Summer travel usually means family vacations, road trips, beach destinations, and extended international travel. However, this summers experiences might look very different with a global pandemic still unfolding. Needless to say, you probably won't need your passport. Given how long people have been confined in their homes, experts believe many travelers will gravitate towards the outdoors and drivable destinations due to health and economic concerns.
So where does this leave us? Somewhere not too close to other people, and preferably easy on the wallet. Think camping and hiking. You’ll find beautiful camping sights in every state in the U.S. Pitch a tent and enjoy the fresh air, lakes, streams, and picturesque hiking trails.
Just remember, as any seasoned camper would tell you, heading into the woods unprepared can have bad consequences. Functionality should be the key feature of all your camping and hiking gear. This products list provides great options in each category without breaking the bank.
OK, the first one is on the pricey side, but it could save your life.
Carry a satellite communications device which works where cell phones do not. Garmin InReach lets you send text messages back and forth to family to let them know you are okay or if plans have change when out in the back-country. It also has an SOS subscription built in so that you can reach first-responders in an emergency. The device also offers weather reports, GPS, and navigation functionality.
A 300-lumen light capacity and a fully waterproof construction make this headlamp an great choice for night navigating, reading, and many other activities. The Spot is equipped with a dimming function, a flashing mode, maximum power for long and short range, and red night vision mode. All this, packed into a lightweight and compact headlamp that fits in any backpack.
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System:
Ideal for outdoor recreation, hiking, and camping. This versatile and compact filtration system fits in the palm of your hand and can filter up to 100,000 gallons of lake, river, or stream water. Removes 99.99999% of all bacteria (salmonella, cholera, and E. coli); removes 99.9999% of all protozoa (such as giardia and cryptosporidium). Just attach it to the pouch it comes with and drink directly from it, or use it to fill up your own water bottle.
Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent:
Picaridin is the perfect balance of efficacy, safety, and user-friendliness. It repels a wide variety of pests including mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, sand flies, gnats, chiggers, and midges. One of the longest lasting repellents available, it provides up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks. Fragrance-free; safe to use on the whole family.
Top rated by EWG skin deep database with a "1" rating since 2010. Free of biologically harmful chemicals as well as no animal testing. Applies and absorbs easily, non-oily feel, does not have an obtrusive smell that many organic sunscreens have. The most important beauty product you can own!
Camp Chair: Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler:
With over 9,000 positive reviews on Amazon this is the clear winner in camping chairs. The cooler built into the armrest holds up to 4 cans and provides easy access to a cold drink once the one in your mesh cup holder is empty. The fully cushioned seat and back only adds to your relaxation. If you want your hands free, the side pockets work nicely to store your book, magazine or some snacks. When the fun is over, the chair easily folds up into a carry bag for easy transport.
HONEST Single Camping Hammock:
Sized to fit two comfortably and rated to support up to 400 pounds, everyone in the group will be fighting over who gets it. Package includes hammock straps and carabiners for easy setup. Honest claims it will take less than 1 minutes to hang your camping hammock on a tree or nearby objects using the hammock straps (maybe more than a minute your first set-up). An integrated stuff sack makes packing up fast and simple. Excellent quality and price point at only $20.
ClevrPlus Hiking Child Carrier:
Great backpack for putting toddlers into. Let them walk for as much as they can, then throw them in the backpack when they start to melt down. The adjustable seat customizes the carrier to fit your child’s height. The carrier is built for children between 9-48 months (max 33lbs) allowing you to use your carrier for years as your baby grows!
Amazon's #1 Best Seller in Camping Tents with over 10,000 positive reviews. Available in 2, 3, 4, and 6 tent capacity the Sundome is perfect for warm-weather camping. Large windows and ground vent for enhanced airflow as well as welded corners and inverted seams keep water from getting in. Bring an extension cord through the E-Port for easy access to electrical power inside your tent. Set-up will take just 10 minutes (hopefully).
Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad:
What's a great tent without a great sleeping pad? For those of us who are not willing to "rough it", this quality portable camping mat pad is perfect. Super sturdy and extremely comfortable. Sleep like a baby on the 2.2-inch-thick camping mat and get ready to tackle the day to come!
OOFOS - Unisex - Post Exercise Recovery Sandals:
Don’t forget to pack comfy sandals for when your hike is over. These are light and very comfy. OOfoam Recovery Technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam, giving your feet the break they need. Your feet will thank you.
These are a backup to start a fire and includes some tinder to help you get the fire going. It’s light and easy to keep in your pack. They have a burn time of up to 25 seconds and will fire up in the harshest of conditions. They’ll even relight after being submerged in water.
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker First Aid Kit:
This kit is light and has the basics. Get it for yourself and to help others. Find supplies quickly with the Easy Care organization system, which organizes contents by injury into clearly-labeled pockets, letting you easily find what you need at a moment's notice.
Yeah, they’re expensive but they work better than other coolers and last forever. Ice stays ice thanks to up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and an extra thick FatWall design is certified Bear-Resistant.
The North Face Borealis Backpack:
A simple but well made backpack that will fit everything you need for a day hike. With a design that's endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, it has a hip-strap to take off the weight from your shoulders/back, injection-molded thick padding on shoulder straps , and a padded airmesh back panel with added support built into the structure. There are three interior pockets, including a nice, fleece-lined front upper pocket that is the perfect size for a cell phone and wallet.
