Adventure gift guide 2017

Last year, with everyone self quarantining across the country and all of our favorite parks closed, we kicked off National Camp at Home Day. We loved seeing the creativity you brought to your at-home campsite, and we couldn’t wait to bring the fun back. This year for National Camp at Home Day, as your favorite camping spots slowly begin to reopen and people are starting to travel safely again, we’re focusing on preparedness. Think of National Camp at Home Day as the perfect occasion to pull out all the gear and have a trial run before setting out on the next big adventure. Over the coming weeks, we’re going to lay it out for you: how to choose the right shelter, tips for gear prepping, perfect recipes for the Dutch oven, and everything in between. So hang the hammock, grab some fresh batteries for the headlamp, and settle in: the adventure starts here. If you’ve never been camping before, even the thought of walking into an REI can feel intimidating. With so much jargon tossed around and gear to research, the knowledge needed to make an overnight trip successful can seem overwhelming. It shouldn’t feel this way. Let’s get back to the basics, starting with styles of camping. Basecamp or Backcountry? You can think of Basecamp as the drive-in spot at your favorite national or state park. You’ll usually have the ability to bring more of the comforts of home, like comfy camp furniture and a broader kitchen setup, and you’ll still have access to the beauty of a place like Big Bend or Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re new to camping, this can be an easy introduction into the world of overnights. We recommend considering what your future goals are, and if backcountry camping is something you want to work towards, think about buying gear that can be used for both applications. No matter how you want to kick things off, there’s nothing wrong with starting small and working out the kinks. Basecamp can have awesome benefits like proximity to water and electricity while still being close to beautiful trails worth exploring. Backcountry, on the other hand, means you’ll be packing everything in on your shoulders, so a lot more attention must be paid to the weight of your kit. There are exceptions as well, like bikepacking and river trips, but for now we’re going to stick with these two basic categories. Backcountry camping can seem like another beast entirely, but with practice, it doesn’t have to be. There won’t be room in your pack for luxury items you might take to Basecamp, but the tradeoff is you can find yourself in remote places with spectacular views. Not to mention, the crowds disperse as you get further away from park headquarters. Backcountry camping allows you to cover ground efficiently and do things you may not be able to otherwise, like making a long, multi-day trek or waking up to an epic sunrise in the Tetons.  What shelter is right for you? No matter where you plan to lay your head in the woods, you’re going to have to choose a shelter. Each shelter has its advantages, and you’re going to have to weigh the pros and cons and decide what’s right for you and for the environment you’re camping in. First up: Tent camping. If you’re imagining yourself camping, this is probably what comes to mind. Tents offer considerable protection from the elements, are fairly easy to set up, and work virtually everywhere. Some drawbacks to consider are longer setup and teardown times, added weight in your pack in some cases, and their susceptibility to getting dirty inside or wet from condensation. Also keep in mind that finding the perfect tent site in the backcountry, or even while car camping for that matter, isn’t always so simple. You’ll often end up with a rock in your back or on an annoying slope that sends you sliding to one side of the tent all night. Still, it’s hard to beat the dependability of a faithful tent. Next: Hammock camping. No more long setups before sitting down to enjoy a meal, and you can forget about that rock in your back as well. With the addition of rainflies, bug nets, and plenty of insulation, you’ll feel right at home in virtually any conditions. A huge bonus is the level of comfort you’ll enjoy while sleeping in a hammock—the days of crawling out of your sleeping bag with a stiff back are over! There are downsides to consider, the most obvious being the question of where to hang your hammock. Camping in the desert is likely not an option, and although it’s rare, some parks ban the use of hammocks altogether. It’s always best to check for regulations before making any decisions about how you’ll utilize a park. Bottomline, with the right amount of trees, hammock camping is a solid option. For our grand finale: Cowboy camping. Everyone’s dreamed of sleeping under the stars, and with modern sleeping pads and camp quilts, you’ll sleep more comfortably than John Wayne ever thought possible. A key advantage comes into play after a long day on the trail when all you want to do is crawl inside your sleeping bag. Cowboy camping makes setting up camp as simple as possible so you can focus on the fun parts, like stuffing your face with granola bars and hiking until your heels bleed. Another huge plus as more and more of us move into light-polluted cities is the view of the stars without a rainfly or bugnet overhead. Drifting off to sleep with unmatched views of the Milky Way is an experience that’s truly hard to beat. Before