How to Measure

How to Measure Your Camping Setup for the Right Fit

Choosing the right camping equipment starts with accurate measurements.

A camping table, chair, IGT module, or outdoor kitchen accessory may look suitable in product photos, but the right fit depends on more than appearance. You should also consider your campsite space, existing equipment, vehicle storage capacity, setup clearance, and how you plan to use the product.

This guide will help you measure more accurately before ordering, so you can choose OutNestss products that fit your camping setup, transport space, and intended use.

1. Start With Your Intended Use

Before comparing product dimensions, think about where and how the product will be used.

Ask yourself:

  • Will the product be used for cooking, food preparation, dining, storage, or relaxation?

  • How many people will normally use it?

  • Will it be used inside a shelter, beneath an awning, or in an open campsite?

  • Does it need to fit beside other tables, chairs, burners, or storage equipment?

  • Will it be transported in a car trunk, SUV, truck, trailer, or storage box?

  • Does it need to connect to an existing IGT modular system?

Understanding the intended use will help you identify which measurements matter most.

2. Basic Measurements to Record

For most camping products, begin by recording these measurements:

Width

Measure the available side-to-side space.

For a table or kitchen setup, include the width of any connected side tables, extensions, or hanging accessories.

Depth

Measure how far the product can extend from front to back without blocking walkways, tent entrances, vehicle doors, or nearby equipment.

Height

Measure the height available for the product and compare it with the equipment you plan to use alongside it.

For example, table height should be considered together with chair seat height, burner height, cookware height, and your preferred cooking or dining position.

Folded Dimensions

For portable products, check the folded length, width, and thickness.

The product may fit at the campsite but still be too large for your vehicle, storage compartment, or carrying bag when folded.

Product Weight

Confirm that the product weight is practical for carrying, loading, unloading, and repeated setup.

Do not consider size alone when evaluating portability.

3. Tools That Make Measuring Easier

You do not need specialized equipment, but the following tools can make the process more accurate:

Measuring Tape

Use a rigid or retractable measuring tape to measure the available space and your existing equipment.

Painter’s Tape or Masking Tape

Mark the full product footprint on the floor, patio, or garage surface to visualize how much space the product will occupy.

Straightedge or Level

A straightedge can help when measuring frame openings, rails, or mounting surfaces.

A level may also help you identify whether your existing setup is uneven.

Caliper

A caliper is useful for measuring smaller components such as:

  • Frame thickness

  • Rail width

  • Connector diameter

  • Mounting slots

  • Accessory lips

  • Hardware openings

Notebook or Phone Notes

Record all dimensions in one place and label each measurement clearly.

For example:

  • Table opening width

  • Table opening depth

  • Frame thickness

  • Folded storage space

  • Chair seat height

  • Vehicle trunk opening

Photos

Take clear photos of the area or equipment being measured. Photos can help you review the setup later and can also be sent to OutNestss customer support when requesting compatibility assistance.

4. Confirm the Unit of Measurement

Before comparing measurements, confirm whether the dimensions are shown in:

  • Inches

  • Feet

  • Millimeters

  • Centimeters

Do not compare inch measurements directly with centimeter or millimeter measurements without converting them first.

For greater accuracy, avoid rounding measurements too aggressively. A small difference can affect whether an IGT insert, bracket, or accessory fits correctly.

Always use the dimensions listed on the individual product page as the final product reference.

5. How to Measure for Camping Tables

When choosing a camping table, measure both the table itself and the usable space around it.

Measure the Available Footprint

Measure the total width and depth available at your usual campsite.

Remember that the full setup may include:

  • Chairs

  • Table extensions

  • Side shelves

  • Hanging storage

  • Lantern stands

  • Trash-bag holders

  • Cookware

  • Food-preparation space

Check the Table Height

Compare the table height with:

  • Your chair seat height

  • Your preferred sitting position

  • Your standing cooking height

  • Existing camping equipment

  • Children or other users who may use the table

A low camping table may work well with low chairs but may not be comfortable for standing food preparation.

