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Fox News
4 hours ago
- Fox News
We've created your complete camping packing list, from tents to cooking gear
Camping means getting back in touch with nature. It means delicious food cooked over the open fire, relaxing afternoons out on the trails or in the water and nights under the stars. A well-stocked car or hiking backpack means an enjoyable camping experience with as many luxuries as you want. Whether you're a die-hard camper or someone who prefers a glamping experience, we've rounded up a list of everything you might need while connecting with nature. We've got tents for every size family and budget, sleeping bags that really keep you comfortable, cooking gear that can help you prepare a feast and camping chairs to help you relax. Plus, we've lined up a list of top-tier coolers that'll keep your food and drinks ice-cold and pet gear for anyone bringing their furry friend on the adventure. To top it all off, we have lighting solutions to brighten your campsite at night and emergency essentials. A good tent can make a huge difference when you're camping. Just because you are tent camping doesn't mean you can't be comfortable. We've listed options for large families, couples and those who prefer a more luxurious experience. Original price: $139.95 The Slumberjack Aspen Grove tent fits up to eight people in sleeping bags or two queen-sized air mattresses. There's a unique gear loft that attaches to the top of the tent that makes it easy to get your family's gear up and off the ground, creating even more space. A room divider is included for families who want separate sleeping areas for the kids and parents. A mud mat also comes attached so you can make sure your kiddos wipe their feet before climbing in. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get most of these tents straight to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Original price: $179.98 You can sleep up to eight people in this Campros tent. The long design gives optimal space to fit the whole family, and you can put up the included room divider for added privacy. This tent is designed for frequent use and has a high-tech coating and sealed seams to make it more durable and waterproof. An Amazon Basics dome camping tent is about as basic as it gets, which is why it's so easy to put up. A removable rainfly is included to keep your tent dry and the air ports keep the tent well-ventilated in hot summer months. You can fit up to eight people in sleeping bags in the Amazon Basics tent. Acadia tent is made for eight people to sleep comfortably in. The tall ceiling makes it an especially roomy tent, and it has a self-closing door that is designed with magnets to keep out bugs. The Acadia tent is made from a thick polyester material and coated in a waterproof sealer, so you never have to worry about rain or snow. Long-term campers want a tent that feels like home, and the Portal family camping tent is a great fit. It can fit four queen-sized air mattresses or 10 people in sleeping bags. It also has a unique front porch design with a canopy, giving you the space to set up a few chairs or a table. You can divide the tent into two sections with the room divider curtain, and the two large doors make it easier to get in and out of the tent. When you're going camping with the whole family, fit everyone comfortably in the Ozark Trail 16-person tent. It has three separate offshoots that can be divided into three different rooms that each have their own entrances. The tent's mesh roof provides excellent ventilation and the ability to star gaze at night. Original price: $249.99 If you're looking for an option in-between a tent and a camper, this SUV tent easily attaches to the back of most SUVs and pops up into a tent, giving you the ability to use both your trunk and the tent space. This tent fits five people comfortably. You can find more SUV tents and canopies at Walmart. Get a good night of sleep with a comfortable sleeping bag. There are options for warm and cold-weather camping, plus there are all-season options for campers who like camping all year. Original price: $29.99 A MalloMe sleeping bag is ideal for camping in warm summer weather. Weighing in at just over three pounds, this is a good backpacking option. The waterproof protective shell keeps you warm on cool summer nights, without trapping heat and making you sweat. It's also easy to spot clean with a damp cloth. Adventure 50 sleeping bag is designed for summer use. It's lightest sleeping bag, and it can be converted from a sleeping bag to a blanket. Packed down, the sleeping bag is about the size of a one-liter water bottle. For especially hot nights, an cabin fleece blanket can keep you comfortable. Unzip the whole thing, and you have a large, lightweight blanket, or zipper yourself in and use it as a classic sleeping bag. It can also double as a sleeping bag liner for cold-weather camping. Rumpl, well known for their durable, colorful blankets, also make Wrap Sack sleeping bags. They give you three ways to wrap up, all of which help you sleep comfortably at different temperatures. Just choose how many layers you want over you and relax in the oversized sleeping bag. Original price: $49.99 The Redcamp flannel sleeping bag is an oversized sleeping bag that's perfect for fall weather. The cotton flannel lining keeps you warm, but won't leave you overheated. You get a stack sack that makes it easy to pack the sleeping bag away. Winter campers need tough equipment, and the Teton Sports sleeping bag is a strong choice. Made from rugged canvas, the shell will last a lifetime. The fiber fill and double-layer construction will keep you warm in zero-degree temperatures. The half-circle mummy hood traps heat, keeping you warm. Originally $55.99 Sleeping on the ground isn't always the most comfortable, so consider adding a sleeping pad to your tent. This sleeping pad easily inflates and is designed to comfortably fit two people. It even has built-in pillows to help you sleep better. Coleman also has blow-up sleeping pads. Having a dry place to rest at night will help you sleep comfortably. A