Another day with temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit has me dreaming of six games I want to take camping this season. While I enjoy camping, another hobby I have is board gaming. What is a better way to pass the time than playing a board game, and why can’t we enjoy board games outside? Well, I have news for you, there are games you can bring camping with you!
Check out this video here for games we have taken with us. Small games are great to bring with you camping, and most small games are inexpensive. The six games I want to take camping this year all come in at under $20! That makes them great to give as a gift for the camping gamer in your life.
1. Point Salad
This is an entertaining card game for 2-4 players, where you will draft cards. These cards will represent different vegetables and scoring scenarios, and as you go you create your “point salad.” This is a quick game, made up of a deck of cards, making it a good choice for camping.
2. Bang the Dice Game
A dice chucking western game, the plays in under 30 minutes. You’re just rolling dice, trying to be the last one standing. This is another quick game and the components are dice and a few cards making this game portable and compact for travel.
3. Shards of Infinity
This is a head-to-head deck builder for the competitive ones out there. Very portable, thanks to being a deck of cards, you build your deck and battle your opponent for the victory. The art on these cards is amazing and adds to the theme, making this a game I hope to get lost in.
4. Kingdomino Duel
This is a roll-and-write strategy game, where you roll four dice and use them to fill in your kingdom. Certain dice rolls will earn you special abilities, possibly leading you to victory. While the game consists of dice, a writing utensil, and a pad; you could laminate the sheets off the pad and lighten your load further.
5. Taco VS Burrito
Taco VS Burrito looks like a super funny game, that would be a great way to pass the time. You take turns picking cards with gross foods to make your taco or burrito with, there are also cards that help score more points. It just looks like a fun way to pass the time.
6. Age of War
Another dice chucking game on the list, because they are portable, fast-paced, and fun. In Age of Wart, you and your opponent are batling to conquer each other’s castle. This game plays in under 30 minutes.
I am so looking forward to picking up these six games that I want to take camping this year! Have you played any of these or brought them camping with you? What games do you love to bring camping? Let me know in the comments below!
Christmas shopping (gift-giving in general) can be hard. I’m sharing with you today some last-minute ideas for Christmas gifts for the women or girls in your life who love hiking and camping. Breaking these gifts down into three categories, we will look at Stocking Stuffers, Hiking gifts, and Camping gifts (you could also check out our women’s camp comforts here for more ideas.)
Stocking Stuffers
Stockings were my favorite thing as a child at Christmas, and when I think of stockings, I think of overflowing with lots of fun gifts. Stocking stuffers can add up quickly, so this list keeps all stocking stuffers under $25.
Freeze-dried food, specifically, a dessert can be spendy and hard to justify purchasing for yourself, making it a great gift. You can also adjust it to fit your giftee’s taste. I recommend the Creme Brulee from Back Packer’s Pantry.
Headlamps are also very useful, you honestly can’t have enough, we keep them all around the house for different purposes. This one from Foxelli is a gorgeous blue with a tree print, finding one that fits their style helps personalize the gift.
Hiking socks, you can’t go wrong when gifting good quality hiking socks. Darn Tough is a brand we know and love, with a lifetime warranty. Made from merino wool, they keep your feet dry and far from smelly. Again, these socks come in so many colors it make s it easy to fit the person you’re gifting’s taste.
Headbands are always a great gift to through in an active woman’s stocking, they’re fun and keep hair and sweat out of your face.
If you love the great outdoors there is one thing for sure, you can’t have too many water bottles. This bottle from Nomader is sturdy, so you feel like you’re actually using a water bottle, yet you can roll it up to save space in your pack if needed.
Hiking Christmas Gifts
It can be hard to find a Christmas gift for the hiking enthusiast in your life, but here are a few ideas to get you a start. For this gift section, all these last-minute gifts are under $40.
