I apologize for the amount of camping content. It’s what my family does all summer. It does give me the chance to test a lot of outdoor gear, though, as well as examine many, many lizards, newts, giant salamanders, snakes, and crawdads. I started out being cool with this, but by the end I couldn’t handle it and started screaming the next time a child thrust a critter that bites or pinches in my direction. |
This is a juvenile giant salamander! |
I must sing the praises of the Rumpl Wrap Sack ($250). Rumpl sent me one for testing, but my son stole it, so we had to buy another one for my daughter. In the summer in Oregon, the temperature in a tent can drop by 50 degrees after the sun goes down. The Wrap Sack layers like a burrito—you can easily customize how much insulation you need, from none at all when you go to bed to three layers when it’s 50 degrees in the morning. Do you have any awesome camping finds this summer? Let me know at mail@wired.com.
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After many years, I’m still not great at packing camp food. But being able to make our own beef jerky and chips would save us a lot of time, money, and nausea when we realize we’re all incredibly dehydrated and need some sodium-packed snacks. Reviewer Lisa Wood Shapiro notes that this digital dehydrator is perfect for beginners (me). |
We’re having our neighborhood block party in a few weeks, and I’m seriously considering this purchase. A big hot dog cooker + Costco dogs and buns? No kids putting their fingers in melting cupcakes and no potato salad that has been sitting all day in the sun? Done. |
My kids and I have been biking to day camp every day this summer, but this week it just got too darn hot, so I need a motor. I’m updating Best Electric Cargo Bikes this month, but in the meantime, editor Julian Chokkattu just updated his guide to the Best Electric Scooters and he says last year’s Apollo Go is still the best.
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As the saying goes, you need to “kit your shit” so you don’t forget something crucial at the last minute, like I just did when I went on a camping trip with my family, a ton of meat in the cooler, and no pan. You always need a cast-iron pan for your portable grill, and the Lodge is cheap enough that you can afford to keep one permanently in your camping bin.
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Here are the rest of my camping recs so far this summer. If you have any that I must try, let me know! |
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Ciele recently sent its AT short ($75), which I used all weekend. I wore it in the truck on the way down and paddleboarded, swam, hiked, and ran in it for the next two days. I was in fresh water, but it has a chlorine/saltwater-resistant finish if you’re more of an ocean/pool person. I am probably going to buy another pair.
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Left on Friday makes the most secure and flattering swimsuits I’ve ever worn. I went on an impromptu trail run in 95-degree heat and jumped in the water from the bank when my husband left his shirt on the river. The Reef Top felt as secure as a sports bra.
- Nothing makes me have as little faith in my culinary instincts as when the hero snack of the weekend is gas station Corn Nuts. Fine! No more homemade quick-pickled red onions or Icelandic yogurt for any of you! Only food from the gas station!
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Browse great deals on the summer gear we recommend, like scooters, grills, food dehydrators, and more. |
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