The solution? A cooler with wheels.

Hunting for the top wheeled cooler isn’t about just picking any cooler that rolls. You need one that glides over beach sand, dock steps, and bumpy trails with ease. Yet, some wheel designs are flimsy and others might cost you your paycheck.

So, I dove deep into cooler research, sampled a bunch, and tested them like a relentless airport security guard. Finally, I found the crème de la crème, the BEST wheeled coolers.

Here’s our list of of our top picks. Stick around to see how we tested them and what you need to look for.

More of a visual learner? Watch our Best Coolers with Wheels video review here!

DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links in this article are affiliate links. If you click on a link we may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The 6 Best Wheeled Coolers of 2023: Outdoor Empire Reviews

The YETI Tundra Haul is our top pick for the best wheeled cooler, scoring high on ice retention, durability, and mobility. If you’re seeking a budget-friendly option, consider the RTIC Ultra-Light Wheeled or the Coleman Xtreme Roller, both offering solid performance.

1. Best Overall: YETI Tundra Haul
2. Best for the Money: RTIC Ultra-Light Wheeled
3. Budget Pick: Coleman Xtreme or 316 Series Rolling 62 Qt
4. Beach Pick:  Igloo Trailmate
5. Also Great: Lifetime High Performance Wheeled
6. Best of the Rest: Monoprice Pure Outdoor Wheeled Emperor

	Best Overall	Best Value	Budget Pick	Best for Beach	Also Great
Product	YETI Tundra Haul	RTIC Ultra-Light Wheeled	Coleman Xtreme or 316 Series Rolling 62 Qt	Igloo Trailmate	Lifetime High Performance Wheeled
Outdoor Empire Score	4.4	4.1	3.0	3.5	3.9
Portability	Best	Best	Good	Better	Good
Ice Retention (Our Test)	7 days	6 days	6 days	5 days	7 days
Benefits	+ Excellent build quality and rugged so it will last a long time + Smooth wheels roll well on all surfaces + Easy to tow + Holds ice longer than other wheeled coolers	+ High-quality build for a lower cost + Loaded with useful features + Best wheels and tow handle out of all we tested + Lighter than most competitors + Excellent customer service	+ Affordable for nearly any budget + Holds up well to abuse and impacts + Excellent ice retention for the price + Extremely lightweight for easy portability + Great customer service gives confidence in purchase	+ Large wheels and clearance for use on rough terrain or sand + Excellent beach and fishing accessories included + Telescoping handle with built-in butler tray that includes self-draining cup holders + 70-quart capacity allows for storage of up to 112 cans and ice	+ Reasonable price point + Built like a rotomolded cooler + Good warranty and customer service + Great ice retention + Bear-certified
Drawbacks	- Lid prone to warping in extreme heat - Lid leaks when towing which can reduce ice retention - 50% more expensive than next best alternative	- Leaks considerably when towing - Short warranty - No bear certification	- Wheels only function well on hard surfaces - Lid doesn't clamp down - Basic wheels with limited off-road ability	- Bulky and difficult to get in smaller vehicles - Build quality falls short for the price point - Design less versatile than other coolers on this list	- Underbuilt wheels are bad on sand and dirt - Tow handle can rust - Heavy and awkward to lift - Prone to warping
Price Range	$$$ Check Price	$$ Check Price	$ Check Price	$$ Check Price	$$ Check Price

The author of this review, Chase Fly, has had his garage full of coolers for the past year. He takes a different ice chest each time he goes fishing, camping, hunting, or on a Costco run. Chase’s real-world use of these coolers combined with rigorous testing provides Chase with unique insight about how good they really are.

1. Best All-Around Wheeled Cooler

Best Overall

YETI Tundra Haul

4.4

Portability Rank: 2

Approx. Price: $450

Volume: 62 quarts

Weight: 37.8 pounds

Construction Type: Rotomolded

Where Made: Philippines

Warranty: 5 years

Variations: Roadie 48 & 60, 6 colors

View on Amazon View at YETI

Compare prices: Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Cabela’s, Moosejaw, Scheels, Dick’s Sporting Goods

As much as I was kinda hoping to prove otherwise in favor of an underdog, the YETI Tundra Haul emerged as our preferred wheeled cooler. Its robust construction, marked by a dense foam-injected rotomolded design, strong wheel assembly, and rigid handle, set it apart. This quality construction ensures the Tundra Haul can withstand considerable abuse, like falling out of your pickup, without debilitating damage.

The cooler’s durability is demonstrated in part by an IGBC bear-resistant certification, which you need to camp in some places including select National Parks in the Western US. However, the Tundra Haul isn’t invincible, with reports of lid warping in extreme heat, which could affect cooling efficiency.

Despite this, the Tundra Haul excelled in ice retention, maintaining cool temperatures for 7 days in our tests. The compact design of its wheels makes it easier to pack and transport than many alternatives, and their never-flat wheels enable a smooth ride over diverse terrain. Plus, the tow handle is designed to to provide a comfortable walk and pull experience.

The Tundra Haul isn’t without flaws. When your ice melts to water, it leaks when towed, which in turn makes the remaining ice melt faster. Also, the wheels rattle, but that’s not a big deal. It’s heavier than its rivals, so you might need help lifting it. Although it’s the most expensive cooler we tested, it lacks some simple frills like a bottle opener.

Customer service was inconsistent, with the chat function repeatedly failing, but their extensive online support materials and a solid 5-year warranty give peace of mind. Despite its shortcomings, the YETI Tundra Haul’s rugged quality and superior ice retention make it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Best Wheeled Cooler for the Money

Best Value

RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled

4.1

Portability Rank: 1

Approx. Price: $300

Volume: 52 quarts

Weight: 30 pounds

Construction Type: Injection molded

Where Made: Cambodia

Warranty: 1 year

Variations: 3 colors

View on Amazon View at RTIC

The RTIC 52 Quart Ultra-Light Wheeled is a real winner in value-for-money. Its build quality is impressive considering its lower cost, courtesy of smart design choices like injection molding. That makes it cheaper and lighter than rotomolded coolers like the Yeti, but it still feels sturdy and well-made.

And while it’s not bear-certified, it remains tough as manifested in my over-the top durability test where I towed it around behind a side-by-side and tossed it off a roof just to see what would happen. Check out my YouTube video on that below!

This cooler boasts several handy features, including an air-sealing freezer-style gasket that helps it hold ice longer. Convenient tie-down slots and grippy feet ensure stability during transportation, while a standard lock hole protects your adult beverages from little ones. Easy-to-handle grips allow effortless movement, and kid-friendly latches ensure smooth access. Anglers will appreciate the hose-compatible drain plug with a tethered cap for easy drainage off boats. A unique addition is the silicone net in the lid, perfect for quick access items like snacks. And yes, it also includes a built-in bottle opener.

Challenging YETI, this cooler excels with wheels and a tow handle that produce the smoothest overall ride out of all the wheeled coolers we experienced whether on sand, grass, or gravel. Its ice retention stands strong at 6 days in our test, making it an all-round performer.

While it’s lighter than most competitors, at 30 pounds, “ultra-light” is marketing buzzword bologna. And it does leak considerably when towing if there’s a lot of water inside. Customer service responds swiftly, but a 1-year warranty is limiting.

Yet, its portability, durability, and functionality make the RTIC Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler a great value pick.

3. Best Cheap Wheeled Cooler

Budget Pick

Coleman 316 or Xtreme Series 62 Qt Wheeled

3.0

Portability Rank: 6

Approx. Price: $80

Volume: 62 quarts

Weight: 13.6 pounds

Construction Type: Blow molded

Where Made: USA

Warranty: None

Variations: 50 quart

View on Amazon View at Bass Pro Shops

Compare prices: Sportsman’s Warehouse, Cabela’s

Our best budget pick is the Coleman Xtreme Rolling or its equivalent, the Coleman 316 Series, both 62-quart wheeled coolers. At an affordable price and made in America, these coolers prove that a reliable wheeled cooler need not cost a small fortune.

Constructed from basic plastic, they won’t stun you with premium quality, but they certainly do the job. The 316 Series is practically identical to the Xtreme, and might be easier to find. We tested a non-wheeled 316 and it performed just like the Xtreme. And it appears they upgrade the wheels on the 316 compared to the Xtreme. These unsophisticated coolers are a whole lot less likely to get stolen out of the back of your truck, which is a thing with fancy Yeti coolers.

Lightweight and sturdy, these Colemans can withstand some rough handling. During our drop test, the Xtreme just bounced, showing it won’t easily break. They live up to their promise: simple, functional coolers with good capacity. Their handles make lifting or towing easy, and usable cup holders on the Xtreme are a neat bonus.

Coleman’s customer service is top-tier. When I inquired about a potential issue, they offered a replacement despite the lack of a warranty.

Where they excel is ice retention, keeping ice for 6 days in our test, one day more than advertised, and a match for pricier options.

The downside? Their wheels only work well on solid ground, struggling on sand or dirt. However, their narrow, lightweight design allows for easy dragging in such circumstances. I would advise against the smaller 50-quart versions with retractable handles. While I haven’t tested them myself, past experiences with weak sauce telescopic handles on other coolers leave me skeptical.

In summary, Coleman’s wheeled coolers are a cost-effective choice that delivers on functionality and ice retention.

4. Best Beach Cooler with Wheels

Best for Beach

Igloo Trailmate

3.5

Portability Rank: 5

Approx. Price: $250

Volume: 70 quarts

Weight: 34.4 pounds

Construction Type: Injection and blow molded

Where Made: USA

Warranty: 1 year

Variations: 10+ colors

View on Amazon View at Sportsman's Warehouse

Compare prices: Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Scheels, Dick’s Sporting Goods

The Igloo Trailmate is our top choice for beach and fishing coolers, brimming with features for beach days and surf fishing. However, its build quality and durability are average given the price.

With the largest wheels of any cooler we tested, it’s specifically designed for beach use. Despite being made of basic plastic, they easily overcome obstacles due to its SUV-like ground clearance. The functional telescoping tow handle allows for both wheelbarrow-like pushing or handcart towing.

It’s loaded with accessories: a basket, tray, fishing rod holders, and dry box are included for beach convenience and concealing of valuables. The tethered drain plug is a smart touch to avoid losing it, and the bungee hooks are perfect for loading it up with extra gear.

Customer service responded within 48 hours, but the warranty is only for one year. Ice retention lasted 5 days for me, which is better than advertised.

Its main drawbacks are its bulky size and less-than-premium materials. Occupying 2/3 of an SUV cargo area, it’s not suitable for smaller vehicles but perfect for pickups. Despite these issues, its beach-friendly features, easy towability, large capacity, and good customer service make it a great choice for beach and fishing trips.

5. Also Great

Also Great

Lifetime 65 Quart High Performance

3.9

Portability Rank: 8

Approx. Price: $250

Volume: 65 quarts

Weight: 29.4 pounds

Construction Type: Blow molded

Where Made: USA

Warranty: 5 years

Variations: 55 quart

View on Amazon (without wheels) View at Lifetime

The Lifetime 65 Quart High Performance Wheeled Cooler, while not topping any category, is a worthwhile contender. The blow-molded plastic and budget-friendly components may not seem premium, but it’s built like a rotomolded cooler. Certain features, like the latches, show thoughtful engineering. While it may be mid-grade quality overall, it delivers on its high performance promise, especially in terms of ice retention.

