Johanna Flashman Archives - ϳԹ Online /byline/johanna-flashman/ Live Bravely Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:29:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/favicon-194x194-1.png Johanna Flashman Archives - ϳԹ Online /byline/johanna-flashman/ 32 32 Our Favorite Projectors and Accessories for Car Camping and Backyard Movie Nights /outdoor-gear/camping/our-favorite-projectors-and-accessories-for-car-camping-and-backyard-movie-nights/ Fri, 05 Jul 2024 13:00:54 +0000 /?p=2673247 Our Favorite Projectors and Accessories for Car Camping and Backyard Movie Nights

Watch your favorite films under the stars while car camping or in your backyard with an outdoor projector set up

The post Our Favorite Projectors and Accessories for Car Camping and Backyard Movie Nights appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
Our Favorite Projectors and Accessories for Car Camping and Backyard Movie Nights

It’s hard to beat old-school summer camping: —s’mores over the campfire, fireside chats, and the Milky Way overhead. But from time to time it’s nice to bring in a little luxury. Enter the outdoor movie night. Whether you’re setting up at a traditional camping site, in your backyard, or on the side of a tricked-out van in the middle of the desert, these projectors and accessories offer a seamless blend between next-level theater entertainment and the great outdoors.

Over the past month, we tested a handful of projectors and accessories while camping from my van, from a tent, and in a controlled, indoor space to find the best combinations of value, picture quality, sound, durability, portability, and ease of use. Below you’ll find four projectors that performed the best, along with the best accessories to go with them.

Getting ready to watch a movie on the projector
Getting ready to watch a movie on the projector (Photo: Johanna Flashman)

At a Glance

  • Best Overall:
  • Best Battery Life:
  • Most Camp-Friendly:
  • Most Compact:
  • Best Stand-Alone Outdoor Screen:

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.


XGIMI Halo+ projector (Photo: Johanna Flashman)

Best Overall

XGIMI Halo+

Pros and Cons
Adjustable angle
Good autofocus and keystone correction
High-quality image and sound
Battery life isn’t great and is hard to measure
No handle or carry features
Expensive

XGIMI’s Halo+ stood out thanks to its brightness capability of 700 ISO lumens and quality color and contrast settings. While plugged into a power source, the Halo+ offered the most vivid and detailed picture of all the projectors we tested and allowed us to adjust the picture settings to our needs. When on battery power, the image was notably dimmer but kept the vivid color and sharp lines.

Out of the box, the projector set up easily with Android TV (though it did take a few more minutes with an iPhone rather than Android) and adjusted to whatever platform we projected onto (like a screen, sheet, wall, or van) thanks to its auto focus and keystone correction. Along with the Android TV, it offers other ways to project content including HDMI, Chromecast, and Bluetooth screen mirroring.

On the downside, the Android TV does not directly support Netflix, so to access that platform you’ll need to use an app workaround or HDMI cable. Plus, the Halo+ was the only projector that struggled to hold a charge for a full-length film, so having an extension cord and power source available would ensure an uninterrupted experience.


Nebula Mars 3 Air GTV Projector (Photo: Johanna Flashman)

Best for Netflix-Lovers

Nebula Mars 3 Air GTV Projector

Pros and Cons
Charges quickly
Easy-to-read battery meter
Responsive remote
Exceptional internal sound
Netflix licensed
Auto keystone correction hurts more than helps the display

The Mars 3 Air GTV projector is the dream for anyone who primarily uses Netflix while streaming. The Google TV projector has all your favorite streaming and game apps with built-in Netflix (which Android TVs do not always support) and has an easy-to-use, responsive remote with Google Assistant. The only challenge we found with the Mars 3 Air was the projector’s auto keystone correction, which regularly miscalculated, completely skewed the picture quality, and typically required manual setting. However, this issue was easily solved by switching off the auto keystone correction.

With that setting fixed, the rest of the experience was everything we could hope for, offering picture and audio quality that rivals the Halo+. Plus, the internal battery easily lasted the equivalent of a full movie (approximately six 20-minute episodes of Young Sheldon) and LED battery status lights on the top made it easy to know when we needed to recharge.


