This heated jacket from Venustas features six graphene heat panels and is powered by a portable battery pack… ideal for staying cozy on cold weather outdoor adventures. How it works The graphene panels (inserted between the fill and lining of the jacket) connect to the battery pack via a cord in the interior pocket. Make sure the battery pack is fully charged before using, then connect it to the cord and zip the pocket shut to secure the battery pack. To turn on the heat panels: Press and hold the buttons on the front of the jacket for 3 seconds. The button light will blink red while preheat ..read more

The Nebo windbreaker is the layer I didn’t know I needed, providing lightweight protection while remaining highly breathable for staying warm while hiking without overheating. No matter the time of year, I often need a light layer to keep from being chilled in the wind. Instead of putting on an insulated jacket to warm up, then need to take it off a few minutes later, the Nebo provides light warmth with breathability so I can keep hiking. Features Wind protection: the Nebo effectively blocks wind to remove wind chill, which is the main feature of a windbreaker layer. Ultralight and packable ..read more

Organize your camping gear and then easily transport it with the Trailgate system of bins and cubes from REI. Whether I’m solo camping in my SUV or glam camping in a large tent, I like to keep my gear well organized so I can easily find what I need. After using multiple plastic bins for several years, I decided to try out these fabric bins and cubes to see if they would work better for me. I have a combination of REI’s Pack-Away system (introduced in 2023), and their Trailgate system (introduced in 2024). Both lines offer the same range of capacities and styles but with a change in colors. Tr ..read more

REI’s Camp Prep Table provides a sturdy base for camp cooking, while the adjustable legs make setting up on uneven terrain a breeze. What I like about the REI Camp Prep Table When I’m camping in my car during the rainy winter months, I need a sturdy table for cooking under a canopy. I want something that will stand up to the elements, provide a stable cooking surface, and not get knocked around easily. The Camp Prep Table features high quality materials, including powder-coated aluminum slats for the table top and steel legs. It creates a super stable base with little movement, and the heat r ..read more

More comfortable than a typical camp chair, the REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer offers flexibility with movement and a shape that cradles your body with hammock-like suspension. Specs dimensions: 35 x 27.2 x 23.6 inches dimensions, packed: 7 x 22 inches seat height: 12.5 inches weight capacity: 300 pounds material: ripstop polyester (bluesign approved) frame construction: aluminum weight: 3 lbs. 7 oz. View at REI What I like about this chair I find that most camp chairs aren’t comfortable due to a rigid structure and a seat height that creates pressure on my legs at the front of the chair. I als ..read more

This camping gear list contains my recommendations for gear that is high quality and built to last as well as making the camping experience more comfortable. When we initially started camping, we bought cheap budget gear – and most of it wasn’t the best quality and didn’t last long. Over time, we’ve replaced almost everything with better products, although a few small items from our first camp kit remain. The setup we currently use prioritizes spending a bit more for comfort – and on durable gear that will last over time. I like to rationalize the cost by comparing it to frequent stays at hot ..read more

The hikes listed here are my favorites on the Oregon Coast, including trails to secluded beaches, through coastal rainforests, to summits with panoramic views. A dramatic landscape where the forest and mountains meet the sea, the Oregon coast is lined with beaches, volcanic headlands and sea stacks, and backed by the Coastal Mountain Range. The general public was forever given free access to the entire 363-mile Oregon coastline in the state’s landmark 1967 Beach Bill. And that access is made easier by Highway 101, which runs parallel to the coastline, at times twisting and turning right next ..read more

Weather conditions can have a big impact on trip plans – sometimes necessitating the need for a backup plan to a different destination. Use these resources to check conditions before heading out. It’s important to know what your preferences are regarding weather conditions when hiking or backpacking. Some people don’t mind rain or cold temps on trips, while others prefer to go when the chance for both is slim. The same goes for unusually hot weather or a chance of thunderstorms. Knowing what to expect can make a trip more enjoyable for all – and keep everyone safe. And while inclement weather ..read more

When you are considering a backpacking destination, you’ll need to know whether permits are required for backcountry camping and how to obtain them. This guide includes info and dates for areas in Oregon and Washington that require advance permits. Types of Permits Permits are required for backcountry camping in many national forest, wilderness and national park locations. Knowing which type of permit is required is a crucial part of the trip planning process. Self-issued permits are the most common type, with registration boxes located at trailheads or at wilderness boundaries on the trail ..read more

Located on the Oregon Coast between the towns of Yachats and Florence, the Carl G. Washburne State Park includes a day use area for beach access and a scenic forested campground. Campground info Location: central Oregon Coast – Google map Campground & park info: Carl G. Washburne State Park; campground map Campsite cost: tent sites – $23 per night; RV sites – $31-33 per night Reservations: reserve online up to 6 months in advance Season: open all year Facilities: 41 full hookup sites; 14 electric & water sites; 7 walk-in tent sites (closed seasonally); hiker/biker c ..read more