise.

Custom Foam Cutting Services

Local foam shops can cut foam to precise Forester dimensions ($100-300). Specify exact measurements for cargo area (36"x76" approximately). Custom foam maximizes every inch, enabling comfort levels exceeding universal options.

Request high-density foam (3.0 PCF minimum) ensuring durability. Multi-layer construction (softer top, firm base) optimizes comfort. Custom foam proves worthwhile investment for dedicated Forester campers.

Storage and Organization Around Sleeping Setup

Gear Placement Strategy

With sleeping platform consuming most cargo space, remaining storage becomes minimal. Efficient organization prevents disorganization. Vacuum-sealed bags compress clothing to 1/3 original volume. Clear containers enable contents identification without opening.

Place heavier items (water jugs, tools) underneath mattress if removable platform design allows. Organize lightweight gear (sleeping bags, clothing) adjacent to mattress—vertical stacking in narrow spaces maximizes volume usage.

Sleeping Area Access

Incorporate easy access design—don't create situation requiring complete cargo area excavation to retrieve sleeping gear. Use removable mattresses enabling access to understorage if available. Side-positioned storage allows nighttime bathroom access without entire cargo rearrangement.

Sleeping Comfort in Compact Spaces

Psychological Adjustment to Close Quarters

Small spaces feel confining to some, cozy to others. Adequate ventilation (cracked windows) maintains psychological comfort despite physical constraints. Familiar bedding and comfortable pillow help—familiar items reduce space-confinement feelings.

Plan activities reducing in-vehicle occupation time. Daytime exploration and evening activities minimize time in cramped sleeping quarters.

Insulation and Temperature Management

Compact spaces heat/cool rapidly—advantage in shoulder seasons, disadvantage in extremes. Robust insulation (under and around mattress) moderates temperature swings. Thermal window covers further stabilize interior temperature.

In summer, ventilation becomes critical maintaining bearable temperatures. In winter, insulation must counter rapid heat loss from high surface-area-to-volume ratio.

Ventilation in Limited Space

Small vehicle interiors concentrate carbon dioxide and moisture rapidly. Continuous minimal ventilation (1/2 inch window openings opposite sides) becomes essential even in cold conditions. Moisture from breathing accumulates quickly—proper air exchange prevents soggy mornings.

Consider portable USB fans exhausting humid interior air toward open windows. Even modest air movement significantly improves moisture control in compact spaces.

Forester-Specific Advantages and Constraints

Handling and Maneuverability Benefits

Forester's compact size enables parking in spaces larger vehicles cannot access. Forest Service roads leading to remote campsites often accommodate Foresters better than three-row SUVs. Ground clearance (8.6 inches) handles light off-roading while maintaining on-road comfort.

Fuel economy (approximately 25-30 mpg highway) reduces trip costs compared to larger camping vehicles. Extended trips become more economical despite camping accommodation trade-offs.

All-Wheel Drive Capabilities

Standard all-wheel drive provides confidence on wet/muddy campground roads. Decent snow performance enables winter camping in accessible areas. Not true off-roading capability, but superior to two-wheel-drive vehicles.

Extended Trip Planning for Forester Camping

Multiple-Night Strategies

Forester space limitations suit weekend trips better than week-long expeditions. Plan multiple-night trips carefully—gear management becomes complex with sleeping area consuming most space. Rotate clothing daily; minimize carried quantity.

Multi-night trips benefit from established campgrounds where shower/facility access reduces carried gear requirements. Extended backcountry camping strains Forester logistics.

Bathroom Access and Nighttime Considerations

Compact interior makes nighttime bathroom access challenging. Position mattress enabling safe exit—don't create circumstances requiring cargo rearrangement for basic needs. Some campers implement removable floors accessing storage when necessary.

Nearby facilities matter—campgrounds with accessible bathrooms reduce middle-night challenges. Portable toilets provide backup for emergency situations.

Best Mattresses for Forester

Air Mattresses

Luno Air Mattress 2.0 (Forester-specific): $250-300 - Custom fit for Forester dimensions - Fills gap between seats and cargo - Dual chambers - Best for: Perfect fit

Universal SUV Air Mattress: $80-120 - Generic fit with adjustments - Good value option - Best for: Budget camping

Foam Mattresses

Twin Foam (38" × 75"): $80-140 - Fits well between wheel wells - 4" thick for comfort - Best for: Solo campers

Full Foam (54" × 75"): $120-180 - May need width trimming - Better for couples - Best for: Two-person camping

Self-Inflating Pads

Exped MegaMat 10: $200-280 - 4" thick - Excellent insulation - Best for: All-season camping

REI Camp Dreamer: $120-180 - Good value - 3.5" thickness - Best for: Occasional campers

Recommendations

By Sleeper Type

Solo under 5'10": Twin foam—fits well, comfortable Solo over 5'10": Diagonal positioning needed; Forester-specific air mattress Couple: Full foam with trimming or Forester air mattress

Forester Advantage: Headroom

The Forester's 37-39" interior height is best-in-class among compact SUVs. This makes sitting up in bed more comfortable—worth considering when comparing to Outback (less headroom, more length).

Foam Selection and Density Considerations

Selecting appropriate foam density dramatically impacts durability and comfort. Forester-specific applications benefit from understanding foam grading systems and how density affects performance.