BenQ GS50 (Photo: Courtesy BenQ)

Most Camp-Friendly

BenQ GS50

Pros and Cons
Includes travel-friendly carry case
Splash and drop protections
Display isn’t as crisp or bright as some other projectors
Pricey

If you’ll be car camping or traveling, BenQ’s GS50 is the clear winner thanks to its impressive durability features and an included carrying bag. This sleek, eye-catching projector was the heaviest of the test, but it’s splash and drop-resistant and has plenty of internal battery for a full-length movie. We used it during a very misty evening in Fallbrook, California where everything got a little damp and, the projector had no issues.

Admittedly, while the brightness rating is 500 ANSI lumens (which is on par with the other projectors), we couldn’t get the GS50’s picture quality to be quite as crisp or vivid as others—though it was still plenty satisfactory.


Nebula Capsule 3 GTV (Photo: Johanna Flashman)

Most Compact

Nebula Capsule 3 GTV

Pros and Cons
Netflix licensed
Quality picture
Compact and portable
Easily charges with external battery through USB or USB-C
Slightly worse brightness capability than others
Auto keystone correction miscalculates
Set-up was challenging

The Capsule 3 GTV offers a superb combination of high-quality projection and compact portability. Smaller than a Nalgene bottle, the Capsule 3 GTV looks more like a portable Bluetooth speaker than it does a projector (in fact, it does have a Bluetooth speaker setting), but it packs a powerful punch with 200 ANSI lumens and crisp picture quality similar to the larger Mars 3 Air. The battery is meant to last a full 120 minutes, but even if you run low, the Capsule 3 GTV uses a USB-C to charge (instead of a proprietary mechanism), so you can easily use an external power bank for extra juice. Plus, the Google TV comes with built-in Netflix.

Unfortunately, the auto keystone correction was similar to the Mars 3 Air, which meant the picture would not accurately correct and we had to turn the feature off and manually set the frame. The system also required logging into a Google account before using most of the features, which proved challenging at the campsite.


Towond Projector
Towond Projector (Photo: Johanna Flashman)

Best Stand-Alone Outdoor Screen

Towond 120 inch Portable Projector Screen

Pros and Cons
Stand-alone capability
Stake-down lines to combat wind
Relatively easy to set up and take down
Doesn’t stand up amazingly to stronger breezes
Set-up requires two people

For an outdoor screen that’s durable, affordable, portable, and easy to set up, the Towond Portable Projector Screen covers all the bases. The screen stand breaks down like tent poles and stores in a convenient carry bag with the wrinkle-free polyester screen material. Though we needed two people, the screen was easy to set up and take down thanks to a channel for the top crossbar and velcro straps that attach to the side poles for a smooth viewing platform.

Any stand-alone projector screen acts like a giant sail when any wayward breeze comes through, and the Towond was no exception. Even with stakes, tie-down lines, and weights on the tripod legs, the screen struggled to stay upright at a breezy campsite—though we were able to keep it steady by tying it between two trees.


Accessories

While not absolute necessities, a few additional tools may improve your outdoor movie experience.

  • Queen Flat Sheet: If you don’t want to spend the money on a screen and don’t have a good platform like a van to project your film onto, you can always use a plain queen flat sheet you have in your house. We tested the ($9.50) from Target, and found that though it was a little more wrinkled than the Towond screen, it did the trick. The main downfall with this option is since the sheet is not explicitly meant for this purpose, you may have to improvise some clips, magnets, and string to rig it up.
  • A tripod or projector stand: In a pinch, you can adjust your projector angle and position with some strategic books, rocks, or other wedge-type space holders, but a stand will ensure you get the best projector positioning every time. All the projectors on this list have a screw-in attachment that’s compatible with a standard camera tripod or projector stand. For this testing, I used a ($60), which struggled with the extra 1.4 pounds of the BenQ GS50, but otherwise did the trick.
  • Bluetooth speaker: The projector speakers worked well enough on their own for small groups, but if you’re screening for a larger audience, a separate bluetooth speaker would be helpful. All the projectors above are Bluetooth compatible so you can connect your favorite Bluetooth speaker (or wireless headphones if it’s just you).
  • Laptop: All the featured projectors have downloaded operating systems that act like any smart TV so all you really need to play content is an internet connection. However, if you’re off the grid, don’t forget to bring a laptop or other device with the downloaded movie.