Allow Space for Chairs

Do not measure only the tabletop.

Leave enough room for chairs to:

  • Slide backward

  • Be entered and exited comfortably

  • Recline, when applicable

  • Avoid blocking campsite walkways

As a practical test, mark the table footprint and place your existing chairs around it before ordering.

Check Under-Table Clearance

If you plan to store boxes, shelves, racks, or cookware beneath the table, measure:

  • Height from the ground to the lowest frame component

  • Distance between the legs

  • Distance between support bars

  • Available depth beneath the tabletop

The outer table dimensions do not always represent the usable storage space underneath.

Measure the Folded Size

Confirm that the folded table fits:

  • Through your vehicle opening

  • Inside the intended storage compartment

  • Alongside your other camping equipment

  • Inside the included or intended carrying bag

6. How to Measure for Camping Chairs

A camping chair should fit both the user and the surrounding setup.

Seat Height

Measure from the ground to the top of the seat.

Compare the seat height with the height of your camping table. A significant mismatch may make dining, cooking, or working uncomfortable.

Seat Width and Depth

Measure the usable seating area rather than only the chair’s outer frame.

Consider whether the seat provides enough room for the intended user and the type of clothing normally worn while camping.

Overall Width

Include armrests, side frames, cup holders, pockets, and other attached components.

Two chairs may have similar seat widths but very different overall footprints.

Backrest Height

Consider whether you prefer:

  • Lower back support

  • Full back support

  • Head and neck support

A taller backrest may improve comfort but can increase folded size and storage requirements.

Reclining Clearance

For reclining or adjustable chairs, measure the full depth when the chair is in its most extended position.

Make sure the chair will not interfere with:

  • Tent walls

  • Tables

  • Fire pits

  • Walkways

  • Other chairs

Folded Dimensions

Check the complete folded length, width, and thickness before deciding whether the chair fits your vehicle or home storage area.

7. How to Measure for IGT Modular Tables

IGT modular compatibility depends on exact measurements. Do not rely only on product appearance or general module terminology.

Before ordering, measure the following:

Internal Opening Length

Measure the clear inside length of the modular opening where the insert or accessory will sit.

Do not measure only the outside edges of the table frame.

Internal Opening Width

Measure the clear inside width at multiple points.

If the frame is not perfectly square, the measurement may differ slightly from one end to the other.

Frame or Rail Thickness

Measure the thickness of the frame edge or support rail.

This can affect whether an accessory lip, hook, clamp, or bracket sits correctly.

Support-Ledge Width

Some inserts rest on a ledge or flange.

Measure how much horizontal support area is available on each side.

Opening Depth

Measure from the top edge of the frame to any support bar, shelf, brace, or obstruction underneath.

A module may fit across the opening but still interfere with components below it.

Corner Shape

Check whether the opening has:

  • Square corners

  • Rounded corners

  • Raised edges

  • Recessed rails

  • Protruding hardware

Corner shape can affect compatibility even when the main width and length appear correct.

Connection Points

For accessories that attach with screws, hooks, rails, clamps, or brackets, measure:

  • Distance between attachment points

  • Hole diameter

  • Slot width

  • Edge thickness

  • Available mounting clearance

Do not drill or modify your existing table solely to make an accessory fit unless the product instructions specifically permit modification.

8. How to Measure for IGT Inserts and Accessories

Before ordering an insert, tray, cutting board, storage unit, or other modular accessory, check both its outer dimensions and the usable space around it.

Measure the Product Opening

Record the exact internal length and width of the space where the accessory will be installed.

Check the Accessory Lip

Some modules have a raised outer lip that rests on the table frame.

Confirm:

  • Overall lip width

  • Insert body width

  • Lip thickness

  • Required support area

Check Under-Table Clearance

For deep trays, storage baskets, sinks, or hanging units, measure the vertical space below the modular opening.

Make sure the accessory will not contact:

  • Table braces

  • Legs

  • Shelves

  • Gas hoses

  • Storage containers

  • Other installed modules

Check Adjacent Module Clearance

Measure whether nearby accessories can remain installed without interference.

