Blog

Backpacking is one of the best ways to see remote areas of the country and the world. If you have someone in your life who likes to backpack, then you should think about getting them a gift for this holiday season that supports their efforts as a backpacker.

Here are some of the best gifts out there for the backpacker in your life.

Triton Tactical G10 Folding Pocket Knife

The Triton Tractical Folding Pocket Knife has a rugged, tough construction with stonewashed stainless steel blade, milled G10 handle and a lockback design. It’s a three and one-half inch blade and includes a sheath.

Check it out at Camping World

Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool

The Leatherman Wave Plus Miti-Tool lets you have 18 useful tools at your instant disposal. All of the tools lock into place, making them easier to use. It’s also one-hand operable, making things even easier. Any backpacker knows that a multi-tools is a valuable tool.

Check it out at Camping World

Perma Chill Screw Top Water Bottle

Every backpacker should have a good water bottle, and while a plastic water bottle can be okay, it’s often better to have the durability of sainless steel. This Perma Chill Screw Top Water Bottle is exactly what I’m talking about. It has a capacity of 17 ounces, which is pretty darn good.

Check it out at Camping World

MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Water Filter

If your backpacker friend of family member is the kind of person who goes way off the beaten path, then having a way to get clean water anywhere is a must. This MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Water Filter lets them use the water that’s around them. It filters out bacteria, particulates, and protozoa from water sources making it safe to drink.

Check it out at Camping World

Guide Series Men’s Cascade Waterproof Hiking Boot

Every backpacker does a lot of hiking, so I had to toss one pair of boots on this list. These Guide Series Men’s Cascade Hiking Boots are great. They’re rugged and tough, feature a waterproof design, and offer a comfortable cushioned sole. The Vibram rummer outsole offers fantastic traction as well.

Check it out at Camping World

Smith & Wesson Delta Force MS LED Flashlight

Any backpacker will tell you that a reliable, rugged flashlight can be a lifesaver. This Smith & Wesson M&P Delta Foce CS 490 lumen flashlight is exactly that. It has four settings: high, low, strobe, and momentary. It’s made of anodized aerospace aluminum and that means it’s good for just about any situation.

Check it out at Camping World

Erehwon Trailhead 2-Person Tent

There are tons of tents out there and many backpackers are going to have their own feelings about tents, but I like this one. The Erehwon Trailhead Tent has a simple two-pole design. That makes it easy to set-up and take down, and it offers enough room for two people so you can backpack with a friend or significant other.

Check it out at Camping World

Kelty Coyote Backpack

Again, many backpackers will already have this, but you can’t go backpacking without a good backpack designed specifically for the activity. This Kelty Coyote Backpack comes in 80 or 65-liter capacities and is perfect for someone who likes to disappear into the wilderness for a little while. It has a top-loading design with additional panels and pockets and is designed to be comfortable even when you load it up.

Check it out at Camping World

Garmin GPSMAP 64st Handheld GPS

A GPS system is a must-have for any backpacker. This Garmin GPSMAP 64st Handheld GPS is one of the best units out there. It features a 2.6-inch sunlight-readable screen, high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS receiver, preloaded TOPO US 100K maps with the ability to add more, three-axis compass with barometric altimeter, and wireless Bluetooth and ANT+ technology.

Check it out at Camping World

Silva Guide 2.0 Compass

You can’t always rely on GPS. As much as I appreciate a GPS system and its features, any backpacker knows the value of a backup navigation system. That’s where this Silva Guide 2.0 Compass comes in. It’s traditional mirror sighting system allows the user to determine direction over long distances. It’s a fantastic addition to any backpacker’s arsenal.

Check it out at Camping World

---

If you have a backpacker in your life, you’re sure to make them smile this holiday season with one of these gifts. If you don’t see what you want here, check out all that Camping World has to offer.

Source link

If you’re like me, you want to bring your pup with you on your adventures. Camping, like many things in life, is just better with your dog.

With that said, it’s smart to have a crate for your dog when camping. This is true if you’re tent camping or if you’re camping in an RV.

There are many reasons why you need a dog camping crate, but here are some of the most important ones.

It Gives Your Dog a Place to Go

Having a dog camping crate is smart because it gives you pup a place to go and be. You want your dog to see the crate as a safe place. It should be a place for them to go when they want to lay down, sleep, hide from danger (my dog is scared of storms) or simply be when you’re camping.

Spend some time familiarizing your dog with the crate. You should crate train you dog with your camping crate just like you did with the one in your home. When you crate train allows you to take advantage of your dog’s natural instincts to make and have a den. This gives them a little home of their own.

It Lets You Put Your Dog Away When You Need to Leave

When you crate train your dog and have a camping crate for them, it allows you to leave your dog at the campground so that you can go off and do something without them if you need to.

