After numerous suggestions from outdoor suppliers, Camping for Women started publishing reviews for its readers and subscribers.
Here is a list of reviews of products we have undertaken with a number of others on the way…
Click on, and check out the ones that interest you.
A Review of The Windtamer – Enhance Your Outdoor Cooking Experience
By Sara Baird My son has said since he was little that “everything tastes better when you are camping”. I agree, there is just something about eating your meal outdoors in all kinds of weather that improves the flavor of everything. As the head chef of our camping expeditions, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges in preparing our meals. I’m an enthusiastic cook and I’ve never shied away from cooking for my family no matter where my current kitchen is located. Even at home, I’ve logged many hours on our camp stove through kitchen remodeling projects. With this in mind, I was excited for the opportunity to try out the Windtamer to see how it would impact my outdoor cooking endeavors. What is the Windtamer? The Windtamer is essentially a tent that encloses your camp stove. It will keep your food dry, block wind, and hold the heat in ...
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No Box Tools Bell Tent Review
By Sara Baird My family spent every possible day Minnesota weather allowed at our rustic one-room lake cabin. Because the cabin was so small tents became our bedrooms. This tradition continued as my sisters and I became parents, just expanding the number of tent bedrooms needed. In addition to our time at the lake, we thoroughly enjoyed campouts in state and national parks and wilderness trips. While we just upgraded to a 5th wheel for most of our camping needs I still love to spend the night in a tent, so I was excited by the request to try out No Box Tools Bell Tent. This tent did arrive in a box. No Box Tools creates products meant to inspire people to live outside the box. I was excited to try it out as soon as it arrived, unfortunately, we were buckling down for a January blizzard. This tent is ...
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No Box Single Folding Knife Review
By Sara Baird I exist within a family of campers, wilderness seekers, Boy Scouts, and hunters. It can be said that we are a family that knows the value of a good pocket knife. So much so, pocket knives are frequently gifted for holidays and special occasions. As our children grew into teens and began seeking their own adventures, we found we needed an ample supply of pocket knives to quickly replace the knives lost to a lake, left behind at a campsite, or handed over to TSA. With this in mind, I jumped at the opportunity to review the No Box Single Folding Knife. No Box Tools According to the No Box website, https://livenobox.com, No Box Tool’s mission is to live outside the box. It was founded by a group of people who aspire to live their lives outside the box and to make the products that they use ...
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Outdoorsman Lab Sleeping Pad and Bag Review
By Jessica Shouse If you are a lover of camping or backpacking having a good sleep system sleeping pad and bag, can make the difference between a long, cold night and a cozy, warm one. The OutdoorsmanLab UL Camping Sleeping Pad and Mummy Sleeping Bag sleep system come highly recommended for your next family camping trip or your next multi-week long thru-hike. I had the opportunity to test both products on a recent, solo fall camping trip up in the pine tree-filled hills of Colorado, just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. “OutdoorsmanLab is founded with a scientific spirit and a lofty mission: to offer innovative, well-made, and high-performance outdoor gear at a revolutionary price.” OutdoorsmanLab was started as an alternative to high priced, big brands and large, big-box retailers. The founders believe getting outdoors should be easy, fun, relaxing and recharging and not leave you broke, having spent all ...
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XFyro Wireless and Waterproof Earbuds
By Sara Baird While my goal for spending time outdoors is to disconnect, sometimes I need to entertain myself through boring yard work, or just gab with a friend while getting in some outdoor time. I was happy to test out the XFyro Wireless and Waterproof Earbuds for this task. The earbuds arrived in a small box that contained the earbuds, the charging case, three sets of earpieces in different sizes, a USB charging cord and a tiny little instruction manual. The right earbud was charged and connected to my phone with no issues. The left one was good to go after an overnight charge. I gave up on the tiny little instruction manual and utilized the expertise of my teen to figure out all the easy to use features like tap to play and pause and volume changing. I took advantage of the built-in mic to catch up with ...
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Sombrilla Ranch Retreat Review
Experiencing Sombrilla Ranch, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, USA. By Jessica Shouse I was thrilled when I first received the email from Nicole of campingforwomen.com with the opportunity to go to Pagosa Springs, Colorado and review a new Glamping getaway spot. The Pagosa area had been on my Colorado travel bucket list for quite some time. After a few email exchanges, the opportunity evolved into a giveaway for the first-ever, Women’s Glamping Retreat at The Barn on Sombrilla Ranch. The Barn on Sombrilla Ranch sits on a sprawling 500 acre, fully operating, cattle ranch just outside of Pagosa Springs, Colorado; about 5 hours southwest of Denver. Sandlin Reed Niccum is the 100% all American, powerhouse woman owner/operator of the ranch. Sandlin comes to Pagosa from the Austin, Texas area. Sandlin’s family has a strong history in the ranching business. Sandlin’s Mother passed away a couple of years ago and had always dreamed ...
