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May 24, 2022

How to Make Your First Car Camping Trip a Success

Filed under: Fitness — Tags: , , , — admin @ 7:00 pm

This article was produced in partnership with Dometic

Escaping into the wild on a car camping odyssey is an easy idea to pitch from your couch. Dealing with all the logistics of pulling it off is another story. First, there’s mapping out a great place to go. Then there’s gathering all the gear and grub—or buying cool new stuff (more on that in a moment). Long before you begin packing up your vehicle, organization is key from the get-go.

Newbies to car camping may find the prospect of ditching the comforts of home for a few days of “roughing it” in the forest, mountains, or desert to be daunting enough for second thoughts. Even veteran campers can feel the inertia. Don’t let any of that stop you. These essential car camping tips and gear suggestions will (metaphorically) light the campfire and make your next adventure easier to both plan out beforehand and enjoy when you’re out there.

Finding the Perfect Spot

The most important part of making your first car or truck camping trip a resounding success is finding a great location to set up your site. Plenty of online resources can help you dial in a desirable outdoor adventure, starting with the National Park Service and your local state park services. These sites open a treasure trove of possible camping areas and provide important camping intel—ranging from reservations and regulations to campsite amenities. Reserve America is the hub reservation site that most federal, state, local, and private campgrounds use as their system to manage guests in the parks, and will most likely be your online go-to for locking down a spot.

The onX map app gives you lots of great backcountry info for finding camping spots.
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Another great resource for finding a camping spot—covering an even larger expanse of national, state, and public lands, including on the vast Bureau of Land Management (BLM) grid—is an app called onX. Not only does the subscription-based service (which works with Android and Apple devices) provide tons of maps and ideas for where to hike, camp, and enjoy the backcountry, it’s also equipped with extensive maps for off-roading driving, hunting, and snow sports.

Use Hipcamp to find tons of private camping spots around the country.
Photo by Aldeen Li on Unsplash

You’ll want to plan at least a month out when nailing down a great place to car camp. Popular spaces, especially in national and state parks during high season, can be snatched up several months in advance, leaving a dicey supply of first-come, first-served spots for gamblers rolling up without a reservation. Even if your first (second or third) choices aren’t available, some diligent searching online will usually turn up other good options in the area you plan to visit—possibly a primitive campsite a little farther off the beaten path, or a private campground offering cabins or glamping sites. For the latter, Hipcamp is a great resource.

 Getting Organized for the Outdoors

Organization is key when planning and partaking in a successful camping trip from start to finish. Having the right gear is up there too, but getting fully rigged up with cutting-edge equipment can come later—even after a few preliminary car camping trips to fine-tune what stuff you’ll want to bring along next time. For now, start off with a solid set of containers to assemble your gear and keep it organized.

You don’t have to break the budget on these. Big box stores like Walmart and Home Depot offer deals on bin packs like Sterilite 45 Gallon Wheeled Latch and Roughneck 18 Gal. Rugged Stackable Storage Tote Container to keep your gear separated and ready to roll at a moment’s notice. Dividing everything into clearly labeled bins—sleeping, cooking, hiking, backpacks, jackets, boots, rain gear—will make packing for your trip a cinch. It will also alleviate all the stress that goes into the initial push to get outdoors.

Pack up for the outdoors with the Front Runner Wolf Pack boxes.
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If you’re looking for beefier, high-end storage options, check out the Front Runner Wolf Pack Quad Set ($236). These durable containers are stackable and roomy, which make them ideal for using as your storage in the vehicle. Just pull the gear you want for your trip from the bigger bins, then pack these for use in the wild where their high-strength plastic is built to withstand the rigors of backcountry travel.

Choose Dometic's new line of soft storage from their GO collection for car camping.
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To stow stuff more easily in your car, go for Dometic’s new line of storage solutions. Brand new to the noted outdoor fridge company, this variety of storage options include soft storage, which comes in two sizes, 20 liter or 10 liter. These handy little cubes are tough as well as being ideal for storing lots of kitchen gear since they are made from water-resistant and rugged thermoplastic-coated polyester, which gives them a semi-rigid structure that can collapse down. Add in the slip-in insulated totes—GO Pac Insulated 20L and 10L—and your storage transforms into a cooler.

