Tag Archives: glamping

These solar-powered camping accessories create the perfect glamping experience through their sleek, modern design

Posted on by

For eco-conscious travelers and adventure seekers who want their environmental footprint to be minimal, this collection of mindful camping accessories is the way to go.

Camping is gaining a lot of traction globally. According to surveys, the glamping and camping industry in the US alone is likely to grow up to 2.07 and 4.6 billion by 2026. In such a scenario, designers are toiling with ways to give avid campers various reasonable options to enhance their experience. There has thus been a considerable rise in the camping accessory with sustainable design bent, and the Shinola Camping Accessory Set titled Elves is just an extension of the collective idea.

The camping gear comprises solar-powered independent items that are designed primarily for conscious travelers who want to camp in the wilderness with little or no impact on the environment whatsoever. The highlight of the gear is the smokeless camping fire pit, which is portable, lightweight, and easy to set up. Other accessories comprising the Elves include a coffee brewer, tableware, and hanging lights.

Made with the idea to give your camping a glamping lift – sans environmental impact, the glamorous camping accessories have a sensory appeal and are all powered by clean energy. Yes, everything from the tripod-style fire pit to the drip coffee brewer and the hanging pendant lights to tableware is powered by the sun. The reimagined camping gear is made in a way that it can charge by the day and emit by night providing you an exciting experience out in the wilderness.

The S’more pit comes complete with an area to roast marshmallows, while the hanging lights create an interesting ambiance at the campsite and also light the way in occasional night walks to the loo. Featuring solar panels on the upper curved surface, the tableware diffuses light from within, and the coffee brewer keeps its station lighted while and after your cup of Joe is served. The entire set of accessories is inspired by minimalism, celebration, and environment, and that symbolism is carried beyond the looks.

Designer: Simpo Design

Camping Products designed for millennials to glam up + upgrade their rustic camping adventures!

Posted on by

After a tiring week at work, with the weekend joyfully looming ahead of me, I often find myself fantasizing about a short sweet getaway! Just a few days away from my hectic life, and this hectic world, in a bubble of my own, where all my worries are nowhere to be seen. The pandemic may restrict my actual traveling plans, but it definitely cannot restrict my daydreams about vacations! Jetsetting on a flight may not be a practical option right now, but I do think Camping is a plausible plan. Although camping does have a few downsides too! I mean, you have to get down and dirty, live life on the road and tackle the moodiness of the elements. In such a scenario, having a set of trustworthy and handy camping products can make a world of difference! Having the right products by your side can make your life much easier during those crucial moments. From an indestructible limited-edition survival kit with 72 EDC camping essentials to an ingenious bike that holds a fold-out chair + day bed, we’ve curated some fun and functional camping product designs for you. Enjoy!

With so many people camping nowadays, designers at PDF Haus have conceptualized a minimal camp grill called Shelf, a portable gas grill with folding shelves and a table. Developed in the design language of DHL, PDF Haus aimed to give Shelf a simple box silhouette with a freewheeling attitude, taking inspiration from the color scheme, materials and finishes often chosen by DHL for their vehicles and brand aesthetic. The grill even comes with DHL decals and tags that can be adhered to the metallic grill’s front case that turns into its table extension. While most gas stoves come with a separate carrying case, the Shelf’s entire grill has been turned into one that can be consolidated and carried away. Shaped and carried like a slim briefcase, two metal clasps open and slide out to reveal the Shelf’s grill and supplementary table space.

The limited-edition Searcher Orange Camp Supplies Kit from VSSL features 72 EDC camping essentials that range from a set of navigational tools to a mini first aid kit, so you’ll always be prepared to rough it in the woods. Made from waterproof, military-grade aluminum, the Searcher Orange Camp Supplies Kit stores all the tools and starter kits you need in an indestructible vessel. Consolidated into canisters the size of hockey pucks, the Searcher Orange Camp Supplies Kit comes loaded with more than ten mini survival packs that carry everything from navigational tools to fishing supplies. Portable by design, VSSL’s Supplies Kit comes with a lid that doubles as a Suunto Compass, which is also considered one of the most trusted navigational tools on the market and carries the rest of the supply kits inside.

The Forge 15 grill boasts a fold-out prep table for easy stowing, an easy-to-read temperature gauge, a big steel handle, a removable grease tray, a built-in bottle opener, and a weatherproof cover. While tucked in the vehicle’s tailgate while traveling, the pivoting swingarm moves the grill away from the car for cooking when it’s time to set up camp. The swivel grill can also be detached for tabletop grilling when required. Also, there is a strong maple cutting board to increase the prep surface – and it can be removed to carry meals to the table. Forge has a 355 square inch cooking surface, enough for cooking for 10 people, and you don’t have to carry around bulky propane tanks since it works perfectly fine with 16-oz propane bottles.

Everglow Light Tube by Klymit stands out from the rest of the portable lights for a design that’s both functional and highly useful in a number of situations. Klymit being an outdoor gear company very obviously has tailored this inflatable light for camping and adventure enthusiasts, but I can think of dozen other uses as well! The inflatable function, you can literally expand the light like a balloon, solves two inherent purposes – diffusing the light so that it doesn’t hurt the eyes and spread easily, and the other is of course the portability aspect. A pocketable design that is ideal for any adventure, or even at home for emergency use. The flexibility of the form factor permits it to be used as a hanging LED light – stick it to your base camp ceiling to use as a lantern, or attach like a hanging light to the awning.

This coffee kit has a full range of accessories and looks like it is ready to be air-dropped into a war zone and I just know it will survive with the 29-L Zarges case that protects it. The brewing range comes in a sturdy, custom foam-cushioned lightweight German aluminum box which is popular for overlanding and can be neatly stacked over other similar-sized Zarges boxes or strapped to the outside of a vehicle if needed. It is designed to keep dust and moisture out, and it is also IGBC-certified bear-resistant according to Zarges USA – so no aggressive grizzlies will be stealing your coffee although, before coffee, some of us might be like angry bears ourselves! The kit includes a large 32-oz (946-ml) BruTrek French press with a more group-friendly option featuring a handle and a spout.

A gas stove designed with motifs of a cart has been conceptualized by a Seoul-based designer to that accord. Dubbed “HAUL”, the minimalist gas stove is perceived in an inviting color combination, has a brilliant overall design, which relies on the convenience of portability and eliminates the metal mesh from the heating surface. The highlight of the HAUL, as the designer mentions is its neat design. The stove is redesigned sans “protruding wire mesh,” which is a disadvantage with conventional gas stoves. In addition, the compact heater is designed to be lightweight and has an integrated stable stand and a carry handle. The interesting red and white gas stove has a rotating knob on the top for temperature control and ignites the stove or turns it off when not required.

Meet the Wooly Eco-Friendly Cooler, an outdoor cooler that uses eco-friendly wool (as opposed to chemical insulants) to keep your cool drinks cool… and as an added bonus, it comes with a lid that doubles up as a charcuterie board so you can pair your wine with a few cold cuts of meat and some eclectic cheeses, or your beers with some chips and dip and a couple of cocktail nuts too! The Wooly is touted to be one of the only recyclable coolers available today, made from an outer casing of aluminum and stainless steel instead of plastic. It’s also the first consumer-grade cooler to use wool as an insulating material, instead of synthetic foam.