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Camping Test of the new Wolf’em Sticks
Wolf’em Sticks are a new, fun and effective way of cooking over a campfire. By Jessica Shouse One of my favorite things about Summer is camping and one of my favorite things about camping is hanging out with family & friends around the campfire. Roasting smores & cooking over the fire is a favorite past time. I was recently introduced to a new product that takes on a new twist on this classic outdoor activity, Wolf’em Sticks. I had the opportunity to test them out on our recent Spring Break trip to Moab. They did not disappoint. We wolfed down lots of yummy treats during our review! Wolf’em Sticks were invented by brothers from South Jordan, Utah as a project for an entrepreneurship class. I’d say the boys knocked the project out of the park! The brothers created the Wolf'em Stick because they wanted to help friends and families experience ...
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Nomad Nutrition REVdry Meals Review
Nomad Nutrition REVdry Meals are definitely an easy and tasty solution when out on the trails. By Jessica Shouse Good tasting and good for you, easy to prepare, lightweight meals for outdoor activities like backpacking can be hard to come by, in my opinion. I am not a fan of your typical dehydrated meal... I was recently introduced to Nomad Nutrition REVdry Meals, ”food for the modern wanderer”. Nomad makes delicious and energy-packed meals for all types of adventure lovers using the REVdry process. “This uses more efficient low-temperature drying, that is rapid, removes 98% of moisture and locks in the nutrients, taste, smell and texture of the food. This is revolutionary drying technology because no chemicals, no preservatives, and no artificial colors are required to prepare the meals.” I was very impressed to learn about their process and am excited to try all the varieties. “Born in the mountain ...
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Dear Natalie: Try Solo New York Backpacks
Solo New York Backpacks Review By Natalie McCarthy Dear Natalie, Any suggestions on how to best schlep my stuff around town on a regular basis? Sincerely, My Back Hurts _______________________________________________________________________________ Dear Achy Back, I always regret the carry-on I choose when I travel. I can never seem to choose correctly. I have a tendency to pick a bag I think will be easy – “Why not just shove everything in this tote?” – and later realizing on the airplane that it is, in fact, terribly inconvenient. I’m starting to believe that somewhere in my subconscious, I actually enjoy unloading everything from my carry-on bag, with 2x2 centimeters of personal space, without jostling or touching or breathing upon the person next to me, just so I can find a pen. Oh! And that’s all assuming I made it to the plane without developing scoliosis. “I’ll just use this tote,” I think; ...
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Review of Moon USA National Parks
Moon USA National Parks By Jessica Shouse The Complete Guide to All 59 Parks America’s National Park System is made up of 59 unique parks across the country. Whether you’re searching for extreme adventure, seeking peaceful solitude or planning a family vacation, the National Park System has something for everyone. It most certainly can be overwhelming to choose what park to visit, when to visit, and what not to miss during a visit. There are 1000’s of guide books out there to assist you in planning your trip to any of the 59 National Parks across the country. You may be asking yourself, “Where do I even start?” The definitive new guide, Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 59 Parks by long-time National Park advocate and former guide, Becky Lomax, comes highly recommended. Lomax kicks off the guide with a short, but stunning introduction and tribute to ...
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Dear Natalie Try the P-Rite
By Natalie McCarthy Dear Natalie, I am a bit uncomfortable taking a wee outdoors. Is there any hope for it ever getting easier? Sincerely, Wobbly whizzer ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dear WW, There are people whose physical constitution enables them to side-step many uncomfortable bathroom situations. These people do not know the panic of opening their floodgates, only to realize they’re squatting over a clump of poison oak. These people have never had the harrowing experience of retreating to what they thought was a secluded grove, exposing their full moon, and then hearing the nearby chitter and shuffle of a trekking troop of Boy Scouts. These people have never hovered precariously over the World’s Grossest Latrine™. (Side note: That is not an actual trademark, as far as I know, but perhaps it should be – I guarantee we have all encountered this terrible toilet somewhere in our travels.) I was once terrorized ...
