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  • Heading into the Wilderness? Essentials to Camp in Style-

    Heading into the Wilderness? Essentials to Camp in Style-

    Labor day is a few days away, and chances are high that camping might be on top of your list. Whether you’ve managed to score an amazing camp spot, or are just camping out in the back yard with the family- our team has hand picked a few awesome accessories to have you camping in style.

    You’ve got a tent and a sleeping bag… but what about an awesome camping chair? Our team picked out a few worth checking out:

    1. Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair– Best value and overall comfort
    2. NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair- If you’re looking to spend a bit more..you’ll thank yourself!
    3. Tommy Bahama 2020 Beach Chair-We know, it’s a beach chair…but it has a cooler and it’s super comfy…that works where-ever you go.

    What about something to drink? Our top choices

    1. LifeStraw Go Filter Bottle with 2 Stage Filtration: A water filter is a must for anyone who loves camping and the great outdoors.
    2. Corckcicle 160z Canteen Cockcicle: makes amazing products to keep your wine…er..we mean. …WATER cold!
    3. Hydroflask 20oz Wide Mouth: This is a must have for long hikes… keeps your drink cold for hours!

    How about some ‘tunes? An evening in the woods is always better with your favorite playlist

    1. JBL Clip 3: This little speaker packs big sound…and it’s waterproof!
    2. OontZ Angle 3 Ultra:  100 foot range on this speaker.
    3. Tronsmart T6 Plus: If you love bass… this speaker is for you!

    Happiness awaits!


  • Live Your Dream: Owning an RV

    Live Your Dream: Owning an RV

    Many retired people dream of buying an RV—a recreational vehicle—and traveling around the country. One of the most enduring and fun pastimes that Americans enjoy during their vacation time is going camping. However, camping can be a bit inglorious: slumming it out in a tent in the woods is a bit harder to do once you’re out of your twenties. So, what’s a lover of the great outdoors to do? Well, the simplest solution would be to buy an RV, so you can bring a little bit of home with you when you go camping!

    RVs are quite the investment, though. It’s important that you know what you’re getting into before you buy an RV. To that end, we’ve compiled a quick guide of things you should know before you buy an RV. Get ready to hit the road and the campground in style!

    Be Selective

    It’s okay to take your time when you’re looking to buy an RV. Check out all the options available to you, take it slow and easy, and don’t fall in love with the first camper you see. It’s easy to fall for a hype sales pitch, but don’t let it convince you to buy something you’re not sure about yet. An RV is likely the second-most expensive thing you’ll ever buy, after your home. As such, it’s important you’re as discerning with your RV as you were when you bought your home.

    Keep a lookout for substandard components. Maybe the plumbing isn’t ideal, or the water pump is outdated. Check the cabinets out and double-check the build quality on the furniture. This is a huge purchase: it’s okay to take a year or more doing research and weeding out the campers you know you don’t want before you find the one you do.

    On the Lot

    When you’re going in to buy the RV, make sure you know when to buy. The best time to hit the dealership is towards the end of the month, or the end of the year. That way, you’re close to the deadline for some of the dealership’s quotas and sales targets. This gives you a lot more power in negotiating. When the power is in your hands, you can negotiate much more freely.

    Start by haggling for around thirty percent off the sticker price of the RV. If you can get the price down around that region, you’ll be in good shape. It’s important that you know to walk away if you can’t find a good price with the dealership you’re at. Let the salesperson know that you’re willing to walk away and work with their competition if they won’t work with you.

    Or Buy Used

    If you don’t feel like fussing with a dealership, you can try to buy an RV used. RVs are unusual in that they’re luxury items, but their value depreciates rapidly once they’re purchased. After being driven off the lot, they can drop as much as 25% in price on the spot. As such, if you’re willing to shop around and deal with secondhand sellers, you can likely find RVs for as much as half off their MSRP.

    When buying used, make sure you check the living quarters thoroughly and ask the owner for all the paperwork showing the proper upkeep and maintenance of the RV. They can be a big hassle to keep up with and maintain, so if the person you’re buying from is done with the RV and wants to get rid of it, you’ll likely find it easy to haggle for a better price on the camper. Be aware before you buy any RV that repairs can be costly and can take a lot of time, so be ready for a big responsibility. If you put the work in, though, they can be huge fun!


  • Buying an RV? What You Should Know

    Buying an RV? What You Should Know

    One of the most enduring and fun pastimes that Americans enjoy during their vacation time is going camping. However, camping can be a bit inglorious: slumming it out in a tent in the woods is a bit harder to do once you’re out of your twenties. So, what’s a lover of the great outdoors to do? Well, the simplest solution would be to buy an RV, so you can bring a little bit of home with you when you go camping!