The post Our Favorite Projectors and Accessories for Car Camping and Backyard Movie Nights appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
Sara Aranda’s Response to Her Breast Cancer Gene Mutation? Collecting FKTs. /outdoor-adventure/hiking-and-backpacking/sara-aranda-breast-cancer-gene-mutation-fkts/ Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:31:42 +0000 /?p=2653427 Sara Aranda’s Response to Her Breast Cancer Gene Mutation? Collecting FKTs.

The Merrell trail running athlete shares her experience of discovering a BRCA1 gene mutation—and pursuing her dreams anyway

The post Sara Aranda’s Response to Her Breast Cancer Gene Mutation? Collecting FKTs. appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
Sara Aranda’s Response to Her Breast Cancer Gene Mutation? Collecting FKTs.

In Sara Aranda’s , one of her bullet points reads: “BRCA1 mutant.”

Along with being an endurance athlete, creative writer, and one of Merrell Test Lab’s newest athletes for 2024, Aranda has a known hereditary gene mutation that makes her more likely to develop breast cancer and a handful of other cancers throughout her life. By putting it in her bio and framing it as though she might be a superhero, Aranda is making space for this part of herself that often carries grief and fear, and turning it into a point of connection.

“I want to acknowledge it and hold space for it because that’s just the reality of me and my body, but I’m also doing all of this stuff anyway,” says Aranda. “I am this person, but I’m also a badass.”

On September 27, on a new Fastest Known Time (FKT), from . This accomplishment earned her a spot as a sponsored athlete with Merrell Test Lab for 2024.

(Photo: Courtesy Sara Aranda)

‘Running Has Seen All of Me’

Based in Durango, Colorado, Aranda, 34, shifted to running trails from road and triathlon while in college at University of California Riverside, to explore the surrounding landscape and cope during a tumultuous time of her life.

When she was 20, her mom passed away from breast cancer. She was grieving, confronting mortality, seeking control, and navigating the soul-searching crises of young adulthood. Now, she lives with her husband, Patrick Hodge, and is a freelance creative nonfiction writer while working part-time at a local climbing gym.

“I had many trail runs where I was angry or crying or confused, or just very emotional. Running has seen all of me,” says Aranda. “Now, I’ve been reaffirming that running can actually be a celebration: celebrating my body, where I am, how I feel, and all I’ve learned throughout my life so far.”

Aranda’s mom, Cheryl Aranda, was 38 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Aranda was 12. “I might not remember all the details,” says Aranda. “It was a seven-year period of it being there, in remission, and coming back.” Cheryl was predisposed to getting breast cancer because she had the breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) gene mutation—same as Aranda.

About BRCA Gene Mutations

There are two BRCA genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2. While everyone has these genes, , according to the National Cancer Institute.

Both men and women can carry the BRCA1/2 gene mutations. Reporting from the shows that women who have the inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 (the other common breast cancer gene) gene mutation have more than a 60 percent risk of developing breast cancer in their lives. That’s compared to a 13 percent risk for women in the general population. Along with an increased risk of breast cancer, those with a BRCA1/2 gene mutation also have increased risk of ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma.

Because the gene mutation is inherited, Aranda was at risk of having the same mutation as her mom, so at 26, she took a blood test, just to check. Her oncologist gave her the news over the phone—while Aranda was on a road trip with Patrick, then still her boyfriend—that she indeed had the BRCA1 mutation.

A black and white photo of a woman smiling
(Photo: Courtesy of Merrell)

“It was a moment where you’re suddenly just outside yourself,” says Aranda. “We stopped at this little diner off the highway in Idaho and ordered pancakes and just tried to have a quiet moment trying to process. I think it was Patrick’s 30th birthday, so it was all mixed in like, ‘Oh, happy birthday! Your very serious girlfriend might be dead when she’s in her mid-40s.’”

Aranda faced the terrifying thought that she might end up enduring everything she witnessed her mom go through. “You can get lost in that despair,” she says. “Acknowledging it is how I deal with it. I focus on how I can nurture joy while holding space for this grief and despair.”