Get Gear That Feels Like Home

Car camping is ideal for newbies given that you can haul enough creature comforts to make your downtime in the outdoors almost as comfy as your back patio. Dometic, the leader in off-the-grid refrigeration and cooling systems, has recently released an entire suite of products geared for exactly that purpose. The Dometic GO line is specifically designed for easy stowing in your trunk or SUV cargo area while conserving maximum space—which is also key for car campers.

Relax at your next car camping site with furniture from Dometic's GO outdoor line.
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Highlights from their new furniture line include the Compact Camp Table ($200), Compact Camp Chair ($150), and Compact Camp Bench ($100). The table is a sweet setup, featuring a sturdy bamboo top and aluminum legs pushed to the corners for more leg room. Dometic’s camp chairs are available in three subdued colors (Silt, Ash, and Glacier) that blend into the environment. Made with a foldable aluminum frame, 600D fabric, and beechwood arms, they’re a natural fit with the table, which folds in half and has adjustable legs; opt among three heights (think coffee table, kids’ table, and dinner table).

Take along the Dometic GO Camp Blanket on your next outdoor excursion to keep warm on cool nights.
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For another seating option, go with the bench, which is big enough to seat two adults—and could also work as a cot for a napping child in a pinch. It’s made with the same lightweight aluminum frame and heavy-duty fabric as the chairs. A perfect companion for either the bench or chairs is the Camp Blanket ($140), a dual-sided throw that blends a soft, padded top with a waterproof bottom—ideal for sitting on dewy grass or around a campfire.

Light up your car camping site with a set of BioLite's Alpen Glow LED lanterns.
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Proper lighting is another must-have. Maximize the homeyness by opting for lighting that gives off a warm yellow glow (as opposed to harsh white light). The new BioLite AlpenGlow Multi Pack ($280) will fully illuminate your site with four USB lanterns in two sizes that have multi-color settings. The lighting system offers options for either cool or warm dimmable white hues, along with a candle mode that gives off a soothing flicker. The LED lights are water-resistant and will run for five hours on high and up to 200 hours on low.

You can fit a family in the huge UST four person tent.
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The part of home that’s hardest to replicate in the wild is the sleeping situation. Cramped tents and thin pads aren’t exactly a cozy bedroom, but there are options here as well to significantly up the comfort level. First, for more space, tote along the UST House Party 4 Person Tent ($400). The single-wall tent (no need to set up a separate rain fly) has large side vents to channel cool breezes, plenty of storage pockets, a huge door for easy in and out, and almost six feet of height inside.

Sleep like you're at home when in the wild with the Hest Sleep System mattress.
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Next, toss in a super comfy sleeping pad like the HEST Sleep System Wide ($499), and you won’t want to get up too early for that first cup of coffee on a cold morning. This super comfy mattress mixes a stiff, inflatable bottom half with a memory foam topper covered in a stretchy, breathable cover so you’ll be comfy, no matter how hard and cold the ground is.

Planning and organizing your first (or next) car camping trip is a snap if you utilize the right resources and put a little thought into gear selection and storage. With the proliferation of excellent online portals and offline apps, along with lots of new camp gear, setting out on that first car camping trip isn’t just doable—it’s hopefully the beginning of a beautiful new habit.

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February 18, 2022

Camping With a Dog: Essential Gear to Keep Your Pet Safe and Comfortable

Filed under: Fitness — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 12:54 am

My new puppy loves the outdoors even more than I do, so I’ve been spoiling her with gear to guarantee she has the best possible experience. As warmer weather approaches, I’m adding items to her camping kit to make sure she’s ready for a full summer of road tripping in our camper van. If you’re considering camping with a dog, you’ll want to grab a few canine-focused camping essentials, too.