waterproof camping pad can lift you off the ground and help you stay warm. Get a memory foam pad from Amazon that has a waterproof cover or choose an inflatable pad from Walmart that has a built-in pillow and is lightweight and easy to pack. Original price: $36.99 For an easily packable pillow, opt for a Wise Owl camping pillow. It's made from four inches of memory foam and is machine-washable. Walmart also offers Wise Owl camping pillows. Keeping your food and drinks cold is a must when you're camping. You can find budget coolers and high-end options for campers who plan to spend longer periods of time in the woods. Original price: $179.99 Lifetime coolers are American-made and designed to be bear-resistant when locked. You get a whopping eight days of ice retention, which exceeds premium brands like Yeti. There are two built-in bottle openers and two holes for locks, which add to the cooler's security when you're camping. A Cordova Outdoors Basecamp cooler stands up to the elements. They're shock-absorbing, eco-foam-filled coolers that can last for generations. Not only do they have a unique design, but they'll hold ice for days and are UV-resistant, so you don't need to worry about fading. Ninja's high-end FrostVault cooler is designed to keep food and drinks at refrigerator temperature for days. The large 65-quart capacity holds up to 54 cans with ice or 97 cans without ice. It also has all-terrain wheels, making it possible to pull the FrostVault almost anywhere. Looking for a small cooler that's easy to move around? This Coleman wheeled cooler gives you the ability to roll your ice box wherever you need to go. It retains ice for five days and the lid provides cupholders and a place to sit if you need one, as it can hold up to 250 pounds. The 25-quart Bison cooler is made in the U.S. and features a two-inch-thick lid and insulated walls to ensure ice retention. Engineered for extreme use, it has rubber latches and anti-skid rubber feet, as well as ergonomic grab rails that make it easy to drag or lift the cooler. You can find more colors and sizes on the Bison site. This ultra-lightweight RTIC cooler can easily be carried by one person and is an affordable alternative to a Yeti cooler of the same size. It has three inches of insulation, so your drinks will stay cold for days while you're on your adventures. If you want a classic cooler, the Yeti Tundra 45 is your model. The three inches of PermaFrost insulation paired with the extra-thick cooler wall can keep up to 26 cans colder than many other coolers. This durable cooler is also designed to be bear resistant for campers that venture deep into the woods. Buy it on Amazon or head to Yeti's site for more options. If you're looking for a larger-sized option, the Igloo Gray Polar is a 120-quart cooler that can keep drinks and food cold for a few days. Just be prepared to keep lots of ice on hand. The cooler has a threaded drain plug to easily release water when you're done. Igloo also sells 120+-quart coolers directly from their site. Part of camping is cooking delicious meals over the fire or on your grill. We've lined up some must-have cooking gear that'll make it easy to prepare meals you won't soon forget. Original price: $129.99 No matter what time of year you're camping, you'll want a propane camping stove to cook all your meals. Coleman has a foldable two-burner camp stove that runs off propane. Amazon has a similar model, except it comes with a wind barrier and cover for easier storage. Original price: $194.06 The Jetboil MiniMo is a single-burner cooking system that folds up, which is great for backpackers and campers traveling light. It reaches a boil in just two minutes using small propane cannisters. Cook directly with the included cooking up, which can double as a bowl when your food is ready. Original price: $40.99 This 15-piece camping cookware kit comes with everything you need to make a meal while camping. You get a pot, frying pan, tea kettle, two stainless steel cups, two stainless steel plates, dinner cutlery, a cleaning cloth and a carrying bag to store it all in. Walmart also offers camping cookware kits. Original price: $69.99 If you need an area to prep all your food, this camping folding table easily folds out and includes an attachable storage bin underneath. If you prefer to cook over the fire, make it a little easier with this folding campfire grill. Put the grate over your fire and cook steak, potatoes and anything else your heart desires directly on the grate. GSI Outdoors also sells metal and cast-iron campfire grills. Original price: $55.99 Cooking over the fire is a staple when you're camping. A cooking tripod sets up nicely over any fire pit. Amazon has a tripod with a grate that provides a large cooking area. Cabela's has a Lodge cast iron tripod with a chain you can hang a cast iron pot on for cooking. Many camping spots require you to bring in your own water, so make sure you have enough water on hand with this BPA-free jug. It has a convenient spigot to easily pour water into your cup or water bottle. There are two handles for easy carrying and a cleaning brush is included. Always make sure you have a water bottle with you so you can stay hydrated while you're in the wilderness. Stainless steel bottles are a good option. They're easy to clean and keep water ice-cold for hours. The Stanley IceFlow is a large water bottle that sports an easy-carry handle. There are also Yeti water bottles that are durable and well-known for keeping drinks cold. Relaxing while you're camping involves having the right chair. There are hundreds of options, but we found four of the top choices, including a rocker, a few basic options and a few more supportive options. Original price: $90 Fully relax with a GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro rocker camping chair. It folds out like any other camping chair but slightly rocks back and forth like a rocking chair. The sturdy steel frame holds up to 250 pounds. Set up this simple and lightweight Amazon Basics camping chair and start relaxing right away. It includes a handy beverage cooler pocket that holds up to four 12-ounce cans. Don't