Taking the design language of Volkswagen and applying it to his own interpretation of the camper, design studio Ozan Kayicki visualized the Volkswagen Joy Camper. Ozan Kayicki designed the Joy Camper to be the quintessential camping vehicle for all future trips. Rendered in either pine green or multi-patterned collage, Joy Camper is like the cube-shaped cousin to the VW Bus. The camper’s glossy painted exterior opens up to the van’s mostly wooden interior– a nod to the 1960s era of infinite wood panels. Each internal component is lined in wood, except for the driver’s seat, sink, and countertop, offering warmth in compliment to the van’s cool exterior. In addition to the van’s expansive, glazing windows that line the sides of Joy Camper, a pop-top roof raises the van’s headroom and allows additional sunlight to pour in through the roof’s skylights. Then, an additional extension protrudes from one side of the cabin, appearing as washing or changing areas for guests.

Built to be compatible with the new Bluetooth 5.2 standard, Beosound Explore’s 2,400 mAh battery offers a lot of playback with power efficiency in mind, receiving audio from external devices at lightning speed. In addition to its impressively long-lasting battery life, the Beosound Explore speaker was built to be weatherproof, further enhancing its durability and shelflife. Coated in a dust and waterproof shell, the Beosound Explore can be taken anywhere, including underwater. Finished with an IP67 water resistance level, Beosound Explore is entirely protected against immersion for up to one meter for thirty minutes and can be tossed around on sandy beaches, ensuring the grains won’t affect the speaker’s quality or shelf life.

The Cercle’s frame is designed to perform everything from sitting, cooking, working, resting, or even sleeping. So, this two-wheeled paradise is all you need to be classified as a crazy 21st-century nomad who’s leaving virtually no carbon footprint during their solo exploration. If you notice closely, the circular frame of the bicycle holds the foldable day bed stands in the middle. The frame can be oriented for multiple functionalities – for example, for sleeping in the nighttime or as a chair for a comfortable working position or lounger in a picturesque location. Consequently, when it is time to hit the road, the lounge stand folds up to become a part of the bicycle frame for hassle-free pedaling. Best of all, you can pitch a one-person tent around the bicycle frame for protection against the elements and nighttime cold weather.

This prefab glamping cabin can be flat-packed to provide a cozy oasis when trekking in extreme weather!

Posted on by



If you are ever lost while trekking in harsh weather in Iceland, then you should pray and hope to find refuge in a glamping oasis like the Skyli Trekking Cabin. Skyli means “shelter” in Icelandic and it can provide shelter to 15 mountaineers at a time. The angular structure features four gabled roofs and resembles a tent but is actually clas in a steel facade to protect you from the weather. The bright blue color makes it easily visible in the rugged landscape while also paying homage to the architecture of the country’s capital. The designers imagine all components being pre-fabricated so that they could be transported flat, winched underneath a helicopter, and constructed in situ – a process Utopia Arkitekter estimates would take between two and three days.

Swedish firm Utopia Arkitekter employed a team of innovative architects that worked with sustainable materials in their buildings. “Skýli is designed for pristine environments where sustainable development is of the highest importance. Materials need to be eco-conscious, while also resistant to extreme weather,” explained Mattias Litström, founder and creative director of Utopia Arkitekter.

The interior is lined with cross-laminated timber and features enough fold-out beds for up to 15 people, water, power, and even emergency supplies. Beneath each peak, large triangular windows take advantage of the surrounding scenery. Its prefabricated design allows for materials to be easily transported by helicopter. Once they’re delivered, the assembly can be completed in as little as a couple of days.

These pitched roofs give the building a tent-like shape. The shape also resembles traditional Icelandic huts, whilst the bright blue is a nod to the colorful architecture of Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. The Skýli trekking cabin features sharp pyramidal shapes, a strong, durable, and stable structure with several practical details. The triangular gables resemble a classic tent, the most basic shelter used by trekkers worldwide.

GreenCoat color-coated steel will be used in the roof because it is currently the most sustainable color-coated steel product on the market, using Swedish rapeseed oil in the coating instead of fossil-based oils. Since Skýli will be built in the mountains or in harsh, cold-weather environments, choosing materials for extreme weather is another important factor. Here, GreenCoat® steel products fulfill the highest demands.

They deliver extreme durability, resistance to corrosion, and long color retention. Furthermore, they provide building specifiers with a significantly lighter material compared to alternative solutions and have a low-temperature elongation to guarantee a clean look without buckling or deformation, for years to come.

In the gap between the steel exterior and the wooden internal walls, the designers have included a space for visitors to wring out wet or muddy clothes, as well as room for a composting toilet. Rainwater running down the sloping roof could be collected in self-draining tanks in the outer shell, providing the cabin with water that could be used for washing, or purified for cooking and drinking.

Solar panels and a battery offer enough power to charge devices and light the interior in good weather. A hand-crank generator would provide a backup on darker days, but would also double as an emergency beacon if occupants needed to call for help. In the case of an emergency, the cabin would be kitted out with basic medical supplies and a stash of food rations, stored under the benches in the dining area.

Both the inner shell and the furniture – designed to fold flat for ease of transportation – would be made from cross-laminated timber (CLT), a high-strength engineered wood. Combined with the lightweight steel shell, it would make the cabin easy to maneuver into position. The CLT and steel would also provide insulation, along with the triple-glazed windows.

A series of plinths would lift the structure off the ground, providing it with a flat and stable base, whilst minimising its impact on the natural terrain. The brilliant blue Skýli color of the roof, which will be made from GreenCoat® color coated steel, from SSAB, represents the Nordic light and ensures that Skýli is visible in the Nordic landscape. It will make the cabin easy to find, while at the same time creating a strong symbol for shelter and safety.

Designer: Utopia Arkitekter

Camping-friendly kitchen appliances to effortlessly channel your inner chef on your Glamping trips!

Posted on by

I, honestly love a good old camping trip! Relaxing in the midst of nature, in a sweet bubble of my own, away from the hectic city life – sounds like heaven to me! Although, one thing that always worries me before any camping getaway is the meals! I’m a food lover through and through, and having warm and freshly prepared (and tasty) meals at all times is a must for me. A good meal isn’t always guaranteed though when you’re getting down and dirty in the outdoors, but we can always try our best! Hence, we’ve curated a collection of portable and functional kitchen appliances that will help you prepare delicious meals even when you’re surrounded by nothing but the wilderness! From a DHL-inspired briefcase-sized portable camping stove to an off-road trailer with a sliding kitchen – we’ve collected a whole range of super cool and helpful outdoor cooking appliances that will deliver great food to you without fail.

Developed in the design language of DHL, PDF Haus aimed to give Shelf a simple box silhouette with a freewheeling attitude, taking inspiration from the color scheme, materials and finishes often chosen by DHL for their vehicles and brand aesthetic. The grill even comes with DHL decals and tags that can be adhered to the metallic grill’s front case that turns into its table extension. While most gas stoves come with a separate carrying case, Shelf’s entire grill has been turned into one that can be consolidated and carried away. Shaped and carried like a slim briefcase, two metal clasps open and slide out to reveal the Shelf’s grill and supplementary table space. Just beneath the grill, Shelf includes two retractable shelves that create more space for whoever’s cooking to place their spices, utensils, or tools. Blooming from Shelf’s underside like an awning, the shelves, and the sliding tables nearly double Shelf’s overall area.