Making the Most of the Life We Have

Having seen her mom die at 45, and knowing she has the same BRCA1 gene mutation, Aranda is adamant about living the life she wants in the present. This has included spending several seasons working in Yosemite, testing her limits with a growing list of FKTs, and telling stories through her writing with essays and her monthly “.”

“She moves through the world as a storyteller,” says one of Aranda’s ReNewEarthRunning teammates and friend, . “She’s always observing and processing things and everything she takes in translates into her writing. I think that’s part of why her writing is so beautiful.”

Aranda’s passion for running and resumé of FKTs led her to Merrell’s event in Steamboat Springs, competing for her 14th FKT. The route is steep, with approximately 2,200 feet of vertical gain in 3.2 miles. It switchbacks up the mountain, winding along the Thunderhead Trail under tree cover and occasionally crossing the exposed ski slope.

 

“Running can actually be a celebration: celebrating my body, where I am, how I feel, and all I’ve learned throughout my life so far.”

 

“I really appreciated the shade when you were in the trees,” says Aranda. “It wasn’t hot, so I felt like I could push harder. Then, you would cross the ski slope and suddenly be exposed to the sun where it was really hot.”

Aranda wanted to put everything she could into her effort. Winning this meant more than just a sponsorship for her. It meant the ability to fully pursue her passions for running and writing, something she didn’t know how much time she had to do. The sponsorship offers a stable form of income that means she can fully commit to running and writing without the obligation of work in another industry.

Interventions for Survival

A common recommendation for women with BRCA1/2 mutations is to preemptively get a double mastectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (surgically removing both breasts, fallopian tubes, and ovaries). These operations can reduce the risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer by 80 to 90 percent. Doctors usually recommend seriously considering these surgeries between 35 and 40, though Aranda’s looking at making a decision before 38—when her mom and aunt (who also died of the gene with ovarian cancer) were diagnosed. However, they aren’t small operations.

Amber D’Angelo, a swimmer and performance dietician for , has the BRCA2 gene mutation and chose to get the preventative surgeries when she found out at age 40, in 2021. “You’re thrust into menopause overnight after having your ovaries removed and that changes how you feel,” says D’Angelo. “You don’t feel quite yourself with the lack of hormones.”

RELATED:

While the recovery times for the surgeries aren’t drastically different from any other major surgery, one of the biggest impacts is going into early menopause. This can cause all the classic menopause symptoms and particularly for athletes, may require more rest and recovery time. For D’Angelo, they were surgeries worth having to take control of her health.

Turning 35 in December, Aranda knows she’ll have to make this incredibly personal decision within the next three years. “But a lot can happen in three years, right? Maybe the science wasn’t there for my mom and her sister, but it will be for me. You always cross your fingers,” says Aranda. “I want to keep the body that I’ve always known. And the idea of going into medical menopause is terrifying because that brings its own risks like osteoporosis and heart disease. It’s like, do I want to risk my chances with cancer or bone and heart issues?”

Tied on the Trail

On the last switchback before the end, Aranda could see everyone at the top watching her ascend. She rounded the corner and avoided looking at anyone’s faces, just focusing on pushing herself and touching the gondola pole that marked the finish.

Aranda touched the pole and stopped her watch. 48:41. She’d made it, but she didn’t know if she’d won because she didn’t know anyone else’s time.

“With any race or FKT, you see your time as you cross the finish line, and you know your position, if you did it or not,” says Aranda. For this race, each athlete started separately and timed themselves to later upload to the FKT website. “This was so up in the air. You had no idea.”

(Photo: Courtesy Sara Aranda)

A few minutes went by before someone asked Aranda her time. At that point, she discovered Siegle-Gaither had gotten 48:40.5. At the top of the ski hill, surrounded by yellow aspens, the two compared watch times. According to the watches, Aranda was half a second slower than Siegle-Gaither. However, Aranda’s watch didn’t track milliseconds, so her watch could have been rounding, and the times could be even closer. It was as close to a tie as you could get for a self-timed FKT, and Merrell hadn’t prepared for this possibility.

RELATED:

“,” says Ben Stark, Merrell senior brand marketing specialist. “Who would have thought that was remotely possible?”