give up comfort just because you're camping. This Bass Pro Shops XL padded club chair is great for taller individuals or anyone who wants an oversized feel to their camping chair. The water-resistant fabric is ideal for rainy camping, and the steel frame can hold more weight than your average camping chair. Backpackers and deep woods campers will love the Helinox Savanna chair. The camo design is perfect for camping enthusiasts, and the tall back provides ample support for your neck and shoulders. There are cupholders on either side while the headrest flap provides storage for books, jackets and other belongings. The chair holds up to 320 pounds, but packs down into a case, weighing just four pounds. Camping at night can be intimidating, so make sure you're prepared with bright, packable lights. Original price: $28.99 It gets dark early in the winter, so you'll need proper lighting to cook and safely move around your campsite. Amazon sells water-resistant lanterns that offer up to 200 hours of light on the low setting. This four-pack of camping lanterns turns into flashlights with a folding handle for easy carrying. They're heat-resistant and water-resistant, and each has 25 hours of battery life. Original price: $44.99 For a simple, bright light that runs for hours, Coleman's deluxe propane lantern gets the job done. Just screw in a can of propane and light with a match or lighter for up to 7.5 hours of light. Original price: $31.59 Camping in the woods poses more dangers than camping at a well-manicured campground, so it pays to be prepared. This emergency radio is a weather radio with a built-in battery that powers a light and three charger cables. Original price: $12.99 Don't rely on just your phone for a flashlight. The Lighting EVER flashlight is bright and can be adjusted depending on how much light you need. It's compact and has a wrist lanyard, making it easy to carry. Original price: $24.99 When you're searching for your gear at night, you'll be thankful you have a two-pack of headlamps. These headlamps are super bright and rechargeable. They're also waterproof and have eight different lighting modes. Original price: $499 A Jackery solar generator ensures you always have power on hand, even if there's no electricity at the campground you're staying at. The fold-out solar panel quickly charges the Jackery battery in just a few hours. The 300 watts of power is plenty to run a TV, small fridge and charge your electronics. You can also get a 1,000-watt Jackery setup for a little more money. Original price: $299 Charge all your devices no matter where you are with an Anker SOLIX C300 power station. This mini power station has multiple USB ports, a car socket and multiple regular household plugs. Designed to be travel-friendly, you can attach a strap (sold separately) or just carry the lightweight station from place to place. You can charge your Anker power station using a compatible 100-watt Anker solar panel. Should you choose to recharge with a wall outlet, you get 80% battery in just 50 minutes. You can also charge the power station using a car port. Designed to last, this Anker power station can last for a decade or 3,000 cycles. Are you planning to take your dog camping? Be prepared for anything with the right pet camping gear. Original price: $35.99 One of the easiest ways to protect your car's interior from muddy paws and sharp claws is a dog car hammock. These hammocks fit over your entire back seat and easily clip to the front and passenger seats to create a hammock with extra space for your furry friend. Amazon sells an affordable dog hammock with plenty of protection. Regular water and food dishes won't work as well when you're traveling, so make sure you have travel dishes. Amazon has a water jug that turns into a dog dish, so you can have plenty of water on hand. Or get collapsible bowls from Kurgo that are perfect for hiking or camping and are easy to clean. Original price: $32.99 Keep everything you need for your dog in one place with their own travel bag. Ruffwear has a durable, waterproof bag that has pockets for just about everything. Amazon also has a doggy backpack with separate food storage bags. When you're out camping just hanging out, you need a safe place for your dog. A camping hitch system like this one from Ruffwear can easily be set up between two trees to create a run for your dog. You can get another version of a tie-out on Amazon that only takes a few minutes to set up. Original price: $44.99 Just like you want a comfortable place to sleep in when you're traveling, so does your dog. A travel bed is easily packed and made of durable materials. Amazon has a waterproof dog bed that can be packed away as easily as a sleeping bag. Ruffwear also has a funky dog bed that's waterproof and lightweight. From time-to-time, you'll encounter emergency situations while camping. It's best to be prepared when you encounter these emergencies, so make sure you have items like first-aid kits, extra blankets and rain cover. A five-pack of LifeStraws ensures you can always get clean water. The straws remove 99.9% of waterborne bacteria and parasites, making water safer to drink. Microplastics found in the environment are also filtered out when you use the straw. The Coleman mini first-aid kit gets you what you need to deal with any minor injuries while you're camping. Included in the kit are latex-free bandages, antibiotic ointment and antiseptic wipes. The small tin is easy to pack in any camping or hiking gear. For more Deals, visit Emergency blankets are a necessity when you're camping, especially during colder months. This four-pack of emergency thermal blankets are folded up in compact packs, so you can stash them in your camping gear.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- The Guardian
‘The only thing that gets me out of my tent': the camping essentials you need (and what you don't)