    RVs are quite the investment, though. It’s important that you know what you’re getting into before you buy an RV. To that end, we’ve compiled a quick guide of things you should know before you buy an RV. Get ready to hit the road and the campground in style!

    Be Selective

    It’s okay to take your time when you’re looking to buy an RV. Check out all the options available to you, take it slow and easy, and don’t fall in love with the first camper you see. It’s easy to fall for a hype sales pitch, but don’t let it convince you to buy something you’re not sure about yet. An RV is likely the second-most expensive thing you’ll ever buy, after your home. As such, it’s important you’re as discerning with your RV as you were when you bought your home.

    Keep a lookout for substandard components. Maybe the plumbing isn’t ideal, or the water pump is outdated. Check the cabinets out and double-check the build quality on the furniture. This is a huge purchase: it’s okay to take a year or more doing research and weeding out the campers you know you don’t want before you find the one you do.

    On the Lot

    When you’re going in to buy the RV, make sure you know when to buy. The best time to hit the dealership is towards the end of the month, or the end of the year. That way, you’re close to the deadline for some of the dealership’s quotas and sales targets. This gives you a lot more power in negotiating. When the power is in your hands, you can negotiate much more freely.

    Start by haggling for around thirty percent off the sticker price of the RV. If you can get the price down around that region, you’ll be in good shape. It’s important that you know to walk away if you can’t find a good price with the dealership you’re at. Let the salesperson know that you’re willing to walk away and work with their competition if they won’t work with you.

    Or Buy Used

    If you don’t feel like fussing with a dealership, you can try to buy an RV used. RVs are unusual in that they’re luxury items, but their value depreciates rapidly once they’re purchased. After being driven off the lot, they can drop as much as 25% in price on the spot. As such, if you’re willing to shop around and deal with secondhand sellers, you can likely find RVs for as much as half off their MSRP.

    When buying used, make sure you check the living quarters thoroughly and ask the owner for all the paperwork showing the proper upkeep and maintenance of the RV. They can be a big hassle to keep up with and maintain, so if the person you’re buying from is done with the RV and wants to get rid of it, you’ll likely find it easy to haggle for a better price on the camper. Be aware before you buy any RV that repairs can be costly and can take a lot of time, so be ready for a big responsibility. If you put the work in, though, they can be huge fun!


  • Our Favorite Sleeping Bag for Summer Adventures

    Our Favorite Sleeping Bag for Summer Adventures

    If you’re a camper or backpacker, you’re certainly aware of how important a good sleeping bag is. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable while trying to catch some winks in the wilderness. Whether your bag is too heavy for your pack, traps moisture too easily or is just too thin to keep you warm, the wrong bag can ruin a trip. To keep your trip on the “awesome” side of things, we’ve got a roundup of our favorite heavy-duty sleeping bags for camping! Let’s go on a wilderness adventure! 

    Patagonia Hybrid Sleeping Bag 

    Patagonia’s entry on this list is a little odd. It’s actually half a sleeping bag, which might sound like a rip-off, pun intended, but it’s actually pretty sweet. In the summer months, it’s great for cutting excess weight. When you don’t need a ton of extra warmth, having such a light sleeping bag will keep your pack light. Just carry a light blanket to cover your top half! In winter, just pair it with a thick, warm jacket. You’ll already be wearing one, so why not carry a lighter sleeping bag? The Patagonia Hybrid weighs in at 17.3 ounces, which is incredible. You can grab one for $300 straight from Patagonia. 

    REI Co-Op Igneo 25 

    A great buy at $270, the REI Igneo is a great pick for temperatures above 25 degrees Fahrenheit. During Fall, Spring and Summer, the Igneo will keep you comfortable and warm. The exterior is 20-denier ripstop nylon, meaning you won’t have to worry about water or rips during normal use. It only weights a hair over a pound, and it packs in beautifully. For a serious backpacker, this is a great buy for the price. The only situation you wouldn’t want this in? Winter time backpacking or camping, for which it’s not rated. For normal three-season outdoors expeditions, though, this is a great choice! 

    Our Favorite Overall Sleeping Bag: Feathered Friends Swallow UL Nano 20 

    This one is our favorite for a number of reasons. For one thing, it’s incredibly comfortable. You won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable trying to get to sleep after a long hike. Just plop down, zip up and snooze. The warmth-to-weight ratio here is also absolutely nuts: it’s rated for 20 degrees, but you could take it even colder. Feather Friends is known for their modesty in temperature ratings, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. That said, experienced campers could take this one lower than the rating suggests. For $550, this one is expensive, but worth every penny for a serious hiker or backpacker. 

