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Compact Bedding Finds for Campers: The Tab 400

Finding bedding for campers seems to be a common challenge. While we don’t have plans to take the Tab out til spring, I started thinking about finding the right linens for the new nuCamp Tab 400.

I found my first two items at Costco and wanted to share them here, as they likely won’t be around for long.

Sized-Right Blanket for the Tab 400

My first find was lightweight, colorful blanket. The problem with camper blankets is that they tend to be too big, especially when the bed is surrounded by walls on three sides. They end up difficult to spread neatly and are just too bulky for the limited space. I wanted something foundational that could be part of the set up year-round, knowing I can always add to it when the temperatures dropped.

The Tab 400’s bed measures 55″x79″. A typical full-sized mattress is 54″x79″. The Tab mattress is also just a few inches high, reducing the fabric needed to drape over ends (besides there is only one side where there is any room for drape at all and you also have drawer there to consider.)

Most blankets are cut short in my opinion, not leaving too much extra for a common bed. I found an exception when looking a the dimensions on this Pendleton Plush Blanket at Costco. It wasn’t offered in a full size, the obvious first place to look. But then, looking at the guide, the Queen would be much too big, but would a twin size actually work?

Dimensions:

  • Twin:    66″ x 92″ (167 cm x 233 cm)
  • Queen: 98” x 92” (248 cm x 233 cm)
  • King:   112” x 92” (284 cm x 233 cm)

By golly, it seemed too good to be true. Just eleven extra inches wide and thirteen inches long. So I bought it. For $24.99 and a great return policy, it seemed like a great find.

Continue reading “Compact Bedding Finds for Campers: The Tab 400”

Choosing the Perfect Camper

Our search for a new camper took us in all kinds of directions. We waffled back and forth on several options and landed on one that wasn’t even on our list when this all started. When we narrowed it down, owning a camper would be best for us if as many of the following criteria could be met:

Our Criteria

  1. We wouldn’t need to get a larger vehicle to tow it. We currently have a 2020 Honda Ridgeline.
  2. It had a bathroom. A wet bath was okay, as we don’t expect to need the shower often since we mostly plan to use campgrounds with facilities. When those are available, we’re comfortable using them.
  3. It had a table and bed that could exist simultaneously.
  4. It had heat and air conditioning.
  5. It had adequate storage— we needed places to put things so we could reduce setup time by storing items in the camper.
  6. It had a nice fridge.
  7. It had a propane hookup outside so we could eliminate taking an extra propane tank for our griddle.
  8. It could be stored in our garage at home.
  9. It was on the higher end of the quality scale.
Continue reading “Choosing the Perfect Camper”

Two Books for Summer Camp and Hike Planning

We love to hike and to photograph nature on those hikes. I picked up two books that I am using for planning our 2013 trips. Continue reading “Two Books for Summer Camp and Hike Planning”

The Best Salsa Ever

Salsa Away from that Jarred Stuff

There is absolutely nothing particular about this recipe that has anything to do with camping, other than it is fantastic and eating it around the fire or around a picnic table playing games would absolutely be welcomed. There is this Mexican restaurant in Pittsburgh called Emiliano’s who serves salsa that tastes just like this. Where I usually jump at the cheese sauce to compliment the salsa and chips, you just simply don’t need it with salsa that tastes like this. You will swear off the store bought stuff forever! Continue reading “The Best Salsa Ever”

Aliner Use One: Hotel

Using the Aliner as a Hotel

When we bought the Aliner, a primary reason was to be able to take off quickly for a night or two away without much prep and without the clean-up that typically comes with camping. To do this, we took a look a how we may use this foldable room on wheels. We came up with three ways. The first is as a hotel.To use the Aliner as a hotel we made up one plastic storage container of essentials.

Continue reading “Aliner Use One: Hotel”

“A” IS FOR ALINER

Columbia Northwest Aliner Classic

Well, we did it. We took a step towards organized camping by investing in a camper. After years of tent camping, we were reached a point where we wished we could go more often, but knew it was just not possible because it was just too much work. As two busy people with full-time jobs, a house, and just life in general, the process of cleaning-packing-camping-packing-cleaning-packing again, was just too much. We seemed to always have rain and when you have rain, you have to let things dry out, which can add another week of work before you can go back to life before camping. Continue reading ““A” IS FOR ALINER”

Shenango Recreation Area Campground Review

Fall camping

We camped at Shenango Recreation Area in late September. Arriving on a Wednesday and planning on departing on Sunday, we weren’t even sure they were open when we arrived. No one was at the gate and after some fumbling around, we realized that it was the honor system until the weekend. We drove around and chose our spot (much of the park was closed and unavailable), then headed back to pay by sticking a check in an envelope and placing it in a lock box. The ranger did stop by later and check our site and the campground hosts were still there, so all was good.

Continue reading “Shenango Recreation Area Campground Review”

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