This coffee kit has a full range of accessories and looks like it is ready to be air-dropped into a war zone and I just know it will survive with the 29-L Zarges case that protects it. The brewing range comes in a sturdy, custom foam-cushioned lightweight German aluminum box which is popular for overlanding and can be neatly stacked over other similar-sized Zarges boxes or strapped to the outside of a vehicle if needed. It is designed to keep dust and moisture out, and it is also IGBC-certified bear-resistant according to Zarges USA – so no aggressive grizzlies will be stealing your coffee although, before coffee, some of us might be like angry bears ourselves! The kit includes a large 32-oz (946-ml) BruTrek French press with a more group-friendly option featuring a handle and a spout.

Pyro Camp Fire is a portable fire pit constructed chiefly of American steel. It is provided with a grill/griddle extension for enthusiasts who want to create an inviting ambiance by burning wood or charcoal in a safe and clean manner. And when the stomach calls, the top extension can be swapped and you are good to prepare a meal or heat up the precook food on you. Designed by a team of camping and overloading enthusiasts themselves, this portable fire pit has an 18-inch long and 14-inch wide combustion chamber, while the contraption measure 9-inch tall. The entire pit weighs only 14.5 pounds making it appropriate to carry on every camping trail you’re headed for. The standout here is its side-loading system that lets you easily add wood without having to remove the top fire screen or grill.

Anthropologie’s Reusable Travel Flatware makes it easy to have all your cutlery together with you wherever you travel. With a neat nesting design, the three-piece set becomes a singular bundle that slides right into your travel bag or backpack, making it easy to carry on that camping trip, or even to work where you can bust it out during your lunch break. Made from 100% recyclable and sustainable polyamide thermoplastic that’s manufactured using renewable resources, the Reusable Travel Flatware champions convenience over everything else. Their clever design makes them easy to carry around as a set, and unlike other travel cutlery, they don’t compromise on shape/size/comfort to be portable.

Lee’s induction dual stovetop was constructed to make those tiring, family trips a little bit more relaxing and easygoing because that’s what camping’s all about if you’re doing it right. Eating is a necessary part of any family trip and cooking for the whole family can sometimes take up that prime golden hour time that should be spent fireside. The design for the induction dual stovetop provides two induction surfaces suited for various kinds of cookware and less time spent actually cooking. Since the family was at the center of this design, Lee incorporated a safety sensor that must alert users of surfaces that might be too hot to touch and an intuitive interface that younger folks can understand just as well as the adults. For instance, a sliding temperature control touch bar allows users to increase or decrease the temperature for either induction surface.

wg_grill_11

wg_grill_12

Designed to be the most robust as well as the most accommodating portable grill in the world, the WG Grill doesn’t just fit in the back of your car, it can literally fit in your backpack… and when opened out, can rest atop any type of fire (with its 3 height settings), while even withstanding a good deal of weight, so you can have anything from steaks to cast-iron skillets on it without breaking a sweat. Made from reinforced stainless steel, the designers behind the grill spent close to 18 months making the grill look as sleek and as strong as it is. The base is a folding frame that can open or close completely, to be held in place by the grilling surface, which has 3 height settings built into it. The grill can therefore be used over fires big and small and has a load-bearing capacity of up to 16kgs (that’s roughly 300 hot dogs!)

FullWindsor

The Muncher by Full Windsor, however, isn’t a multi-tool. It’s a multi-utensil. Built for the slightly sophisticated Bear Grylls in you, this little piece of metal fits all the tools you need to survive in the wild. Weighing in at a mere 0.7 ounces (20grams) this bad-boy fits in 10 different pieces of camping equipment into one slick, pocketable mass. The Muncher’s design looks a lot like a spork, but that’s just from afar. On closer inspection you’ll see that apart from being a spoon/fork amalgamation it even cuts, peels, slices, opens, fastens/loosens, and even ignites! Yes, the Muncher comes with a pretty handy flint-stick that allows you to not just start the fire, but even open the tinned food, and eat said food once you’re done cooking.

The Bushcamp Offroad Trailer is a capable camper that would allow you to set up camp instantly, prepare a light meal, and let you sleep in a comfortable, insulated cocoon while you’re spending some precious time in the outdoors. Want to prepare a quick yet gourmet meal before you retire for the day? Slide the kitchen out to reveal an efficient setup and cook and cool your drinks while you’re at it. It’s an on-the-go kitchen for all your camping adventures!

cookout_01

cookout_02

Cookout rethinks outdoor cooking by taking inspiration from the age-old kerosene stove. However, it’s much easier to use, maintain and carry compared to traditional kerosene stoves. Simplified into 5 primary components, it can be disassembled and reassembled in seconds to clean or pack. Better yet, two interchangeable surfaces make it possible to switch between cooking styles in a cinch. Grill with the ribbed metal surface, then swap it out for the pot supporter to boil water or heat soup and other items!

With GoSun’s portable brewer, you can make an incredible cup of coffee or tea, from start to finish, in an all-in-one cup anywhere, anytime – nothing can stop you! The power comes from a 130W Heater and an integrated French press which have been fused into a doubled insulated mug that will not only brew your drink but will keep your drink hot for hours. So if you are like me and avoid camping because you turn into a bear without your caffeine fix, GoSun has got you.

Camping tents that meet all your modern millennial Glamping needs: Part 2

Posted on by

As children, we loved camping simply for the fact that we had sleepovers in tents, and ate an unlimited amount of roasted s’mores! However, as we grew older, camping began to hold a different meaning. It was an opportunity to simply get away, relax, and re-connect with nature! A chance to leave behind our urban woes, and enjoy the simplicity of the outdoors. Although, camping has now received a massive makeover and a new ferocious nickname – Glamping! Glamping is the new, improved and dazzling version of camping.  Luxurious tents, glamping cabins, glamping trailers, and innovative campsites are all a result of the Glamping movement. So, we’ve curated a collection of super comfy, cozy, and advanced camping options that’ll have you itching to make your next getaway a Glamping one!

You can find these unique tents in the Borgloon forest in Belgium if you are looking for a safer alternative to the usual touristy destinations post the pandemic. In fact, it has gained attention only now when people are looking to camp outdoors because it is safer, won’t require you to fly, budget-friendly and avoids crowds. Designed by the Dutch artist Dre Wapenaar, these ‘Tranendreef’ tree tents blend architecture and sculpture into one functional structure. The tent is suspended above the ground and basically hangs on the tree like fruit. The guests use a ladder to get inside/outside. It can host two adults and two small children. Originally installed as part of a public art project called ‘Pit’ (hence the avocado shape we assume) organized by Z33, it brought art into the public space of Borgloon. The designer also created ‘field furniture’ – seating, washing, toilet, and BBQ units to complete the camping site with the tents.

