Finding the perfect Camping gear can be a long game of trial and error. It's a challenge to pack light and yet get everything you might need to manage a trip comfortably and safely. That's how we came to the decision to buy a table.
Over the last few years, we've done road trips in which we found ourselves cooking meals on the hood of the car. While this works, a better option is to have a light weight, small, and packable table... and we found one. It's a small table, 24x 24 inches and packs to practically nothing.
This table is going to be a godsend when we light up our 3oz stoves in a monsoon (Florida in August). In the past, we've found that during rain and wind, It's almost imperative to have a flat service on which to cook. And of course, as we learned in Yellowstone and The Grand Tetons, a 10x10 easy up canopy can pay off during these storms. Though this may sound like a large piece of equipment, it's not really; 4ft x 6 inches folded up. In our VW Golf TDI, we can fit it nicely behind the driver and front passenger seats with plenty of room to spare... and a dry place to hangout when the weather inevitably challenges our decision to live outdoors... is priceless.
Mentioning Yellowstone and The Grand Tetons reminded me of our battery powered chainsaw. If you have ever been to Yellowstone, you know that gas chainsaws are not allowed due to the risk of sparks creating a fire and because they violate the noise ordinance. However, battery operated chainsaws are allowed there and in other National forests and parks as the pose no risk to fire and make exceptionally little noise (they are quieter than a car engine). We happen to have a Ryobi battery operated chainsaw. Firewood gets expensive and is not always available for sale, so one can see how this piece of equipment can add to a comfortable adventure.
Traveling the country one finds that there are several national parks and forests. For a mere $50 a year, you can buy a parks pass that will waive the entrance fees to these parks. This is invaluable because the entrance fees can be as much $25 for one vehicle for ten days. Do the math and you'll discover how cost effective a parks pass can be.
The other invaluable supplies I have previously mentioned in the blog about being Wireless on the go. A GPS for those times you find yourself lost after missing street signs that have been deliberately removed, and laptops in which to download video, photos, and of course, to blog from while on the road.
Our most important supply is our vehicle. As I mentioned, we have a VW Golf TDI. The gas mileage is fantastic at 42-50 MPG. Also, The turbo diesel engine makes for a fast ride. The maneuverability is almost unreal. And as for comfort, the German's know their stuff. Google this puppy, it's worth learning more about...
The most impressive quality about the Golf has to do with how well this vehicle suits the needs of Carl and I while on the road, and that is what makes this a perfect vehicle, and a perfect supply.
I'm sure as the trip nears, Carl will inevitably think of at least one more perfect supply that we simply must get for our trip. I find this refreshing because as I discovered long ago, Carl is prepared for anything and everything.
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