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Dear Natalie: Try Outxe’s Cooler Backpack
By Natalie McCarthy Dear Natalie, I can’t stand coolers. They’re difficult to lug to campsites, and even walking from the parking lot to the picnic spot is a hassle. They’re inevitably always red or blue, with a flimsy plastic handle, and the lids often get stuck. I have about three gathering dust in my pantry right now. With so much technological innovation in other fields, why has the cooler industry lagged behind? Do we have any other options? Sincerely, Coolers aren’t cool ____________________________________________________________________ Dear CaC, I agree. Coolers aren’t cool at all. In fact, recent scientific studies show that 91% of people carrying a “Li’l Playmate” cooler look like total doofuses. And you’re right – the flimsy plastic handle is not conducive to easy carrying. Like, at all. Like, it’s so unconducive, this teensy box that fits two beers and a sleeve of crackers requires handling by two adult humans, ...
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Dear Natalie: Try No Bugs Insect Repellant Products
By Natalie McCarthy Dear Natalie, I love spending time outdoors, but I don’t love insects. I’ve considered dropping an insecticide bomb on my entire region, but I heard that was a criminal offense. Do you have any ideas? Help! Bitten and Itchy ___________________________________________________________________________ Dear B & I, It’s so strange how local governments generally frown upon the use of wide-scale chemical insect repellants. Oh, it’s fine when they do it, but when I’m trying to hold a five-year-old’s birthday party in the park and keep the kids from getting West Nile, it’s “a felony” and “subject to a $10,000 fine and five years in prison.” Anyway, it’s lucky that we have options. Of course there are the typical topical products, like bug spray and ointment, and those tend to work decently. They also tend to wear off over time, especially if you’re sweating. Plus, they have a particular – how ...
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Dear Natalie: Try a Pocket Cocktail
By Natalie McCarthy Dear Natalie, Okay so – like – okay but have I told you that I love you? Oh my GOSH, this song is my JAM! Come dance with me. Come on. Come on. Karaoke? Come on. Ugh, why are you always so borrrrrring? Oh, look, tacos! Wait, like, but have you thought, like, ummmm… … …Huh? Oh we leave now? How come? No! I don’t want to go home! Wait, where is my left shoe? Oh hey, did we meet yet? I’m not drunk, I swear. Kind of. *burp* _____________________________________________________________________ Dear Boozy, What the hell… ? Anyway, so I know that many of you hail from regions known for producing delicious wines, tasty beers, and liquors that taste like nectar. I know you, dear people, can appreciate a good drink in celebration of a feat. This, my friends, is why I sometimes slip into my backpack ...
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Dear Natalie: Try Kühl Apparel
By Natalie McCarthy Dear Natalie, I’ve heard there are people who hike, bike, and otherwise adventure wearing only their birthday suit. I, however, prefer to be clothed. What do you think about trying out the Kühl clothing line? Signed, Not Enough Sunscreen _____________________________________________________________________________________ Dear NES, For those of us who are a bit too modest to venture outdoors in the buff, Kühl offers a nice alternative: pants, shorts, skirts/skorts, shirts, outerwear, and accessories made for the outdoors. This Salt Lake City-based company uses state of the art design and innovative fabrics to create comfortable and useful adventure-wear. Kühl – which, by the way, is the German word for “cool” – has won awards for their clothing design. They integrate ergonomic principles into each item to ensure it actually works for outdoor adventuring. It helps, too, that their items don’t just move well; they also look stylish! Beyond their designs, Kühl ...
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Dear Natalie: Try Epic Wipes
By Natalie McCarthy Dear Natalie, What if I’m out exploring, I get super gross, and I can’t shower? It’s embarrassing to be stinky! Signed, Someone whose personal hygiene is at stake ____________________________________________ Dear Stinky Pants, Well, we have a few options: Get comfortable with your primal lack of hygiene. - While it might take some intense mental effort, you could always shift your view of hygiene and modern conveniences like “running water” and “shampoo” and “avoiding cholera.” Hell, our caveman ancestors didn’t have any volume-enhancing, extra hydrating, silk-essenced, two-in-one body lather and hair cleanser, did they? Attempt to bathe with a combination of three ounces of water, a Nalgene bottle, and the corner of a bandana. - Don’t act like you haven’t tried this already. You have, and you determined it is a waste of good drinking water. Epic Wipes. What are Epic Wipes, you ask? Think of a giant ...