Packing for a camping trip isn't easy, especially if you're not an experienced adventurer. Newbie campers often overpack while simultaneously leaving more useful items at home. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. As a lifelong city dweller, my lack of knowhow has been exposed on trips with my camping-savvy family in the US. It turns out that House of Leaves by Mark Z Danielewski and a medium-sized Bluetooth speaker aren't must-haves on a four-day wilderness hike. Who knew? An extra water bottle would have been a better use of that space, something I learned through a series of hardships. For guidance on this topic, I asked experienced campers – including parents with young kids, festival-goers, outdoor guides and lone wild campers – for their must-pack items. Whether you're taking a £20 tent to a muddy field, glamping in a yurt or going fully off-grid, this list is sure to feature an item you'll be thankful you threw in the bag. For a comprehensive list of essentials, you should always consider the particulars of your upcoming trip. For more help on getting started, I recommend practical checklists from organisations such as the Ordnance Survey and the Camping and Caravanning Club. Northcore Kick Back hammock £34.95 at SurfSurfSurf This hammock is great. If you're camping in, or near, a woodland, you can quickly set it up between a couple of trees to read a book, listen to the birds or take a nap. Dave, north-west London Hennessy Expedition zip hammock £139.95 at Hennessy My hammock is ultra-light compared with a conventional tent; it can be fully zipped open, or closed and covered by the accompanying tarp. It comes with webbing straps to prevent any damage to trees. While my hammock is snug – and not the cheapest option – it's a really novel, comfortable and fun shelter to take on overnight adventures or multi-day expeditions, and an excellent choice when camping in wooded areas. Joe, Cambridgeshire The Filter's top pick for camping: Black Diamond Storm 500R £54.95 at WildBounds£65 at Cotswold Outdoor The Filter's top pick overall: Petzl Swift RL £84.99 at Decathlon A head torch is a non-negotiable. Its usefulness compared with its weight and cost is unmatched. After dark, it's much harder to do basic tasks such as pitching up, prepping a fire or nipping out of the tent in the middle of the night for a loo break. Get one. Adam, East Sussex Everbeam H6 Pro headlamp £16.99 at Amazon There are two main reasons I love this compact little Everbeam torch. First, it's rechargeable via USB, so easy to keep topped up, either at home or on the go using a battery pack. Second, it has an adjustable angle, so no more tilting your head back and forth; just change the angle of the lamp while it's on your head! Also, it comes with a great carry case, protecting it from damage when you just chuck it in your bag. It has two white brightness settings and a red light for when you need a low-light option. Dave, north-west London The Filter's top pick: MSR Hubba Hubba NX £476 at Cotswold Outdoors£476 at Snow and Rock I do like a minimal tent. I'm only using it for sleep after all, so I don't need fancy extras. And I like the feeling of being fully enclosed. A small tent is all a single camper needs, and it provides more shelter than one of those military-style bivi bags, which I'm not a fan of. Michael, Shropshire Coleman Darwin 2 Plus £89.99 at Mountain Warehouse£82.52 at Amazon I love this Coleman tent's extended porch cover. You can leave your pack and shoes outside your tent, so you get less muck inside. This leaves plenty of room indoors for a couple of people, plus a medium-sized dog. The canopy keeps your stuff dry if it rains in the night. Saskia, west London For more, read our guide to the best tents for camping The Filter's favourite chair for two: Kelty Loveseat £130 at Mountain Warehouse£130 at Ellis Brigham My partner and I have enjoyed using this double-camping chair from Kelty for years. It's sturdier and higher quality than the typical camping chairs you may be used to, and it's comfortable enough for one person to curl up on and have a nap. Kelty also makes an Essential single version of this chair, as well as a Deluxe Lounge one, and all are available in the same smart colour schemes. Luke, Watford For more, read our guide to the best camping chairs Anker Soundcore Boom 3i £99.99 at Soundcore£99.99 at Amazon This Bluetooth speaker is more than just waterproof: it floats, it's saltwater resistant, and it can even self-right itself in choppy waters. The Boom 3i packs a hell of a punch too, with powerful bass and a 50W/96dB speaker. The RGB lights add to the fun, bringing a party atmosphere to your pitch, but you can always turn them off if you find them tacky. Remember to always adhere to your campsite's noise rules and regulations: if there's a designated quiet time, respect it – or else incur the wrath of every other family sharing the site. Tom, north-west London The Filter's top pick: Coleman Pro £129.99 at Amazon Coleman 15l Performance cool box £35 at Argos My mates all said it was a waste of space to bring a massive cooler on a two-night camping trip. But who was laughing at the end of the day … when I was the only one with drinkable beer? Coolers aren't even expensive, and when you factor in the savings from not having to drive out of camp to the nearest petrol station to pick up a few cold cans, it's more than worth the initial spend. William, South Yorkshire For more, read our guide to the best cool boxes The Filter's top pick: MSR Switch £115 at LD Mountain Centre£114.75 at Amazon Jetboil MightyMo £75 at Blacks Jetboil MicroMo £134.95 at WildBounds A Jetboil is essential for us whenever we go camping. It doesn't matter if it's a family outing or a week-long wilderness trek – the Jetboil is the first thing we pack. It's lightweight and can bring water to the boil faster than any other camping stove we've tried. I'm always grateful to have it when I'm prepping dehydrated meals at the end of a long day's hike. Don't forget to bring a spare fuel canister. Tommy, Wisconsin, US For more, read our guide to the best camping stoves Blue Mountain Starlight 150L lantern £12 at Cotswold Outdoor £12 at Snow and Rock It's a small thing, but the few pounds I spent on this little lantern were more than worth it. So useful after dark when you need to look for something in your tent, or get up during the