Ice retention is impressive, lasting seven days in our ice challenge, on par with the Yeti Tundra Haul. And it leaks less when towing. It boasts a good feature set for the price, including a gasket, lock holes, and grippy feet. Lifetime’s customer service is laudable with a 72-hour response time and a 5-year warranty.

The cooler is durable and bear-resistant, but the wheels and tow handle could be stronger. The wheels are similar to the budget Coleman coolers and struggle on sand and trails, getting easily gummed up. The metal tow handle, while sturdy, has basic welds and shows early signs of rusting. I’ve also seen some reports of lid warping on Lifetime coolers.

The cooler’s size makes it bulky and hard to maneuver, with the tow handle adding to the difficulty due to its inability to lock in place. Despite these flaws, its good price, reliable warranty, large capacity, and excellent ice retention make it a solid choice, especially in a Lifetime store where they’re even cheaper.

If you don’t need wheels, I think the non-wheeled version of this cooler is a bargain. But since this review is about the top coolers with wheels, it didn’t rank higher simply because portability is its weak point.

6. Best of the Rest

Good Deal

Monoprice Pure Outdoor Wheeled Emperor 50

3.5

Portability Rank: 3

Approx. Price: $200

Volume: 50 quarts

Weight: 33.4 pounds

Construction Type: Rotomolded

Where Made: China

Warranty: 1 year

Variations: None

View on Amazon No Wheels Option

While it may be a generic brand, Monoprice’s Pure Outdoor Wheeled Emperor 50 Cooler offers considerable value for its price. Though its build quality has room for improvement, with rough-cut latches and the like, its rotomolded construction promises decent toughness and ice retention.

The cooler’s durability is commendable, though the tow handle lacks the robustness of models like the YETI or RTIC. Notably, the handle’s welds were not strong enough to prevent bending during our truck toss. And I’m afraid to bend it back as it appears it would break.

For its price, the cooler comes with a nice set of features, including a bottle opener, grippy feet, and a ruler on top. Its wheels, while not top-tier, offer smoother rolling than most, and its ice retention competes with the YETI Tundra Haul, lasting up to 7 days.

Monoprice’s customer service leaves much to be desired. They never responded to my inquiry. However, the cooler’s price, good rolling capabilities, and impressive ice retention make it a compelling budget-friendly choice.

The Emperor 50, despite its cheaper parts and disappointing customer service, remains a strong contender for those looking for affordability without sacrificing functionality. It’s also available without wheels at an even better deal.

3 Coolers With Wheels We Don’t Recommend

The first couple of coolers I don’t recommend may not sit well with a lot of die-hard fans, and you may even find them on the Best Wheeled Cooler lists on other websites. But my guess is the people who wrote those reviews have not used or tested these coolers to the extent I have.

I have nothing against the companies who make them. These companies make other coolers and products I really like and there are some things I like about these ice chests too.

There are specific reasons I don’t recommend these wheeled coolers based on actually using them myself. You’ll see why below.

1. Pelican Elite 45QW

The US-made Pelican Elite 45QW Cooler’s build and durability are commendable, with its robust rotomolded design, bear certification, and impressive lifetime warranty. However, it disappoints in its overall user experience.

Better Without Wheels

Pelican Elite 45QW

3.6

Portability Rank: 7

Approx. Price: $450

Volume: 45 quarts

Weight: 38.6 pounds

Construction Type: Rotomolded

Where Made: USA

Warranty: Lifetime

Variations: 65 qt, 80 qt, 3 colors

View on Amazon View at Pelican

Key issues I found include an exposed axle and wheels that often jam under regular use making transportation difficult, especially on sand.  The tow handle’s hand grip is too narrow which causes the cooler to hit your calves when towing. And it’s far more bulky than other coolers of the same size making it hard to move around. Additionally, customer service never responded to my written inquiry, which might cause concern for customers needing support.

Although the cooler boasts a watertight lid and the Pelican brand name, its high cost, merely average ice retention, and especially cumbersome portability make it a less-than-ideal rolling cooler option. It would be better without wheels in its current design.

2. RovR RollR 45

Despite the RovR RollR 45’s feature-rich and versatile design, with bicycle towing option, its enhancements often create problems.

Dealbreaker Handle

RovR RollR 45

3.7

Portability Rank: 4

Approx. Price: $440

Volume: 45 quarts

Weight: 38.9 pounds

Construction Type: Rotomolded

Where Made: USA

Warranty: 5 years

Variations: 60 qt, 7+ colors

View on Amazon View at Moosejaw

The tow handle is a major issue to the point that it’s a dealbreaker for me. You really have to yank on it to make it extend, then it won’t retract easily either. And it feels more flimsy than my cheap rolling suitcase handle when fully extended.

Although the pneumatic wheels ensure a smooth ride, the risk of puncture and handle problems hinder its portability. Disappointingly, the ice retention falls short of what the company claims, and customer service never responded to my message. Given its price, the cooler’s flaws overshadow its innovations. If drawn to RovR, the larger RollR 60 may be a better choice, with a superior handle design.

3. Igloo MaxCold Latitude 62 Roller

The Igloo MaxCold Latitude 62 Roller is a popular model in large part because it has gone on sale at Costco the past couple years in the Spring and Summer. That’s where I got mine. But this cooler fails to deliver quality, with a particularly dangerous and unreliable telescoping tow handle.

Do NOT Buy!

Igloo MaxCold Latitude 62 Roller

1.7

Portability Rank: Last

Approx. Price: $65

Volume: 62 quarts

Weight: 14.6 pounds

Construction Type: Blow molded

Where Made: USA

Warranty: 1 year

Variations: 40, 70, 100 qt, color varies

View on Amazon

The first time we used this cooler the plastic tow handle broke on one side when my daughter was towing it empty from the house into the backyard. Later, when I filled it half way with water to tow it around and compare it to the other coolers on this list, the other side of the handle broke. A remaining shard of plastic sliced a nearly 3-inch cut in the palm of my hand.

See what happened to the handle in the short video below.

Its poor ice retention, flimsy construction, and underwhelming features make it an option to avoid. While it’s cheap and lightweight, the negatives far outweigh the positives.

How to Choose the Best Cooler with Wheels

When selecting a cooler with wheels, there are a few important factors to consider. We used the following criteria for testing and evaluating the wheeled coolers on this list.

1. Construction Quality

Coolers are not just for backyard barbecues – they’re designed to withstand rugged outdoor conditions. Rotomolded coolers typically provide the most durability, with high-quality polyethylene plastics and dense internal foam insulation materials. Non-rotomolded options, while often less expensive, should also be made of robust components and materials to ensure longevity.

There is also a close association with value when it comes to quality. You shouldn’t expect the same build quality in a $100 cooler compared to a $400 cooler. But if you find a $200 cooler that’s as good as other $300 coolers, then it’s a great deal. I looked at this closely when researching and testing these coolers.

By researching specs, visually inspecting more than 30 different coolers, and finally using them for real outdoor activities, I was able to clearly recognize quality based on firsthand experience.

2. Durability

Rotomolded cooler tend to be the most rugged, but they are prone to warping or damage from extreme heat. Injection molded coolers are often a close second in terms of durability, but even cheaper blow molded coolers are tougher than they look when it comes to everyday accidents like rolling down some stairs.

Scuffs and scrapes should be anticipated with any cooler, but rusty or bent handles, mucked up wheel axles, and breakage from minor tumbles are red flags.

Bonus points if a cooler is certified as bear-resistant by the International Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). This means the company invested extra effort and money into product development and had the cooler tossed in a pen of real live hungry grizzly bears who attempt to break into the cooler to eat what’s inside.

One fun durability test I did involved chucking each cooler off the tailgate of my pickup. While no cooler rolled away unscathed, some took the asphalt better than others.

3. Ice Retention

Ice retention is crucial for a cooler’s effectiveness and is arguably the most important feature a cooler can offer. The longer the ice lasts, the longer your food and drinks stay cold. Some companies advertise some pretty unbelievable claims about how long their coolers retain ice, while others (ahem, Yeti) don’t make promises since there can be so many variables, including how you pack it.

In the end it comes down to insulation and air tightness. So a plastic outer shell with thicker injected foam insulation in the sides and lid make all the difference. The best insulated coolers also have a freezer-style gasket that creates an air tight seal around the lid to keep cool air inside from being displaced by warmer outside air.

In order to test the ice retention on these coolers, I filled each cooler with ice and monitored them over a week outdoors in the heat of summer. I checked ice levels daily, noting when each cooler no longer had any ice left and the food inside was no longer at a safe temperature.

4. Features

Additional features can add convenience and functionality, but not all features offer a real benefit. Things like bottle openers, cup holders, accessories, and tie-down capabilities can all enhance the user experience, or not, depending on how you want to use it. So look for the things that matter to you and don’t be oversold on gimmicks.

I considered overall ease of use of each cooler’s features whether unique like the silicone net in the RTIC or universal like the drain. But the most useful testing was in the form of real-world use. I have had most of these coolers for months as of the time of writing and I have used them on campouts, hunting trips, weddings, and lake days. That’s where I discover what’s really useful and what I don’t care about.

5. Customer Service and Warranty

Coolers have become one of the most expensive pieces of gear in an outdoor goers kit, so expect great service and a satisfaction guarantee from premium cooler brands. A company’s responsiveness and the warranty it provides can also be indicative of a cooler’s quality. If something goes wrong, it’s important to know that the company will back its product.

Customer service was tested by contacting each company directly in writing either by email or by submitting an online form. I submitted the same general inquiry about a hypothetical warranty issue and I recorded their response time and helpfulness. Some responded right away like RTIC and Coleman while others never did like RovR, Pelican, and Monoprice. I found Yeti impossible to contact in writing, but maybe I was looking in the wrong place.

6. Portability

While the above criteria are important to consider for any cooler, portability is paramount for a cooler with wheels. And a cooler’s portability is significantly influenced by its wheels and handles.

I filled each cooler up about half way with water to simulate being packed for an outing. Then I towed them through a “terrain gauntlet”, rolling them across different surfaces including asphalt, steps, grass, sand, and gravel. During this process, I evaluated how well the wheels handled various terrains and how comfortable and efficient the tow handles were. I also noted which coolers leaked from water sloshing inside.

The top wheeled coolers have sturdy wheels that are low maintenance, roll smoothly over a variety of surface types (not just asphalt). They also sport a tow handle that’s sturdy and comfortable to use over long-ish distances. Ideally they’re easy to push as well as pull, which is often not the case, so keep an eye out for that.

Bulky designs can be unwieldy, especially when trying to load, unload, and fit them in a vehicle. The grab handles should make it easy to lift without straining. Size and weight also factor in here. Heavy coolers can be a pain if it takes two people to move them all the time, so they better have some great benefits to make up for that.

Why Trust Us

At Outdoor Empire, we pride ourselves on offering trustworthy gear advice, backed by rigorous, hands-on testing. We didn’t just ‘borrow’ information from the web for this review. Instead, we invested our own money, acquired each wheeled cooler featured in this article, and put them through their paces in real-world situations. We even went the extra mile and used them extensively in our own lives, because we believe in ‘walking the talk’ before recommending any gear.

