Photo by Jennifer Ryan Jones What’s better than escaping into woods for some much needed rest and relaxation? Whether you’re a camper or a glamper, connecting with nature is a great way to unplug and recharge. And who doesn’t want to get off the grid? Think of the fun you’ll have cooking in the great outdoors, sleeping under the stars and fending off the hungry mosquitos. Of course, camping is about channeling your inner Eagle Scout, so keep it rustic. But after a day of adventure you’ll want a cold beer and a warm sleeping bag. So before you go, check out this camping gear that will make roughing it feel a little less rough.
Where are you going to sleep? Match your accommodations to the climate and the number of people you’ll be putting up but leave the tent flap open for last minute joiners. Check out connectable Qube Tents. They’re easy to set up, you can stand once inside and they are made of a heavy material that will keep you dry when it rains. Best of all, you can connect your Qube Tent to your buddy’s using a universal tunnel. It takes a village!
Keep your beer ice cold. For camping trips, soft coolers like the YETI Hopper Two 20, can be less clunky to carry and easier to pack than a hard sided versions. And by soft we don’t mean less durable. This leak proof, portable cooler has a waterproof shell and YETI’s Cold Cell trademarked insulation.
Start the day by cooking up a hearty breakfast on Coleman’s Camp Propane Grill/Stove. You can fit a 10-inch pan on this portable stovetop with fully adjustable heat. And there’s plenty of grill space as well. It’s perfect for cooking up the side dishes while the dogs are roasting on the campfire.
Today’s sleeping bags, like the Marmot Nanowave 25 Long, take weight and warmth very seriously. Made from high-tech Spirafil High Loft Insulation this bag compresses down to pack small and weighs in at just 2lbs. 15ozs. This bag will keep you warm and dry when you’re sleeping on the trail or camping in your own backyard.
The woods get dark at night. Grab your Dude Wipes and light the way to the outhouse with Black Diamond Gear’s Moji Lanterns. These pocket-sized illuminators run on batteries and shine a pretty powerful light on your camp sight. They’re easy to use and can be hung from the trees or your tent.
You’ll never be lost with Garmin’s inReach satellite technology. It allows you to track your camping journey, access weather reports and sends messages by connecting to your smart phone. You can also send an SOS to their 24/7 global monitoring center, which can be a real lifesaver. Can you hear me now?
Hailing from all over the country these bourbons defy the odds with their reasonable price tag and can turn a nightcap into a night you’ll (hopefully) never forget. Here are the seven best bottles of bourbon under $100.
