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Classy Camping 101

When you head out for some camping, there are a few things you absolutely need in order to have a fine time of it. These necessities include a tent, a sleeping bag, a way to cook and serve food, and other basics. Like water. You need water to live, so bring some along or make sure you have a good filter/sterilization system (and a water source, of course).

Beyond the fundamentals, a deck of cards never hurt and even a guitar can make the outing that much more pleasurable. (Harmonicas are admittedly more portable than a guitar, but Jesus… a harmonica?) If you want to recreate in style, though, you need to take things up a notch.

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While camping out should be a departure from the humdrum of everyday life, it need not be a retreat from some of the finer comforts you enjoy there in that big city. For example, turning off your phone and leaving those Tweeter and Minterest (or whatever those socialist media things are) accounts neglected is a good idea; spending days in the bush wearing soiled clothing and smelling like a carpetbagger (yes, this is begging the question) is not a good idea. Especially not when you see the first product we’ve got lined up today!

Related: VSSL’s Flashlights

If you want to keep it classy while you camp, keep it clean using the…

Scrubba Portable Laundry System Wash Bag
Now, thanks to the miracle of “internal Scrubba nodules,” you can get clean laundry anywhere. All you need is a bit of soap, about a gallon of water, and some dirty clothes (or, for truly clean clothing, just wash clean clothing). You plop the clothes in the Scrubba, add water and a bit of soap, and then seal the bag up. Let the extra air out through a valve, and then grab hold of the bag and give ‘er some squeezes! It just takes a few minutes for this modern take on the old fashioned washboard to provide you clean clothes. And at just 5 ounces of weight, you can even pack it along on overland treks. Classy indeed.

Now, if you want to take a load off in style, you need the…

Travelchair Big Bubba Chair
It packs down small but unfolds into a full-sized chair! It has a padded headrest! It has a built-in cup holder! This is a camp chair with a goddamn FOOT rest! And it weighs less than 12 pounds! While the Big Bubba chair may be a bit large for the mountain climber to tote on his (or her) back, it’s perfect for folks camping close to their cars. It also will do just fine in a pinch as a spare seat for watching the game, a backyard BBQ party, or even as an everyday chair. Except don’t actually use it as an everyday chair, you’re better than that, sir.

Why leave the fresh beer at home? Tap a glass anywhere with the…

Jockey Box Beer Keg Cooler and Dispenser
For the record, taking this thing along for an overland trip is out of the question. But if you’re pitching your tent near the vehicles (or you’re going for a boat trip), the gentleman who brings along a Jockey Box will be unto a king. Why? Because it’s a self-contained portable beer tap, that’s why. You can pour fresh, frothy glasses of brew anywhere and everywhere (well, not like during an elementary school play…), and that certainly includes the campsite. But you know what, don’t just take it from us, take it from the product’s very own product description: “[the Jockey Box is a] perfect portable solution for dispensing large quantities of ice-cold keg beer at any party or event.” Oh yeah, perfection indeed.

Steven John
Steven John is a writer and journalist living just outside New York City, by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, by way of…
This great camping hack involves. . . bread tags?
Save up some bread tags for your next camping trip
A view from an open camping tent

When camping, it's often the smallest, most unexpected items that prove to be the most useful. One tool that's been overlooked in this fashion is the humble bread tag. I can't tell you the number of times I've tossed that little plastic clip that keeps the bread closed in my backpack, but believe it or not, bread tags are pretty useful when it comes to camping. Here are two fantastic ways to use bread tags next time you go camping in the wild.

Camping gear often involves cords and ropes, and oftentimes, these get tangled pretty badly to and from the campsite. A bread tag is a simple yet effective solution to keep all of your cords and tent lines in order while you're on the go. Just wrap your cord into loops around your hand and secure it all with the bread tag. As long as everything fits inside, this tip can help prevent those frustrating knots that remind you of untangling the Christmas lights.

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Two people sitting by a campfire at night in the winter

One of the main concerns of camping in the snow is hypothermia. Yes, you will probably experience some cold days and nights, but there are ways to stave off the cold, especially if you have the right gear. When done right, camping in the snow can be an invigorating adventure that gives you quicker access to all of your favorite winter sports. Here's how to fend off one of winter campers' biggest threats.
What is hypothermia?

Regular body temperature is considered to be about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and hypothermia is when your body temperature drops below 95 degrees. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, which is terrible for your heart, nervous system, and organs. This is considered a dangerous medical emergency, so it's best to play it safe when planning to camp outside.

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Purple and green twisted paracord

Sometimes, the simplest tools are the most effective, especially when camping. I've found that paracord is one of those things that most people have at the bottom of their bags, but do you really know how to use it to its fullest potential? Originally designed for parachutes, paracord is lightweight, durable, and (in my humble opinion) essential for any camping trip. Like with a camping knife, using paracord does require some skill, but once you know the right knots, it will change your game. The next time you're in the wild, try one of these paracord purposes.
How to use paracord while camping

Paracord ideas for shelter and weather protection
You never know when you'll need a little extra length to your tent guy lines. Paracord is just the thing. Just cut the amount you need and use a taut-line hitch for adjustable tension.

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