Although we occasionally accept product samples to enrich our gear guides, we never do paid or sponsored reviews. Our views in this article are as authentic, unbiased, and personal as it gets. After all, we wouldn’t recommend something we wouldn’t use ourselves or suggest to our loved ones.

Finding the Perfect Wheeled Cooler

Choosing the best cooler depends on what you do most. Campers and anglers should get durable coolers with top-notch ice retention. For picnics or tailgates, a light, simple cooler will do.

Check the wheels and handle carefully.

Good wheels are tough, roll smoothly on different surfaces, and give the cooler enough ground clearance to prevent dragging. The RTIC, YETI, and Igloo Trailmate are great at this. On the other hand, the Coleman, Lifetime, and Pelican fail in sand where it feels like you’re dragging dead weight. Good wheels can make the difference between breaking a sweat or not.

A top-notch tow handle lets you stroll upright next to your cooler, not crouched down right in front of it as it bumps you in the calves with every step. The best ones, like on the Yeti and RTIC, let you both push and pull the cooler without collapsing.

Think about extra features. Handy things like bottle openers, cup holders, or storage spaces can make your cooler even cooler. But if you don’t need it or won’t use it, don’t mind it!

Lastly, consider the company’s reputation and warranty. This can keep your cooler protected and you stress-free. Pelican has the best warranty, but they were hard to reach. Coleman doesn’t offer a warranty but was willing to replace a cooler quickly when I reached out.

In the end, the perfect cooler blends durability, cooling, convenience, your needs, and your budget.

Wheeled Cooler FAQs

The post 6 Best Wheeled Coolers of 2023 and 3 to Avoid appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Camping and backpacking tents are great examples of how two things can be similar but still different. For beginner campers, the standoff of camping vs. backpacking tents will come down to a few main characteristics, including the size and weight, comfort, and various features that are included. But it doesn’t stop here.

A camping tent can be as big as you want, meaning the material will be heftier, more weather resistant, more spacious, and more feature-rich overall. A backpacking tent is designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to set up and take down.

What’s the difference between a backpacking and a camping tent?

The primary difference between these two is that a camping tent is much larger, heavier, and more spacious than any backpacking tent. They’re designed to provide comfort, while a backpacking tent works for a balance of comfort and portability.

When you’re hiking twenty miles per day, you don’t want a hefty canvas tent strapped to your back, no matter how waterproof it may be. But when you’re setting your tent up right where your car is parked, that doesn’t matter nearly as much.

This main difference encompasses all the different features of a tent. Each area is worth considering as you debate which is right for you.

Looking at all the different features, it’s easy to see that a backpacking tent seems to fall short in most categories. But that can be highly debatable as it depends on what you’re hoping to use your tent for.

Backpacking tents are designed to be small, compact, and portable. This means they must use lightweight material that packs into a small bag. Camping tents don’t need to do much more than fold up and be crammed into your car’s trunk, so they have no size restrictions.

What is considered a regular camping tent?

Regular camping tents can be almost any kind of tent. A camping tent is designed with comfort in mind more than anything else. That means it will often have a thicker, more durable fabric that will stand up to harsher weather and can take a beating.

Choosing a canvas tent as your camping tent will keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The fabric is durable, waterproof when treated, and highly breathable. Canvas is significantly heavier than any other tent material, meaning you won’t want to lug it very far.

Camping tents come in a variety of styles.

• Dome
• Tunnel
• Cabin
• Wall
• Springbar
• Bell
• Pop-up
• Truck
• Rooftop

Perhaps the best tent design for new campers on a budget is a simple dome or tunnel tent.

A regular camping tent allows you to have space inside, sometimes even enough to stand up straight and get changed rather than wiggling in and out of pants while fully horizontal.

What is considered a backpacking tent?

Backpacking tents, on the other hand, don’t provide the spacious luxury that most regular camping tents do. The best backpacking tents might allow you to sit up straight, but not much more than that. They’re designed to be light and easy to pack in a small backpacking pack.

These small, compact, lightweight tents are typically made from lighter, more fragile materials. Some designs utilize a large amount of mesh, some stick to nylon, and some rely on hiking poles instead of tent poles.

Now, with the specialization of a backpacking tent, many options exist:

• Ultralight
• Tarps
• Bivys
• Hammocks
• Single wall
• Double wall
• Non-free standing
• Trekking pole
• Hot tent

It’s essential that when you’re just starting, don’t let all of these options overwhelm you.

The best advice is to go with a basic, lightweight, freestanding, double-wall tent design and use it for a while. This will give you a better idea of whether you want to expand and try something different or are happy with a basic setup.

When to Use a Backpacking vs. Camping Tent

Each of these tents will shine in certain areas, as they both have a right time and place to use them. When making the decision, you need to be able to visualize when you plan on using the tent.

Will you be hiking long distances with the tent strapped to your back? Are you even going to be hiking short distances with it?

Or do you plan on doing mostly car camping? You like to pull off to a campground and have all your accessories and amenities available.

This is the first place to start before even looking at tents. Know what you want to do, and make a choice from there.

When to Get a Camping Tent

If you’re looking to go camping but aren’t interested in hiking before you get to sleep, a regular camping tent might be the best option for you.

Many times, people will choose a camping tent when they’re planning on driving a long distance and are choosing campgrounds over hotels, they’re going camping with a big family, or they just prefer to stick to structured campgrounds over wild camping.

There are a lot of positives to getting a camping tent, but there are also a few drawbacks to keep in mind.

Pros

• Heavy duty construction
• Durable and long-lasting
• Built to withstand severe weather
• More affordable
• Spacious and comfortable for multiple people or families
• Lots of features

Cons

• Heavy and bulky
• Can be difficult to set up

When to Get a Backpacking Tent

Now, if you want to try hiking down a trail and setting up a campground for the night, a backpacking tent will be more suited for the job.

The lightweight and compact design lets you fit the tent conveniently inside or strapped outside your backpack. They’re quick and easy to set up, so you can have shelter in just a few minutes when a storm is heading in.

But they aren’t perfect for everyone. There are plenty of drawbacks. In fact, there are a lot more drawbacks to a backpacking tent than a regular camping tent.

Pros

• Lightweight and compact
• Easy to set up
• Portable
• Good models are very wind and waterproof

Cons

• Expensive
• Less durable
• Provide very little space
• Very few extra features

Can you use a regular tent for backpacking?

The extra weight of a regular tent makes it a pretty poor choice for backpacking, and it’s something that I highly recommend you don’t bother trying.

I have personally used my regular tent for the first few backpacking trips I ever went on, but it didn’t take long to convince me that dropping the money for a nicer backpacking tent was well worth it.

Now, I have both and actually tend to use my backpacking tent for just about everything while the regular tent sits in storage collecting dust.

What to Get if You Only Get One Tent

If you’re single and only looking to get one tent, which makes a lot of sense, my advice is to grab a good backpacking tent.

But that is only if you’re likely to do any backpacking in the future. If you’re dead set on never hiking with a tent, then a regular tent is perfectly fine. You just need to know what you’ll do with it, and the decision should be pretty simple from there.

That being said, families with a lot of people that only want one tent will most likely need a regular camping tent. There are four-person backpacking tents, but they tend only to sleep about three people comfortably.

The backpacking tents available today are much more durable than those of the past, and you don’t need to buy the most lightweight model. You can buy a heavier backpacking tent with more space and use it for everything.

No matter what you end up buying, make sure it’s something that helps get you outside more. Get out and enjoy a night or two beneath the stars, waking up to the calling birds.

The post Differences and Use Cases of Camping vs Backpacking Tents appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of excellent options when it comes to coolers crafted on American soil. Whether you need a small cooler for tailgating, a spacious one for a multi-day camping trip, a convenient backpack cooler for when you’re on the move, or a sturdy companion for hunting expeditions, American companies have got you covered.

Discover the truth about coolers made in the USA! Not all popular brands, like YETI, are entirely American-made. But fear not! Look for Igloo, Pelican, Otterbox, Cordova, and more. These American-made coolers keep drinks chilled and adventures exciting.

Who Makes Coolers in the USA?

1. Igloo

Made in: Katy, Texas
Popular US-made models: IMX Collection, Trailmate, Tag Along Too
Best for: Small personal coolers (Tag Along Too), camping coolers in many different sizes (IMX collection), and large-wheeled cooler carts (Trailmate). Igloo is a well-known American brand that produces many rugged coolers for any outdoor adventure.

2. OtterBox

Made in: Fort Collins, Colorado
Popular US-made models: Trooper series
Best for: Durable soft-sided coolers (Trooper), backpack coolers, and tote coolers. Otterbox is known for its protective phone cases, but they also offer a small line of USA-made coolers. Otterbox coolers are best when you need something portable and lightweight that will stand up to most easy adventures.

3. Pelican

Made in: South Deerfield, Massachusetts
Popular US-made models: Elite series, Dayventure series
Best for: Wheeled hard-sided coolers (Elite), heavy-duty backpack coolers (Dayventure), and rugged personal coolers. Pelican offers a variety of options for the person who needs a cooler that will stand up to the elements – and to wildlife. The Elite series is registered as bear-resistant.

4. Cordova

Made in: Nampa, Idaho
Popular US-made models: Basecamp Class series, Backcountry Class series
Best for: Hard-sided coolers designed to keep things cold for days (Basecamp). Cordova Basecamp Class coolers are also bear-resistant. Cordova also offers soft-sided day pack coolers for when you need to bring your cooler on the go (Backcountry Class).

5. Orion

Made in: Sparta, Tennessee
Popular US-made models: Core series
Best for: Kayak fishing, boating, whitewater, camping, and long trips. Orion coolers are made by Jackson Kayaks, one of the most respected names in the kayak industry. Their coolers take on a similar look and feel as their kayaks. Out of 28 coolers tested, the Orion Core cooler won our very own ice retention challenge, holding ice a full two days longer than other popular rotomolded cooler brands like YETI. It has gobs of cool accessories, and it’s just a solid ice chest all around.

6. Grizzly

Made in: Decorah, Iowa
Popular US-made models: Grizzly series, Drifter series
Best for: Coolers made with hunters and anglers in mind. Grizzly’s American-made ice chests are available in any size that you could ever need. They offer some of the largest outdoor coolers on the market in 400-quart sizes. The Drifter series also offers small soft-sided coolers for lunch or cans on short trips.

7. RovR Coolers

Made in: Boulder, Colorado
Popular US-made models: RollR series
Best for: All-terrain wheeled coolers with plenty of accessories (RollR). RovR coolers come with a dry storage bin and a cutting board that can be mounted on the cooler’s side. They also sell additional storage bins that fit into the top.

8. Orca Coolers

Made in: Nashville, Tennessee
Popular US-made models: 20 quart, 58 quart, 65 quart wheeled, 140 quart
Best for: Hard-sided rotomolded coolers in a variety of sizes. Orca offers USA-made coolers from 20 quarts up to 140-quart sizes and several sizes in between for any need. They also have one wheeled model in a 65-quart size.