For two days after the tie, the two athletes waited for a decision from the admins at fastestknowntime.com and Merrell. “My head was going everywhere,” says Aranda. “I hoped for the best. I hoped that the brand wouldn’t split hairs, but I also understood sometimes races have to split hairs.”

By Friday, September 28, they had a result: the time variation was within the margin of error of hand-timing, so the site officially recorded it as a tie for a total time of 48:41, and Merrell committed to signing both athletes.

Looking Ahead

Moving into 2024 with the Merrell sponsorship, Aranda hopes to continue nurturing joy in her life, sharing her story, advocating for others, and celebrating her body even when her genetics feel against her at times.

Since her run to Thunderhead, Aranda has already added four new FKTs to her growing list of achievements to accompany for , whose mission is to “protect and heal the environment by restoring land to the stewardship of Tribal Nations and Indigenous leadership.”

“I’m curious what [being sponsored] will actually feel like, but I’m excited to have fun with it,” says Aranda. “I’m taking it as a chance to explore new avenues, collaborate with new people, and continue to work on the key aspects of myself and how that can be a platform to uplift others.”

For Aranda, this was one more step to pursuing her dream life, but in doing so, it also honors her mom’s legacy.

“She always encouraged [me and my siblings] to follow our dreams,” she says. “She was a musician and dreamed of being a rockstar. Knowing she never got to fulfill her dreams in the fullest of ways, I felt like chasing my dreams was the right path.”

The post Sara Aranda’s Response to Her Breast Cancer Gene Mutation? Collecting FKTs. appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
Heather Weidner’s 4 Tips for Tackling Sport-Climbing Projects /outdoor-adventure/climbing/climbing-advice-heather-weidner/ Fri, 01 Apr 2022 11:30:10 +0000 /?p=2565384 Heather Weidner’s 4 Tips for Tackling Sport-Climbing Projects

The pro climber shares some hard-earned advice for pushing boundaries and solving problems

The post Heather Weidner’s 4 Tips for Tackling Sport-Climbing Projects appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
Heather Weidner’s 4 Tips for Tackling Sport-Climbing Projects

Serious about learning to sport climb? Sign up for Բ’s on ϳԹ Learn and you’ll get expert instruction from Heather Weidner, who lays out the following tips, just a few points of advice for getting on your way in sport climbing. For more, join us at Intro to Sport Climbing.

Watch: ϳԹ Learn’s course on sport climbing, and starting your life in the vertical now.

From first-timers to elite climbers, we can all always find new ways to push our limits and improve. After climbing for 15 years, veterinarian turned pro climber Heather Weidner constantly pushes her boundaries. Weidner says her main motivation for climbing hard is “that feeling of doing something that I never thought was possible.” In a recent interview, Weidner shared her top tricks for climbing beyond what you see as possible.

1. Listen to Your Body

Weidner says this is the first thing to consider when pushing yourself because “if you get injured, you won’t be able to try anymore.” It can be good to be stubborn and exert yourself, but there is a point past which you risk injury. Weidner says that every time she’s gotten injured, it was because she was being extra stubborn and not listening to her body.

2. Be Patient

Even if you’re climbing your hardest, chances are you won’t nail the redpoint on your first real go. Weidner says, “Take the time to really study every single hold and be patient with it.” Allowing yourself to mess up and figure out the beta for yourself means you can go to your limit without getting frustrated.

3. Be Creative

Just because one person has given you some beta that doesn’t work doesn’t mean you can’t do the climb. Weidner says, “There are so many different ways to do moves, especially on natural rock versus the gym.” Getting creative with your sequences can give you the extra push to expand your capacities.

4. Give Yourself Time to Rest

Going along with the theme of patience while climbing hard: letting yourself rest will help you give your all on every attempt and stave off injury. Weidner suggests, “If you’ve tried that move six times and you still can’t do it, it’s OK. Come back to it.” There comes a point at which you’re just tiring yourself out and not making progress.

Want to test your limits on a rope? Learn to sport climb with pro climber Heather Weidner in .

Ready to discover your own dormant capabilities at ϳԹ Learn? Join ϳԹ+ today.

