These VW camper vans are cool - this one was a few campsites down from us
Camping is a great way for a family to get away and do something together, but it can also be a very economical compared to traditional vacations. Here are our costs, from a recent weekend of camping at one of our state beaches:
A 5-pack of Action Wipes vs. a 15-pack of baby wipes
Thanks to Martha Van Inwegen (@MarthaVan on Twitter) we got to tryout a pack of Action Wipes on last weekend’s camping trip to the beach. Action Wipes are reusable, and made with a woven construction that is much thicker and tougher than traditional baby wipes. I used a single Action Wipe all weekend long, and it still looks like it just came out of the package.
Our contenders; the $8 superstore chair vs. the $20 premium chair
The ubiquitous bag chair is as much a part of camping as roasting marshmallows over a fire. These chairs are inexpensive and sufficiently durable to withstand a season, or two, of family camping. The two chairs pictured here represent the spectrum of bag chairs. On the left is the typical $8-$10 bag chair that you’ll find in your favorite super store and, on the right, is a much higher-end $20 chair. So how do these chairs stack-up, after two years of constant use?
All packed-up and ready to go
You don’t have to go overboard when it comes to preparing meals on camping trips. Many of the foods that you already prepare at home make great camping meals, too. Camping is about relaxing in the great outdoors, though, so focus on meals that are easy to prepare and don’t require a great amount of cleanup, afterwards.
January is a big month for outdoor gear, when a lot of manufacturers show-off their new wares at the annual Consumer Electronics Show and the Winter Outdoor Retailer expo. Even with the economy in the dumps, manufacturers are moving ahead with innovative products that are lighter, greener, and more functional than previous generations.
Kelty Transit Carrier 2.1 - $120
Family recreation is going to be big this year and the Kelty® Transit Carrier (TC) 2.1 eliminates that baby of an excuse: when the kids get older. Suitable for children up to 40 pounds, the TC 2.1 also serves as a fine daypack when you don’t need the carrier. www.Kelty.com