night. It also adds a cosy vibe to your haven in the wilderness. Saskia, west London Nilaqua no-rinse body wash, 500ml £6.99 at Victoria Health£6.99 at Boots Clean Life no-rinse foaming body wash, 237ml £4.66 at iHerb£9.99 at Amazon The best recommendation I ever got for camping was to get a no-rinse foam wash. It's mainly used by carers, and it cleans you up without water, so it's worth its weight in gold when you can't shower. It was a life-saver for my pits at El Dorado festival last year. Mel, south London Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Snugpak The Sleeping Bag WGTE £42.69 at Amazon For UK camping, from spring right through to early autumn, you don't need anything too hardcore. The Sleeping Bag by Snugpak is exceptionally snug and comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. Officially, it is rated suitable in climates from -7C. At less than £50, it's a great buy. Luke, Watford Exped Schnozzel pump bag £26.96 at Alpine Trek The Exped pump bag is my must-have if you want to pack light, since it makes getting ready for bed way easier. First off, it lets you inflate your sleeping mat quickly – and without moisture getting into the mat. Then, it doubles as a waterproof sack to keep your phone (and spare underwear) dry. Molly, Minnesota, US Kelty Cosmic Si Mummy sleeping pad £56 at Decathlon£69 at Mountain Warehouse Maybe you don't want to bother with inflating your sleeping mat at all, in which case I can recommend the Cosmic Si Mummy. To get this mat ready, all you need to do is lay it out flat, unscrew the valve and … actually, that's it. Come back later, tighten up the valve and go to sleep. In my experience, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to fully inflate, but if you're in a rush, you can still inflate it manually. It's comfy to lie on and easy to pack down too. Tom, north-west London For more, read our guide to the best camping mattresses and sleeping mats The Filter's top pick: Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-port 20k £79.99 at Argos£79.99 at Amazon Juice Eco Max+ 24,000mAh portable power bank £34.99 at Argos I got this power bank before a long weekend of climbing and camping in Suffolk. It kept three phones charged up enough for the three-day trip, which is all you can ask for. There are more expensive ones that will charge your phone faster, but I wanted one that specifically charged up to three devices at once and had a large capacity. This one does the job perfectly. Tom, north-west London For more, read our guide to the best power banks Halfords Advanced 2l jump starter power bank £60.99 at Halfords Halfords 6-in-1 jump starter power pack £99.99 at Halfords You may never actually need it, but trust me – I'm speaking from experience – you don't want to be stuck in the middle of an empty campsite in the New Forest with a dead car battery, in the rain and sleet. One of those things that's better to have and not need than the other way around. Tom, north-west London Sea to Summit collapsible X-pot 4l £79.99 at Sub Zero Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight collapsible 2.2l pouring pot £62.95 at Outdoor Action£90 at Cotswold Outdoor Sea to Summit makes practical cooking pots with silicone sides that pack down flat for easy transport. The lid can be used like a sieve to pour out excess liquid when cooking pasta, plus these pots double up well as basins to do your washing-up in. Luke, Watford Lifeventure all-purpose biodegradable soap From £4.99 at Lifeventure£4.99 at Amazon An all-purpose soap is good for cleaning your body, doing the washing-up or anything that needs a quick de-griming. Once, I didn't wash at a festival, and my friends refused to stay in the same tent as me (although now that I think about it, that was kind of a bonus). Alba, Norfolk The Filter's top pick for women: Lowa Renegade Evo GTX £219.95 at Cotswold Outdoor The Filter's top pick for men: La Sportiva TX5 From £210.99 at Amazon Danner Women's Trail 2650 Campo £110 at Naked Ape Danner Men's Trail 2650 Mid GTX £200 at Ellis Brigham I have a pair of Danner boots that I always wear when I go hiking or camping. My whole family loves Danner. They're the most reliable shoes for hiking as far as I'm concerned, with a snug fit that makes you feel more balanced as you make your way through the forests and hills. They also come in lots of colours. Gwyneth, south-west London For more, read our guide to the best hiking boots for men and women GSI Mini espresso set 1 cup £41.20 at Rock + Run You can't start a day without a decent cup of coffee in your system. Little coffee makers such as these are awesome for camping because they're easy to clean and pack away when you're done. The promise of a proper espresso from one of these is the only thing that gets me out of my tent in the morning. Matteo, north London Flip 7 £9.95 at Zatu Games£13.99 at Waterstones If you go camping with your family, you should buy the game Flip 7. It's our new favourite filler game. It's easy to play, you can teach it in a couple of minutes, but you can play it for hours! It's just fine for three players, but it can go up to 12 or more. It's also cheap. You don't even need to look into it, just buy it. Trust me, you're going to love it. It's the greatest card game of all time. It says it right on the box. Clayton, Wisconsin, US Those little bug zappers that you can hang in your tent or place on a table. When bugs are thick enough to be an issue, it can't get all of them. You'll inevitably end up with some mosquito bites anyway. Stick to using good old-fashioned bug spray, and don't leave your tent unzipped if there are lots of critters about! Saskia, west London The 'overnight' bug spray that you fully saturate your clothes in, only for the effects to wear off in less than a day. The bad smell sticks around for longer! Bill, South Dakota, US Oversized, multi-room tents are just a waste of space and money. Why do you need to walk around fully upright in your tent? You won't be spending that long in there anyway. Matteo, north London
ABC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