The post Heather Weidner’s 4 Tips for Tackling Sport-Climbing Projects appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
How to Plan the Perfect Car-Camping Date /outdoor-gear/camping/car-camping-date-packing-list-gear/ Tue, 04 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000 /uncategorized/car-camping-date-packing-list-gear/ How to Plan the Perfect Car-Camping Date

Even if everything goes wrong and you both can laugh about it, at least you know your partner's a keeper.

The post How to Plan the Perfect Car-Camping Date appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
How to Plan the Perfect Car-Camping Date

Camping can either be a romantic night out in nature or the worstdate ever (think ǰ). We allprefer the former,but thattakes the right equipment and a lot of planning. Some gear is optional—adate can stillbe saved without a table or slippers—but lacking other necessities will make your experience less than ideal. Forgetting matches or having your only lighter break makes for a cold night and potentially no dinner.

My partner and I have gone on manydifferent trips over the years, like nights at established sites and treks to. But car camping allows for a really romantic date. For yearsI focused on perfecting the kit in my trunk to create date-night-quality romance from the comfort of a tent in the Sierra. Here are step-by-step instructions for having the best timepossible and equipping yourself with the tools you’ll need to make it happen.

Research Your Site

Nine times out of ten, the location I find on a national forest’s website will be beautiful and easy to get to. In the other scenario, the site might be closed for the winter or inaccessible without four-wheel drive. One timewetookmy two-wheel-drive Prius, droveeight miles down a rough dirt road through the snow, setup camp in the dark, and atesaltines for dinner. (I didn’t woo my partner with my amazing outdoor planning skills on that one.)

For peace of mind, I recommend reserving a spot (if you can) and calling the campground to get current weather conditions. If you’re going the first-come, first-servedor free route, find outif there’s a ranger station you can contact ahead of time to get more info, so you can come prepared. Also, check to see if you’ll be in bear country. If there are bears around, you’ll definitely want to do some extra research into bear-safety gear and learnhow to deal with an encounter. Pro tip: don’t watch쳦dzܲԳٰbefore you go.

Pack the Car

I sortmy gear into sixcategories: sleeping, kitchen and food supplies, general camping, personal essentials, clothing, and optional items. Thismakes packing the car—and keeping it organized—easier.

Bundlingall the kitchen items and food together means that when Iget to the campsite, I canput everything into the bear box (if needed) or make sure that itemsrequiring refrigeration go intothe cooler.

(Johanna Flashman)

Set Up Camp

You want setup to be quick and seamless, so you can get on to more important things (like food, in my opinion). ($99) makes assemblingyoursleeping area a breeze. But if you’re planning on spending a few nights in a tent or need more space to lounge, I recommend going for a roomier shelter that.

Regardless of tent choice, make sure you know how to set it upbeforehand, so you don’t have to fumble around wondering which pole fits into what.

Once it’s up, chuck all yoursleeping gear in the tent so you don’t have to go searching for it later. If you’re using self-inflating mats, you’ll want to unroll them and give them time to expand, too. Two pads ($210) self-inflate (mostly) and are more comfortable than my mattress at home. They also have an R-value of seven,making them perfect for winter camping in below-freezing temperatures.

Finish organizingthe rest of camp with by the fire pit, a for dinner and hot drinks, and any cooking supplies you’ll need to make your meals. A small folding table positioned next to the fire pit is surprisingly useful as a perch fǰbeer or wine glasses, dinner plates, and s’mores supplies later in the evening.

Finally, figure out your lighting system before it gets dark to avoid stopping midway through dinner to get the lantern. For a romantic touch, BioLite’s ($100) and ($20) give a nice glow to the campsite. Both can connect to your phone viaBluetooth, and you can dim them to perfect the ambiance.

(Johanna Flashman)

Food Considerations

Dinner: Choose something relatively simplethat won’t take too long to cook.Bonus points if you can make it over the fire. Premade shrimp skewers are relatively affordable at the grocery store, a cinch to cook, and still feel fancy enough to be date material. I like to pair themwith 20-minute risotto and sautéed veggies like spinach ǰmushrooms.

Dessert: You can’t go wrong with classic s’mores.

Breakfast: Even when I’m glamping, I tend to keep the first meal of the day basic withinstant oatmeal. All it takes is boiling water, which I also use for coffee. You canmix in anything from peanut butter to sliced almonds to fresh fruit to give your oatmealmore flavor and sustenance.

