The 2015 camping season has arrived, and it’s time to plan some great escapes for your family! It’s also the perfect time to buy some new gear that will make this year just a bit more fun and functional. We have used and abused each of these great products and recommend them for their style, their value, or their utility–and in some cases all three.
Camp Casual 12 Piece Dish Set (List Price $49.99)
We get oohs and ahhs every time we serve food on these fabulous, retro dishes. A 12 piece set includes 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, and 4 bowls. With a variety of colors and RV art, they bring tons of style to a campground picnic table. The dishes are super sturdy and dishwasher safe, which is great if you happen to love them so much they wind up in your home kitchen. And, yes, we are speaking from experience.
Nightstick Dual-Light with Dual Magnets (List Price $32.00)
Why do we love the Nightstick Dual-Light with Dual Magnets? Let me the count the ways. The flashlight/floodlight combination is perfect for walking around the campground at night because you can illuminate the path ahead of you and the ground at your feet. The dual magnets also make this perfect for changing tires or working “hands free” underneath the camper. Attach it to the fridge when your done so its easy to find next time you need it.
Estwing Leather Sportsman’s Axe (List Price $44.99)
Every camper needs an axe in their camping kit–so why not buy one that’s beautiful and built to last? Estwing makes tools that you will be able to pass on to your children. Their Sportsman’s axe is “forged in one piece with a genuine leather grip” that is incredibly comfortable to hold. This spring gear guide pick will make chopping kindling for the campfire fast and fun. Skip the el cheapo and buy your camp axe from a company that’s been proudly manufacturing tools in the U.S.A since 1923.
Toas-Tite Grill (List Price $31.99)
Looking for something other than marshmallows to snack on around the campfire this season? The Toas-Tite is the ultimate campfire cooking tool, simply because the possibilities are endless. You can keep it simple by toasting ham and grilled cheese sandwiches or jazz it up by making mini chicken pot pies and pulled pork pockets. Basically, if you can put it between two pieces of bread, the Toas-Tite will turn it into something delicious!
Spot It Gone Camping (List Price $13.99)
This is our favorite traveling card game for two reasons: it is fun for people of all ages and any number of people can play. Spot It is a memory game and a speed game at the same time, so your family will probably get a little loud and rambunctious trying to find the match and win a pair of cards. The cards come in a small, sturdy tin that can easily be stored in your car or RV. Game on.
My Mayu Lightweight Rain/Outdoor Boots (List Price $57.95)
Weather happens, and the last thing our family wants is to be stuck inside on our camping vacations. These My Mayu boots are the best piece of kid gear we have discovered in a long time. Comfortable and lightweight, your little ones can run and play just like they would in regular sneakers. Only difference? Feet will stay warm and dry even if you happen to have puddle-jumping professionals. When they start to make these for adults, we will be their first customers.
L.L. Bean Trail Model Rain Jackets (List Price $49.95 to $79.00)
These rain jackets are another piece of rain gear we won’t leave home without. The material is light and breathable, so we don’t get uncomfortable on warm, rainy days. The hoods stay up nicely without being cinched and tight. And they do the job…even after a long hike on a rainy day, our entire family stays bone dry. L.L. Bean’s legendary return policy lets us buy with confidence.
Camping World Collapsible Container (List Price $13.99)
Every RV owner knows that a messy camper can suck all of the relaxation out of your family vacation. The number one reason why our RV used to end up being such a mess? Dirty clothes on the floor! But not anymore. Now we throw all of our dirty laundry into this sturdy and affordable collapsible container made by Camping World. When its not in use we collapse it and use the plastic clasps to keep it small and storage ready. We liked using this product in our RV so much that we bought another one for home.
Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi are the co-hosts of the RV Family Travel Atlas podcast, which is available for free in the iTunes store, and on their blog.
