Nikon D3500
We finally upgrade our Samsung camera for a Nikon D3500 DSLR camera. We opted to not get a lens package and instead selected two lenses that we think best fit our needs.We selected a Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm and a Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm. Both are wonderful, as is the camera, but we love the 35mm lens. |
BioLite Fire Pit
We bought a BioLite Fire Pit as a bit of an impulse buy. We were headed to the campground and decided that the BioLite looked really cool and would be fun to try. Over a five day trip, we had four fires. We also set a dutch oven on the cook grates. One day, we hung around the site all day and had a fire going all day. We used two bundles of wood and 25% of the battery pack. The battery is strong, the fan does make a pretty fire with less smoke, and we still burned less wood. |
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Tower Paddle Boards
We have owned two of these paddle boards for the last several years. We have used them to SUP on small and large fresh water lakes, in the ocean, on dune lakes in Florida, and in mangrove rivers. We have transported them inside our Cricket and on top of the 4Runner at highway speeds, and then deflated them to store on a shelf over the winter. They inflate in under ten minutes and hold the air all season. They are firm enough that you would never know they are inflatable. If you want an affordable paddle board that will perform, check out this Tower SUP. Tower Paddle Boards Adventurer Inflatable 9'10" SUP Package |
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Engel Portable 43Qt Fridge/Freezer
We will admit - if the Engel refrigerator wasn't standard equipment with our Cricket, we never would have considered it. It has a price tag that exceeds what you make expect to pay for a home unit with no bells and whistles. You could get a Yeti or two for less. However nothing else has the versatility of this unit. It offers dual power for either AC or DC cooling. You can adjust between cooling, refrigerating, and freezing. You can run it in your vehicle on the go, at the campground from shore power or in your kitchen in you need extra capacity. There is a large basket that lifts out, which we use when loading and unloading from a camping trip. Probably our favorite option is turning it on in the days leading up to a camping trip and filling it with meals and drinks throughout the week. Engel Portable 43Qt Fridge/Freezer |
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Kelty Noah's Tarp Shelter
We came across this tarp looking for a solution to function as an awning for the Cricket. The manufacturers awning is small and expensive. We wanted an option that would provide shade, keep us dry, and expand our living space at the campground. Noah's tarp achieves all three. It is highly adaptable as we have used trees, tent stakes, an adjustable tent pole, and even trekking poles to set up our awning. It hold up well in rain and wind, and is easy to set up. If you have a need for shade, protection from weather, or even a quick tent, Noah's tarp is for you. Kelty Noah's Tarp Shelter |
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Lodge CRSGR18 Pre-Seasoned Carbondale Steel Griddle
We would write a review on our Lodge Cast Iron skillet, but we think most people already also know those maybe the best pan on the planet. Nearly as versatile and equally used in our kitchen is the Lodge Griddle. This product is made of carbon steel, and it is tough. We have used it on the grill to cook fish and veggies, on the stove top to fry eggs or cook pancakes, in the oven to bake cookies or roast veggies, and on the camp stove to cook - well everything that can't go on the grill. Clean up is as easy as it gets: while the griddle is still hot, clean it with water, dry, and store. Here is the secret to this and all Lodge products – if you damage the seasoning on the surface, just cook bacon in it and it’s essentially re-seasoned! Lodge CRSGR18 Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Griddle, 18-inch |
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Samsung NX3000
At one time, we loved to take pictures with a film SLR. It was a fun hobby. Point and shoot digital cameras, and then smart phone cameras, made us lazy photographers. Plus, catching action shots of the kids is tough when you need to focus, adjust f-stops, or change lenses. We wanted a camera that could quickly catch the action shots, but also allow us to have a bit of creative freedom with our photographs. The Samsung NX3000 fits this need nicely. The photo quality is better than the iPhone, the features are easy to use, and it’s small for a DSLR. We can either use it in automatic mode or full manual; typically we are set somewhere in the middle. Samsung NX3000 Wireless Smart 20.3MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 20-50mm Compact Zoom and Flash (Black) Samsung NX3000 Wireless Smart 20.3MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 20-50mm Compact Zoom and Flash (White) |
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GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Stemless Wine Glass
You might be seeing a trend here – we prefer stainless drink ware. We like the durability, ease of cleaning, and functionality. These wine glasses are great in the backyard, but they are perfect for camping. They have a low center of gravity but even better the base kicks out, what GSI refers to as a kickstand, to prevent spilling on uneven surfaces. We can attest that in addition to being the best wineglass for the campground, they are also very effective bourbon glasses. GSI Outdoors 63320 Stainless Steel Glacier Stemless Wine Glass |
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Frieling Brushed 18/10 Stainless Steel French Press We love French Press Coffee. But we are family campers, and a glass French Press carafe doesn’t travel well. In fact, we went through two classic French Press carafes before we decided that there had to be a better way. We came across this stainless French Press and it has surpassed my expectations. We’ve had it a few years and it still looks new. It’s been camping, tossed in the dishwasher, and abandoned on the counter-top with soggy grounds. Each time, it has cleaned up perfectly. As an added bonus, French Press coffee seems greener. There are no pods to toss and no heating element running. The insulated design keep your coffee hot, and the concept of a French Press doesn’t use a filter. Just add hot water to your grounds, let steep, press, and enjoy. This French Press is available on Amazon in frustration free packaging. Frieling Brushed 18/10 Stainless Steel French Press in Frustration Free Packaging, 36-Ounce |
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Blendtec Total Blender This was a serious splurge. We went through two blenders and were tired of replacing them. We started comparing Blendtec and Vitamix and several features of the Blendtec sold us. The WildSide Jar and the Twister Jar were huge selling features as well as the fact that Blendtec has blunt blades and the jar is one piece, making it safe and easy to clean. This blender is really powerful and we can crush ice into perfect snow in seconds. We’ve made whole fruit and vegetable smoothies. We’ve used frozen bananas and berries to make a faux ice cream. Typically we just use it to blend up Bulletproof coffee in the morning. We’d be remiss to mention Blendtec without referencing their willitblend.com series. The host, Tom, blends items such as iPhones, shoes, baseballs, and video games to see what happens when it blends. It’s not a good use of your free time, but does demonstrate the power of the Blendtec in a fun way. You'll get the best value purchasing the bundle that includes both blending jars. Blendtec Total Blender Classic with WildSide & Twister Jars |
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Camco Little Red Campfire When we camp, a campfire feels necessary. Usually by the time we get it going, we’ve lost interest in relaxing fire side. When you are ready to call it a night, you have to wait for it to burn out or dump water on the embers. And sometimes you just don’t want to smell like a campfire. We came across the Little Red Campfire last fall and decided to give it a try. We have been really pleased with it! It hooks up to a standard propane bottle, or you can use a converter to run it off the mini bottles. We had the Little Red Campfire out of the box with a fire going in about three minutes. You can turn the heat up on chilly nights or run the flame lower when you want the atmosphere without the heat. My kids will attest that yes, the Little Red Campfire does make great s’mores. Camco 58031 "Little Red Campfire" Portable Propane Camp Fire |
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