Camping with her is an adventure for both of us, but a little preparation really makes trips smoother. The right gear setup will keep your pup from wandering into the woods, ensure they’re getting the right nutrition, and help them get a good night’s sleep and plenty of rest throughout the day.

From plush cushions to slip-free water bowls to a collapsible crate, keep your pet safe and comfortable at camp (and en route) with these 10 items for camping with a dog.

Camping With a Dog: All the Gear You Need

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November 1, 2021

The Best Outdoor Blankets for Camping, Tailgating, and More

Filed under: Fitness — Tags: , , — admin @ 11:53 pm

As chilly weather rolls in, it’s always a good idea to have some cozy blankets within reach—and if you’ll be spending time outside this fall, outdoor blankets are a must. At my house, there’s no such thing as too many. We have options for the couch, bed, and desk, and our van is equipped with a full stack for snuggling up when we’re adventuring outdoors.

Outdoor blankets are made from all sorts of materials, like wool, down, or synthetic fabrics, and each fabric comes with different benefits. Sizes vary from small enough to fit in your lap to gigantic enough to cover a king-sized bed. And the intended use also matters: Take note of which ones are meant for hardcore camping and which ones are better for staying inside your cabin.

These 11 picks—ranging from weather-resistant outdoor blankets to picnic blankets to ultra-plush premium options—will keep you warm no matter where you’re headed this fall.

The Best Outdoor Blankets 2021

Best Premium Blanket: Rumpl SoftWool Blanket outdoor blankets
Rumpl Merino SoftWool Blanket Courtesy Image

1. Best Premium Blanket: Rumpl SoftWool Blanket

We could pick multiple Rumpl blankets for this list—the brand has mastered the art of making lightweight and plush camping options—but this merino wool blanket is new and utterly amazing. Made of responsibly sourced Australian merino wool and organic cotton in a 50-50 blend, it’s perfect for nestling in your cabin or on your patio (you won’t want to get this one dirty). It features a modern striped pattern, and comes in throw, queen, and king sizes.

[$199–$479; rumpl.com]

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Best Wearable Blanket: Poler Original Camp Poncho
Poler Reversible Camp Poncho Courtesy Image

2. Best Wearable Blanket: Poler Reversible Camp Poncho

Forget sharing: With Poler’s wearable blanket, you can keep all the warmth to yourself. This fully reversible poncho comes with snap-closure sides for trapping heat and a roomy kangaroo pouch for warming your hands or storing camp essentials. The synthetic material is super soft and keeps its loft over time, even after lots of use. At 2.5 pounds, it’s a better pick for car camping than backpacking.

[$100; poler.com]

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Kelty Bestie Blanket outdoor blankets
Kelty Bestie Blanket Courtesy Image

3. Best Budget Blanket: Kelty Bestie Blanket

For a wallet-friendly option that’s still comfy and packable, consider Kelty’s Bestie Blanket. For just $25, you can wrap this twin-sized blanket around yourself while at camp or a music festival, or you can use it as an extra layer over your sleeping bag. It packs down to the size of a bread loaf for easy storage and carrying, and it’s available in four funky patterns and colorways.

[$25; kelty.com]

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Matador Pocket Blanket
Matador Pocket Blanket Courtesy Image

4. Best Packable Blanket: Matador Pocket Blanket

Blankets can take up a lot of room, and the ones with the best warmth-to-weight ratio can be pricey—unless you opt for the Pocket Blanket, which is neither large nor expensive. Built from a lightweight nylon fabric with a waterproof coating, it’s best for covering the ground so you can sit, yet it’s small enough to pack as an extra “just-in-case” layer. Built-in ultralight stakes ensure it won’t blow away, and its stitching shows you how to pack it up so it fits into its mesh pouch.