we romanticize this too much, consider that cowboy camping leaves you exposed to the elements—bad weather and critters alike. The last thing you want to face in the middle of a deep sleep is a rain-soaked or scorpion-infested sleeping bag. Still, when implemented in appropriate conditions, cowboy camping can be the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. If you’re still trying to decide what shelter is right for you, or even if you’re a longtime camper curious about a new setup, National Camp at Home Day is the perfect opportunity for a trial run. In the field, you want to be as familiar as possible with your gear to make setting up camp a breeze. Practice pitching camp at home so when the weather turns south and the wind and rains come, you’re able to get out of the elements and into your warm sleeping bag as quickly as possible. To learn more about hammock camping, check out these two blogs:  Four reasons to make Mantis your go-to sleep system Hammock Camping 101  

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and here at Kammok, we want to give it up for all the adventure moms out there. But what is an adventure mom? This title isn’t reserved for the women strapping their toddler to their back for a 14er in the Rockies, although these awesome moms are definitely included. Adventure isn’t exclusive to national parks and backcountry trails—it happens every day when people step unknowingly into something new and exciting. Motherhood itself is one of the greatest adventures of all, marked with thrilling summits and impressive finish lines. We put this gift guide together to help you celebrate all the moms in your life, hopefully with something to make the adventure a bit more enjoyable. Photo by @EverydayAdventureFam. Kammok Swiftlet: For the mom who needs some me-time. What hardworking mom doesn’t deserve a break from the hectic day to day? The Swiftlet Portable Hammock Stand is exactly what she needs to kick back and relax in her own quiet space—trees optional. At only 15 pounds, the Swiftlet can pack up and go anywhere, from her indoor reading nook to her favorite beach access. And when she’s ready for company, the Swiftlet's 300-pound weight capacity makes it the perfect place at camp for a snuggle sesh. The Swiftlet can be used in sit mode or lounge mode making it a great option for soccer moms who need a comfortable chair for game day as well as a nap spot for a midday break. Combine the Swiftlet with any of our Roo hammocks for a go-anywhere oasis your mom will love. BioLite HeadLamp 200: For the busy mom. Let’s get real—all moms are busy. Whether they’re working long hours, taking care of the kids, or running around town tackling their to-do list, moms’ days are jam packed. The BioLite HeadLamp 200 extends the time our active moms can spend outside, lighting the path for a predawn hike or shining bright for a night jog on the trail. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 40 hours which means no more buying and throwing away alkaline batteries. Plus, the 3D Slimfit Construction provides for a near-weightless feel, making it the most comfortable headlamp for any occasion. The BioLite HeadLamp 200 is the perfect upgrade for any outdoor mom’s kit. Photo by @JayKolsch. Osprey Arcane Tote Pack: For the mom who needs an extra hand. If your mom leaves the house every day with both hands full and something tucked under each arm, it’s time to upgrade her to the Arcane Tote Pack. The tuckaway straps make it easy to switch from backpack mode to tote mode, so whether she’s headed to the office or going out for a quick hike, this bag will keep up. The Tote Pack features a laptop sleeve, internal organization, a scratch-free zipper pocket for her phone or sunglasses, and an external shove-it pocket for quick access to essentials. Lastly, the durable fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles, making the Arcane Tote Pack a sustainable choice for your mom’s new favorite everyday bag. Forsake Meridian: For the mom on the go. Just like the moms in our life, these shoes can do it all. The Meridian’s slip-on stretch collar makes getting out the door a cinch, and the Peak-to-Pavement Outsole promises she’ll be ready wherever the adventure leads. These shoes are super breathable while maintaining rugged durability, meaning they’re built for all-day comfort and the abuse that comes with excessive wear. Put it this way: She’s never going to want to take these off. And for the travel moms who want to pack light, this stylish shoe will take her everywhere—from the airport to a day of sightseeing and back again. The Forsake Meridian is going to be her new do-it-all shoe. United by Blue, The Container Kit: For the snack mom. Moms have been keeping us happy and fed since day one. They have a knack for sensing when we’re about to get cranky and have expert timing for handing over a juice box or cheese puff. The Container Kit from United by Blue is essential for any mom taking snacks on the go. This high-performance lunch box sports fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, and it’s just as durable and stain resistant as it is environmentally friendly. The kit includes two stainless steel, double-insulated containers that can keep hot things hot for up to 12 hours and cold things cold for up to 24 hours. Whether she’s feeding her little ones or heading to the park for a solo lunch, The Container Kit is a must have for our nurturing moms.