Handles, knobs, lids, hoses, brackets, and raised edges may require additional space.

Do Not Assume Module Labels Guarantee Fit

Terms such as “one unit,” “half unit,” or similar module descriptions can help explain approximate sizing, but they do not guarantee universal compatibility.

Different manufacturers or product generations may use slightly different:

  • Dimensions

  • Frame structures

  • Rail profiles

  • Edge shapes

  • Support methods

  • Installation tolerances

Exact measurements should always take priority over the module name.

9. How to Measure for Outdoor Kitchen Equipment

Outdoor kitchen setups often combine several products. Measure the complete working area rather than only one item.

Cooking Area

Measure the space required for:

  • Burner or stove

  • Fuel connection

  • Cookware

  • Windshield

  • Heat-resistant surface

  • Utensils

  • Safe operating clearance

Follow the burner or appliance manufacturer’s instructions for required clearance.

Food-Preparation Area

Leave enough uninterrupted surface space for:

  • Cutting

  • Ingredient preparation

  • Serving

  • Food containers

  • Utensils

A burner and cutting board may each fit individually but still leave insufficient usable workspace when installed together.

Washing Area

For sinks, wash basins, or water systems, measure:

  • Basin dimensions

  • Faucet or water-container height

  • Drain-hose length

  • Wastewater-container space

  • Clearance below the table

Also consider how the system will be filled, drained, cleaned, and packed.

Storage Area

Measure the internal usable dimensions of shelves, racks, drawers, and hanging storage.

Check whether your intended cookware or containers fit through the opening, not only whether they fit inside the compartment.

Lid and Door Clearance

If the product has a lid, drawer, or door, measure the space required for it to open completely without hitting nearby equipment.

10. Measuring for Burners and Heat-Producing Equipment

Burner compatibility and safe use require more than checking the width and length.

Before installing or using a burner, review the burner manufacturer’s instructions and measure:

  • Burner body dimensions

  • Control-knob clearance

  • Fuel-hose routing

  • Fuel-canister position

  • Clearance below the burner

  • Clearance from nearby surfaces

  • Space for cookware handles

  • Ventilation around the setup

Do not assume that a burner is suitable for an opening merely because its main body fits.

A burner, hose, regulator, canister, windscreen, or cookware item may extend beyond the listed installation dimensions.

Never use fuel-burning equipment in a tent, vehicle, enclosed room, or poorly ventilated area unless the equipment manufacturer expressly permits that use.

11. How to Measure Vehicle and Storage Space

Portable camping equipment must fit both the campsite and your transportation setup.

Vehicle Opening

Measure the narrowest width and height of the trunk, hatch, door, or storage-compartment opening.

The interior may be large enough, but the product still needs to pass through the opening.

Interior Storage Space

Measure the usable:

  • Length

  • Width

  • Height

Account for wheel wells, sloped seats, trim, hinges, and other obstructions.

Stacking Space

Think about where the product will sit in relation to:

  • Coolers

  • Storage boxes

  • Tents

  • Sleeping equipment

  • Cookware

  • Water containers

  • Other furniture

Do not assume the full vehicle cargo volume is available for a single product.

Carrying Route

Consider whether the packed product can be carried through:

  • Home doors

  • Apartment hallways

  • Elevators

  • Stairways

  • Garage spaces

  • Campsite paths

Product Weight

Confirm that you can safely lift and carry the packed product through the intended route.

Large dimensions and heavy weight can both affect practical portability.

12. Allow for Setup and Movement Space

A product may technically fit within the measured area but still be inconvenient to use if there is not enough surrounding clearance.

Before ordering, also check:

Walking Paths

Leave a clear route between tents, tables, chairs, cooking equipment, and vehicles.

Tent and Awning Edges

Measure poles, guy lines, sloped walls, low roof sections, and awning supports.

The ground area may appear open even when the space above it is restricted.

Vehicle Doors and Tailgates

Make sure the setup does not prevent doors, hatches, drawers, or tailgates from opening fully.

Chair Movement

Allow room for people to sit down, stand up, and move behind chairs.

