Let’s Go Glamping!
Photography by Kristina Yamamoto
Styled by Andrea Ross
Hair by Maegan Cooper for A Robert Cromeans Salon
Makeup by Kristen Hefti for Rock & Royal Makeup Studio
An eco-friendly grill that converts heat from burning biomass into electricity to power your gadgets makes roughing it... less rough. So pack your things and go get lost in paradise. This guide to Glamping (glam + camping) has everything you need to venture forth into the Finest City wilderness, from the satellite receiver to the wardrobe. Because even in case of emergency, you gotta look sharp.
LEMME AXE YOU SOMETHING
Though it’s not stated in the product literature, this multi-function tool is perfect for slaying zombies. It also works as an ax, tent-stake hammer, tent-stake puller and hacksaw, with blades stored in the handle.
Zippo 4-in-1 Woodsman, $79.95, zippo.com
GOOD, CLEAN FUN
Leave this collapsible, heat-absorbing water reservoir in the sun for a couple hours, and then compress the foot-pump to build pressure for a warm shower. Also perfect for sandy surfboards and dusty mutts, the Helio won a 2013 Gear of the Year award from National Geographic Adventure.
NEMO Helio Pressure Shower, $99.95, nemoequipment.com
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CRANK IT UP
Powered by a built-in solar panel or hand-crank, this half-pound handheld is a digital radio (AM/FM and NOAA weather band), cell-phone charger, bottle opener and LED flashlight in one.
Eton Scorpion, $49.99, etoncorp.com
GO WITH THE FLOW
This ingenious product filters water to 15 nanometers (the smallest known virus is 25 nanometers). In case of natural disaster or water shortage, this thing really could be a lifesaver.
LIFESAVER Jerrycan, $254.99, lifesaversystems.com
LOST AND FOUND
For a small service fee, this little black box can turn a smartphone into a satellite receiver to send messages, stay connected to social media and, in case of emergency, transmit an SOS to the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center. If Aron Ralston (dude had to amputate his arm when stranded after a rockclimbing accident) had one of these things, 127 Hours would have been much easier to watch.
SPOT Connect, $99, findmespot.com
WHAT’S THAT SOUND?
Able to withstand a one-meter fall and getting splashed with water, this Bluetooth speaker with built-in solar panel keeps the music going while the sun is shining, and can keep rocking (or charging other devices) for up to eight hours after dark.
Eton Rugged Rukus, $99.99, etoncorp.com
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LET IT BURN
Stay off the grid indefinitely with this eco-friendly stove that uses gathered twigs and leaves as fuel. In addition to its portable grill attachment, this two-pound contraption converts heat to electricity to charge gadgets via USB.
BioLite CampStove, $129.95, biolitestove.com
HOT’S TOUGH
Requiring no batteries or electricity, this hand-pumped-pressure espresso maker uses ground coffee beans or pods to provide a burst of caffeine wherever there’s access to hot water.
Handpresso Wild Hybrid, $131.79, handpresso.com
CHILL OUT
Made with pressure-injected insulation capable of keeping its contents cold for a week, this ultra-heavy-duty, 25-quart strongbox can prevent a trip back to civilization for more ice. Sizes range up to 150 quarts.
Brute Box, $199, bruteoutdoors.com
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IT’S IN THE BAG
Rated to temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit, these fun-to-wear onesies come with amenities including rubber soles, comfy hoods and belts to adjust the fit. The only thing missing is a butt-flap.
Selk’bag Original, $159, selkbagworld.com
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Special thanks to the crew at Beach Bum Blazers (beachbumblazers.com) for letting PacificSD borrow the company Vee-Dub, and to The Grand Artique for set design. The Grand Artique is a collective of creative individuals with a hidden treasure trove - half store, half trading post - of ancient mystery and intrigue in Pacific Beach. These gatherers of antiquity can build you a contraption, design you a stage set, perform you a ditty, rent you props or fulfill whatever strange (and mostly legal) request you may have. Call 619.200.3413, visit thegrandartique.com or find the rabbit and follow him down his hole.