If you always wanted to hook a hardcore off-roading trailer to match your Jeep’s capability to conquer tough terrain, then the Switchback trailer by Off Grid Trailers is a god-sent blessing. Perfectly tailored for people who are a bit skeptical about going for an off-roading trip to the Rocky Mountains with a trailer towing at the rear, this hardcore trailer won’t let you have any semblance of even the slightest doubt. If your Jeep can conquer that stretch of a rocky patch (not meant for your average vehicle), then this trailer will have you covered. The lightweight, compact-sized construction of the Switchback makes it one of the best options for blokes who only get the adrenaline rush when their 4×4’s independent suspension is stretched to the limit.

The AERIAL A1 is a fusion of the best aspects of three separate products. It combines the safety and sheltering of a tent, with the comfort and carefree nature of a hammock and the tautness/springy-ness of slacklines. Designed by industrial designers with a true passion for the outdoors, the AERIAL A1 quite literally elevates the idea of camping. Rather than pitching tents in the ground, this one straps itself to trees (or even cars), taking your camping experience up a notch. Climb into the AERIAL A1 and you literally feel like you’re sleeping on clouds. The tent’s slackline structure requires you to stretch the base out so it’s virtually flat (unlike a hammock, which naturally takes a curve)… this effectively gives the AERIAL A1’s tent-bed its ‘spring’, making it feel like a cross between a hammock and a waterbed. The AERIAL A1 can easily be mounted over rocks, roots, or even a river.

Camping and caravanning have always been about getting down to the bare necessities of life, living life on the road and at the mercy of the elements. However, New Zealand-based design and architecture firm W2 has decided to help amp up the experience! Their revolutionary trailer design, ‘Romotow’, the name an amalgamation of ‘room to move’ contains all the usual RV features but with an innovative 90-degree twist. With the press of a simple electric button, it swivels open, rotating at 90 degrees, to reveal an open synthetic teak deck. With this, it increases the living space by 70 percent, and the area can also be used as a party deck! Measuring 30 feet by 8.5 feet and offering 290 square feet of living space (the same as a lot of tiny apartments these days), the caravan comes along with a living area, bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom, all with stylish fixtures and spacious interiors.

Designed especially to bring people closer to the great outdoors, Bivvi is a modular and transportable A-frame cabin that can either be attached to your car for road trips or to a chosen foundation for permanent placement. The creators at Bivvi make up a team of travelers and adventure-seekers– they built Bivvi so that we can be too. They set out to build Bivvi after noticing the inherently immobile and expensive nature of cabins and other modes of residence for travelers already on the market. Taking on mobility as their main source of inspiration, each Bivvi Cabin can be attached to a trailer hitch and tow so that they can be transported anywhere. The team behind Bivvi even outfit their A-frame cabins with off-grid capabilities including three 600W AC outlets and a 100W solar panel, so they really do mean anywhere.

The advent of recreational vehicles has brought a new dimension to the old-school camping setup. Such camper trailers literally bring the comfort, convenience, and luxury of your cozy home to the wheels – and every new design amazes me. The Bailey Discovery D4-2 Camper Trailer is one such creation, tailored for adventure enthusiasts who can’t help but satiate their wanderlust – exploring the untrodden trails. The USP of this camper trailer is its inflatable awning which creates almost double the private space you need for your escapades under the star-studded nights. On the inside, D4-2 is equipped with all the amenities and a fully furnished interior. Enough to suffice the needs of a couple on their long road trip – with the odd guest coming along the way for a couple of days. The big windows on all sides and the skylight fills the interiors with enough sunlight for a calming feel.

Nissan NV350 Caravan Office Pod Concept is your ticket to freedom when it comes to working productively after witnessing the most mesmerizing sunset from your favorite picturesque location on the outskirts of the city or maybe even on an adventure trip. The mobile office pod housed inside the back of the van is something you’ll be so desperate to jump right into. In ways, it can rival the most jaw-dropping work-from-home setups without a semblance of doubt. The smartphone-controlled office pulls out from the back of the van out in the open and is for sure a dope for people who love working amidst natural settings.

Land Rover Defender with its robust chassis and solid front and rear axles is an iconic vehicle for off-roading, overlanding, and basically unleashing your ride into the wilderness! One thing that can really propel its image as an ultimate off-roader is the ability to take it camping without having to haul anything behind. Felix Collier thinks that’s a brilliant idea – he has therefore gone forward and built his Land Rover Defender as a camper for where the road may take him – highlight being a pop-up canvas roof that creates more headroom in the cabin. Felix loves exploring and driving into the wilderness away from the crowds and mainstream routes, which is ideally why he has ventured out to build this Defender camper with plush interiors and basic amenities. Speaking of which, the rear cabin is neatly done in wood including the worktop made with the expensive sequoia wood.

tentsile_flite_1

tentsile_flite_2

The Flite+ by Tentsile straps to trees, giving you airborne accommodation in the outdoors! While most tents become really messy ordeals when the floor is wet, cold, hard, or infested, the Tentsile Flite+ has no problem, because it straps to three trees, creating a hammock + home that suspends above the ground. The Flite+ has a triangular schematic covering an area of 40sq.ft., allowing it to form two living spaces with enough storage for some gear as well. It takes all of 10 minutes to set up and comes equipped with an insect mesh top that gives you a view of your surroundings without letting the critters get to you. It also comes with an additional tarp sleeve you can slide on top for when it gets too sunny, or begins raining.

 Meet Aeri, an inflatable canopy that you can carry anywhere inside a backpack, and inflate in 3 minutes with the press of just one single button. Aeri helps you effortlessly set up a canopy or an outdoor shelter in an instant. Designed to be used for recreational outdoor use, Aeri can easily be carried to the beach, campsites, the park, or even your backyard. It uses a four-pillar arch design that provides the perfect shelter against sun, wind, and rain, and its entirely inflatable design runs on a rechargeable air pump that can be operated independently by a single person with zero assistance. The patent-pending inflatable shelter fits into a moderately sized backpack, and when unfolded, can comfortably provide a 10ft x 10ft shelter to an entire family or a group of 5-6 people.

For more such cool and comfortable camping tents, check out Part 1 of this post!

This tiny cabin looks like a minion-inspired hobbit pod for an outdoorsy glamping getaway!

Posted on by

It’s no secret that glamping is the best of both worlds. Nestled away in the dense forest, amidst tall redwoods and animals’ homes, your hotel room awaits. Glamping brings the joys of camping and makes it palatable for those who’d rather sleep on a plush mattress than a centimeter-thick sleeping pad– I would too. Perched somewhere in the rolling hills of Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, a tiny cabin dubbed ‘The Willow’ accommodates glampers and travelers alike inside a zany retreat that looks a lot like escape pods from old sci-fi flicks.

With two rounded roofs, The Willow’s bulbous frame stands out against the sprawling green lawn where it’s situated. From the outside, The Willow appears like something straight from a science fiction cartoon, immediately drawing in its guests with its whimsical shape. Placed right in front of the tiny cabin’s wooden deck, two circular windows punctuate The Willow’s front-facing facade and provide unobstructed views of Pembroke’s countryside. Following the larger window inside the tiny cabin, guests are greeted with an open-floor studio layout, featuring a full living area with a television and sofa, a full-sized kitchen and dining area, along with a private bedroom, additional sleeping areas, and bathroom.