Foam Density Grades: - Low-density (1.2-1.5 PCF): Soft feel, poor durability, 2-3 year lifespan. Budget option suitable only for occasional campers. - Medium-density (2.0-2.5 PCF): Good balance, moderate durability, 5-7 year lifespan. Recommended for regular campers. - High-density (3.0+ PCF): Firm support, excellent durability, 7-10+ year lifespan. Premium option for committed enthusiasts.

Custom foam shops typically recommend high-density base (3.5 PCF) with softer topper (2.0 PCF) creating comfort without sacrificing longevity. A three-inch base plus two-inch topper arrangement provides optimal balance.

Weather Protection and Moisture Management

Compact vehicles concentrate moisture rapidly, requiring deliberate moisture control strategies. Understanding humidity management prevents mold, mildew, and uncomfortable sleeping conditions.

Moisture Sources: - Exhaled breath contributes 500+ ml water vapor nightly - Perspiration adds additional moisture through skin contact - Outdoor humidity seeping through window gaps and fabric - Equipment and clothing damp from daytime activities

Moisture Solutions: - Mattress underlayment: Use moisture-barrier fabric preventing ground dampness transmission. Vapor-permeable layers underneath allow ground moisture escape while blocking direct contact. - Ventilation timing: Crack windows one inch opposite sides enabling air exchange. Morning opening—pull mattress aside and open vehicle completely for 30 minutes. - Desiccants: Consider reusable moisture absorbers (calcium chloride or silica gel) placed strategically near sleeping area. Refresh weekly by heating or air-drying. - Bedding selection: Use moisture-wicking fabrics (synthetic or specialty natural fibers) rather than cotton which absorbs and retains moisture.

Comparing Forester to Similar Compact SUVs

Understanding how the Forester compares to competitors helps ensure vehicle selection matches camping aspirations.

Subaru Crosstrek: Noticeably smaller cargo area (68" length), more compact for couples only, slightly better fuel economy (28-32 mpg).

Toyota Corolla Cross: Similar dimensions to Forester, less standard all-wheel drive availability, newer design with modern features.

Mazda CX-30: Comparable length and width, slightly less headroom than Forester, better fuel economy (30-34 mpg highway).

Honda HRV: Marginally shorter cargo area (71"), similar width, notorious for tight headroom despite appearing spacious.

The Forester balances space, comfort, efficiency, and capability better than most compact SUVs, making it the preferred choice for campers willing to accept some space limitations.

Seasonal Adaptations for Forester Camping

Successfully camping year-round requires adapting setup to seasonal temperature ranges. Forester's compact volume makes temperature regulation more challenging than larger vehicles.

Spring/Fall Camping (45-60°F): - Mid-weight foam (2.5-3 inches) with single topper layer - Standard bedding with one blanket layer - Minimal insulation underneath mattress - Window cracking enables passive ventilation

Summer Camping (65-80°F): - Thinnest practical mattress (foam only, no topper) - Lightweight breathable sheets - Maximum ventilation—crack multiple windows - Position mattress to create air circulation underneath - Consider external shade structures reducing solar heating

Winter Camping (20-45°F): - Maximum mattress thickness (4-5 inches ideal) - High R-value self-inflating pad or dual foam layers - Reflectix insulation underneath entire mattress - Multiple blanket layers and quality sleeping bag - Window insulation with thermal covers - Minimize ventilation except brief morning airing

Cost Comparison and Value Analysis

Budget optimization depends on camping frequency and quality priorities.

Budget-Conscious Option ($150-250 initial): - Universal air mattress ($80-120) - Generic bedding ($30-50) - DIY platform ($40-80) - Total: ~$200 - Lifespan: 2-3 years - Cost per camping night (50 trips): $4-5

Mid-Range Option ($400-600 initial): - Forester-specific air mattress ($250-300) - Quality bedding and covers ($80-100) - Professional custom foam base ($100-150) - Total: ~$500 - Lifespan: 5-7 years - Cost per camping night (50 trips/year × 5 years = 250 nights): ~$2

Premium Option ($800-1200 initial): - Exped MegaMat high-end pad ($350-400) - Professional bedding system ($150-200) - Custom multi-layer foam platform ($300-600) - Total: ~$1000 - Lifespan: 8-10+ years - Cost per camping night (50 trips/year × 8 years = 400 nights): ~$2.50

Regular campers (monthly or more frequent) justify mid-to-premium options through superior durability and comfort advantages. Weekend warriors might start budget and upgrade as camping frequency increases.

Vehicle Comparison and Alternatives

The Subaru Forester represents an excellent compact camping platform, but understanding alternatives helps confirm it matches your needs. Comparing to similar vehicles reveals distinct advantages and trade-offs worth considering.

The Subaru Outback offers approximately 6-8 inches additional length and slightly more width, accommodating larger mattresses more easily. However, the Outback's reduced headroom makes sitting upright less comfortable. Budget $32,000-$38,000 for used Outbacks versus $22,000-$30,000 for Foresters.

The Honda CR-V provides comparable dimensions with slightly less headroom but better visibility due to taller seating position. Honda's reputation for reliability matches Subaru's. Toyota RAV4 offers similar footprint with established Toyota reliability and extensive used inventory.

Mazda's CX-30 matches Forester dimensions almost exactly, emphasizing driving refinement over cargo space. Both vehicles excel for couples and solo campers seeking weekend rather than extended-trip capability. CX-30 offers superior fuel economy (30-34 mpg highway) at slightly higher price points.