9. Bison Coolers

Made in: Fort Worth, Texas
Popular US-made models: Gen 2 series, XD series
Best for: Heavy-duty coolers for tailgating, hunting, or fishing. The Gen 2 series features roto-molded coolers with multiple drains and up to 7-day ice retention. Bison also makes soft-sided coolers in 12 or 24-can sizes.

10. Kong

Made in: South Bend, Indiana
Popular US-made models: 20 quarts, 50 quarts, 110 quarts, Kong Cruiser
Best for: Rotomolded coolers in a range of standard sizes, built with extra insulation and sealing to keep ice cold for ten days. Kong also offers a wheeled cooler (Kong Cruiser) in its 50-quart size, a versatile option for camping, tailgating, or other adventures.

11. Magellan

Made in: Katy, Texas
Popular US-made models: 40-Can Rolling Cooler, Explore Icebox, 30 qt Insulated Bait/Dry Box
Best for: Versatile hard or soft-sided coolers for fishing or camping trips. Magellan is a Texas outdoor retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors brand. Magellan also makes insulated bait/dry boxes for fishing trips (30 qt Insulated Bait/Dry Box). Magellan’s line of cooler backpacks and totes are leak-proof and easy to take on the go; some even convert into rolling coolers (40-Can Rolling Cooler).

12. Lifetime

Made in: Clearfield, Utah
Popular US-made models: 28 quarts, 48 quarts, and 65 quart High-Performance Coolers
Best for: Various uses, such as camping, tailgating, and fishing. Lifetime coolers come in most common sizes up to 115 quarts. They are built to keep ice cold for up to 5 days and are certified to be bear-resistant.

13. Rubbermaid

Made in: Atlanta, Georgia
Popular US-made models: Modern Red Victory Ice Chest, Rubbermaid Water Coolers
Best for: Tailgating or car camping. Rubbermaid is a very affordable option for all-around coolers, available in stores like Walmart or Home Depot. These are a good choice if you don’t need something rugged but want to keep ice or water cold on a budget.

Popular Coolers Made Overseas

Some of the most popular brands, such as YETI, are at least somewhat outsourced to other countries. Some models may be made in America, while some may be made overseas. It’s best to check specifically for the model you want to purchase. But even then, you don’t always know for sure.

Even though they aren’t fully made in the United States, these brands are still known for high-quality coolers.

1. YETI

Made in: Philippines, Iowa, and Wisconsin (select models)
Popular models: Tundra, Hopper, Roadie
Best for: Camping, hunting, fishing, tailgating – when you need something rugged to keep ice cold for days. YETI coolers are extremely popular because of their durability, thick walls, and various designs. They offer traditional coolers (Tundra), wheeled coolers (Roadie), and soft-sided coolers (Hopper).

2. Cabela’s

Made in: China (some models), USA (Polar Cap)
Popular models: Polar Cap
Best for: Lightweight but heavy-duty cooler needs. Cabela’s says their Polar Cap series is made in the USA. These hard-sided coolers are designed to be easy to carry, with glow-in-the-dark handles and insulation without excessive weight. The series also claims to keep ice cold for up to 12 days.

3. Coleman

Made in: China (some models), Wichita, KS (some models)
Popular models: Xtreme series, 316 series, Pro series
Best for: All-around trips or outdoor adventures. Coleman is an affordable option for coolers that will fit most needs. The 316 series is an excellent all-around cooler available in many sizes. Coleman also offers the Pro series hard-sided coolers for something a little more rugged.

4. RTIC

Made in: China
Popular models: Ultra-Light Cooler, Hard Coolers
Best for: Lightweight, portable cooler needs. The Ultra-light line of hard-sided coolers weighs 30% less than competing rotomolded coolers and comes in sizes up to 52 quarts. They also include a wheeled ultralight option.

5. Engel

Made in: Thailand
Popular models: 25 quarts to 320 quart High Performance Cooler
Best for: Hard-sided rotomolded coolers made for any adventure. Engel coolers have an air-tight silicone seal, and Heavy-duty soft-sided coolers made with waterproof ripstop material, built to withstand harsher conditions than most soft-sided coolers.

6. Canyon

Made in: China, using American-made materials
Popular models: Outfitter, PRO, Nomad
Best for: Tailgating, camping, fishing. Canyon is based in Flagstaff, Arizona but assembles its coolers overseas. The Nomad series of soft-sided coolers claim to keep ice cold longer than hard-sided coolers, weighing only 5 pounds. The hard-sided Outfitter and PRO coolers are mostly smaller but durable and convenient.

Why Buy an American-Made Cooler?

Buying USA-made coolers will reduce your carbon footprint. When you purchase anything made overseas, transporting that item to you creates emissions. You can cut back on that by reducing the distance the products you buy need to travel to get into your hands.

American-made coolers will also guarantee, for the most part, that workers making the items will be employed in safe working conditions. Additionally, it will be easier to track where your cooler comes from, and you can buy more confidently.

The quality of American-made coolers may be better than coolers made overseas. Purchasing a cooler made in America will help ensure you’re buying a quality cooler that will keep ice cold for a while.

Finally, you will support the US economy by purchasing a cooler made in the USA. This ensures your money goes to American businesses and people. You might pay more for an American-made cooler, but that money stays local.

See also:
Best Wheeled Coolers
Best Rotomolded Coolers Reviewed

The post 13 Coolers Made in the USA and 6 That Surprisingly Are Not appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Making homemade ice packs for coolers is easy, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. By learning how to make ice packs for coolers at home, you can save money and reduce waste.

Not only will these DIY ice pack solutions save you money, but they’re also perfect for keeping your cooler cold or your lunch box fresh during your favorite outdoor activities. Some of these methods can also be used as a cold press ice pack substitute in a pinch.

Here are six easy methods to make your own ice pack alternatives at home.

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1. Sponge Ice Pack

Materials needed:

• Large, clean sponges
• Resealable plastic bags (e.g., Ziploc bags)
• Water

Instructions on how to make ice packs for coolers from a sponge:

1. Fully saturate the sponges with water.
2. Place each wet sponge into a resealable plastic bag.
3. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bags.
4. Place the sealed bags in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
5. Once frozen, add the sponge ice packs to your cooler or as a DIY ice pack for lunch boxes.

Tip: Two standard sized kitchen sponges fit almost perfectly in a sandwich sized resealable bag. You’ll definitely want two inside a quart sized bag and either of these options is almost a perfect size for a kid’s lunch box.

2. Saltwater Ice Pack

Materials needed:

• 2 cups of water
• 1/3 cup of table salt
• Resealable plastic bags

Instructions on how to make this ice pack substitute that stays cold for a long time:

1. Mix the water and table salt until the salt is dissolved.
2. Pour the saltwater mixture into a resealable plastic bag.
3. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag.
4. Place the sealed bag in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
5. Once frozen, add the homemade saltwater ice packs to your cooler.

Tip: The more salt you add, the lower the freezing point and, therefore, the colder your freezer needs to get. It can also take longer to freeze. So if you find ⅓ cup of salt to 2 cups of water is too much, use less salt. You can even start with just a couple tablespoons and add more too it if that works fine for you.

3. Dish Soap Ice Pack

Materials needed:

• Liquid dish soap
• Resealable plastic bags

Instructions on how to make homemade ice packs for your cooler that last a long time:

1. Fill a resealable plastic bag with dish soap (about 3/4 full).
2. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag.
3. Place the sealed bag in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
4. Once frozen, add the dish soap ice packs to your cooler or lunch box.

Tip: You can also use dishwasher detergent for this. Be sure and double bag it so it doesn’t make a mess.

4. Corn Syrup Ice Pack

Materials needed:

• Corn syrup
• Resealable plastic bags

Instructions on making DIY ice pack alternatives for coolers using stuff from your kitchen:

1. Fill a resealable plastic bag with corn syrup (about 3/4 full).
2. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag.
3. Place the sealed bag in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
4. Once frozen, add the homemade corn syrup ice packs to your cooler or lunch box.

Tip: Remember to double-bag or use heavy-duty plastic bags on this one to avoid sticky leaks that could attract bears or bugs.

5. Rice or Dried Beans Ice Pack

Materials needed:

• Uncooked rice or dried beans
• Cloth or fabric (e.g., a clean sock or a small pillowcase)
• Needle and thread (optional, may just tie knot to seal a sock)

Instructions on how to make ice packs for coolers that are dry, but not as cold as alternatives:

1. Fill a cloth or fabric pouch with uncooked rice or dried beans.
2. If using a sock, tie a knot at the open end. If using a pillowcase or fabric, fold and sew the open end shut.
3. Place the rice or bean-filled pouch in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
4. Once frozen, add the rice or bean ice packs to your cooler.

Tip: This ice pack option works well for keeping food items cold without making them wet, as the cloth absorbs condensation.

6. Gel Ice Pack

Materials needed:

• 1 cup of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
• 2 cups of water
• Resealable plastic bags

Instructions on making a soft ice pack that doesn’t freeze solid:

1. Mix the rubbing alcohol and water together.
2. Pour the mixture into a resealable plastic bag.
3. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag.
4. Place the sealed bag in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
5. Once frozen, add the gel ice packs to your cooler or lunch box.

Tip: The alcohol prevents the mixture from freezing solid, resulting in a flexible, slushy consistency that can be molded around items in the cooler. If you’re looking for an ice pack substitute that doesn’t freeze solid, this is an excellent choice. It can take longer, or a colder freezer, to gel up nicely though. You can add less alcohol if that’s a problem for you.

Tips and Tricks for Using Homemade Ice Packs

1. Pre-chill or freeze items before placing them in the cooler. This will help reduce the amount of work the ice packs need to do to keep everything cold.

2. Layer the ice packs in your cooler. Place a layer at the bottom, then add items, followed by another layer of ice packs on top. This will help distribute the cold evenly and keep everything cool longer.

3. Fill empty spaces with extra ice packs or crumpled newspaper to minimize air circulation, which can cause your cooler to lose its chill faster.

4. Keep your cooler out of direct sunlight and limit the number of times you open it. Both of these factors can cause the internal temperature to rise more quickly.

5. Use larger ice packs for longer trips, as they will retain their coldness longer than smaller ones.

6. When making homemade ice packs, double-bag them or use heavy-duty plastic bags to avoid leaks. You can also wrap them in a cloth or towel to help absorb any condensation.

7. Label your homemade ice packs with their contents (e.g., dish soap, saltwater) to avoid confusion and ensure they are not accidentally used for other purposes.

8. If you need to keep items extra cold, consider combining different types of homemade ice packs in your cooler. For example, you could use saltwater ice packs to lower the overall temperature, and then supplement with gel ice packs that can be molded around specific items.

Why Make Your Own Ice Packs at Home

By following these instructions and tips, you’ll be able to create effective and reusable homemade ice packs that will keep your cooler contents cold and fresh for an extended period.

These homemade ice pack alternatives are not only perfect for everyday use but are also great for various outdoor activities. Whether you’re going camping, hunting, spending a day at the beach, enjoying a BBQ, fishing, boating, or simply exploring the great outdoors, these DIY ice packs will keep your food and drinks cold and fresh.

These six easy ice pack substitutes are perfect for creating cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly ice packs for coolers and lunch boxes. Try one or a combination of these homemade ice pack options to keep your food and drinks cold during your favorite outdoor activities.