While The Willow might look as tiny as glamping pods come, the unit allows room for up four guests. While the main bedroom can sleep two people, two additional single sleeping pods are built into The Willow’s frame, providing more room for two more glampers. Resembling the form of what could be a futuristic, sci-fi escape pod, The Willow offers a means for guests to get away from their busy lifestyles for a moment in the countryside of Wales.

Designer: Sky Meadow Glamping

Modest in size, The Willow features a spacious deck with enough room for patio dinners and a hot tub attachment.

Inside, The Willow features an open-floor layout with optic white dining themes and complementing natural wood accents that open up the small space.

Come dark, warm patio lights turn The Willow into a night lantern and highlight the eave’s paneled exterior.

The Willow accommodates up to four people during each stay, sleeping up to two people in the master bedroom.

Cozy sleeping pods built into The Willow’s walls can further fit two more sleepers.

Perched atop Pembroke’s rolling countryside, The Willow offers an escape to nature with all the conveniences of a hotel.

Stars dot the night sky, under which guests of The Willow can enjoy a night in the hot tub.

Camping products designed to glam up your rustic millennial camping adventure!

Posted on by

After a tiring week at work, with the weekend joyfully looming ahead of me, I often find myself fantasizing about a short sweet getaway! Just a few days away from my hectic life, and this hectic world, in a bubble of my own, where all my worries are nowhere to be seen. The pandemic may restrict my actual traveling plans, but it definitely cannot restrict my daydreams about vacations! Jetsetting on a flight may not be a practical option right now, but I do think Camping is a plausible plan! Although camping does have a few downsides too! I mean, you have to get down and dirty, live life on the road, and tackle the moodiness of the elements. In such a scenario, having a set of trustworthy and handy camping products can make a world of difference! Having the right products by your side can make your life much easier during those crucial moments. From an avocado-shaped tent to a portable bbq grill that folds into a suitcase, we’ve curated some fun and functional camping product designs for you! Enjoy.

You can find these unique tents in the Borgloon forest in Belgium if you are looking for a safer alternative to the usual touristy destinations post the pandemic. In fact, it has gained attention only now when people are looking to camp outdoors because it is safer, won’t require you to fly, budget-friendly and avoids the crowds. Designed by the Dutch artist Dre Wapenaar, these ‘Tranendreef’ tree tents blend architecture and sculpture into one functional structure. The tent is suspended above the ground and basically hangs on the tree like fruit. The guests use a ladder to get inside/outside. It can host two adults and two small children. Originally installed as part of a public art project called ‘Pit’ (hence the avocado shape we assume) organized by Z33, it brought art into the public space of Borgloon.

The Z-Triton Electric Houseboat was created as a vehicle that could serve as an alternative to the traditional camper. It is comfortable enough to house two adults for a weekend getaway and the choice of land or water is up to the travelers. The amphibious nature of the modern camper fits into the flexible lifestyle we lead today, especially since air travel is not on the cards anytime soon it is opening up a lot of avenues for local trips in less popular/offbeat locations. The durable houseboat measures 3.6 meters in length, 1.2 meters in width, and 1.55 meters in height.





The Nomad Grill and smoker doesn’t come with any smart buttons or functionality but the intuitive industrial design makes it better than any smart options out there. It’s ultra-portable, has a cool modern design, and packs down to the size of a small briefcase. To make sure the heat stays inside and not radiate to the outside of the unibody case measuring 2×2 feet, it is crafted from anodized aluminum. The inside cooking area gives you 212 square inches of space for smoking or you can opt to double the space with open-grill mode. That’ll give you enough cooking area to barbeque steaks, ribs, or burgers – or even two racks of ribs or 30 burger patties.

Modern lifestyle has created a new genre of digital nomads – people who love the outdoors while balancing their work/ tech life. After all, while we crave a digital detox, we can’t really completely cut off from our smartphones. How can the humble trailer designs be adapted to meet their new-age camping needs while maintaining that sacred indoor-outdoor balance? The answer to that is the “NoMad” – a light and resistant vehicle that is presented as a fusion between a traditional tent and a futuristic-looking van designed by the ABIBOO Studio. Each NoMad creates this balance by designing 3 unique compartments – a wet area that holds the kitchen and bathroom, a living room/guest room/workroom, and thirdly a master bedroom that separates from to living room to help you disconnect at the end of the day. The layout of the trailer holds the wet area at the center of the design, automatically creating a barrier/ separation between the living room and the bedroom. Given the space constraints, every bit in the vehicle design holds storage space and hidden seating space. Smart use of terraces means we can leverage the outside space once the trailer is settled in.

The TACTICA M.020 Camping Tool Card is the novelty you want to always have in your wallet for the multitude of uses it brings to the fore. Ideal for adventure seekers who want to carry as little gear as possible, the multitool has a surprisingly great combo of minimal size (about that of a credit card) and more than 15 functions that come really handy for people who hike, camp, or go for an unexpected adventure quite often. TACTICA M.020 is made from a single piece of super-tough Grade-5 titanium or 420 stainless steel (depending on the one you choose). Well suited for any tasks at home or in the outdoors this tool includes functions like – a sundial, screwdriver, rope tensioner with finger pulls, saw blade for cutting, pry bar, metric ruler for measuring, fire starter courtesy the removable ferrocerium striker rod, tent peg puller for camping in a jiffy, can opener for home use, and bottle opener for times when you desperately need one!

For the good of every camper, Pyro Camp Fire and Grill presents a portable alternative to setting up the fire under the night sky and grill to prepare a sumptuous meal in the wilderness. Pyro Camp Fire is a portable fire pit constructed chiefly of American steel. It is provided with a grill/griddle extension for enthusiasts who want to create an inviting ambiance by burning wood or charcoal in a safe and clean manner. And when the stomach calls, the top extension can be swapped and you are good to prepare a meal or heat up the precook food on you. Designed by a team of camping and overloading enthusiasts themselves, this portable fire pit has an 18-inch long and 14-inch wide combustion chamber, while the contraption measure 9-inch tall.

Thomas Hoffman, a design student at the University of Colorado, managed to work at EarthRoamer (famous overland camper builder) as part of his senior design project after graduation. This polished his overlander skills, and he finally had the confidence to create something of his own – in the process, creating a teardrop trailer startup that now can be deemed as the best camper trailer out there money can buy. The NS-1 (Nomadic Systems 1) was in the works ever since his design project at the university, and once Hoffman was confident about his skills, the project finally saw fruition. This all-electric rugged camper runs solely on solar power with the ability to power the onboard electronics and appliances, including cabin heater, kitchen, lights, and more.

The Muzen Wild Mini Rugged Outdoor Speaker lets you listen to music anywhere! Portable and compact, it’s perfect to carry on all your camping and outdoor adventures. Equipped with a built-in outdoor flashlight that comes in three modes – high, low, and SOS, the speaker can light up those dark areas you encounter while camping. Boasting a six-hour battery life, the speaker is durable and water-resistant as well, so you can carry it to the beach without fear of spoiling it. Listening to your favorite tunes, without damaging the speaker playing it, is now possible with Muzen’s Outdoor Speaker!