A journal or even a book can be a wonderful gift. The journal will help your hiking enthusiast keep track of all the wonderful places they venture to and the cool stuff they get to see. When it comes to picking a book, there are just so many options…is your hiking enthusiast a lover of stories looking to be inspired, or are they trying to learn a new skill like foraging? Check out this logbook for tracking one’s own adventures: The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs features a lot of cool facts about the world around us: She Explores is a masterpiece that pieces together inspiring essays from many women about their own journey, as well as gorgeous travel photography:
Binoculars are great to have on hand when hiking, so you can enjoy nature at a distance. Binoculars also tend to be one of those things that people do not buy for themselves making it a great gift.
A new daypack in fun colors paired with functionality is always a great gift. This 40L daypack from Venture Pal features a waterproof pocket and a sternum strap.
A packable, waterproof blanket. Having a blanket you can lay in the ground while you stop and take lunch, or wrap around yourself if it’s a bit chilly is always welcomed. This one from JJ Cole Outdoors is large (5 foot by 5 foot) and weighs in at only a pound.
Trekking Poles, these are something hikers might not even realize they would need or like.
Camping Christmas Gifts
When it comes to finding Christmas gifts for a camper, there are so many options! On this list, each item comes in under $40.
Enamel cups, seriously, there is just something about them that feels right when camping. There are so many cute ones too, it’s hard to narrow it down:
Camping chairs are always nice to add to someone’s collection. They can take one along if it will be just them, or they could even be used at home when having outdoor gatherings:
A Luci Light is one of the best portable lanterns. Deflates so it takes up no space, and it is solar-powered, I never go on a camping trip without one.
Camping games are sure to be on every camper’s list. Here I focused on outdoor games like bag toss and yard dice. However, we have this video talking about our favorite board games to bring with camping.
Two words, Pie Irons. If they don’t have one already, they’ll LOVE it, if they do have one already, they’ll still LOVE it. If they haven’t experienced the tasty joy of a pie iron, or maybe they’re looking to be more creative, through in a recipe book for endless, tasty enjoyment.
Happy Gifting!
Hopefully, this list sends you on your way to a fun gift-giving season (all though these gifts could be given for birthdays as well!) If you are looking for Christmas gift ideas for guys make sure to check out Kory’s video here!
The new RockPal 100 Watt Solar Panel has many new upgrades compared to its older version. In this video, I show how the Panels can but connected to double your solar intake and the other features of these panels.
If you are looking for tips for women to be comfortable in the woods, whether you have yourself, your wife or girlfriend in mind you have come to the right spot. If it is your first time camping as a woman, it can be a little nerve-wracking and I am here to make sure you are at least comfortable. For the gentlemen who are here, I can help make sure your significant other’s time in the woods is enjoyable. Camping is a great experience to be alone or share as a couple so let’s jump in.
Sleeping Comforts
Sleep can be where so many lose out on comfort and there are two tips for this category
Sleeping Bag
You will need to make sure that you have the appropriate comfort rating for your sleeping bag. Women tend to sleep colder, so if it will be down to 50 degrees, you may want to look at a 40-degree bag (I use a 20-degree bag). Make sure that you have a sleeping bag that has a good loft, is soft and not too loud so you can sleep quietly.
This is my number one item that I bring to make sure I have maximum comfort. Camping pillows are loud, uncomfortable and your head normally slides off of them(if you have the blown up camping ones). I use a My Pillow travel size, you could also use a toddler sized pillow. This is great because it feels like the pillow you have at home, is not noisy and will cradle your head so it does not slide off.
Footwear
Footwear is about a lot more than shoes, check out my top picks
Water Shoes
Tired of having to lace up shoes or boots everytime you go in and out of your tent? Tired of your bulky footwear weighing down your feet? I’ve got a solution for you: water shoes. These are great, they are breathable, lightweight and have a hard sole so you don’t hurt your feet on rocks and sticks. They also dry extremely fast, if you do choose to use them in the water. You can also slip them on and off, saving you time and helping keep your tent clean.
Merino Wool Socks
Merino wool socks are the only socks that will do when you are out in the woods, don’t even bother with cotton or nylon. Wool is anti-microbial which is great for when you’re in the woods because your feet will be safe from bacteria and won’t get stinky. Wool also does a great job regulating temperature and moisture wicking, keeping your feet cool in the summer and warm in winter. Merino wool is also very soft, I recommend Darn Tough.