Make sure you dog has plenty of water and the temperature isn’t too hot or cold wherever the dog’s crate is. Never leave the crate in a car while you go off and do something in the summer. That’s a recipe for a disaster. Make sure they’re comfotable when you leave and will be the entire time you’re gone. A crate helps make this easier.

It’s Great for Traveling

It’s okay to just have your dog in the RV or in your vehicle while camping, but honestly having them in a camping crate is going to be safer. If there’s an accident and your dog is free in your RV or vehicle, they could sustain serious injuries. The same can happen in a camping crate, but it’s less likely.

It also keeps your dog in a specific place while traveling. This makes things comfortable for both you and your dog. When traveling make sure to take breaks so that your dog can relieve itself regularly. They can’t stay in the crate forever, so make frequent stops and let them stretch their legs.

---

Are you looking for the right dog camping crate? Check out Camping World’s selection.

Source link

RVing is a fantastic experience, letting you see and experience the beauty of our country.

Few things will ruin that experience more quickly than a flat tire when you’re halfway to your destination.

No worries—you’re all set up with a spare in good condition, right? Here’s how to make sure your spare tire is ready when it’s called into service.

Make Sure You Have a Spare Tire

Unfortunately, not every RV will come with a spare tire. This is something to double-check when you’re buying—especially when you’re getting a used RV. Even more so if you’re buying from a private seller.

We highly recommend getting a full-size spare—not just a “donut” like some cars include.

A lot of RVs will get you far off the beaten path. You need to be confident your spare tire can get you out of the wilderness, back to civilization, and back to a tire shop.

Considering the weight some of these RV tires handle, full-size is the way to go.

A quick note for larger RV owners, particularly large Class A motorhomes: with a vehicle as large as some of the Diesel Pushers on the road, the reality is you’re probably not going to be able to change your tire on your own.

The real benefit of keeping a spare in this case—the tire shop you may end up at on your travels may not have the correct size tire you need. Having a spare will get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

Keep Your RV’s Spare Tire Covered

Like we said above, your travels will often take you off developed roads and onto dirt roads, and sometimes no actual “roads” at all.

It’s important to keep your spare tire covered and protected from all that dirt and grime with a spare tire cover.

When it’s time to store your RV for the winter, or even if you’re going to take a couple months between trips, cover all your tires, including the spare.

This will help protect your tires from sun and snow damage over time, and keep them in good condition for as long as possible.

Inspect Your RV’s Spare Tire Regularly

Your RV’s tires should be rotated about every 5000 miles. Every time you get a tire rotation, make a point to inspect your spare.

Here are a couple things to take a look at:

• Check the tire pressure. If your spare is easy to access, it’s a good idea to check this whenever you check the pressure on your tires in use.
• Check for any cracking or dry rot.
• Check the birth date of your all your tires—most RV tires age out before they wear out. 7-10 years is the maximum useful life of most tires, regardless of usage.

Now that you’re confident you’ve got a good spare on-hand. Here are a couple more things to do so you’re ready when you inevitably get a flat tire.

Pack the Tools You Need to Change Your Tires

If you’ve got an RV where you can change the tire, make sure you have all the tools you need to make that happen.

This might include:

• Wheel chocks (you’ve got a set of these already, right?)
• An appropriate jack for your size RV
• Wrenches or cordless impact driver with the right size attachments to remove the lug nuts
• Mechanics or leather gloves, so you don’t tear up your hands
• Flares or road reflectors, for safety on the side of the road
• An old towel or blanket, so you don’t need to get down in the mud

Enroll in a Roadside Service Plan

This is the best way to ensure your trip can continue if you have a flat.

As mentioned before, changing a tire on a larger rig can be a tricky, or even dangerous, proposition.

The absolute best case scenario in a flat tire situation is that you have the correct spare on-hand and a roadside service provider with the network and experience to handle the tire change on-site.

---

A spare tire is only useful if it’s in good shape and you have the tools or help to use it. Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to quickly get back on the road after a flat tire.

Source link

In this episode, Sam interviews Madeline and Dillon from the Kind Campers. Their dream has always been one of wanderlust. As they set out on their “adult gap years”, Madeline and Dillon knew that they needed something more than just the intention to travel. With their passions in mind, they decided to make their goal on the road to “cultivate kindness” as often and widespread as possible. The Kind Campers have a mission to RV full time and spread kindness while doing it!

Tune in to hear about finding volunteer opportunities on the road, how kindness can change your life and the lives of others, and also hear some great stories from the road about spreading kindness!

What we cover in this episode:

• 1:00 – Why hit the road?
• 4:30 – Choosing an RV
• 7:30 – Becoming the Kind Campers
• 13:30 – Finding volunteer opportunities on the road
• 16:00 – How kindness can change your life
• 19:30 – Kindness in Slab City
• 26:30 – Favorite destinations
• 31:00 – Advice for volunteering while traveling

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Kind Campers
• Kind Campers Instagram
• Habitat for Humanity

** Subscribe to Stories from the Road on iTunes, Spotify, or Google Play **

Source link

There are so many places in this beautiful country to go and see that it can be hard to choose sometimes. One of the things that I have never regretted doing is going to some of our country’s national seashores.