The BioLite Headlamp 750 is a wearable light that helps you see in the dark without having to hold a torch in your hand! Perfect for camping and other outdoor adventures, you can wrap the lamp around your head and make use of its eight lighting modes. You can adjust the settings and the brightness according to your need and the need of the environment. The headlamp’s 3D SlimFit construction ensures it stays tightly fitted on your head, so you can carry out your tasks without the fear of it slipping off!

Lee’s induction dual stovetop was constructed to make those tiring, family trips a little bit more relaxing and easygoing because that’s what camping’s all about if you’re doing it right. Eating is a necessary part of any family trip and cooking for the whole family can sometimes take up that prime golden hour time that should be spent fireside. The design for the induction dual stovetop provides two induction surfaces suited for various kinds of cookware and less time spent actually cooking. Since the family was at the center of this design, Lee incorporated a safety sensor that must alert users of surfaces that might be too hot to touch and an intuitive interface that younger folks can understand just as well as the adults.

Camping product designs that convert your camping life to glamping: Part 3

Posted on by

If you feel like taking a break from your hectic everyday life and simply want to relax and rewind, while steering away from crowded holiday destinations (which aren’t a wise choice during a pandemic), a good option to consider is Camping! Not a soul in sight for miles, only you and the great outdoors. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature, breathe in some fresh air, and let go of all your worries. As appealing as it sounds, camping does have a few downsides too! I mean, you have to get down and dirty, live life on the road and tackle the moodiness of the elements. In such a scenario, having a set of trustworthy and handy camping products can make a world of difference! Having the right products by your side can make your life much easier during those crucial moments. From a revolving trailer that rotates at 90 degrees to a water-activated cell that gives you instant power, we’ve curated a collection of super functional and useful designs that’ll transform your camping experience into a glamping one!





Camping and caravanning have always been about getting down to the bare necessities of life, living life on the road and at the mercy of the elements. However, New Zealand-based design and architecture firm W2 has decided to help amp up the experience! Their revolutionary trailer design, ‘Romotow’, the name an amalgamation of ‘room to move’ contains all the usual RV features but with an innovative 90-degree twist. With the press of a simple electric button, it swivels open, rotating at 90 degrees, to reveal an open synthetic teak deck. With this, it increases the living space by 70 percent, and the area can also be used as a party deck! Measuring 30 feet by 8.5 feet and offering 290 square feet of living space (the same as a lot of tiny apartments these days), the caravan comes along with a living area, bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom, all with stylish fixtures and spacious interiors.

You can find these unique tents in the Borgloon forest in Belgium if you are looking for a safer alternative to the usual touristy destinations post the pandemic. In fact, it has gained attention only now when people are looking to camp outdoors because it is safer, won’t require you to fly, budget-friendly and avoids the crowds. Designed by the Dutch artist Dre Wapenaar, these ‘Tranendreef’ tree tents blend architecture and sculpture into one functional structure. The tent is suspended above the ground and basically hangs on the tree like fruit. The guests use a ladder to get inside/outside. It can host two adults and two small children. Originally installed as part of a public art project called ‘Pit’ (hence the avocado shape we assume) organized by Z33, it brought art into the public space of Borgloon. The designer also created ‘field furniture’ – seating, washing, toilet, and BBQ units to complete the camping site with the tents.

A portable light source is essential for every hiker or camper, especially during those dark hours. It can be a valuable protector, revealing dangerous/poisonous critters on the ground, or sending an SOS signal if you are injured. The designers behind this product seemed to understand this importance. The Solarpill is a pendant-sized solar-powered lighting device that can attach to your body or almost any surface in the wild. How? The white half of the pill has a hole where you can thread a rope through to make a keychain or necklace. That part is also a cap, that when removed, reveals a needle-like stake that can be embedded into trees or soft rocks along your path. Igneous isn’t it? This ability to poke the light into any surface comes especially handy when we need to work hands-free, be it to cut some rope or while relieving ourselves while outdoors.

HydraCell was designed to give you instant power if you were outdoors or had an emergency. Hydralight’s water-activated fuel cell can charge your devices and provide light for days – a must-have for campers. It is also eco-friendly, all the waste generated from creating the HydraCell is 100% biodegradable and doesn’t add to toxic landfill waste like most flashlights. When you need power during a storm or outdoors we use batteries but are they really reliable? More often than not, batteries are dead, or faulty they haven’t been used, and while you can recharge some during a power cut that is not an option. HydraCell fills this negative gap that batteries have with positive innovation. It can provide up to 100 hours of light and charge up to 10 phones with a single charge plate.

Cybertruck enthusiast, Joe, has designed this futuristic camper that was discovered on a fan website. The renders are similar to that of Tesla’s bulletproof camper configuration but the difference lies in the number of jokes that Joe endured vs Elon Musk. The Cyber Camper’s monoplane design extends into a canopy on the rear side of the vehicle. It comes in a smaller solo option and a slightly larger duo option which is based on the sleeping quarters secured in its angular shell. The duo version provides extra cabin space with its wider frame and also has more windows on both the front and back. While both vehicles share an almost identical base frame, the Cyber Camper is looking to add more value to the user’s experience. “These renders need work but I want something in the vault so there is no need to tow and it can travel almost anywhere. A camper style like this by Tesla or third-party companies would be amazing,” says the designer.

FullWindsor

The Muncher by Full Windsor, however isn’t a multi-tool. It’s a multi-utensil. Built for the slightly sophisticated Bear Grylls in you, this little piece of metal fits all the tools you need to survive in the wild. Weighing in at a mere 0.7 ounces (20grams) this bad-boy fits in 10 different pieces of camping equipment into one slick, pocketable mass. The Muncher’s design looks a lot like a spork, but that’s just from afar. On closer inspection you’ll see that apart from being a spoon/fork amalgamation it even cuts, peels, slices, opens, fastens/loosens, and even ignites! Yes, the Muncher comes with a pretty handy flint-stick that allows you to not just start the fire, but even open the tinned food, and eat said food once you’re done cooking. The Muncher comes crafted in titanium, probably the most appropriate material for something of its nature. Titanium, for one, with its incredible strength makes great blades that don’t lose their edge easily.

This concept off-roading vehicle inspired by the iconic Land Rover Series I proves that alright, with its flexible design that’s tailored for people who believe in minimalism while en route their next escapade. The brain-child of transportation designer Edwin Senger from Ulm, Germany, the travel off-roader has a very clever and simple approach – using the available space smartly. Edwin calls it the ‘Land Rover Back Packer’ with the inherent vision of luring young adventure seekers to have reason enough to explore the outdoors even more. The 4×4 open-air electric vehicle is your safe haven to sleep under the starry sky, cook meals on an extended adventure trip, or pitch a mobile tent to have some quality time with your pal. When things get a little rough with the climate, the two-seater vehicle can also be fitted with the weather protection kit. In essence, it is an all-terrain vehicle for every climatic condition or geographical region. The buggy-like off-roader comes with a flexible solar sail for harnessing the sun’s energy to power the onboard electric battery and providing shade in the scorching heat. Finally, when the night hits the terrain, the seats can be retracted back for you to sleep and gaze through the semi-transparent weather protection material.