What to watch in July, from 1880s homestead reality series Back to the Frontier to Washington Black
What happens when you take a bunch of technology-dependent teenagers and force them to swap their 21st-century lives for an 1880s homestead? This is the premise of new reality series Back to the Frontier, which sees three families stripped of their creature comforts and hauled off to spend a summer in the wilderness. Each hopes that trying something this big will change the way they not only relate to each other, but to the world around them. Also new this month, we have a whirlwind adaptation of Canadian author Esi Edugyan's Booker-nominated novel Washington Black, as well as a reality show that looks at what it takes to write a number one song. But that's not all — there's also a fresh nature documentary led by the ABC's resident nature journalist, Ann Jones, and a powerful queer Pasifika story set in Western Sydney. Reality series Back to the Frontier opens as the extremely particular Hanna-Riggs, the incredibly emotional Halls, and the frankly very capable Loper families are dropped at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains of western North America with little more than the clothes on their backs and three scarcely habitable cabins to call home. They have one objective: to prove they can work the land. Just like the real-life 1880s homesteaders, they will be judged on their ability to build a secure, comfortable home, farm the land and fill their pantries with enough meat, vegetables, baked goods and dairy to survive an entire winter. Don't go into this show expecting things to get that tough: the fact this series focuses on families should be enough to tell you HBO was never going to let these people struggle like the contestants on hit survival competition Alone. But, unlike the competitors on Alone, these people have little to no skills. And while they presumably went into this fully aware they wouldn't have makeup or any technology whatsoever, let alone electricity or running water, they can't handle it. There is a lot of crying — and not just from the kids. This is a show that wants you to lean into peak voyeurism. But it also provides a surprising amount of information about the original homesteaders, with experts including historians and modern homesteaders dropping in along the way. The result is a series that's quietly heartfelt, and which features some wholesome conversations around confidence and the importance of community. Not everyone is into it, though — some conservative Christians in the US are furious a gay couple was cast. Make of that what you will. For fans of: Colonial House, Alone When 11-year-old George Washington "Wash" Black (Eddie Karanja) escapes the 19th century Barbados sugar cane plantation where he was born at the beginning of this series, it feels like an against-all-odds miracle, never to be repeated. But then he hitches a ride away from the Caribbean in a bizarre flying machine with his white saviour/scientific mentor Titch (Tom Ellis) and takes up with a band of pirates. The adult version of Wash (played by Ernest Kingsley Jr) goes on to find not only freedom, but love, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Executive produced by Sterling K Brown (who also stars in the series as Wash's friend, Medwin) Washington Black isn't your typical narrative about the horrors of slavery. Told from the perspective of a sensitive and brilliant young boy, this eight-part series is a story about daring to dream, despite the circumstances. You'll frequently have to suspend your disbelief to enjoy this odyssey; adapting a fantastical story like this for the screen is immensely difficult. But this series has just as much to say on white guilt, romance across class lines, and the notion of freedom as the book that inspired it. For fans of: Kindred, Belle Netflix's latest unscripted series is for everyone who's ever looked at the songwriting credits of a hit song like Sabrina Carpenter's Espresso and wondered how it took so many people to come up with the lyrics "Say you can't sleep, baby, I know / That's that me espresso". Hitmakers offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create a number one song. The show follows 12 hit writers and producers from the US as they compete against each other for the privilege of writing new tracks for John Legend, Shaboozey and Lisa of Blackpink/The White Lotus season three. Over six episodes, the creatives behind the likes of BTS' Butter, Ariana Grande's Thank U, Next and Beyoncé's Cuff It attend three different songwriting camps, where they have just six hours to come up with a hit. Hitmakers isn't sure whether it wants to be a documentary or a reality show. It has the tension and pacing of a reality show and goes out of its way to confect drama, and yet it treats the craft of songwriting as a docuseries would. The famous musicians almost feel like an afterthought, dropping in at odd moments. Who knows if there will be a Hitmakers season two? The idea that this may never be repeated somehow makes the first season more compelling. For fans of: Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, Formula 1: Drive to Survive When Moni (Chris Alosio) returns to Western Sydney for his baby sister's wedding after 10 years in London, he doesn't expect to see his dead mother Tina (Tina Leaitua) there. She has no idea she's dead and he has no idea how she's returned — or why he's the only one who can see her. Then Moni is reminded of the Samoan proverb, "Teu le Va", which roughly translates to, "tend to your sacred spaces". To achieve this, one must live a life of truth. Moni reluctantly comes to the realisation his mother's apparition has to do with their avoidance of two very different things. If she has any hope of passing on, they must both accept their truths. For Moni, this means embracing his sexuality and learning how to be part of his Samoan community as his full self. For Tina, it's about admitting her failures as a parent. This genre-bending, queer, Pasifika-led series packs a lot into its six 10-minute episodes — from explorations of the varying lived experiences of queer Samoan-Australians, to the importance