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Dear Natalie Try the Brooks England Strand Bag
By Natalie McCarthy Dear Natalie, Let’s say I’m trying to ride a bike and carry stuff at the same time. What do I do? Signed, Trying to Grow Additional Arms ________________________________________________________________________________________ Dear TGAA, Certainly, you realize that you aren’t a Chia Pet. You cannot, simply by will, sprout new appendages. However, I do have compassion for your plight. This is a question as old as mankind: “How can I load as much stuff onto my person at one time without becoming a moving garbage pile and/or compromising my stability and injuring myself?” Of course, back in olden times, our ancestors were carrying, like, jaguar skulls and misshapen root vegetables. You, nowadays, carry several tiny computers and a wad of high-tech water repellent gym clothes. Same-same. Anyway, I found a genius solution to this dilemma: The Brooks England line of bicycle bags. First off, even their company name sounds sophisticated, doesn’t ...
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Dear Natalie: Try Sunski Glasses
By Natalie McCarthy Dear Natalie, What are your thoughts on Sunski’s sunglasses? Signed, Humans who have eyeballs ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dear Eyeball Owners, By now, it’s probably evident that I try to give well-rounded reviews. It’s important to me that I present all the sides of a product, so you can make an informed decision about its usefulness in your life. And now that I’ve offered you that reminder of my intentions, let me say this about Sunski recycled frame sunglasses: These are the best freakin’ pair of sunglasses I’ve ever worn, ever. My friend saw them in a special compartment in my car. She reached for them, vulgarly prying open the microfiber pouch they come in. “Oh!” she exclaimed. “Let me see—” “You shall not!” I bellowed, ripping the glasses from her dirty, thieving, probably super bacterial hands. “Go online! Look at them there! Don’t bend the frames! Stop breathing on ...
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Dear Natalie: Try Outxes Rugged Power Bank
By Natalie McCarthy Dear Natalie, Word on the street is that Outxe sent you another product. What did you think? Signed, Someone whose phone is at 2% battery ________________________________________________________________________________________ Dear Someone – wait a second. Who lets their phone get to 2%? Seriously, man. That’s just negligent. Anyway, yes, Outxe kindly sent me their rugged power bank – actually, the 9,622nd rugged power bank they’ve shipped this year (a cute little thank you card came inside the box informing me of this fun fact!). Maybe you should receive number 9,623, since you seem to treat your phone’s charge with such brazen disregard. But seriously – if you’re as hypervigilant about maintaining a charge as I am, you will adore this power bank. Given how rugged and useful Outxe’s line is, I’m not surprised so many of these bad boys have been shipped across the world. They’re popular – and photogenic! ...
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Dear Natalie: Try the Urban Canairie Hat
By Natalie McCarthy Dear Natalie, What are your thoughts on Urban Canairie’s outdoor hats? Signed, You all, because you like covering your head __________________________________________________________________ Dear friends, I’m going to be honest with you: Getting gifts in the mail is really, really great. I mean, it exceeds the typical daily level of greatness; it is a special degree of great. And since I’m pretty excitable anyway, you can imagine my joy when a gift box arrived on my doorstep, all the way from the Canadian Frontier, where bear rugs still growl and the winters make girls into women. Inside the box were two caps from Urban Canairie, an outfitter specializing in outdoor headgear. I was looking forward to trying the Urban Canairie Hat and Cap. Mark Freeman, the company founder, sent me two of his specially vented caps, along with a kind, personalized note. One of the caps was the Arctic Stone ...
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Dear Natalie: Try The Outxe 3-in-1 Rugged Lantern
By Natalie McCarthy Dear Natalie, What are your thoughts on the Outxe 3-in-1 Rugged Lantern? Signed, You all, because you want to know about this! _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Dear friends, I have to admit something: I am not dainty. I know that’s probably shocking, so I’ll give you a minute to recompose yourselves. (Patiently waiting.) Okay. Now that we’ve established that, I’ll continue. Moving about the world like an ox means that I need gear that doesn’t require kid gloves and raised pinky fingers. Enter Outxe’s Rugged 3-in-1 Lantern. The folks at Outxe sent me a lantern to honestly review for you all, and I’m happy to report that it has, thus far, withstood my Sasquatch-like rough handling in the outdoors. But let’s back up. Let me tell you a little more about this product. It is a flashlight, lantern, USB power bank, magnet, and emergency beacon, all packed into a unit ...
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And here is a video by Natalie McCarthy of “Ask Natalie” where she reviews the contents of a Scout Box subscription as she unboxes and reveals what’s inside:
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All reviews are published in good faith based on the experiences and submissions of women outdoor adventurers that undertake the reviews. Camping for Women, it’s directors, reviewers or any other associated people accept no responsibility for any real or perceived damage to reputation or sales of the product or service provider. All reviews are written with the intent of honestly informing our readership from the point of view of the product or service consumer. Camping for Women also reserves the right not to publish a review of any product or service in its absolute discretion.