Slipper Socks
Slipper socks are just nice to have for around bedtime when you are in the tent winding down. Being able to take your regular socks off for the night gives them a chance to breathe and air out, yet you still get to keep your feet nice and warm. Slipper socks also help to keep the inside of your tent clean. On the off chance, you get dirt or anything on the bottom of your feet, putting slipper socks on makes sure to keep the mess contained and from getting all over your tent.
Entertainment
You will have downtime while out camping and it will be nice to entertain yourself a bit instead of staring into space. Making sure you are entertained and not bored is a great way to help make sure you are comfortable
Books
Books are great entertainment and there are so many to choose from. Whatever genre you might be into horror, mystery, comedy, or something inspirational there is a book for you.
Games
Games are truly the most fun way to entertain yourself while out camping, especially if you are camping with others. You cannot beat the interaction of a game – it will get you talking and laughing with your camping partner(s). There are many cards and dice games to choose from, even for two players, some of our favorites to bring are Monopoly Deal, Catan the Dice Game and Hero Realms.
Bug Protection
Bug protection is super important, because honestly without it you will be miserable and itchy, you would not enjoy your time in the woods
Sprays
The most common form of bug protection that we use in the woods are sprays. We use one on ourselves, Sawyer Maxi Deet is our number one option for this. Permethrin is the second, and for this, we spray it on our clothes and tent before we go. It instantly kills bugs on contact and it is great for being out in tick country.
Beauty/Hygiene
Beauty and hygiene are often two things women need in there life to just feel good. The notion is often that it cannot be achieved while out camping, but I assure you it can and will make sure you are comfortable
Hair Ties
These are yet another simple product that can make the trip a completely different experience. I recommend you always bring extra as they break so easily. Hair ties get your hair out of the way so you can perform tasks that take more exertion, they also help get it off the back of your neck when you are hot and need to cool down. When you put your hair up and it can also keep you from feeling grungy and unkempt, giving you an overall boost of morale.
Baby Wipes
Baby wipes help you clean up, especially if you do not have an access to water source. Not to mention they come in handy for just wiping off your hands before dinner and at the end of a long day where you put in the work and got a little dirty. Honestly, everyone enjoys having baby wipes on a trip. Don’t forget to pack your used ones out!
Face Lotions
While I don’t recommend makeup in the woods, face lotion can help to make you feel like you are clean and presentable. There are so many options, but I have two main favorites that I think you will enjoy in the woods. The first option is aqua balms, they are very moisturizing and help you to feel like you did something with yourself. The downside to using an aqua balm while camping is that there is no SPF so you should still utilize a sunscreen. My second pick for you to wear while camping is tinted face cream. These face creams generally have an SPF, the one I use by Marcelle has an SPF of 25.
Nail Clipper
If you are a woman who will be camping or taking a woman you know camping you absolutely should bring a nail clipper. This is a very small item and often overlooked but can greatly improve your trip. It is nice to be able to take care of a broken nail or a hangnail right away. If you don’t take care of it right away you can snag it on your gear (possibly causing a run) or even injure yourself further.
If you are a woman or taking a woman such as your wife or girlfriend camping it is important to make sure you/they are comfortable. Especially if it is your/their first time adventuring out into the woods. Camping can be a wonderful way to spend time by yourself or with your significant other bonding and getting in touch with nature. However, it is easily ruined with just one bad experience. I hope you try out these small comforts and they make your trip the best and most comfortable it can be! Make sure to comment below what your must-have comfort is!
This womens camping sleep system is not only warm but also very budget friendly. Links to everything are below the video. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to leave a comment.
Caroline goes through her women’s sleeping pad and bag, which are both budget friendly. This is the perfect affordable set up for women and girls to stay warm at night while camping.
When on a budget, it is hard to find an affordable backpacking sleeping bag for camping or hiking. In this video, I compare 3 different sleeping bags that are very affordable.
Patrol Bag – https://amzn.to/2JLxaTT
When it comes to camping gear there is a ton of options on the market. There is also a ton of camping gear that is very unnecessary for anyone starting out. This is a list of camping gear that will help get you started and keep you safe and comfortable in the woods.
