BEST OF 2020
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park
Hey everyone! It’s December already and we are preparing to say goodbye to one hell of a stressful year. However, as 2020 comes to an end, Tyler and I have been looking back at the silver linings of this year. We installed the camper. We made new friends. We spent time exploring parts of our home state that we never had before. We camped. We day tripped. We had fun however we could despite restrictions.
As we start to really buckle down on our build and prepare to hit the road, we have been consolidating our gear and fine-tuning some of the essential items in our kit. There are a few items we have yet to add, (maybe Santa will bring them to us), but there have been several really awesome items that have already changed the game for us and we wanted to share them with you.
note: Most of these items are linked directly to the item we actually purchased. A few have been substituted for a comparable item due to unavailability.
Lifestyle
Nalgene bottles
These bottles are basically indestructible. They are easy to hold and come in a variety of colors, sizes, and designs.
Nalgene insert
These silicone inserts make it easier to drink out of wide mouth bottles so you sip while moving, driving, etc.
Thai deodorant
This deodorant is all natural. It keeps smell away and lasts a very long time.
Dr. Bronner’s soap
This soap is camp safe as it is biodegradable. It’s an 18-in-1 soap and can be used in so many ways.
And it’s certified fair trade, cruelty free, organic, and vegan!
Several scent options available.
Dr. Bronner’s toothpaste
Also camp safe! And it’s certified fair trade, cruelty free, organic, and vegan!
Biodegradable bags
It’s in the name. Bio friendly! Good for small trash bins. Worth finding dog-doo sized bags too.
Blue driver code reader
This thing is so easy to use. The reader sends the data to the phone app through Bluetooth.
This saved us quite a few trips to the mechanic.
Computer backpack
We love this backpack because it has such a unique look for camera bag.
It has a laptop slot, rain cover, adjustable storage for lenses, etc.
REI Camp Boss camp chair
So many people love these chairs! They’re insanely lightweight. comfortable, strong, easy to put together, and they stow small.
Functionality
Tire pressure gauge
If you don’t have one of these, then just delete your account.
Tire deflators
Somehow we are new to these! No more deflating one tire at a time!
Traction Boards
These are a more affordable option to the “name-brand” options.
They look cool and they work well.
Leveling blocks
Thewe are a must have for campsites, driveway repairs, photo ops, etc.
Air compressor
*Does not have to be ”name-brand”*
For those of us who aren’t ready for onboard air. These fit well in the rear seat storage.
Some of them take a while to get the psi up but do the trick and save you from driving on low pressure to the gas station.
Ratchet straps
Always comes in handy when you least expect so they’re good to have somewhere at all times.
Tow ropes
Same thing. Keep at all times!
D Ring Shackles
These can be “installed” on the truck or just kept somewhere in the truck. But they give your tow ropes something to pull on!
And to be honest they look kinda cool, too.
Headlamps
Handheld flashlights are for the birds. With two free hands, you can do so many more activities!
Airbags and Cradles
These were so easy to install. They help support heavy weight in the bed of the truck and keeps it stable.
Dash Cam
Such an easy install. It probably took 5 minutes. Everyone should have one of these in case of an accident.
*make sure you have a micro SD card for this guy.
Quality of Life
Scrubba Wash Bag
We don’t have this yet. But apparently makes washing clothes during camping/road life very easy.
I can’t wait to try this one out.
Mr. Heater
Not necessary if you have the proper cold weather gear but great for camping or using in the garage or workshop.
Thetford 365 Portapotti
Life. Changing. Purchase. Being able to use a clean toilet at any time is HUGE.
Cold outside the tent? Creepy crawlers outside? Crowded campsite with no head? Thank me later.
ARB Zero Fridge Freezer
Expensive upgrade, but it’s a million times better than a cooler full of water and wet food. This fridge has the ability to be a fridge, a freezer, or both. Has Bluetooth capabilities for temperature monitoring and controls. Looks cool. Works amazing. Very low draw.
Although we are grateful for our health and all we have, 2020 has felt like a fog. All of the things we had planned never came to fruition, and like many of you, we have been through some really dark and scary times. Here’s to wishing for a new year filled with happiness, adventure, and putting all this gear to good use. We hope these items inspire you to get out there and see all the incredible things Earth has to offer.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday and new year!
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