The post 6 Easy DIY Ways to Make Ice Packs for Coolers appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

One was waking up at 3 in the morning to see a gorgeous, perpetual sunset. The other was waking up at 3 in the morning, sweating profusely in the tent because, well, the sun wouldn’t go down.

Tents getting too hot in the summer is an all-too-common problem many experienced campers can sympathize with. During the day, everything left inside the tent roasts as the sun beats down and the heat gets trapped inside. This is sort of like the greenhouse effect, only without the dangerous atmospheric gases.

At night, the heat retreats, but the tent can still feel like an oven once you’re inside. Your body also produces heat that will also be trapped, and combining this with little airflow leads to a tent too hot to sleep in comfortably.

Knowing how to keep a tent cool is an invaluable, but sometime elusive, skill. Luckily, there are a lot of secrets to help cool down a tent in the heat. There are plenty of solutions, from setting the tent up strategically in the shade, buying the right tent, setting up a reflective sun cover above the tent, or being bold and removing the rain fly.

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How to Keep a Tent Cool While Camping

After a night spent in a tent that’s too hot, you’ll likely want to give up and never go camping again. With all the trouble sleeping, you need to start looking for solutions and learning how to keep the tent cool to get back out in the woods happier than ever.

You can make your entire summer camping experience drastically better and keep the tent cool by:

• Camping near water
• Setting up in the shade
• Buying the right tent
• Bringing a battery-powered fan
• Opening the tent doors and vents
• Removing the rainfly
• Using a tarp or a reflective sunshade

1. Camp Near the Water

Following Leave No Trace Principles, you should never camp closer than 200 feet from any water source. That being said, even a campsite 200 feet from a river can greatly affect the air temperature.

Rivers and water sources tend to bring a lot of cool air as the water absorbs the heat from the air around it. If you camp near a water source, you can benefit from these effects and sleep better with the sound of water in the background.

2. Set up Camp in the Shade or the Dark

When you arrive at your campsite, selecting the ideal location to set up your tent is a crucial moment. It can make a significant difference in your level of comfort when it’s time to rest after a long day.

One of the most effective ways to prevent discomfort is to pitch your tent in a shaded area. This will reduce the amount of sunlight that heats up the tent as you complete other camp tasks. Consequently, you’ll be able to sleep in a tent that hasn’t been sweltering in the sun all day.

However, shaded areas are not always readily available. For instance, the only available spot might be under a large dead tree, which can pose a few safety issues. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to set up camp in the absence of shade.

If you opt to wait until after sunset, you’ll avoid the greenhouse effect that can occur inside a tent that’s been exposed to the sun all day. Although pitching a tent in the dark can be challenging, with practice, it will become second nature.

3. Buy the Right Tent

To keep your tent cool, it’s important to consider its design and purpose, which should be taken into account even before purchasing it.

There are two main types of tents: single-walled and double-walled. Single-walled tents consist of only one layer between you and the outside. In contrast, double-walled tents have a mesh body that’s covered with a rainfly. The latter is considered more appropriate for summer camping.

Single-wall tents are designed for winter camping, where they are intended to trap heat. Consequently, they are not suitable for summer camping. When choosing a tent, look for one with ample mesh to provide adequate ventilation.

Recently, I purchased a new tent, and I noticed that the mesh on this model didn’t extend as far on the doors as my old tent. As a result, there was less airflow, and I felt hotter as I slept.

Small differences in design, such as reducing the amount of mesh, can significantly impact the tent’s overall performance in keeping you cool.

Consider a large, breathable canvas tent made of light-colored fabric with many windows. Even if you are only one or two people, the large size and windows will allow more airflow. Light color materials will not absorb as much daytime heat. And canvas breathes so well that it doesn’t heat up as fast as synthetic tents.

4. Bring a Battery-Powered Fan

If you’re car camping, a battery-powered fan is a great way to increase airflow throughout the tent at night. Many different models are available that don’t make much noise and are impressively powerful.

Positioning the fan near an open door is an effective way to swiftly alter the temperature inside your tent by drawing in the refreshing outdoor breeze.

5. Level Up and Bring a Mini Evaporative Cooler

Using an evaporative cooler to cool down your tent is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to beat the heat during hot weather camping trips. By simply filling the cooler’s water reservoir and turning it on, the fan will pull in warm air and pass it through a moistened pad, resulting in a cooling effect as the air is released.

With the convenience of a battery-operated mini swamp cooler, you can glamp up your camping experience and enjoy a comfortable and refreshing night’s sleep while surrounded by nature.

Mini Air Conditioner

View on Amazon

Add a couple of handfuls of ice from the ice chest and some water, and you have a personal AC. This one is small and compact enough for camping and is USB rechargeable. There are larger options that could run off a generator or external battery for larger tents.

These are always helpful but not as effective in humid areas like the Southern US. They work incredibly well in arid environments like out West.

How to Keep a Tent Cool Without Electricity

Most of the methods we recommend in this list for how to keep a tent cool don’t require power, but here are a few more ideas of how to keep a tent cool without electricity.

6. Open the Tent Doors and Vents

Most tents are designed to allow for a certain amount of airflow to help you out when the tent is too hot. These vents are often small but can be incredibly effective in the summer. Unzipping the doors and rolling them back to keep them open when the weather is right can help dramatically. Opening both doors allows air to flow through the tent and keeps air from getting trapped inside and heating up quickly.

This applies only to double-walled tents with a mesh layer and a waterproof rain fly that can be taken off separately. You want to keep the mesh layer fully secured, without gaps that could let the summer bugs in, but the rainfly is where you can create spaces for ventilation.

7. Remove the Rain Fly

When the weather is on your side, you can remove the entire rain fly. This requires checking the forecast or observing the weather conditions around you before deciding to take the rain protection away.

Whenever I take the rain fly off, I often leave one corner connected to the tent poles and fold it neatly underneath that corner of the tent, weighted with some gear or a rock to keep it in place. This allows me to get the rain fly thrown over the tent and put up quickly in case some unexpected rainstorms come through at night. There’s nothing much worse than waking up to a storm coming down inside your tent.

8. Cuddle Frozen Water Bottles

This is the opposite of the classic winter camping hack of putting a hot rock or water bottle in your sleeping bag at night to stay warm. If your tent’s too hot and you’re trying to keep cool without electricity, use a frozen water bottle instead.

Day or night, carry this thing around like a newborn baby, and it’ll take the edge off. You can hold it to your head or neck, or wrap it in a t-shirt and snuggle it at night to stay cool.

Cooler ice packs, a bag of ice, or even a wet towel could also be used in this way. It may not cool the whole tent, but it can help individuals feel cooler.

Staying Cool in Your Tent at Night

Nighttime can be one of the most critical times to keep the tent cool. With a tent that’s too hot, you’ll end up tossing and turning the entire night, losing every bit of energy that you may need for a big hike or adventure the next day. Therefore, these extra tips to stay cool at night in your tent are incredibly important to note.

9. Bring an Extra Cooler of Ice and a Fan

Put the previously listed suggestion on steroids and bring an extra cooler full of ice with you in addition to an electric or battery-powered fan.

Open the cooler lid inside your tent at night and set up the fan to blow over the top of the ice and toward you. It’s like a DIY air conditioner that will take the edge off the heat and allow you to fall asleep.

10. Sleep Alone

Sleeping in a tent with fewer people can significantly aid in keeping the tent cooler at night. The human body naturally generates heat, and with multiple people occupying a small tent, the temperature inside can quickly rise.

By reducing the number of individuals in the tent, you decrease the amount of body heat and breathing that contributes to the heat buildup. This simple adjustment can make a big difference in ensuring a comfortable and cooler camping experience.

No one likes sleeping next to another sweaty body. Sometimes it’s well worth bringing the extra tent just to avoid the discomfort and potential bitterness between tent mates.

11. Sleep on Top of the Sleeping Bag and Use a Sheet Instead

For many, myself included, sleeping inside a sleeping bag can help you fall asleep. While it can be a weird shift, sleeping on top of your sleeping bag rather than inside it will help keep you cool while sleeping.

Instead of a sleeping bag, you can pack a thin sheet to sleep under during the hot summer. This has always helped me still sleep comfortably without overheating.

Keeping Your Tent Cool During the Day and Without Shade

If you’re backpacking and have a layover day, managing the tent throughout the day is essential to keep the temperature down. Often, this is easily solved by setting the tent up in the shade, but many areas are without shade. There are two effective ways to keep your tent cool during the day when shade isn’t available.

12. Take the tent down during the day

It might be obvious, but taking the tent down when the sun comes up is probably the most effective way to avoid the tent getting too hot. Depending on your tent, the take-down time can be incredibly brief, causing only a minor nuisance. Simply wait until the temperature drops at night and set the tent back up.

A tent that isn’t set up won’t get everything inside it to a boiling temperature. However, some tents have a more involved process with setup and take-down. In that case, you need to look for other solutions.

13. Use a Tarp or Reflective Sun Shade

A tarp or a reflective sun shade are great ways to build your own shade when natural shade isn’t around. This can be trickier, but with the right materials, you can create a highly effective shade shelter that can actually be more useful than natural shade.

Reflective sun shades are designed to bounce the sun away, meaning the shelter isn’t absorbing much heat. This allows the breeze to take away any heat in the tent without combatting the sun constantly adding heat to the system.

If it fits, one of those pop-up canopies over top of your tent would allow for plenty of airflow and do a lot to keep the direct sunlight off your tent.

Tent Considerations for Staying Cool

Selecting the right tent is crucial to staying cool while camping in warm weather. You’ll need to take into consideration factors such as ventilation, size, and color to ensure a comfortable camping experience.

As mentioned before, buying the right tent can dramatically affect your ability to keep your tent from getting too hot. The best backpacking tent will have a balance of features that fits your needs exactly. The design of each tent comes from long planning with intentional uses, so it’s necessary to understand the differences between each tent you choose from.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is one of the best ways to help cool down your tent when the temperature rises. Many tents utilize small air vents that can be propped open or velcroed shut when not in use.

These are often located on the top of the tent, allowing the hot air to rise and escape when it reaches the vents. The difficulty here is designing the vents to allow air to escape without allowing rain to enter.

Another feature to look for is a door that can be rolled back and pinned open. This can be used as a massive vent for when you have great weather but don’t want to risk taking the rainfly off completely.

Some tents won’t have any ventilation designed into the system, which should be a total red flag if you plan to do any summer camping. These are for winter, intentionally designed to trap as much heat as possible.

Tent Material

Some tents are made up of different materials that want to breathe and allow airflow to happen naturally, while others will trap heat and have very little movement of air.

Canvas, nylon, and polyester are the three most commonly used materials in building tents. Each material has its pros and cons, but when you’re focused on not allowing your tent to get too hot, it comes down to breathability.

Canvas can be a great choice when you want to stay cool. Cotton duck canvas is more breathable than synthetic materials like nylon and polyester, so canvas tents tend to heat up more slowly. But they also take longer to cool down.

They still get hot, so make sure you choose one with plenty of windows for good ventilation. Some, like the Kodiak Flex-Bow Deluxe, even have vents near the roof to help release rising hot air.