  • What’s Cooking? Greatest Grill Gadget for this Summer!

    What’s Cooking? Greatest Grill Gadget for this Summer!

    You’ve got your friends, your beers and your tunes. It’s time to cook up a storm! Everyone in the neighborhood needs to know you’re the grill master, right? Make sure you grill in style with these awesome grill gadgets! If you’re looking to up your backyard game, look no further! Whether you’re looking for automatic grill-cleaners or grills that can travel with you to the campsite, we’ve got you covered! 

    Refuel 

    There’s nothing worse than getting everyone over to the house just to find out you’re out of propane. A smart gauge for your propane tank, Refuel gives you a live view of how much propane you have. It even alerts you when It’s time to, you guessed it, refuel! Keep in mind, though, this one isn’t in production anymore, so scoop yours up fast before they’re gone! You can get yours for $43 at Amazon.  

    Looftlighter 

    Resembling a lightsaber, the Looftlighter is a great lighter fluid-free fire starter. If you’re looking to light your grill up in style, look no further! The Looftlighter costs $80 and will save you hassle and help the environment! Not to mention, it’s super cool and your guests will be wowed by it! 

    Front Runner Outfitters Spare Tire Mount: Stainless steel BBQ grate  

    For $137 you can have a spare tire holder that doubles as a grill. If you’re out in the wilderness but wanna get your grill on, drop the grate over a fire. It’s designed at the right height to sit comfortably above a fire and let you grill on its steel surface. How cool is that? Perfect for campers who want to go off the beaten path for a picnic! 

    Our Favorite Grill Gadget: Grillbot 

    A robot that cleans your grill for you? Well, that’s exactly what you thought of when you read “grill gadgets,” so, you’re welcome. Yeah, the Grillbot cleans your grill for you. Just plop him down on the gross, blackened grill after you’re done cleaning. Like a badass backyard Roomba, it’ll clean up your grill and let you spend more time enjoying your company and food. Nothing screams “it’s the future” like robotic servants making life easier, huh? You can grab your Grillbot for $90 from Amazon. 

  • Hit the Trail! Which is the Best Car for Camping?

    Hit the Trail! Which is the Best Car for Camping?

    Summer time is time to hit the trail! If you’re looking for a car to pair with your outdoors-centric lifestyle, we’ve got a list for you! We’ve picked some of our favorites, and we’ll tell you which the best car for camping is! Believe it or not, there are some great cars out there made with the trail in mind! 

    Scion XB 

    Box-shaped cars are awesome for camping. Okay, that’s our list, go home! Jokes aside, the Scion XB is a great pick. You can fit tons of big, awkward things like tents in this super-tall car. You won’t be riding in style, but you’ll be able to carry all your stuff! It’s also great on gas, making it a good pick in general. Just don’t be surprised when people poke fun at your boxy car. 

    Land Rover Discovery Sport 

    Land Rover has a great reputation for being made for the great outdoors. The Discovery Sport lives up to that legacy! While many Land Rover owners don’t know it, Terrain Response makes their vehicles some of the best off-roaders in the world!  

    Sporting that same Terrain Response and a spacious interior, the Discovery Sport great pick for campers. You can take yourself and six friends nearly anywhere in the world, thanks to the suspension and Terrain Response technology. If you’re looking to lead some seriously rugged expeditions, this is the car you want. It’s also not going to break the bank, coming in at  

    Pontiac Aztec 

    Don’t laugh. Okay, laugh. Yes, this is the ugliest car in the world. Yes, you shouldn’t tell your Tinder dates you drive an Aztec. And yes, the Aztec is awesome on the trail. Hear us out for a second! This one comes with a camping loadout that includes an attachable tent and an air mattress! The center console can be a cooler! The back-hatch swings open! It’s awesome! 

    Okay, maybe this thing is too damn ugly to be anyone’s main car. But as a camping car, it’s the bomb. If you can afford to have two cars and car about camping, consider an Aztec. Come on, stop laughing! 

    Our Favorite Car for Camping: Honda Element 

    You’re reading a list of the best cars for hitting the trail, so you knew this one was going to show up. The Honda Element is well-known among camping enthusiasts for being dependable, rugged and awesome. And square.  

    The box-on-wheels design gives the element a tall ceiling, so you can carry tons of stuff. The back seats can fold all the way down or even be removed, allowing for even more space. The floors are even made of easy-cleaning urethane! We recommend springing for all-wheel drive if you plan on taking this one to the trail. You can also opt for the built-in factory hatch tent! 

  • Which Outdoor Speaker Packs the Most Punch?

    Which Outdoor Speaker Packs the Most Punch?