When you look up a portable stove for the next outdoor adventure you will find a range of them available the moment you press the magical search button. What you’re unlikely to find is a compact and foldable stove that’ll take away half your packing woes before gearing up for the camp. The Kooke Portable Stove makes an impression with its lightweight, rotatable, and foldable form factor. When you want to use it – swivel open the gas stove from its plastic housing, pull out the burner stands, slot in the fuel can, and voila you’re done! A rotatable controller on the face of the stove lets you switch the gas on and control the flame. Kooke can be easily folded back, to store after use, occupying little possible storage space. Interestingly, the portable stove is easy to carry with a handle on the plastic case and fits the bill in the outdoors with both function and appearance.

The Tailgater comes in its own metal case which doubles up as the folding lid of the metal frame. Designed with telescopic legs, just like the ones seen on tripods, the Tailgater can be height-adjusted to accommodate any size of garbage-bag you may own, although the company’s earlier invention, the Kwik BagIt is perhaps the most sustainable way to go. Kwik BagIt’s are reusable, easily washable, durable garbage bags made from a combination of cloth and recycled plastic. A single Kwik BagIt bag can be used hundreds of times, and given that it’s much thicker than a conventional garbage bag (and woven too), Kwik BagIt bags never tear or rip, scattering your garbage all across the road. Designed as multiple-use garbage bags for all sorts of purposes, these poly-cloth bags come in a variety of sizes as well as colors to help coordinate your trash.

No math and no increasing plastic waste when we have GoSun Flow – a portable water purifier that is also a sink and provides water for shower all while storing the solar energy that it creates. The GoSun Flow is made keeping in mind that it is small enough to fit into a backpack so it doesn’t add to the minimal essentials one has to carry during their trip. It uses solar energy to filter 99.99% of pathogens from water and is able to pump 1 liter of clean water per minute! Apart from providing safe drinking water it also doubles up as a portable handwashing station and hot shower. Having a hot shower (the one thing you miss the most during camping) is such an upgrade because that means we don’t have to jump into a cold water body, everyone knows the right temperature of hot water in the showers is basically therapy for your soul. It is super easy to get this energy-efficient appliance running – place the intake hose into any water source (except salt water), plug in the pump, and it will automatically start filtering the water. To use the faucet or shower, simply clamp the faucet and flip on the pump!

Camping tents that meet all your modern millennial Glamping needs!

Posted on by

All of us have some fond camping memories from our childhood – snuggling into sleeping bags, roasting and munching on marshmallows, and giggling with our friends as we give someone a toothpaste mustache! Although times have changed since then, and camping has received a massive makeover and a new ferocious nickname – Glamping! Glamping is the new, improved and dazzling version of camping. Gone are the basic little tents and sleeping bags that we spent our nights in – luxurious tents, glamping pods, glamping cabins, and innovative campsites are all a result of the Glamping movement. So, we’ve curated a collection of super comfy, cozy, and advanced camping options that’ll have you itching to make your next getaway a Glamping one!

You can find these unique tents in the Borgloon forest in Belgium if you are looking for a safer alternative to the usual touristy destinations post the pandemic. In fact, it has gained attention only now when people are looking to camp outdoors because it is safer, won’t require you to fly, budget-friendly and avoids the crowds. Designed by the Dutch artist Dre Wapenaar, these ‘Tranendreef’ tree tents blend architecture and sculpture into one functional structure. The tent is suspended above the ground and basically hangs on the tree like fruit. The guests use a ladder to get inside/outside. It can host two adults and two small children. Originally installed as part of a public art project called ‘Pit’ (hence the avocado shape we assume) organized by Z33, it brought art into the public space of Borgloon. The designer also created ‘field furniture’ – seating, washing, toilet, and BBQ units to complete the camping site with the tents.

Camping and caravanning have always been about getting down to the bare necessities of life, living life on the road and at the mercy of the elements. However, New Zealand-based design and architecture firm W2 has decided to help amp up the experience! Their revolutionary trailer design, ‘Romotow’, the name an amalgamation of ‘room to move’ contains all the usual RV features but with an innovative 90-degree twist. With the press of a simple electric button, it swivels open, rotating at 90 degrees, to reveal an open synthetic teak deck. With this, it increases the living space by 70 percent, and the area can also be used as a party deck! Measuring 30 feet by 8.5 feet and offering 290 square feet of living space (the same as a lot of tiny apartments these days), the caravan comes along with a living area, bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom, all with stylish fixtures and spacious interiors.

Get ready to take a beautiful virtual tour of the O2 Treehouse by Treewalkers that blend the best of our childhood imagination with glamping reality while keeping it all an eco-friendly experience! Treewalkers is one of the leading players in the world of treetop construction – they actually make treehouses that adults cannot reason out of. The treehouses have unique geodesic domes and can be connected to create entire villages. The houses are modular so it enables franchisees to start their own village setups with one or more units – this can be a sustainable hotel, unusual Airbnb getaway, or simply a camping site that offers a different kind of stay. The innovative modular lattice design is what makes this a flexible accommodation — while catering to the individual’s needs and it also allows them to customize details. The units come with a standard bug-proof outer socket, interior furniture, and canvas canopy roofing. As part of the franchise program, hosts have the option to open up their Treewalker to other hosts in exchange for points that can be used towards other stays – sustainable community tourism! There are many intriguing shapes but the most iconic one has to be the A-shaped floating tent because that is something we have all tried to create with a blanket in our living rooms.

Jupe is a portable off-grid shelter that flatpacks so you can pick any spot on the planet and pitch your tent. The futuristic silhouette is inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: Space Odyssey which explains the aluminum pole frame and glowing Firesist fabric exterior which also make it suitable to withstand different climate conditions. The mission was not to make a quick place to stay but to create a gateway to the outside world. It can be assembled in hours and gives you a 111-square foot space featuring tall ceilings, finished Baltic birch wood floors, a queen bed, and a storage area – think something right in the middle of a tiny home and glamping pod. The large entryway doubles up as a window for your chosen scenery which you can endlessly gaze at from your queen-sized bed. The shelter also includes a 200 amp hour battery and solar array with electrical outlets, USB charging stations, dimmable LED lighting system, and a private wi-fi network if you cannot be completely off the grid.

While looking at interesting campsites I found Culture Campsite which was designed by architects to be an urban oasis filled with quirky pods that will give you the escape you’re craving while not ‘wasting’ any resources or time! A team of Dutch designers and artists transformed a concrete parking lot in Rotterdam’s Delfshaven area into a sustainable urban camping ground making it more accessible for people. There is a range of cool architectural cabins to choose from and they are all built using upcycled and waste stream materials. The idea was to show not tell – this way people could experience living in a sustainable structure themselves and find that it can be incorporated into their lifestyle! The pods are all smaller than a tiny house but way more exciting than a tent because of their unique builds and each of them showcases innovative sustainable elements. Every cabin offers a special experience and my favorite one is the Val Ross cabin because it reminds me of the rocket emoji.