Mesh

The amount of mesh used on a tent depends on how much ventilation you want and how lightweight the tent aims to be. Extremely lightweight tents incorporate more mesh, which packs down small and weighs practically nothing.

With a lot of mesh, you’ll feel every breeze that makes its way to the tent. This can be great for the summer months since it is significantly more breathable than any other material.

What color tent is best to stay cool?

While many people don’t put a lot of thought into the color of their tent, it can be essential for staying cool. Tan or other lighter-colored tents can help to keep the sun from being entirely soaked up. Darker colors absorb the sun and heat everything much quicker than their lighter counterparts.

What can I put on my tent to keep it cool?

Some tents can be covered in a reflective material that will bounce the sun away. These tent covers are great for super sunny days but won’t do much more than help trap the heat when night falls. For that reason, these are great during the day but can be a hindrance in the nighttime.

The post Tent Too Hot? 13 Proven Ways to Keep a Tent Cool appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

As an avid camper, I’m always on the lookout for the best gear that suits my family and me. So, I put these two tents to the test and compared their features, performance, and overall value to help fellow campers find their perfect tent match.

I have spent many nights in these tents from snow camping in the Classic Jack in Idaho to wild spring rainstorms in the Skyliner in Southern Utah.

In this article, I’ll be sharing my personal experiences with both tents, detailing their similarities and differences, and discussing important factors like durability, weather resistance, and ease of use.

By the end of this Springbar Skyliner vs Classic Jack comparison, I hope you’ll be able to make an informed decision on which tent best suits your camping needs and budget.

You can also watch our detailed video review on our YouTube channel!

Springbar Skyliner vs Classic Jack 140 Tent Specifications

Springbar has been making canvas tents in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA since the 1960s. They still use many of the same methods as they did in the beginning. Those familiar with the brand associate them with high quality outdoor gear and their trademark canvas tent design that has since been replicated by many other outdoor gear companies.

The Skyliner and Classic Jack 140 are similar in footprint size and materials, with some key differences.

Made in USA

Springbar Skyliner Tent

View at Springbar

Not an affiliate link.

Imported

Springbar Classic Jack 140 Tent

View at Springbar

Not an affiliate link.

Here are the basic specs for these two canvas tents.

Similarities Between the Tents

When it comes to similarities, the Springbar Skyliner and Classic Jack 140 share quite a few noteworthy features. As someone who appreciates the details, I couldn’t help but notice these common aspects during my camping escapades with both tents.

Classic Springbar Design

The traditional Springbar design is a standout feature in both the Springbar Skyliner and Classic Jack 140. This classic style was invented by Springbar and it not only adds an aesthetic appeal, but also contributes to the tents’ stability and weather resistance.

The only thing you have to be weary of is heavy snow, which you’ll want to clear off regularly. And I noticed when it’s windy or raining it was helpful to have the additional guy points and awning on the Skyliner to stake it out better.

Spaciousness and Comfort

Both the Springbar Skyliner and Classic Jack 140 prioritize space and comfort for campers. With a 10’x14′ floor plan, these tents provide ample room for sleeping, moving around, and storing gear.

Even at 6 ft 1 in tall I don’t feel cramped inside and am comfortable standing and walking around. Though the roof loft in the Classic Jack does hang a bit low and annoyingly force me to crouch down depending on how I rig it.

Hot Tent Ready

A key feature of these two tents that is not shared by other Springbar tents, or most competitors for that matter, is that they are both wood stove compatible. Add in a Winnerwell tent stove and you got yourself a cozy family-sized hot tent.

I have both a Winnerwell Woodlander Medium and a Winnerwell Nomad View Large stove. Either one works with either tent just dandy. Although I like the extra burn time I get out of the large size since it means I don’t have to get up at night as much to add wood if it’s really cold out.

Both have turnkey hot tent kits available from Winnerwell and it won’t void your warranty to install the stove jack.

The Skyliner does have one additional thoughtful feature for hot tenting that the Classic Jack does not. That is a fire retardant treated 12 oz canvas panel that creates the wall behind where the stove goes.

Canvas Material

The Skyliner and Classic Jack 140 are both constructed from high-quality, breathable, and water-resistant canvas. The cotton duck canvas (8.5 oz walls and 10 oz roofs) has been treated for water repellency and mildew resistance.

This material provides effective insulation to keep you warm on chilly nights and cool on hot days.

On mulitple frigid winter and spring nights in each tent I can confirm how well the canvas keeps it warm inside with the wood stove going. And on a hot summer day in the Classic Jack I really loved how the light colored canvas kept it relatively cool inside.

Easy Set-up and Breakdown

Both tents are designed with user-friendliness in mind, featuring a straightforward set-up process that can be managed by one person. Although having a helping hand does make it a bit easier. I can do it by myself in as little as 10 minutes.

The single-pole structure for both tents eliminates the need for a complicated assembly process, making it a breeze to set up and break down your campsite. However, these are not freestanding tents and both require staking down before standing up.

Heavy-Duty Construction

Durability is a key factor for any camping gear, and both the Springbar Skyliner and Classic Jack 140 deliver on this front. With their robust canvas material, reinforced stress points, and heavy-duty zippers (YKK on Skyliner, SBS on Classic Jack), these tents are built to withstand the test of time and the elements.

I especially like the hem at the base where the walls meet the floors. They jut out about an inch and a half. When staked down properly they are not only secure to the ground, but they shed water away from the tent when raining. It’s a simple, but brilliant design.

Differences Between the Tents

While the Springbar Skyliner and Classic Jack 140 share many similarities, there are also some key differences between the two tents that could impact your camping experience, especially in really nasty weather.

Made in USA or Imported

A key difference between these two tents is their country of origin. Springbar has traditionally been a Made in USA only company, but in recent years they have introduced an imported product line to help compete with their low-price competitors.

The Classic Jack is designed in the USA but made overseas in China.

The Skyliner is Made in America, right there at Springbar’s headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. I had the chance to tour the factory on a day when they were making the Skyliner, and it’s impressive.

Not very many outdoor companies still make outdoor gear in the USA. And something like a family-sized canvas tent requires a lot of skilled workers and expertise that Springbar has accumulated over six decades of doing it. This is a rare thing that ought to be applauded.

Springbar also sources as many parts as possible from US suppliers for the Skyliner including their stakes, stake loops, poles, screen mesh, and canvas finishing (dye and water resistance treatment).

More Volume in the Skyliner

While it doesn’t show up well in the specs, one of the major differences between these two tents is the interior volume. It’s hard to see it, but you can definitely feel it inside.

The Skyliner has about 30% more volume inside. By my measurements, the roof is larger by about two feet side to side and 1.5 feet front to back. The sidewalls are nearly as vertical as in a wall tent.

This really opens up the inside and requires less crouching. It even means you can push your cots up closer to the walls than in the Classic Jack, leaving more floor space to move about.

Ventilation and Windows

One noticeable difference between the Skyliner and Classic Jack 140 is their window configuration. The Skyliner has two large mesh windows on the rear wall, a triangle window on one end, and a small window on the other end where the stove jack goes in hot tent mode. That combined with the huge 56-inch wide door make for excellent airflow.

In contrast, the Classic Jack 140 features 36 inch wide door, but it adds another window to the front and big triangular windows on both ends.But my favorite is the giant window on the rear wall that offers panoramic views of your surroundings.

While the window configuration is different, the ventilation effect is pretty even.

Weather Resistance

The Skyliner has a lot of thoughtful features that make it more rugged and worthy of inclement weather compared to the Classic Jack.

Awnings

The Springbar Classic Jack 140 stands out with its integrated 6′ x 6′ awning that provides shade on hot days and is compatible with Springbar’s optional zip-on portico panels to form a sort of giant vestibule.

We like to lay out a canvas tarp below this and it’s a great spot to hide from the sun on your camp chair and sip a cool beverage. However, the Classic Jack’s awning is pretty useless, if not cumbersome, in the rain. You can’t really get it taut enough or get the slope right to shed rain, so it just pools up on top. That can cause the canvas to deform or stretch your roof in weird ways.

The Skyliner, on the other hand, has a smaller awning that is a trapezoid shape. You lose a little shade in summer and can’t zip on the portico panels, but it’s useful in all four seasons.

When we camped in the Skyliner with intense rain we were able to adjust the awning to shed water better off the whole roof, and away from the tent’s entryway.

Even better, it has a mini awning on the rear as well which shades the two big picture windows in the summer, sheds rain in the shoulder seasons, and keeps the snow at bay in the winter. This allows you to open the windows in more conditions, like when it’s pouring buckets outside and you want to get some ventilation in your stuffy hot tent filled with a pile of antsy kids.

Stakes

The Skyliner has the best tent stakes I’ve ever seen. They’re a wedge shape that holds secure in just about any terrain, including the sand we camped on in Southern Utah in 40 mph winds, without budging.

The Classic Jack uses sturdy, though basic, 12 inch galvanized nail style stakes. They generally work fine, but they can be pretty loosey goosey in some ground types like sand and snow.

The Skyliner also has 19 stake loops to secure it to the ground whereas the Classic Jack as only 15.

Poles

As far as poles go, both have essentially the same pole set, but the Skyliner poles are simply more robust. They are made of corrosion-proof aluminum with steel reinforcements in key areas. Whereas the smaller diameter Classic Jack poles are made of galvanized steel, which may corrode in time.

Both tents have adjustable height awning and end poles.

But the Skyliner comes with two additional awning poles to support the rear awning as well. And an amazing feature on the Skyliner is that you can actually attach the anwing poles directly to the sidewalls on front and back, then guy them out to a stake for better stability in high winds.

Choosing the Right Springbar Tent for You

At a retail price of $2,099, the Skyliner is 75% more expensive than the Classic Jack 140 ($1,199).

So what are you getting for $900 more in the Skyliner?

1. A more versatile tent that is going to be better in worse weather conditions.
2. A piece of outdoor gear that was made in the USA – a rare thing!
3. The quality, materials, and durability are a notch above the Classic Jack.
4. The extra volume inside makes it feel even more spacious and comfortable.

If money is no object or you have an affinity for American-made products, I’d go with the Skyliner.

But if you’re on a budget or just starting out with canvas tents, the Classic Jack 140 might be a more cost-effective option.

When I first got the Classic Jack 140 I thought it was my favorite tent ever. And it is a great buy considering it is a true four season capable hot tent.

It wasn’t until I got the Skyliner that I realized it could get even better. So you will likely love both tents too.

Consider what’s best for you and your budget. And if both of these tents are out of your price range, check our article on the best canvas tents for more budget-friendly options like the Kodiak Flex-Bow or Teton Mesa.

For a more detailed review on each of these tents, be sure to check out our other tent review articles!

Springbar Skyliner Tent Review

Springbar Classic Jack 140 Tent Review

Best Canvas Tents

Made in USA

Springbar Skyliner Tent

View at Springbar

Not an affiliate link.

Imported

Springbar Classic Jack 140 Tent

View at Springbar

Not an affiliate link.

The post Springbar Skyliner vs Classic Jack 140 (I Own Both) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Now picture the same lake, but add thousands of mosquitoes swarming your vision, buzzing in your ears, and biting every bit of exposed skin they can get. Less tranquil, right?