Kammok measured and offset its 2020 carbon footprint and is working to reduce future emissions AUSTIN, TEXAS (April 22, 2021) – In response to the urgency of the climate crisis, Kammok, designer of high-performance outdoor gear to elevate time outside, is proud to announce that it is officially Climate Neutral Certified. Kammok joins 229 other brands that have earned the standard by measuring and offsetting all of their 2020 carbon emissions and reducing future emissions. Climate Neutral Certified is the leading consumer label designating carbon neutrality. It is carried by brands that have voluntarily stepped up to take responsibility for the greenhouse gas emissions generated in the production, operations, and shipping of their goods and services. “Our brand promise is that we create and deliver Adventure Grade. Better Made™ products," says Kammok CEO and Founder, Greg McEvilly. "We believe better made products contribute to more human flourishing, and this is why we are excited to go Climate Neutral. We measured and offset our entire 2020 carbon footprint, and are working to reduce our future emissions. We emitted approximately 7,033 tonnes of carbon, and then offset those emissions by investing in climate change solutions, including renewable wind energy farms and rainforest conservation. Now we're working to reduce our future emissions by minimizing shipping inefficiencies by 25% in 2022, and incorporating more Bluesign approved fabrics and recycled materials into our finished products.” “Kammok and our other Climate Neutral Certified brands are leading the global shift to a net-zero economy by doing what all companies should be doing immediately: measuring, offsetting, and reducing their carbon emissions,” says Climate Neutral CEO, Austin Whitman. “Our label helps consumers identify these brands. It’s a recognizable and trusted symbol that turns everyday purchases into meaningfully positive climate action.” Climate Neutral’s certification is based on internationally recognized standards for carbon measurement, neutrality, and offsetting. Each brand must measure Scope 1, 2, and 3 cradle-to-customer greenhouse gas emissions for the prior calendar year. Then a brand must buy verified carbon credits to offset its entire footprint. This directs investment into critical carbon sequestration projects such as forest conservation, renewable energy, and carbon capture technologies. Finally, brands commit to a reduction action plan to cut future emissions within a 12-24 month timeline, reporting progress on those plans annually. All of the brand’s data is publicly available on Climate Neutral’s website. The process is repeated annually when companies must re-certify. Learn more about Climate Neutral and browse all of the certified brands at climateneutral.org.     ABOUT CLIMATE NEUTRAL Climate Neutral is a nonprofit organization working with brands and consumers to decrease global greenhouse gas emissions. The label, Climate Neutral Certified, is the universal standard in carbon neutrality. It is earned by brands who measure, offset, and reduce their entire carbon footprint, making it easy for consumers to shop with concern for the global climate. To learn more, visit climateneutral.org. ABOUT KAMMOK Kammok designs adventure grade, better made outdoor gear to elevate time outside. From camping hammocks to tents, and weatherproof shelters to versatile trail quilts, Kammok gear allows you to pack less and go further with stronger, lighter fabrics and best-in-class construction. Each Kammok product is backed by our lifetime guarantee. Kammok is a member of 1% For The Planet, a Certified B Corp business, and a Climate Neutral Certified Brand. For more information on Kammok, visit kammok.mom

Dr. Felicia Wong is a physician, outdoor enthusiast, and wellness blogger based in Southern California. Between her and her husband (also a physician)'s busy work schedules, raising two young sons, and running her popular Instagram account Everyday Adventure Fam and blog on adventure tips, she exemplifies what it means to live intentionally and joyfully with her family. The Wong family can be found hiking, biking, enjoying a day at the beach or skiing in the nearby mountains on any given weekend. However, one of their favorite activities is camping. In this blog post, Dr. Felicia Wong shares her experience gradually introducing the wonders of camp to her family.     It can be done, and it can be enjoyable. This is the most popular post request I’ve gotten from our friends and the Instagram community. Disclaimer – I’m writing this post for those who have never camped before, who may not consider themselves “outdoorsy”, and/ or who might be feeling a bit intimated about staying anywhere other than a hotel (aka “camping phobia”). I recognize that there are many individuals and families who are camping experts, and whom I’d love to learn a thing or two from, but for this post – I’m sharing how my family went from hotel to glamping to camping enthusiasts.  