of remembering the cultural lessons of one's parents. Moni could have used a hell of a lot more funding (it's part of the SBS Digital Originals initiative, which supports new Australian stories), but the messages at the heart of this layered and intimate series will stay with you, regardless. For fans of: White Fever, Swift Street Nature journalist Ann Jones joins scientists trying to gain a deeper understanding of some of the world's most reclusive — and dangerous — animals in this moreish six-part docuseries. Starting with bull sharks on the Great Barrier Reef, each episode offers an intimate look at one animal. The deadly sea snakes of the Pilbara in WA are next, followed by the orangutans of Borneo, three different species of turtle in the Dampier Archipelago region of WA, and the dugongs of Queensland's Moreton Bay region. Last up: the elusive pangolins, again of Borneo. As the ABC's beloved "nature nerd", Ann brings a contagious blend of enthusiasm and curiosity to this immersive series. In less than 30 minutes, she'll have you reconsidering your understanding of each of these creatures. Bull sharks, for example, are more than just opportunistic killers. And did you know there's a breed of sea snake that hatches its eggs internally? For fans of: The Kimberley, Australia's Wild Odyssey
CNN
5 days ago
- CNN
California mom and son used handwritten notes to lead rescuers to their location in a remote forest
Stranded deep in the woods, miles from the nearest road, Tami Laird and her 9-year-old son Stirling faced a terrifying reality: no cell service, no help in sight and a car completely stuck on a rough road. The Sacramento duo had set off for what was supposed to be a straightforward trip to Boy Scout Camp Wolfeboro, just a few hours from their home. They packed all the usual camping essentials – tents, bedding and plenty of water – to prepare for a few days of outdoor adventure. Like many travelers, Laird trusted the GPS app on her phone. She plugged in the directions to the camp and followed the route as it led her off California Highway 44 down a rugged dirt road. At first, she wasn't concerned because the camp director had warned parents the drive could be rough. But after 30 minutes of bouncing along isolated back roads with the camp still eight miles away, Laird realized they were dangerously off course. Trying to retrace her steps only made matters worse. Every turn and new road only created confusion in the maze of dirt paths. Her sedan, ill-equipped for the rugged terrain, bottomed out repeatedly, forcing Laird and Stirling to dig the car out with sticks and move rocks by hand. Eventually, the vehicle broke down, leaving them stranded as nightfall crept in. Survival instincts kick in With no working car or cell service, Laird knew she had to stay calm for both of them. She attempted to call 911 18 times but without a signal, every call failed. Stirling, pulling from his Boy Scout training, blew his whistle, one of the six essential items scouts are always taught to carry. As darkness fell, Laird made an important choice. Despite having camping gear, she decided it was safer to sleep in the car for protection from potential predators. She left the hazard lights flashing all night, hoping someone might pass by and stumble upon them. While Stirling tossed and turned, waking up disoriented throughout the night, Laird didn't sleep at all. 'I just stared at the sky all night hoping that a helicopter would come,' Laird said. By morning, they were determined to find a way out. Laird's greatest fear was getting separated from the car and becoming even more lost in the woods. Thinking quickly, she grabbed a bedsheet and a pair of scissors, cutting the fabric into strips and tying them to branches along their path to mark the way back. When they reached a stretch of flatter road, they left handwritten notes under rocks, explaining they were lost and needed help if anyone passed through the area. 'Me and my son are stranded with no service and can't call 911,' one of the notes said. 'We are ahead, up the road to the right.' Throughout the day, Laird and Stirling continued their exhausting efforts, exploring possible routes to safety and even planning to take a steeper path the next morning if no one arrived. To keep Stirling calm, Laird suggested they play cards together to pass the time before settling in for another night in the car. Then, they heard it. 'I was trying to stay so strong for you out there' At first, it seemed like wishful thinking. Laird and Sterling had misinterpreted sounds before – the rumble of a distant plane mistaken for a helicopter, the sound of rushing water they hoped meant they were near Wolfeboro. But this time, it was a car horn. In the distance, Laird spotted a rescue truck. 'Tears started falling,' Laird said. 'It was such a happy moment to see that truck.' The location was so isolated, the Calaveras County Volunteer Search and Rescue team needed to use an amateur radio frequency to communicate, as conventional radios and cell phones were unable to connect, according to a Facebook post from the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office. The rescue team applauded Laird for her instincts, telling her she'd done everything right. Her fiance also shared her last known location with the rescuers, speeding up their search process. 'We were definitely a good team out there,' Laird said, crediting Stirling for keeping her calm. 'He kept trying to keep me positive because I kept saying things like, 'I don't think we're going to get rescued,' or 'Our only hope is a helicopter, and I don't think a helicopter is going to come.'' Since returning home, Laird says she plans to keep an emergency kit in her vehicle and travel with a physical map if there's a chance she may be heading into more remote areas. Still, after more than 24 hours of survival mode, Laird felt the emotional toll catch up to her. 'I just started crying, and I apologized to my son, saying, 'I'm so sorry that I'm crying like this, I was trying to stay so strong for you out there,' and he said the same thing, 'I was trying to stay strong for you,'' Laird said.