    Summer time is the time to enjoy the outdoors with friends! Whether you’re camping, at the pool, at the beach or at a cookout, you’re going to want your tunes! But which speakers are the best? You’ll want one with tons of power and durability! It helps if they’re water-proof, too. To help you narrow it down, we’ve got some of our favorite outdoor speaker picks for you! Party on! 

    UE Wonderboom 

    The Wonderboom is a compact, loud, waterproof speaker that’s sure to impress. If you want something you can toss in a bag and bust out at the pool, this little wonder is it. The folks at UE outdid themselves with this one! It can bob about in the water, no problem, kicking out huge sound and keeping the party going. If you’re the type that drops electronics in the pool, check out the Wonderboom! You can usually find them for around $70, although they’re often on sale for less. Between the stellar battery life, great Bluetooth connection and loud speaker, the Wonderboom is your best bet for compact speaker. 

    Braven XXL 

    If you want a boombox-style outdoor speaker, look no further. The Braven XXL packs huge sound into its durable frame. This one certainly isn’t small: it’s about the size of your average boombox. The body is shock-proof and water-resistant, so you won’t be worried about rain or dropping it. It also puts out some serious noise. If you’re looking to throw a loud dance party by the pool, this is your best bet. You can even plug in a microphone for a karaoke party! It’s a little pricey, coming in at $300, but it’ll make some serious noise. 

    JBL Charge 3 

    Much like the Wonderboom, the JBL Charge 3 can withstand water like nobody’s business. If you plan on charging up your gadgets by the pool, this is a great option! It boasts a USB port to charge any gadget you care to bring with you. The battery life is also stellar, although charging other gadgets up with it will reduce it. The Charge 3 costs around $150, but you can often find it on sale for less. With loud, punchy sonics and a durable body, this is another great choice! 

    Our Favorite Outdoor Speaker: UE Megaboom 

    We really like UE’s outdoor speakers! The Megaboom, the bigger cousin of the Wonderboom, is a beast. It’s a little expensive at $200, but it really delivers. It sports amazing sound quality and top of the line durability. It’s totally waterproof, of course, so it can survive any dips in the pool. It’s shock-resistant and durable, made for a pool party or camping trip. If you want a great balance of price and quality, the Megaboom is what you’re looking for. 

  • Glamping Basics for Those Looking to Camp in Style

    Glamping Basics for Those Looking to Camp in Style

    Everyone loves the great outdoors, right? Well, not everything about the outside world is that awesome. For those who want to enjoy the world of camping but don’t like leaving behind the comforts of everyday life, glamping exists! Glamping is a portmanteau of glamour and camping, and it’s pretty popular right now! If you’re looking to go on a glamourous camping trip of your own, check out these glamping basics to get you started! 

    Handpresso Wild Hybrid Coffee Machine 

    Coffee addicts know one of the roughest aspects of camping is missing out on good coffee. Thankfully, Handpresso is here to alleviate your need for a good espresso. For $80, you get a coffee press that can make espresso with just some hot water and coffee grounds. It’s easy, portable and light, and a real life saver for caffeine addicts. It’s much easier to face the great outdoors when you’ve had your morning coffee! 

    Sea to Summit Ultralight Hammock 

    The problem with most hammocks is that they’re heavy and cumbersome. Sea to Summit has a great solution for prospective glampers: an ultralight hammock that can fit in a purse. If you’re looking to kick back and enjoy the breeze, this is for you. The hammock is durable and can withstand 300 pounds, but it folds down to an impressive 8 inches by 3.5 inches when folded up. It runs for $90, but it’s a great addition to any glamping trip. What’s better than kicking back and enjoying the fresh air in the comfort of a hammock? 

    Craghoppers NosiLife Insect-Repelling Apparel 

    The worst part about the outside world is the bugs. Seriously, if you’ve ever been camping in an area with mosquitoes, you know what I’m talking about. This insect-repelling apparel is exactly what you need to enjoy the outdoors without getting your blood drained by those little monsters. Carghoppers offer a range of different clothes that repel bugs, from jackets to dresses. The best way to camp in style and not spend your time swatting bugs! 

    The Best Glamping Starter: Stout Bell Tent 

    The best way to camp glamorously is in a big, luxurious tent. Stout’s Bell Tent fits that bill perfectly! Coming in at $950, it’s not cheap, but it’s loaded with great features. The tent is covered in bug-resistant mesh vents and made from water-resistant material. It has a huge, spacious interior that can fit a king-sized bed and a very tall ceiling. It comes in 13- and 16-foot diameters and 8- and 10-foot ceiling heights, depending on what you need. Springing for this huge, luxurious tent is perfect for high-level glamping!