The Educated Explorer: Our Guide to the Best Gear For Outdoor Adventure

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CAR CAMPING
Tailgating with Mother Nature
Drive-in camping combines the beauty of nature with the conveniences of civilization--if it keeps you warm, grills a steak or mixes a cocktail, bring it along. Finding the perfect spot to park all that luxury takes advance planning. Campsites at many state and national parks can be booked online. But before you make a reservation, call the campground and ask to speak with a park ranger, says Jane Huber, coauthor of The Best in Tent Camping: Southern California. “Describe your dream campsite and ask for recommendations.”

The Gear: We’re all for active vacations, but we also know how to get comfortable. [ 1 ] GCI’s Outdoor Everywhere Chair ($40) folds and unfolds easily, and adjusts to uneven terrain. [ 2 ] Merrell Chameleon II Gore-Tex XCR trail shoes ($110) have waterproof, breathable pigskin uppers and a molded footbed for comfort. Experienced campers will appreciate the lightweight, quick-setup [ 3 ] North Face Heron 33 Tent ($349). It has serious waterproofing and an aluminum hub that locks the poles together. But the incredible value of Wal-Mart’s Ozark Trail four-person tent ($30; not pictured) is equally impressive.