If we can do it, you can too! Growing up in New England, raised by immigrant Chinese parents , my exposure to camping was fairly limited. My parents did bring my brother and me tent camping a couple of times when we were little. But that promptly stopped after we were caught, unprepared, in torrential downpour which leaked into our tent and soaked us and our belongings. My interest in camping was piqued again years later when I went on overnight backpacking camping trips in West Virginia the summer after high school during National Youth Science Camp. During college, I intended to join the wilderness club. But then 1) The Blair Witch Project (for those of you who were born after 2000, this was a horror camping movie) came out; and 2) a dancing injury left me with chronic back pain for several years. These derailed my plan to get out and camp for a few years. Then medical school and residency happened, which meant not a lot of time for much else other than studying. Finally, in 2015, I decided it was time to give camping another go, and I dragged my entire family (husband, toddler, infant, and parents) with me. When our youngest son was 3 months old, we booked a glamping cabin at El Capitan Canyon . It was a perfect intro back into the “wilderness”.  We purchased their BBQ Canyon Tri-Tip Kit, cooked it over an open flame, and then enjoyed S’mores and hot chocolate around the campfire. We not only survived this wilderness experience, we had a great time. The next summer 2016, we decided to try again. This time, we stayed in the most adorable and fun vintage trailers in a camp community set up by hosts Andy and Liz of The Holidays in San Clemente.  The four of us stayed in the trailer, and my parents pitched a small tent next to our trailer. Our friends and their boys (new to camping) joined us on this trip as well. I think the pictures speak for themselves. We had a blast. We’ve returned to The Holidays every summer since. In 2017, my husband and I were trying to figure out what to do for our anniversary (which happens to be in August), and we decided it would be nice to share a new experience as a family. We chose the Crystal Cove Moro Campground as our inaugural tent campsite. We researched and bought recommended camp gear, and drove 20 minutes from our home to this bluff side campground with an ocean view. We braced ourself, thinking we’re close to home and it’s just one night. When morning came, we didn’t want to leave. Success! This is another campsite we’ve continued to return to each summer. Since then, we’ve done a few more camping trips throughout Southern California including at William Heise County Park in Julian, and on a private farm in Oak Glen via hipcamp. This past summer, we glamped at Under Canvas Zion.  It’s safe to say, we’ve become camping/glamping enthusiasts and ambassadors. We love it, and have convinced several other friends and families to join us. We hope this post inspires you to give it a try as well! Summary of tips: If you’ve never camped before and/or do not own any camping gear, try easing into the camping experience with glamping.  There are many great options available these days throughout the US and internationally. A good place to search is Glamping Hub. It’s important to prepare and invest in the gear that you need to be comfortable. For some, this means a tarp and sleeping bag. For others, it means an air mattress. There is no right or wrong way to camp. Do what works for you! Campsites with views (i.e. those near beaches, or in national or state parks) tend to be high demand. Research the booking window, and make sure you are ready to book when those dates open (for many places, it is 6 months to 1 year out). A great resource we love for private and unique campsites is hipcamp.  For $10 off your first booking on hipcamp, you can use the code “EVERYDAYADVENTUREFAM“, or follow this link. There is a range of primitive camping to glamping options available on hipcamp. If possible, it might be good idea try booking your first camping trip close to home and/ or close to some amenities and civilization. This will reduce your “what if I forgot this, what will I eat, or what if the baby can’t sleep in the tent?” anxiety. We’ve never actually gone home to get anything while camping, but it is reassuring to know that we could, especially when travelling with young kids. When camping with 4 other families this past summer, we brought and cooked most of our camp meals, but it was nice to be able to order pizza for one of the meals. I repeat and stress. There is no right or wrong way to camp. What’s important, is that you try it. If you’re comfortable and prepared, you’ll enjoy it more. Here are some links to help with your planning. Happy Camping! Reserve California: https://www.reservecalifornia.com San Diego County Parks: http://reservations.sdparks.org El Capitan Canyon – Santa Barbara glamping: http://www.elcapitancanyon.com Under Canvas (Zion, Grand Canyon, Moab etc) : http://www.undercanvas.com The Holidays:  www.theholidaysca.com, book on Reserve California Hipcamp:  www.hipcamp.com ($10 off code “EVERYDAYADVENTUREFAM) Glampinghub: http://www.glampinghub.com Airbnb: http://www.airbnb.com ($40 off code with this link) has glamping options such as yurts and canvas tents.   I've you've never been camping with kids, National Camp At Home Day is perfect excuse to build a campsite in the backyard and learn what you like and where you can improve before heading into the wilderness. Check out Dr. Felicia Wong's glamping gear guide to get started on your next adventure. For more family camping, traveling tips and inspiration, follow her Instagram account Everyday Adventure Fam and blog.