Insect-borne diseases like West Nile, Zika virus, Lyme disease, malaria, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever pose a threat to your health. Bug deterrence plays a vital role in keeping you safe from annoyance and potentially life-threatening injuries and diseases. No matter where you go, bugs will be a part of your journey.

There are a few ways that tend to work the best for managing outdoor pests. While many people will have their own small tips and tricks, we find that using repellent, dressing appropriately, and sleeping smart are efficient and effective ways to deal with bugs outside.

Use Insect Repellents

Bug spray is one of the easiest and most effective methods of keeping bugs away while you spend time outside.

DEET has been a popular ingredient in bug spray for years and years. The reason that it works so incredibly well is by disguising your natural scent.

DEET is considered safe for use by most people when used as directed, but there are potential risks to be aware of. These include skin irritation, toxicity if ingested, greater environmental impact due to lack of biodegradability, and potentially increased risk for children and pregnant women.

To minimize the risks, it’s important to use products containing DEET as directed, avoid excessive use, and consider alternative insect repellents like picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that products containing DEET should not be used on infants younger than 2 months old. Additionally, pregnant and nursing women should talk to their healthcare providers before using DEET-containing products.

There are plenty of other options when it comes to bug repellents that still keep bugs away without harsh chemicals.

Environmentally Friendly Bug Repellents

Many plants are natural bug repellents, the most well-known being citronella. The oil from these grasses is extracted and made into bug spray, candles, bracelets, and almost anything you can think of to wear to keep bugs away.

Lemon eucalyptus is another popular plant to help keep bugs away. While it won’t work as well as DEET, it still repels bugs for a long time. Like DEET, different plant oils work to keep bugs from being able to smell us, thus preventing them from eventually biting us.

Look for candles, bracelets, and bug sprays made from citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, soybean oil, or neem oil. These are all gentler on both your body and the environment.

That being said, not all smells are going to keep bugs away. Some will attract them, leading to a worse-off camping trip. So avoid perfumes and other sweet-smelling, fruity fragrances.

Pet and Kid-friendly Repellents

Don’t forget about the kids and pets! While it can be easy to forget them (especially pets), the younger, fluffier, and smaller ones of us are at just as high of a risk for getting insect-borne diseases.

However, pets and children have much more sensitive skin than grown adults. The insect repellents recommended for pets and kids are easy on your skin while still being effective at keeping bugs away.

Kid and pet-friendly repellents utilize oils from castor plants, geraniums, soybeans, citronella grasses, and cedarwood to create a toxin-free formula. Getting the right insect repellent for each person is incredibly important to avoid uncomfortable rashes that might arise from a harsher chemical, like DEET.

Dress Appropriately

Mosquito shirts and bug nets are extreme examples of dressing appropriately to avoid getting bitten while outside. Simple modifications to your clothes and gear can be enough to keep bugs away.

Clothing

For starters, wear long pants and then tuck them into your socks. This might look a bit nerdy, but it prevents ticks from crawling up your pant leg and finding a nice home nestled into your skin. On top of your long pants, wear a long sleeve shirt, and yes, tuck it in.

Any little bit of space that exposes the skin is a target for insects. They’ll flock right to the small gap between your shirt and pants when you bend over to tie your shoe. This leaves you with an unpleasant lower back bite that’s hard to reach and harder to ask for help with scratching.

When hiking, always wear a hat to prevent ticks that can fall from above and land on your head before making themselves comfortable on your scalp.

Gear

Your gear also affects how much exposure you have to bugs. A backpack like the Gossamer Gear Gorilla uses tough fabric and minimal ventilation, making it an impenetrable fortress for bugs.

When you get to the tent at night, you don’t want to toss your bag in and bring thousands of tiny critters along with it. Zip everything up tight in order to stay bug-free.

Bug nets, bug gloves, and bug shirts work well for environments that have low visibility due to mosquito clouds. With a head net, you can still exist outside without needing to constantly battle the buzzing insects around your head.

The main idea is to leave the least amount of skin exposed as possible. This might mean you’re a bit warmer than you’d like during the day, but it’s easier to cool off at the end of the day than to pick ticks out of your hair or cover your legs in anti-itch lotion. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Sleep Smart

Sleep is when many people get bit when they don’t have the right gear. Bugs are far more active at night when the temperature drops, making it a dangerous time to be out. With the right camping gear, you can prevent bugs from sharing the bed with you, making you wake up feeling miserable.

For starters, choose the right tent material that’s less likely to get holes, such as canvas. If it’s too late for that, fix all of the holes in your tent. This will keep your tent more like a formidable fortress and less like a vulnerable villa.

If you’re sharing the tent, make it the Golden Rule to always close zippers as soon as you are in or out of the door. Mosquitoes will sit and wait for that door to open, then hop inside as soon as given the chance.

Learn When Common Pests Are Active

By knowing when bugs are the most active, you can prepare accordingly. You don’t need to bring a load of bug spray when you head on a winter camping trip in Alaska, but if you’re heading up in the summer, you better bring the entire arsenal.

Active pests will change depending on where you’re at. There are plenty of places you can go and avoid mosquitoes but find ticks, and vice versa. Do your research and know what to expect before going out and facing the bugs head-on.

Spring

In the springtime, pests are just starting to become active again. While it’s not the biggest time for them, it’s important to be aware and start going outside with the right preparations.

Look out for:

• Mosquitoes
• Ants
• Flies
• Stinging insects (bees and wasps)

Summer

Summer is the season in which insects thrive. It’s hard to go out and not encounter loads of bugs in the summer, but maybe you’re lucky to live in one of the few places where there aren’t that many of them.

This is the time to bring everything. Get all the best insect repellent and come dressed for the task at hand.

Summer is prime time for:

• Mosquitoes
• Sand flies
• Noseeums
• Ticks
• Spiders
• Ants
• Stinging insects (bees and wasps)

Fall

Fall tends to provide some relief with the cooler temperatures as bugs start to hole up for the winter. While you’re not entirely in the clear, it can be a much more enjoyable time than the summer (when talking about bug encounters).

Two of the biggest insect issues in the fall are related to:

• Stink Bugs
• Ladybugs

While they aren’t technically harmful, they can still be tough to deal with and a nuisance.

Winter

Ah, the season of sweet relief from insects. While it would seem like you’ll never encounter any insects in the winter, it can be surprisingly possible as they seek out warm places to try and survive the winter. As it turns out, your tent and sleeping bag make a great spot to try and warm up.

A good cold-weather camping tent can help keep insects out when you decide to brave the cold and sleep outside. Just know that you still can’t leave the zippers completely open and expect freedom from insects all winter long.

The post How to Deal with Bugs and Enjoy Your Time Outdoors appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

A camping trip is one of the best ways to take the company retreat, give it a total makeover, and bring excitement to employees and leadership staff alike. Not only does a company camping trip help make things more fun, but it can also be one of the best venues for leadership and team development.

Done well, a company retreat at a campground can dramatically boost morale and help everyone increase work performance in the long run. This article will help get the first or fifth company camping trip up and running for a successful retreat!

How Camping Functions as a Team-Building Exercise

Team building is a classic part of camping trips. Organizations and schools send students and employees through team-building development workshops at outdoor centers all the time. This is because the outdoors is the best possible venue for team building and group development.

For starters, the outdoors has proven to bring about a more positive mindset, which expands awareness and opens us up to new ideas. The nature of camping also leads to a lot of group work that doesn’t feel like work. Even without specific team-building exercises, plenty of it will happen naturally.

Setup

Setting up camp can take a long time when doing it alone. Framing the setup of camp as a group effort can push people to work together in ways that they haven’t before. If anyone has tried to set a tent up alone, they know the helpfulness of many hands.

Even more expensive camping tents can be a hassle, which is where the team comes into play.

Everyone will work together to help set up tents, group shelters, a camp kitchen, and collect firewood to get a campfire going. These roles and responsibilities can be split and shared, teaching effective delegation and teamwork tactics.

Every activity that the group will do while camping will require some level of setup, providing ample opportunities for everyone to take on leadership roles and practice completing shared tasks.

Communal Cooking

Cooking big dinners while on a company camping retreat is the perfect example of natural teamwork in the outdoors.

Cooking outside isn’t as simple as cranking the stove and throwing a few steaks on. The process is much more involved, especially when cooking for a large group. Everyone will need to come together and split tasks up. A few people are slicing vegetables while others collect water to boil over the fire that another group is starting.

We can’t forget the dishes. Cleaning dishes while camping is more complicated than tossing things into the dishwasher. With all the dishes, a large group of people will still take a fair amount of time to tackle the task collectively.

All of this working together for a common goal is what team building at a company retreat is all about!

Gathering and Maintaining Supplies

Campfires aren’t just enjoyable to look at, they can be helpful to manage the bugs and make everything better. Keeping a fire going for hours at a time requires a lot of firewood. Everyone must work together to collect enough wood, break it down, and keep the fire stoked.

While fire tending is often everyone’s favorite job, there are plenty of other group tasks to take care of. Water collection can be big, especially if the site is situated farther from a water source.

Gathering and maintaining supplies can help everyone work together. From planning and collecting all of the food before the trip to putting it all away neatly at the end, this is a team-building opportunity that happens throughout the entire experience.

How to Organize a Safe Camping Experience for a Group

In a perfect world, everyone comes away from group camping trips with closer relationships and plenty of lessons learned. An unsafe camping trip can lead to the complete opposite. Human resources sit at the core of this, as HR is the key factor in organizational success, including on retreats like camping.

A company camping trip will likely require filling out the right HR paperwork, explaining the rules and expectations, and briefing everyone on the requirements for a safe experience. Those in charge of the trip need to have the right working knowledge of basic survival skills in case of an emergency.

Each company will handle the HR sector differently than others. What they all share is paperwork. Talk to your HR director (who is hopefully joining on the camping retreat anyways!) to ensure you have all your bases covered. Write a detailed waiver, check it with administration, and ensure everyone has signed it before heading out.

In addition to having the paperwork, do all the work necessary not to need it! That means training any leadership in wilderness first aid, group leadership, and bringing other professionals in if necessary. There are many outdoor facilitators that specialize in group camping retreats, and they can add a lot to the trip if given a chance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Group Camping

Do: Have Enough Space

Make sure you have a campground large enough for your entire company. Not only do you need the space in the campground, you need the space for every individual to feel comfortable. That means bringing enough tents and bedding and ensuring you have the right campsite reservations with enough area to spend time in.

Camping tents can cost a lot, but they don’t have to. If you buy the right tent, each person can feel comfortable. This significantly influences how much they enjoy the experience and how much they take away from it.

Don’t: Expect People to Entirely Fend for Themselves

Many employees will have never gone camping before, and not everyone is naturally fit for life outdoors. Don’t expect everyone to show up with the right gear and knowledge for the trip.

You can work to find interest areas for everyone individually but also provide enough training and information beforehand that will help everyone prepare and know what to expect.

One of the most essential things on any camping trip is the food. Make sure there’s more than enough. People need to eat, and they may not expect how much more they need to eat when working outside.

Second to food is physical comfort. Bugs are one of the harshest factors when camping, and you need to know how to deal with bugs to have a good time. This can turn any camping trip completely around.