[$30; matadorup.com]

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Big Agnes Dotsero Down Blanket outdoor blankets
Big Agnes Dotsero Down Blanket Courtesy Image

5. Best Down Blanket: Big Agnes Dotsero Down Blanket

For the most loft, warmth, and compressibility for use in the outdoors, the Dotsero Down Blanket is at the top of our list. The 650-fill DownTek insulation is wrapped in a quilted polyester taffeta shell that repels dew and is easy to clean. Measuring 80 by 88 inches, it’s the right size for sharing; you can also fold it in half to use as a one-person quilt. The blanket compresses down to the size of a basketball for bringing along on a pack-rafting, bikepacking, or camping trip.

[$250; bigagnes.com]

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Tarpestry Rugged
Tarpestry Blue Leaf Courtesy Image

6. Best Tarp: Tarpestry Blue Leaf

There’s a certain type of blanket that’s only used for spreading out on the ground and never for cuddling up. The Tarpestry Tarp falls into that category. When you’re in the grass, dirt, or sand, it’ll keep butts dry and clean. The UV-resistant polyester fabric won’t fade after a day in the sun, and you can hose it off when it’s really dirty. It’s available in four-, six-, eight-, or 10-grommet options; the various layouts allow you to stake it down to the ground or tie it up to make a sun shade.

[$198–$222; tarpestry.com]

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REI Co-op Flannel/Fleece Blanket outdoor blankets
REI Co-op Flannel/Fleece Blanket Courtesy Image

7. Best Two-Sided Blanket: REI Co-op Flannel/Fleece Blanket

When the seasons change, reach for this plush layer. REI combined two of the warmest fabrics into one big, snug blanket. It’s fully flannel on one side and fully fleece on the other, and it measures 74 by 54 inches for full coverage. Better yet, for every blanket purchased, REI will donate 10 percent of the sale to the REI Cooperative Action Fund, which makes grants to nonprofits that promote justice, equity, and belonging in the outdoors.

[$60; rei.com]

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Oceas Mylar Emergency Blankets
Oceas Mylar Emergency Blankets Courtesy Image

8. Best Emergency Blanket: Oceas Mylar Emergency Blankets

Winter weather equals dicey road conditions, so it’s always a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car. With this set of four compact but effective emergency blankets—the reflective mylar material was originally designed by NASA for use in space—you and your passengers can maintain a healthy body temperature even if you’re stuck in your car. The blankets come rolled up in individual polyester bags and tucked together in a durable case that keeps them protected until you need them.

[$25; oceasoutdoors.com]

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Pendleton National Park Blanket
Pendleton National Park Blanket Courtesy Image

9. Best Wool Blanket: Pendleton National Park Blanket

The natural thermoregulating properties of wool excel in this Pendleton blanket that you can wrap entirely around yourself. It won’t pill or shred even after extended use, but be sure to keep it out of the dryer (wool can shrink). The vintage striped colorways are a tribute to America’s National Parks: Perfect for decorating your camper or adding to your stack of campfire blankets.

[$269; rei.com]

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Layla Weighted Blanket on a grey mattress outdoor blankets
Layla Weighted Blanket Courtesy Image

10. Best Weighted Blanket: Layla Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are like a giant hug, and they can improve sleep quality, too. When camping, bring one that’s easy to wash and doesn’t make that annoying swishing sound, like this Layla model. One side is cotton and the other is a polyester mink “fur,” and it’s full of high-density micro glass beads for added heft. Every blanket comes with a 120-day guarantee: If it doesn’t work for you in that timeframe, you can return for a full refund.

[$199; laylasleep.com]

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Eddie Bauer Hemp CBD Throw
Eddie Bauer Hemp CBD Throw Courtesy Image

11. Best Down Alternative: Eddie Bauer Hemp CBD Throw

As if a blanket wasn’t relaxing enough, this one is infused with organic CBD extracted from hemp. Envelop yourself into this quilt—the CBD will help enhance relaxation, release tension, and improve sleep. (It also won’t wash out because it’s encapsulated into the fabric.) Instead of down, this one is puffed up with a Premeaire down alternative that’s just as lightweight and warm.

[$149; eddiebauer.com]

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