The reason I have called this weeks happiness roundup the “camping edition” is because I am off this weekend to go camping…for the very. first. time. in. my. life.
I know, I know! People can’t believe I’ve never been camping before! The greatest American pastime, and I haven’t partaken until now!? I admit to being pretty nervous. I don’t know what to expect exactly. I’m going with a group of friends/acquaintances from Bible study, so everything is planned by someone else. I hear that there will be air mattresses, so I suppose that’s a leg up from sleeping on roots and rocks (which I expected when I first heard the words “camping trip”). Will there be showers? Toilets? What are the necessities one needs to pack for camping? Getting eaten alive by mosquitoes is just a given, regardless of bug spray, right? 😉 These might be ridiculous questions, but they are the sort of things running through my head. I’m sure it will all be fine, and despite the nerves, I am very much looking forward to it!
I also am expecting that I will be off my phone the whole weekend as I am unsure if I will be able to charge my phone, or if I will even have a signal. I feel a bit like a big baby right now…don’t judge, the closest I’ve ever come to camping was staying in KOA cabins when I was a kid, and sleeping over in a friend’s cabin that had no door, the threat of mountain lions, and hundreds of white daddy long legs climbing all over the ceiling above us…story for another time… Haha!
With all that in my mind this week, I decided to highlight a few camping related videos, accounts, and products related to camping!
The Waxed Backpack – I’m a huge fan of waxed backpacks. I got this one from Barbour this year (last seen here), and I love it! It is lined with tartan, but the outside is waxed cotton so the water doesn’t get through! I took it kayaking once, and everything in my kayak got soaked except the contents of the backpack! I just recently found this L.L. Bean Waxed-Canvas Rucksack, and their Waxed-Canvas Pack, and I think they are adorable!
Gourmet S’mores Kit – Okay, so who can really turn down something like this? Regardless of it being gourmet or not, you need to bring s’more fixings on a camping trip…but gourmet never hurt anybody!
Up Knörth – This Canadian company sells amazing outdoor/cabin gear and apparel that is perfect for a camping trip! Their philosophy in their own words:
“Up Knörth is a lifestyle brand dedicated to quality products for the outdoor minded adventurer. Our products, partnerships and collaborations are geared towards the same goal; to showcase unique, small-batch, well designed products that are practical, durable and sustainable.”
They also have an amazing Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, and Blog! Plus, check out their camp socks!
Camp Wandawega – I’ve been following Camp Wandawega on IG for a couple years now, and I am always drooling over all their amazing photos! They are a campsite in Wisconsin with a handful of adorable cabins they rent out, which are listed on Airbnb! Its simple, good ol’ fashion American vacationing!
Sanborn Canoe Company – This comany, I am in love with! It is the ultimate for your canoe and camping needs! Check out their Camp Coffee Kit, and the Fire Starter Kit!
My Dream Camping Experience – I’ve always wanted to go on an African safari, and stay in one the those luxury camp resorts. It’s on my bucket list, and I hope this dream will come true one day and that I will have my own Out of Africa experience! I want to sleep with nothing but tent fabric in between me and the roaring lions! How amazing would that be?!
Best Made Company – Check out this amazing company! It has the perfect boy scout, old fashioned, Moonrise Kingdom camp feel with enamelware, axes, and all manner of adorable badges!
Do you have any camping advice for me?