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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…
Winter camping made comfortable: The best tents for cold-weather adventures
Stay warm in one of these warm tents for winter camping
Woman with a headlamp camping in a winter tent surrounded by snow.

Winter camping isn't for the faint of heart. You've got to deal with deep snows, high winds, and freezing temperatures, but the right winter tent can be the difference between a memorable adventure and a miserable one. Your tent will protect you during the coldest hours of the early morning, so it better be a good one. In this guide, we'll be looking at what to consider when buying a winter tent and discussing the best tent for winter camping, as we've found two options.
Things to consider when buying a winter tent

Tent type
When considering what kind of tent to buy for your winter adventure, make sure you purchase a tent designed for the cold. Summer-grade tents are primarily designed for maximum ventilation to keep you cool, but that's not going to fly in the winter. Choose one that's marked as a four-season or mountaineering tent. These are built for harsher conditions and can withstand the extra weather challenges that you will face during the winter.

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Winter camping made comfortable: Top tent heater tips and picks
Thrive while winter camping with our best tips and recommendations for tent heaters
Hiker relaxing in his tent with a great view of the snowy mountains

During winter camping, one of the primary concerns is staying warm, especially during those frigid nights. The temperature will often plummet to below freezing depending on where you're adventuring, so you'll need to get creative. One of the most effective ways to keep your tent cozy is to use a tent heater. However, there can be some safety risks. In this article, we'll explore some practical tips on how to choose the right tent heater, how to stay safe, and also some recommendations for a tent heater for winter camping.
How to choose the right tent heater

There are two main kinds of tent heaters: propane and electric. Propane heaters are popular because they have great heat output, and most models are easily portable. They don't require electricity, but they do require a good amount of ventilation in order to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

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Essential camping gear: The best power banks for your trip
Losing charge while out camping? These power banks will be just what you need
A man hiking to a mountain top

While you might not have service during your adventures, one of the worst things that can happen while camping is having your device run out of battery. Losing charge on your device could mean that you no longer have access to maps or other important resources, so it's important to pack a great power bank whenever you go camping. There are so many great options on the market today, so here's everything we look for in a great power bank for camping, as well as a few of our favorite recommendations.
What to consider when buying a power bank for camping

Capacity (mAh)
When out camping, you'll likely be away from an outlet for at least 48 hours. Buying a power bank that has a high mAh will be just the thing to keep all of your devices charged. To figure out how much capacity you'll need, estimate based on the capacity of your phone, GPS, and other gadgets. Generally one that is over 20,000mAh will suit your needs.
Portability
High-capacity power banks can be heavy, so if you're thinking about trekking through the woods with this brick, you'll want to purchase a power bank that is a portable weight and size. There are many compact designs on the market, and many of them are light weight.
Durability
Stuff happens when you're out in the wild, so you'll also want a power bank model that's durable. Opt for power banks that are shockproof, dustproof, and water resistant with a rating of IP65 or higher. Some also have options for protective casing, which can go a long way.
Charging speed
Fast charging is always nice to have, especially in an emergency. Look for power banks with Quick Charge (QC) or Power Delivery (PD) for faster charging. It's also nice if your power bank has multiple ports so you can charge more than one device at a time.
Temperature tolerance
If you're going camping in a super hot or cold climate, you'll want to invest in a power bank that can handle both extremes. Lithium-polymer batteries are generally better for extreme temperatures, so opt for that over a lithium-ion battery. For long trips in sunny areas, some power banks come with a built-in solar panel.
Here are the best power banks for camping
Anker PowerCore III Elite 25,600mAh

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