Shelter
When it comes to shelter most people will start off in a tent. Tents are very easy to set up and offer the most privacy in the woods. It is basically a small bedroom for you to keep your belongings and rest your head at night.
I suggest your tent should be one of your most expensive items. A good tent can really make or break your camping experience and they also hold their value pretty well. If you buy a good tent it will keep you dry and comfortable not just for the night but for years to come.
The size of your tent depends on the size of your family or group that you plan to share the tent with. I suggest your first tent be slightly bigger than you think you need. A family of 3 should have a 4 person tent. A family of 4 should get a 6 person tent and so on and so forth. The gear you start out with is going to be big so having room in your tent to set up and store the gear is going to make you a lot more comfortable.
Find a tent that is big enough to comfortably move around in, when all members of camp are in the tent with you. Being able to get to the door without climbing over too many people is something to keep in mind. Especially for the middle of night potty breaks.
Sleeping Gear
Sleeping gear is one of those things that you will constantly be upgrading to smaller and lighter options. When starting out focus more on comfort than anything else. A good night sleep in the woods is one of the most rewarding things in life.
Feeling refreshed and rested the next day is going to make your trip a ton more enjoyable. So make sure you bring an Air Mattress that you enjoy using at home. If it is comfortable in your guest bedroom it will be comfortable in the woods (for the most part).
Also, make sure to bring a sleeping bag or enough blankets to keep yourself warm in temperatures well below what the weatherman says. Temps can drop at night and not having a heater to warm things up makes your sleeping bag a very valuable piece of gear. Blankets can also be used just make sure to lay blankets below you as well as on top. The air in your mattress can get quite cold so insulating with blankets can help keep in the cold in the mattress and the heat with you.
When it comes to camping pillows just bring what you have. A good pillow really does make sleeping a lot more enjoyable and bring what you already have is going to suit you just fine in the woods. Just make sure you are ready for it to get a little dirty. Pillowcases are a lot easier to clean than pillows themselves.
Food/Drink
Eat drink and be merry. The best part of camping is all the good foods you get to eat. Smores and hotdogs are always some camp favorites. Anything cooked over the fire seems to be a very rewarding treat in the woods. Always have a backup plan. Bring a small stove or other ways of cooking. Making fire isn’t always the easiest and cooking over it can be a chore as well.
Make sure to bring lots of snacks and treat options. You will be burning more calories than you are used to being outdoors. The fresh air and running around can really make a person hungry. Having fast no-cook options really make relaxing a lot easier but also having a warm cooked meal is very rewarding. Bring things that are easy to make at first and as you get more comfortable in the woods the better your meal options will get.
One of the things that you will need is a cooler with ice. Having a way to keep your drinks cold for the whole trip is a must. I suggest anyone starting out just getting a Coleman cooler. Unless you are going out for a long week long trip the Coleman will work just fine.
Camping Gear Must-Haves
When it comes to packing camping gear I try to walk through my house and make sure I have the things I need in each room. I start where I start every morning, in the bedroom. I make sure I have a bed, blankets, pillows, clothes.
Next is, of course, the bathroom. I make sure I have toilet paper, soap, shampoo anything that is going to keep me clean and comfortable.
I then move into the living room. The fire becomes the TV I make sure I have fire starting materials along with fire lighting devices. Camp chairs become the couch and or lazy boy.
Last I go to the Kitchen. I make sure I have plates, bowls, spoons, forks, knives, pans, stove, utensils. Anything I will need to not only cook but also eat my meals. I also look at the fridge that becomes the cooler. Anything I use daily in my home I make sure to add it to the camping gear list.
There is a long list of camping gear that you will need with you in the woods. Here is a list of what I would bring also the things you don’t use every day in the home like bug spray. –> https://www.wolfpackwoodcraft.com/camping-list-beginners-2
The best budget camping pillow that I have found so far is the TNH Outdoors inflatable pillow. I have tested a few pillow options and this really has all the features I have been looking for on a pillow!!!