You may also try scheduling activities for everyone. This way, people aren’t sitting around trying to find things to do and being bored throughout the day. Plan engaging activities and create a playful and diverse environment that has something for everyone.

Do: Provide a Packing List

Again, don’t expect everyone to know what to bring. A packing list before the trip is the best way to ensure people show up with the right equipment, making them capable of enjoying the time rather than being uncomfortable.

A sample packing list would include the following:

Extra clothes – Having extra clothes will help everyone stay warm when the temperature inevitably drops at night.

Rain gear – Hopefully the rain stays away, but rain gear helps everyone stay comfortable even when it doesn’t.

Snacks – Some people are picky about their food, and it’s nice to have special snacks for yourself when sharing food with a group.

Sleeping bag – A comfortable sleeping bag can make all the difference at night.

Sleeping pad – As people age, a more comfortable sleeping pad becomes more important.

Water bottle – Hydration is even more important when camping, so a personal water bottle or hydration pack can help everyone remember to drink plenty of water.

Hydration additions – Many people won’t like the taste of water outside, so extra packets of flavoring with electrolytes can help everyone stay hydrated.

Medications – While everyone should be on top of this, it’s good to include them on the packing list to ensure there aren’t any medical emergencies that could have been easily prevented.

Reading material – For downtime on a camping trip, encourage employees to bring books along rather than trying to check their phones.

Don’t: Schedule Activities That Require Prior Training

A lot of outdoor activities require training before heading out. For example, a hunting trip would require weapons safety training, making it a dangerous activity to have for a group of people without that training.

Scheduling activities that anyone can do will help keep the trip as inclusive as possible. Hiking, fishing, birdwatching, group games, and basic survival courses are all great examples of activities that people without any experience can try out or be easily taught.

The post Why a Camping Trip Can Be the Perfect Company Retreat appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

That’s where nature therapy comes in – by reconnecting with nature, we can reduce stress and improve our overall well-being.

The practice of “forest bathing” in Japan, also known as shin-rin yoku, is often credited as the inspiration for modern nature therapy, but the roots of this approach go back thousands of years.

Nature therapy uses the healing power of nature to improve mental and physical well-being. Activities like hiking and gardening can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while improving mood, concentration, and overall health. Reconnecting with nature provides a break from the stresses of modern life.

What is Nature Therapy For?

The goal of nature therapy is to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving mood, concentration, and overall health.

The benefits of reconnecting with nature are numerous and scientifically proven, and it only takes a few minutes of outdoor time to start feeling the effects. Whether you’re dealing with mental health issues or simply looking for a way to unwind and recharge, nature therapy offers a powerful and natural solution.

Types of Nature Therapy

Over the years, several forms of nature therapy have been developed to target different audiences. A lot of these therapies can be pursued alone, but many benefit from operating in conjunction with the assistance of a mental health professional.

Anyone can enjoy the peaceful elements of nature without needing to seek out a clinic or doctor. It’s important to note that if you’re seeking additional help through nature therapy, it’s always a good idea to contact a professional first. It’s possible to have miseducative experiences and do more harm than good.

Adventure Therapy

Adventure therapy is based on participating in outdoor recreational adventure activities ranging from rock climbing and mountain biking to whitewater rafting or long-distance backpacking.

Many treatment programs will utilize camping as one of their main methods of adventure therapy, providing the opportunity to be outdoors for longer.

If you want to try it out on your own, gather some basic supplies and find a quiet spot. Tents don’t cost a fortune (at least not all of them), and you can make it easier on yourself with an ultralight backpack.

We have a great article with tips and tricks on how to sleep better while camping so that you can get the full benefits from your time in nature.

Adventure therapy is often done with others, both for companionship and safety purposes. This might be a good option for those seeking stronger relationships and who feel happier when they’re with others.

Dark Therapy

Dark nature therapy can refer to a type of nature therapy that takes place outdoors at night, such as stargazing or moonlit walks.

This approach aims to help people connect with nature in a different way and can be particularly helpful for those who may have limited time during the day to spend outdoors or who live in urban areas with a lot of light pollution.

Spending time in nature at night or stargazing can be beneficial for individuals dealing with various mental health challenges. It can be particularly helpful for those experiencing stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

The quiet and peaceful atmosphere of the night can also provide a sense of calmness and help individuals to relax and unwind.

Moreover, exposure to natural darkness at night can help regulate the body’s natural circadian rhythm and improve sleep quality, which can have a positive impact on mental health.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that outdoor activities at night can also pose certain risks, such as tripping or encountering wild animals, so it’s essential to take proper safety precautions.

Conservation Therapy

This approach combines elements of nature therapy and conservation education, and often involves activities such as hiking, wildlife observation, and participation in conservation projects.

The goals of conservation therapy include reducing stress and promoting relaxation, improving mood and self-esteem, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world, and promoting environmental awareness and stewardship.

Research has shown that engaging with nature in this way can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being, as well as lead to greater pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors.

Conservation therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals who feel disconnected from nature or who are struggling with stress or anxiety related to environmental issues. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapy.

Therapeutic Horticulture

Getting your hands dirty can actually make your brain release more serotonin, making you instantly happier. The bacteria found in soil activates your brain cells, just like antidepressant medication.

This is only one of the several reasons why therapeutic horticulture is one of the more popular methods of nature therapy. You get to go outside, plant a garden or flowers, and in the process, make something beautiful. This can be incredibly powerful for naturally creative people who want a place to channel that energy.

Therapeutic Farming

Farming can be an entire process in which you get to create something that gives back in the form of food. You get all the benefits of traditional nature therapy, with the responsibility of caring for and maintaining a farm.

These “care farms” are abundant in Europe and are now making their way toward the United States. As more and more of them pop up, therapeutic farming will continue to grow and help many people feel better through agricultural practices.

How to Get Started With Nature Therapy

Nature therapy can be as simple as setting aside some time to get outside and soak up the sunshine. You can find a local trail to hike with a friend or just sit in your backyard and spend some time in the fresh air.

Find ways to learn more about nature therapy, whether reading up on the topic or going out and looking locally for any practices that may promote it. These are often individual life coaches, mentors, or groups that get out with the goal of healing time in nature.

Not all nature therapy needs to be performed by a clinician, so find a resource you feel comfortable with and try it out.

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Many emergencies like natural disasters or being lost outdoors can cause issues that aren’t handled easily by the social systems and tools or gadgets we often rely upon. In these scenarios, basic survival skills can play an essential role in keeping yourself safe as you weather the storm.

Basic survival skills such as first aid, risk assessment, and outdoor and weapon safety, can all come in handy when you are faced with actual emergencies. All of these skills can provide practical assistance as well as a sense of calm and security, which can be crucial for survival in difficult situations.

What Are “Basic” Survival Skills?

Learning a few basic survival skills can help you feel significantly more confident in an emergency. While it can often seem that you need to be an expert in all of these areas, the basics are what end up being used and relied upon the most.

Starting at the basic, beginner levels of knowledge in these areas will provide a solid foundation to build upon or rely upon in an emergency. These skills are only considered “basic” because of their importance and the need for them in all situations, making them an essential set of skills to have in your arsenal.

First Aid

Debatably one of the most basic skills out there, first aid is also one of the most important. It can make the difference between treating a small wound properly and losing a limb because of infection.

Basic first aid skills include learning proper wound care, CPR, assessment and documentation for first responders, and maintaining patient comfort.

These skills can be acquired through short first aid courses, and you can build upon your skills at home or through more advanced courses. The wilderness first aid (WFA) courses offer skills that help you treat patients with few resources on hand.

You’ll also learn how to prepare an emergency first aid kit that you can have on hand in case of disaster. Keeping yourself informed and prepared can keep you safe in a survival scenario, and basic first aid is a great place to start.

Risk Assessment

In an emergency, you can face a wide array of threats. These range from environmental threats such as storms and wild animals to human threats, disease, or the threat of limited resources. ‘

Regardless of the threat you face, there will always be risks that should be closely assessed and planned for. Risk assessment is a huge part of survival and can be considered one of the best basic skills.

Risk assessment involves identifying, planning for, and avoiding specific threats. This comes in handy when you’re facing any level of risk in a survival scenario, but it also comes into play throughout your day-to-day life.

You can practice risk assessment simply by choosing certain routes to drive to work or making certain choices on a short hike.

Outdoor Safety

Outdoor safety is a survival skill that encompasses a variety of techniques and practices to keep individuals safe and prepared when exploring and enjoying the outdoors. This includes knowledge of weather patterns, first aid skills, navigation skills, campsite selection, food and water safety, and awareness of potential environmental hazards such as wildlife or dangerous terrain.

Outdoor safety skills are important because they can prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses that could become life-threatening in remote areas without immediate access to medical care or emergency services.

By understanding and practicing outdoor safety skills, individuals can make informed decisions about where and how to travel, what gear to bring, and how to respond to emergencies.

Some basic outdoor safety skills include packing appropriate gear, dressing in layers for changing weather conditions, staying hydrated, and avoiding dangerous wildlife. These skills can be learned through courses, practice, and experience, and can help ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Weapon Safety

Weapon safety is an essential survival skill that involves understanding how to safely handle, store, and use firearms, knives, and other weapons.

Whether it’s for hunting, self-defense, or survival situations, improper handling of a weapon can result in serious injury or death.

Weapon safety includes knowledge of firearm mechanics, proper grip and stance, safe loading and unloading procedures, and awareness of the surroundings before and during use. It also involves responsible storage and transportation of weapons to prevent unauthorized access or accidents.

By practicing weapon safety, individuals can protect themselves and others from harm and increase their chances of survival in dangerous situations.

Where Can You Learn Basic Survival Skills?

Online

There are a variety of online resources available to learn basic survival skills, including websites, blogs, and YouTube channels. These can be a great low-cost/free option if you do well on your own and are self-motivated.

Online courses such as those offered by NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) and Udemy also provide comprehensive instruction on topics such as wilderness first aid, navigation, and survival mindset.

Additionally, many survival experts and instructors offer online coaching and consulting services for personalized guidance and support.

Courses

Taking in-person courses is an excellent way to receive hands-on instruction and training in survival skills. Many organizations offer survival courses, such as the Boy Scouts of America, REI, and various wilderness schools.

In-person courses allow for direct interaction with experienced instructors who can provide personalized guidance and feedback. Additionally, they often include practical scenarios and simulations that allow students to apply their skills in a realistic setting.

By taking in-person courses, individuals can gain the confidence and skills necessary to handle unexpected situations and increase their chances of survival in the outdoors.

Bootcamps

If you’re short on time, a boot camp will drill the most information into you in the shortest period. These tend to be a higher cost but can be effective to take on a ton of new learning without much time commitment.

Benefits of Learning Basic Survival Skills

Learning basic survival techniques can provide numerous benefits, including increased confidence and self-reliance in outdoor or emergency situations, potentially life-saving knowledge of first aid, navigation, shelter building, and food and water procurement.

Additionally, learning survival techniques can be a fun and rewarding experience that can lead to personal growth and new hobbies. You can find ways to go out and try nature therapy, longer survival trips, and even create a long-term survival camp that you can revisit.

Finally, it can foster a deeper appreciation of the natural world and promote a sense of environmental responsibility.

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