Cooking Movement

Leave enough space to turn, reach equipment, and handle cookware without contacting nearby objects.

Fire and Heat Sources

Maintain the clearance required by the manufacturer of any stove, burner, grill, heater, or other heat-producing equipment.

13. Consider Ground Conditions

Campsites are not always flat or level.

Before setting up, consider:

  • Uneven ground

  • Soft soil

  • Sand

  • Gravel

  • Rocks

  • Slopes

  • Tree roots

  • Wet ground

The product dimensions may fit the area, but unstable ground can affect balance and usability.

When measuring your usual setup, consider whether adjustable legs, stable foot placement, or additional leveling space may be required.

Do not exceed product load limits or use improvised supports that could reduce stability.

14. Use Tape to Visualize the Setup

Product dimensions can be difficult to understand from numbers alone.

Use painter’s tape or masking tape to mark:

  • Table footprint

  • Chair positions

  • IGT kitchen layout

  • Storage rack footprint

  • Door and drawer opening areas

  • Walking paths

  • Vehicle storage space

Then place your existing equipment inside or around the marked area.

This simple test can reveal whether the setup will feel crowded even when the product technically fits.

15. Common Measuring Mistakes

These are some of the most common mistakes to avoid before ordering:

Measuring Only the Product Location

The product also needs usable space around it for setup, movement, seating, cooking, and access.

Checking Only Width

Depth and height can affect campsite movement and vehicle storage just as much as width.

Measuring the Outside of an IGT Frame

An insert normally depends on the internal opening, support ledges, and underside clearance.

Assuming All IGT Products Are Universal

Similar module names or appearances do not guarantee identical dimensions or connection methods.

Ignoring Handles, Knobs, Hoses, and Brackets

These components may extend beyond the main product dimensions.

Forgetting the Folded Size

The assembled product may fit your campsite but not your vehicle or storage area.

Ignoring Packaging Dimensions

The shipping carton may be larger than the assembled or folded product. Consider doorway, hallway, elevator, and vehicle access when necessary.

Measuring Only Once

Measure critical areas at least twice, especially modular openings and attachment points.

Rounding Measurements

Rounding up or down can create compatibility problems for fitted modules and accessories.

Choosing Based Only on Photos

Photos help show appearance and use, but exact product-page dimensions determine fit.

16. Before You Place an Order

Before completing your purchase, confirm the following:

Measure the Full Available Space

Record width, depth, height, and surrounding clearance.

Review the Product Dimensions

Use the specifications shown on the individual product page as the final reference.

Check Folded and Packed Size

Confirm that the product fits your vehicle, storage area, and carrying route.

Confirm IGT Compatibility

Compare the exact opening dimensions, frame structure, support ledges, attachment points, and underside clearance.

Check Adjacent Equipment

Make sure chairs, burners, cookware, drawers, lids, hoses, and accessories can be used without interference.

Review Weight and Load Information

Confirm that the product weight is practical for transportation and that the stated load capacity is suitable for your intended use.

Consider Real-World Use

A product should not only fit the measured area. It should also leave enough room for safe, comfortable, and practical use.

17. Need Help Measuring?

If you are unsure whether an OutNestss product will fit your camping setup, vehicle, storage space, or existing IGT system, contact us before ordering.

Please email hello@outnestss.com and include:

  • The OutNestss product name

  • The product page address or a screenshot

  • The brand and model of your existing equipment

  • Clear photos of the installation area or campsite setup

  • Width, depth, height, and opening measurements

  • Frame or rail thickness, when applicable

  • Details about how you plan to use the product

  • Any specific compatibility questions

We will review the information provided and help you compare the relevant measurements.

Our assistance is based on the measurements, photos, and product information you provide. Compatibility cannot be guaranteed when measurements or existing equipment information are incomplete or inaccurate.

Customer Support

Website:
www.outnestss.com

Email:
hello@outnestss.com

Customer Support Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM PST
Excluding weekends and public holidays

Messages received outside customer support hours will be reviewed during the next available business period.