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Years of trial-and-error taught me what truly matters for weekend car camping—and what’s just dead weight. Here’s the list I actually use. Introduction: My Car Camping Evolution I still remember my first car camping trip. I packed like I was heading to a survivalist bootcamp and a luxury retreat—full cookware sets, two coolers, four jackets,…
There’s something unforgettable about standing with your family under a vast, star-filled sky. As a wilderness photographer who’s spent countless nights chasing the perfect Milky Way shot, I’ve learned that stargazing isn’t just for astrophotographers—it’s for everyone, especially families looking to create lasting outdoor memories. Camping and stargazing go hand-in-hand, and across the United States,…
Does Osprey’s Anti-Gravity suspension really live up to the hype? After 100+ miles on the trail, here’s my honest take. Why This Pack Stands Out on the Trail After a few years (and a few thousand trail miles) cycling through different packs, there was one brand and model that I kept seeing strapped to hikers’…
Setting the Scene Some camping trips start with perfect planning and blue skies. Ours? It started with two cranky kids in the backseat, a cooler packed with slightly-too-much food, and a race against sunset to get our tent up before dark. But as soon as we pulled into Cades Cove Campground, something shifted. The late-evening…
Lessons from one woman’s leap into the wilderness—and how you can do it better When Curiosity Meets Inexperience I’ll never forget the night before my first backcountry camping trip. I sat on my living room floor surrounded by gear—most of it shiny, new, and still in its packaging—questioning every decision I’d made. Could I really…
When you’re miles from civilization, good lighting is more than a convenience—it’s safety, visibility, and peace of mind. Add a dying phone battery to the mix, and things can go south quickly. That’s why I always make room for gear that does double duty without adding bulk. The Nite Ize Radiant Lantern + Power Bank…