Breakfast burritos with eggs, bacon, and cheese also make for a quickbut tasty option. And if you’re willing to wait a bit longer, you can supercharge your most important meal of the daywith one of these recipes using a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven.

And of course there’sno forgetting thatmorning essential: coffee. I like the($25)that attaches to or a .

Quick and Dirty Tips

Fǰtime spent hanging out in the tent, I prefer using a sheetlike ($50), which helps keep your padsheld together. A spreadlike Therm-a-Rest’s ($370) makes cuddling possible without restricting movement like traditional sleeping bags might.

For the ladies: if you happen to be on your period, I recommend using a menstrual cup like the ($30). While you’d have to take it out for sex (if you’re one to have sex while on your period), you can keep it in for up to 12 hours, and it’s less likely to leak than a tampon and more comfortable than a pad. I useit with a liner asbackup, just in case.

The Bottom Line

In the end, you’ll probably forget at least one thing, or something won’t go as planned. But that’s OK. Remember: You’re out in nature. If it was always predictable, it wouldn’t be as fun. Even if everything goes wrong, and the two of you are able to laugh about it and still enjoy each other’s company, at least you know your partner’s a keeper.

The Checklist

Sleeping Gear

Kitchen and Food Supplies

General Camping

Personal Essentials

  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush)

  • Menstrual products

  • Medications

  • Lip balm

  • Wet wipes

  • Toilet paper

Clothing

  • Long-sleeved shirt

  • Short-sleeved shirt (dependent on weather)

  • Pants

  • Pajamas (Long underwear or thermal base layers work well.)

  • Socks

  • Hiking shoes

  • Vest

  • Fleece

  • Warm jacket

  • Rainjacket

  • Warm hat or beanie

  • Gloves

  • Underwear

  • Towel

  • Sunglasses

Optional Items

  • Hammock

  • Cards

  • Swimsuit, boardshorts

  • Camp shower

  • Blanket or rug (for stargazing)

  • Mallet

  • Hatchet or ax

The post How to Plan the Perfect Car-Camping Date appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
6 Tools to Take Your Gardening to the Next Level /gift-guide/indoor-gardening-tools/ Fri, 24 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000 /gift-guide/indoor-gardening-tools/ 6 Tools to Take Your Gardening to the Next Level

This is the gear you want for starting your own herb garden or brightening your indoor living space

The post 6 Tools to Take Your Gardening to the Next Level appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
6 Tools to Take Your Gardening to the Next Level

This is the gear you want for starting your own herb garden or brightening your indoor living space

The post 6 Tools to Take Your Gardening to the Next Level appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
8 Gifts for Mother’s Day That Aren’t Flowers /outdoor-gear/clothing-apparel/8-gifts-mothers-day-arent-flowers/ Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000 /uncategorized/8-gifts-mothers-day-arent-flowers/ 8 Gifts for Mother's Day That Aren't Flowers

Your mom will appreciate this gear all year round.

The post 8 Gifts for Mother’s Day That Aren’t Flowers appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
8 Gifts for Mother's Day That Aren't Flowers

Prana Large Eco Yoga Mat ($65)

(Courtesy Prana)

Building a home gym? Werecommend this mat. This 30-inch wide option is on the heavier side for traveling, but it gives you plenty of room for stretches or core workouts. is also made with recyclable, biodegradable, and non-toxic materials.


Patagonia Fleetwith Romper ($119)

(Courtesy Patagonia)

We crowned this romper the MVP of summer. Former editor Axie Navas wrote, “Over the course of the past year, I’ve worn for work, gardening, pub crawling, traveling, and hiking.” The recycled polyester-spandex fabric is comfortable and non-restricting. Plus, the stylish cut keeps your look polished, without getting too fancy.


Sponsor Content Garmin fēnix 6S – Pro and Sapphire Editions ($799.99)

(Courtesy Garmin)

Mom is the hardest charging member of the family. So this Mother’s Day, say thanks with a gift that can keep up with her. Packed with tons of different built-in sports apps, animated workouts, music and smart notifications, and a 60-hour battery life, the is the perfect tool for her busy and active lifestyle.


