It’s that time of year when our emails are blasted with the new “must have” gifts for your special someone. The latest gadget, the trendiest hoodie, or the best mittens ever! The marketing can be very seductive, but do you really need that new thing and will it actually get used? This is the real list, the basics, the essential things you and your loved ones are certain to use and be thankful for on your next camping trip, BBQ, or just that spontaneous stroll and picnic in nature.  

Headlamps

For some reason it took the outdoor community a while to catch on to the awesomeness of hands free flashlights. Miners had it figured out centuries ago, and boy were they right. Having two hands to climb, pack, cook, work, or do whatever at night is priceless. They are also just as useful around the house if you need to get something done under the sink, that corner of the garage, or in the yard at night. They come in a range of prices and functionality to fit every budget, here is one of our favorites: https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Sport/CLASSIC-headlamps/TIKKA

Lighters

Campfires, candles, and stoves all need a spark!  It is possibly the most essential of all camping gear. Stay warm, stay fed, and stay romantic with the help of the simple lighter. We keep them in all of our vehicles and next to the candles in the house because you forget how essential they are until you can’t find one! Stock up, they’re cheap, and your friends and family will be relieved the next time they are searching for a fire starter.

Knife/Multi-Tool

So, you can see what you are doing (headlamp), you have the fire going (lighters), and now your hungry! Cooking gets tricky without a way to open packaging and dice up your favorite ingredients. Enter the trusty knife. No explanation necessary here, just remember how hard it is to slice tomatoes with a spoon! There are infinite options in this department, we like our trusty old leatherman: https://www.leatherman.com/wave-10.html?dwvar_10_color=10&cgid=full-size-multi-tools#start=1

Battery Pack 

Technology is nice. But oh yeah, we’re human! We inevitably forget to charge our phones before we depart, or we don’t want to leave things plugged into the car when we are around the campfire. The simple battery pack is so convenient here (and everyday, everywhere for that matter). Your loved ones will never return that awesome little brick of power you give them, guaranteed! Not too big, not too small, just right: https://www.anker.com/products/variant/PowerCore-10000/A1263011

Music

Portable speakers are everywhere these days, and for good reason. Tunes change EVERYTHING! Now they are lighter, more powerful, more portable, and sound better than ever. Instant party. Done!  These come in a range of sizes and prices as well, this is our go to: https://www.jabra.com/music/wireless-speakers/jabra-solemate

Already have everything on your list? Well then it’s time to get out, get away, and go enjoy this beautiful planet we call home. Contact us today for a free consultation and to get pricing on one of our beautiful camper vans, 1-877-350-VANS (8267) or [email protected]. We’ll discuss your interests and help you build a trip you’ll never forget.

Oh, and don’t forget Toilet Paper! :)