CNN
5 days ago
- CNN
California mom and son used handwritten notes to lead rescuers to their location in a remote forest
Stranded deep in the woods, miles from the nearest road, Tami Laird and her 9-year-old son Stirling faced a terrifying reality: no cell service, no help in sight and a car completely stuck on a rough road. The Sacramento duo had set off for what was supposed to be a straightforward trip to Boy Scout Camp Wolfeboro, just a few hours from their home. They packed all the usual camping essentials – tents, bedding and plenty of water – to prepare for a few days of outdoor adventure. Like many travelers, Laird trusted the GPS app on her phone. She plugged in the directions to the camp and followed the route as it led her off California Highway 44 down a rugged dirt road. At first, she wasn't concerned because the camp director had warned parents the drive could be rough. But after 30 minutes of bouncing along isolated back roads with the camp still eight miles away, Laird realized they were dangerously off course. Trying to retrace her steps only made matters worse. Every turn and new road only created confusion in the maze of dirt paths. Her sedan, ill-equipped for the rugged terrain, bottomed out repeatedly, forcing Laird and Stirling to dig the car out with sticks and move rocks by hand. Eventually, the vehicle broke down, leaving them stranded as nightfall crept in. Survival instincts kick in With no working car or cell service, Laird knew she had to stay calm for both of them. She attempted to call 911 18 times but without a signal, every call failed. Stirling, pulling from his Boy Scout training, blew his whistle, one of the six essential items scouts are always taught to carry. As darkness fell, Laird made an important choice. Despite having camping gear, she decided it was safer to sleep in the car for protection from potential predators. She left the hazard lights flashing all night, hoping someone might pass by and stumble upon them. While Stirling tossed and turned, waking up disoriented throughout the night, Laird didn't sleep at all. 'I just stared at the sky all night hoping that a helicopter would come,' Laird said. By morning, they were determined to find a way out. Laird's greatest fear was getting separated from the car and becoming even more lost in the woods. Thinking quickly, she grabbed a bedsheet and a pair of scissors, cutting the fabric into strips and tying them to branches along their path to mark the way back. When they reached a stretch of flatter road, they left handwritten notes under rocks, explaining they were lost and needed help if anyone passed through the area. 'Me and my son are stranded with no service and can't call 911,' one of the notes said. 'We are ahead, up the road to the right.' Throughout the day, Laird and Stirling continued their exhausting efforts, exploring possible routes to safety and even planning to take a steeper path the next morning if no one arrived. To keep Stirling calm, Laird suggested they play cards together to pass the time before settling in for another night in the car. Then, they heard it. 'I was trying to stay so strong for you out there' At first, it seemed like wishful thinking. Laird and Sterling had misinterpreted sounds before – the rumble of a distant plane mistaken for a helicopter, the sound of rushing water they hoped meant they were near Wolfeboro. But this time, it was a car horn. In the distance, Laird spotted a rescue truck. 'Tears started falling,' Laird said. 'It was such a happy moment to see that truck.' The location was so isolated, the Calaveras County Volunteer Search and Rescue team needed to use an amateur radio frequency to communicate, as conventional radios and cell phones were unable to connect, according to a Facebook post from the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office. The rescue team applauded Laird for her instincts, telling her she'd done everything right. Her fiance also shared her last known location with the rescuers, speeding up their search process. 'We were definitely a good team out there,' Laird said, crediting Stirling for keeping her calm. 'He kept trying to keep me positive because I kept saying things like, 'I don't think we're going to get rescued,' or 'Our only hope is a helicopter, and I don't think a helicopter is going to come.'' Since returning home, Laird says she plans to keep an emergency kit in her vehicle and travel with a physical map if there's a chance she may be heading into more remote areas. Still, after more than 24 hours of survival mode, Laird felt the emotional toll catch up to her. 'I just started crying, and I apologized to my son, saying, 'I'm so sorry that I'm crying like this, I was trying to stay so strong for you out there,' and he said the same thing, 'I was trying to stay strong for you,'' Laird said.