Ridge Merino Natural Pullover ($80)

(Courtesy Merino Ridge)

is one of our favorite pieces of women’s workout gear. It’s silky soft and odor resistant, and the Tencel-Merino blend fabric helps to regulate body temperature. We especially like the longer cut that pairs well with leggings.


Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL Sleeping Pad ($45)

(Courtesy Therm-a-Rest)

In our comprehensive review of the best sleeping pads, the was our favorite closed-cell foam option. “It’s light and durable, and no Z Lite user has ever had their night ruined by a leaking pad,” tester Ryan Stuart wrote. Bonus: the pad doubles as a seat cushion.


Patagonia Black Hole 25L Tote ($59)

(Courtesy Patagonia)

works well as a reusable grocery bag and duffel for gear hauling. We included it in our roundup of our favorite tropical beach gear, but it works just as well for daily errands. We appreciate the internal zippered pocket for stashing valuables.


Craft Active Intensity Pants ($50)

(Courtesy Craft)

We reviewed in our our roundup of the best women’s base layers. They “pack down almost as small as a pair of pantyhose,” said our tester, “and the poly fabric is exceptionally breathable, wicks well, and is ideal for warmer days and rigorous activities like cross-country skiing or alpine touring.”


Rumpl Down Puffy Blanket ($159)

(Courtesy Rumpl)

“There are plenty of puffy blankets on the market, but the Rumpl Down Puffy takes the cake,” our tester wrote. This compressible, 600-fill down blanket will keep you warm on your next stargazing outing. It’s versatile, too: “ can be your sleeping bag stand-in on a summer backpacking trip,” he writes.

The post 8 Gifts for Mother’s Day That Aren’t Flowers appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
8 Gifts for Mother’s Day That Aren’t Flowers /gift-guide/outdoor-gear-mothers-day-gifts/ Thu, 09 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000 /gift-guide/outdoor-gear-mothers-day-gifts/ 8 Gifts for Mother's Day That Aren't Flowers

It’s never too early to dote on your mom. These pieces make it easy.

The post 8 Gifts for Mother’s Day That Aren’t Flowers appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
8 Gifts for Mother's Day That Aren't Flowers

It’s never too early to dote on your mom. These pieces make it easy.

The post 8 Gifts for Mother’s Day That Aren’t Flowers appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
7 Sale Pieces of Gear You’ll Use Year-Round /gift-guide/year-round-gear-sale-rei-dividend/ Sat, 28 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000 /gift-guide/year-round-gear-sale-rei-dividend/ 7 Sale Pieces of Gear You'll Use Year-Round

Have an REI dividend to spend? Consider putting it toward pieces that you’ll use, no matter the season.

The post 7 Sale Pieces of Gear You’ll Use Year-Round appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
7 Sale Pieces of Gear You'll Use Year-Round

Have an to spend? Consider putting it toward pieces that you’ll use, no matter the season.

The post 7 Sale Pieces of Gear You’ll Use Year-Round appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
Work Out from Home with This Sale Gear /gift-guide/home-workout-gear-sale/ Fri, 20 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000 /gift-guide/home-workout-gear-sale/ Work Out from Home with This Sale Gear

You can still get your sweat on in your living room. Check out our favorite pieces at REI’s Co-op sale, now through April 6.

The post Work Out from Home with This Sale Gear appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
Work Out from Home with This Sale Gear

You can still get your sweat on in your living room. Check out our favorite pieces at , now through April 6.

The post Work Out from Home with This Sale Gear appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
Ski Season Can Be Pricey. Save on Gear with These Deals /gift-guide/rei-winter-ski-clearance-sale/ Fri, 14 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000 /gift-guide/rei-winter-ski-clearance-sale/ Ski Season Can Be Pricey. Save on Gear with These Deals

These are our favorite pieces on sale at REI’s ski clearance from now until February 17.

The post Ski Season Can Be Pricey. Save on Gear with These Deals appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>
Ski Season Can Be Pricey. Save on Gear with These Deals

These are our favorite pieces on sale at from now until February 17.

The post Ski Season Can Be Pricey. Save on Gear with These Deals appeared first on ϳԹ Online.

]]>