These protected areas are so amazingly beautiful that you’ll have a hard time leaving, at least that was the case in my experience.

While many of these areas you can’t take an RV, you can leave your RV at a park nearby and visit them. I highly recommend doing so. You will not regret it. Here are the national seashores I recommend.

Cape Lookout National Seashore – North Carolina

Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the Cape Lookout National Seashore often get overlooked by people heading to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore that’s a little to the northeast. However, that’s their loss because this place is amazing.

The lighthouse has a distinctive black and white pattern on it and you can easily get tickets to go up in the structure. The seashore features several beautiful areas where you can watch the wildlife, sink your toes in the sand and relax completely. If you want, you can also check out Porstmouth Village, which is a ghost town on a nearby island.

Gulf Islands Naitonal Seashore – Florida and Mississippi

The Gulf Islands Naitonal Seashore is in both Florida and Mississippi and is the largest national seashore out there. It encompasses several barrier islands. You can see beautiful and historic forts from the 1800s, amazing wildlife, and so much more.

It’s a place you can hang out on the beach, kayak the waters, take a ferry to a super remote island, or  get a history lesson from guides. You can spend a long time exploring down herre, so plan you trip ahead of time and take your time, too.

Point Reyes Naitonal Seashore – California

 

Cape Cod National Seashore – Massachusetts

The name Cape Cod brings up ideas of lighthouses, boating, swimming and so much more. The Cape Cod National Seashore is home to so many wonderful Atlantic surprises. The seashore features a 40-mile long beach, and many areas of this seashore are famous for various reasons including Coast Guard Beach which is a simming area favored by local and was once a place Henry David Thoreau spent a lot of time.

The lighthouses are great places to visit, there’s also dunes, 11 different nature trails, and over 1,000 shipwrecks you can view here. It’s a place that has a rich American history, and you should make a point to take all in that you can.

Assateague Island Naitonal Seashore – Maryland and Virginia

Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland and Virginia is one of those places on most people’s bucket lists. Why? It’s one of the best places to see wild horses.This 37-mile-ling barrier island goes all the way from Ocean City Maryland to the northern portion of Virginia.

Horses aren’t the only thing you can see here. You can spend plenty of time riding a bicycle or boating. The wildlife is wonderful to view and the beaches are beautiful and extremely peaceful. There’s a rich and long history to learn about while you’re here to. It’s one of those places that reminds you how diverse and amazing the U.S. really is.

---

What national seashores have you been to? What would you add to this list? Leave a comment below.

Source link

Football season is in full-swing and tailgating is still an important part of game day. For many, this means getting their RV out to the stadium for some fun.

While having a heck of a time at the game is really more about the game itself and the people who are there with you, having the right gear and accessories for your rig will help you make the most of ever second at the game. Here are some things you need to have for tailgating success.

An Exterior TV

The TV inside your RV is important, but let’s face it, a lot of us want to spend time outdoors. That’s where an external TV comes in. Some RVs come equipped with this exterior TV already. If you have one of these, then more power to you. Get the game on!

If, however, your RV lacks the exterior TV, consider getting one. TVs for RVs are realatively affordable, and even if you don’t have an exterior outlet on your RV, you can always run an extension cord or attach a mount.

Then all you need are some good seats and the rest of the items on this list and you’ll be ready for tailgating bliss.

A Tailgating Grill

Get the grill that is suited to handle your tailgating needs. When people watch the game, they want to eat and you need a grill that’s ready to handle the job. Sometimes this means a small grill. Other times, you’ll need something a lot bigger.

I like the Coleman RoadTrip X-Cursion Portable Propane Grill for smaller parties. It folds up small and is easy to use. It’s perfect for a few friends who want to tailgate together. If you want something larger, then you should go with something like the the Portable RV Barbeque Grill that mounts to the side of your RV or sits on a table. It’s a little more to handle, but if you have a lot of mouths to feed, it’s the better option.

An Awning or Canopy

An awning is a must have for any tailgate. It keeps the sun out of your eyes, keeps you from getting sunburnt and will even keep the rain or other precipitation off of you if needed. I know you’ll probably be in the RV if the weather gets too bad, but the awning can help keep you outside a little longer. If you don’t have an awning, you should consider getting one.

If an awning doesn’t really seem right for you, consider a canopy or a outdoor screen room. These are affordable alternatives and can be a fantastic addition. They provide protection from the sun and give many of the same benefits of an awning. If you want to go all-out, you can set up both.

---

What else do you like to have at the game? Leave a comment below! Also, do you have a tailgater in your life? Check out our tailgating holiday gift guide.

Source link