The minimal circular cabin is a luxurious treat we deserve! One of Lara’s most exclusive features is a round patio complete with a jacuzzi and a lounging area. While the cabin is envisioned to be set amidst trees to provide privacy, the designer has added a handful of plants to brighten up the woody design of the patio. The white exterior contrasts elegantly with the lush natural location. The tiny cabin’s ground level hosts a sem-circular room with a modern fireplace – the ones where there is a slit in the stone for the flames! It also has a fully functioning bathroom, however, the provisions for a pantry or a small cooking space are missing for now. There is another small seating area just outside the room and the fireplace built inside is also shared by this space through the glass encasement. Even though the glamping pod is small, the sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows make the space look bigger while allowing for natural sunlight and ventilation.

Designed to be portable, adjustable, and modular too, the Beluga easily transforms based on your needs. The tent accommodates two people, although its modular nature allows you to attach multiple tents to each other to create a large camping community. The tent comes with an inner enclosure, held in place using aluminum rods, and covered with an outer cover that helps properly shield you from elements like the rain or even the sun. To help extend the tent’s footprint, the Beluga even comes with an awning that attaches to the entrance, giving you a nice shaded ‘patio’ of sorts right outside your tent. The magic, however, lies in the fact that all these components, the enclosure, clad, and the awning can be used in a variety of ways. The awning and outer clad easily double up as two individual hammocks when you want, or a hammock with its own cover when you’re looking for some shade. You could even set them up as a roofed shelter away from your tent, or even use them as awnings outside your RV or caravan. No matter your camping setup, the Beluga adjusts to give you just the shelter you need… and even if you’re faced with inclement weather or a damp/muddy campsite, the tent itself comes with an elevated entrance, so water or mud never seeps into your enclosure.

This will sound lame but the Hanging Shelter (Hængende Ly in Danish) is actually the literal meaning of hanging out – you see it? It is a lot more than a hammock strung up on trees, in fact, it is a very unique accommodation that has been custom designed using traditional shipbuilding techniques. The enclosed treehouse is nestled 2.5 meters above the ground that offers 360-degree views of the lush green Genner area in Denmark. The only way to get in and out of the Hanging Shelter is via a basic ladder. The structure is constructed with steam-bent oak which forms the curved walls and floor – something that sets it apart from similar tents and is hard to miss! To give it a height there are eight additional arched wood frames that continue to shape the rounded walls vertically. The design team has used a thin, clear membrane to wrap the entire shelter in so that you are protected from different weather conditions and are still able to soak in all the natural greenery Genner has to offer.

The O’Reilly’s campground is nestled in Queensland’s lush Lamington National Park and is an example of how glamping can be eco-friendly if we make the right design choices! The project shines a light on architecture-inspired ecotourism with a fully functioning campsite equipped with all amenities. O’Reilly is different because it was created keeping sustainable building practices at its core so as to not disturb the pristine landscape but at the same time let guests be immersed in it. The campground includes buildings featuring a kitchen, common gathering spaces, a fire pit, and more. All the facilities were carefully constructed by consciously choosing to make it environmentally friendly – lightweight structures used sustainably sourced timber, an on-site sewer treatment to avoid adding waste to natural water bodies, collecting rainwater, having passive solar access, cross-ventilation to reduce power consumption, growing and preserving vegetation and more.

 

We all like a comfortable camping experience once in a while, or to be more millennial, a comfortable glamping experience once in a while! But what about our feline friends? Wouldn’t they like a warm tent to cozy up into? I mean maybe they haven’t ever thought of it…but I’m sure they would enjoy it! Well, the Cat Camp is here! And it’s a mini indoor tent, especially for our cats. It’s quite similar to the mini display tents seen in outdoor shops, and it’s exactly like the larger tents for humans except its tiny…and cuter! 21.5 x 21.5 x 14 inches in size, the Cat Camp is spacious enough to accommodate almost all breeds of cats. A side-zip makes it extremely easy to enter, and it pitches just like a normal tent. Durable and high-quality materials were used to create the tent, ensuring it can withstand your pet’s sharp claws and teeth! Layered with microfiber fleece, the tent is fluffy and warm. You can easily remove the lining whenever it needs cleaning.

Designed by former SpaceX, Tesla, & AirBnB employees, this flatpack shelter is the ultimate adventure essential!

Posted on by

Glamping pods are cool but what if I tell you there is a portable shelter literally designed by the best in the game? Jupe is a luxe pod with a sci-fi-inspired design made by a team of multidisciplinary experts from across the housing, architecture, and engineering industries, including former SpaceX, Tesla, and AirBnB team members for modern travelers looking to escape their urban life and dive into nature. The glowing geometric structure and angular surfaces resemble a cut diamond or an interstellar shuttle more than age-old structures like RVs, cabins, tents, or yurts traditionally used for getaways.

Jupe is a portable off-grid shelter that flatpacks so you can pick any spot on the planet and pitch your tent. The futuristic silhouette is inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: Space Odyssey which explains the aluminum pole frame and glowing Firesist fabric exterior which also make it suitable to withstand different climate conditions. The mission was not to make a quick place to stay but to create a gateway to the outside world. It can be assembled in hours and gives you a 111-square foot space featuring tall ceilings, finished Baltic birch wood floors, a queen bed, and a storage area – think something right in the middle of a tiny home and glamping pod.

The large entryway doubles up as a window for your chosen scenery which you can endlessly gaze at from your queen-sized bed. The shelter also includes a 200 amp hour battery and solar array with electrical outlets, USB charging stations, dimmable LED lighting system, and a private wi-fi network if you cannot be completely off the grid. Apart from the bed, it is also furnished with designer pieces like the end tables, a desk + chair, an ottoman, and an average-sized monolith to stay aligned with the cosmos theme. Unlike most small portable shelters, Jupe’s ceilings are 11 feet tall and cloaked in luminous Firesist fabric. Like most tiny homes Jupe also optimizes its space – the Baltic birch wood floors open up to individual storage cubbies totaling 38 cubic feet which is enough space to store ten large suitcases (in case you are on the run).

“Experiencing the natural wonders of the world shouldn’t mean being forced to disconnect while staying in a less-than-inspirational living space,” said Jeff Wilson, co-founder and CEO of Jupe. “Jupe is an out-of-this-city getaway inspired by out-of-this-world ideas. During these times when most of us are craving a true escape, Jupe provides an experience perfectly suited for socially distanced travel.” The interior was designed in collaboration with renowned boutique hotelier Liz Lambert and sustainable architecture expert, TED Prize Winner, and former head of social innovation at AirBnB, Cameron Sinclair. Wilson, a design innovator and expert on modular housing, himself has lived in a 33-square-foot dwelling for a year and is known for founding the award-winning, micro-home Kasita.

Mobility is at the core of Jupe’s design and hence chassis foundation has been created in a way that involves no decking or foundation to be built which makes the shelter adaptable to any terrain, level or not, and leaves the land minimally disturbed. Amenities in the shelter can be upgraded include a Sonos Move speaker integrated with Alexa capabilities, a locking safe, solar panels, and a porch. Jupe is an off-grid escape from the city, whether to the middle of a sprawling desert, a windswept cliff by the sea, or your own backyard.

Designer: Jeff Wilson