Our Must Have Teardrop Gear to STAY COMFORTABLE!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

✅Want to see how all our gear is holding up after years of abuse? Check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/faCVcnlofc59gpY

[@retepeyahaled2961]

Hi, my wife and I camped from the moment we met at 23 until now at 64. When we were young, we started minimalistic and sporty. First the smallest tent was all we needed... until we got our three children. We switched to bigger tents, and a trailer van. To make things work, we gradually bought more and more equipment but we always stayed mobile. Next came our first caravan. And with the passing of years, we started enjoying luxury more and more. A real bed, a real kitchen with a fridge, a real toilet, a wardrobe and a table with a bench. Still everything fits in a (European) caravan with an interior length of 5 meters. And still we are very mobile. We settle in half an hour and we can leave in half an hour. So as you keep camping, your equipment will keep changing to meet your changing needs. Have fun!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

To us 5 meters still sounds pretty small. Love hearing your story. At the rate we are growing as a family I have a feeling our gear will soon mirror yours. Thank you for sharing your perspective.

[@ronb6182]

5 meters is 16.4042 feet not too large but still too much for smaller vehicles. 73

[@VolleyOneVBC]

First time on your channel…love how you explain without ‘over talking’…will def be going back and watching your older videos to catch up 😊 Thank you…excellent!

[@KaltrinaDemiri]

I think the chairs are a must-have. You have to be able to sit/lounge comfortably, even more so now that you have kids. I think all these upgrades are great for you guys. Makes camping/living outdoors more comfortable.

[@marklibby4629]

I think my favorite set of "comfort" items in my teardrop is having items already packed and ready to go. I don't "share" items with other activities. I have flashlights and binoculars and LL Bean moose hide camp Mocs and a bunch of other things that stay with the trailer. Packing is really just food and drinks and clothes. Everything else is there, ready to go.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You sounds a lot like us. We just shared this a few days ago in a comment with someone else. We as well have an entire set of gear dedicated only to the teardrop. We didn't the first couple of years, which often lead to scrambling around to find items and from time to time getting out to camp to realize we left something at home. Keep it all in the trailer and not only is it easier, you now have a nice little bug out trailer in case of emergencies.

[@janetdonaldson2632]

We will be taking at least our first family week campout in about 8 years. Our children are now mostly college and high school vs. Elementary and Jr. High. We all have cell phones vs. only us parents. Different electrical requirements. Then covid 19 hit. So the campground has closed the showers. We still want to camp. So now we are looking into cell phone charging options and shower and potty for 5. It's been lots of jumping through hoops and extra cost and gear. But I believe the experiences and memories will be worth it! My camp luxury is my Coleman air queen air mattress with built in battery operated air pump. We now have a two room utility instant tent for potty and shower. 6-7 day trips are the norm and basic comforts make it difficult to leave camp. No guilt here at all! Only enjoyment of paradise!!! Updating my post from a few days ago: just got a new fun camp item and going to try it at our upcoming campout in the mountains. It is the Luci Solar String Lights by MPOWERD. It seems like our camp is always under lighted and too dark. When using lanterns the radius of the lighting is funky. The Luci lights have 3 settings for light: low, medium and high plus an optional light like a little flashlight beam. I am impressed with the amount of light off this solar device. Warm light, not cold blue light. And no batteries necessary. A bonus...it has a mobile charger for small devices. Hope this info may help those needing mobile off grid lighting.

[@Knightrayn]

Same here. Good system!

[@markb8954]

@@janetdonaldson2632 - Yes, Luci solar lights are great. We’ve been using Luci lights for years. They are light, are blown up like a balloon to use then fold flat while transporting. We hang them around our campsite, one in the tent instead of flashlights. The perfect night light. Perfect for camping.

[@ahabsbane]

Try dedicating camping clothes, saves a ton of time, all you need to plan for is beverages and food!

[@billyrichterrocks]

My dad took us to the state parks in Michigan when we were kids and it is truly the one thing I have done as long as I can remember. My wife and I own a popup but I also own 5 tents, 3 cots, 2 heaters and just about everything else for just about any scenario. My Jeep Wrangler can’t pull the popup so I use it as a trailer and pull it behind my suburban. My wife’s grand Cherokee pulls the popup on trips too. We manage to do a lil bit of everything. Can’t quite get her on board with the teardrop or skoolie lifestyles but I’m working on it. My wants and needs have evolved over a long period and sometimes I just wanna camp off grid for a long weekend. Sometimes we take out the popup on longer trips. It’s all fun and I get super inspired by the community creating this content and love your channel. Keep it up. God bless.

[@mauriciorosales1259]

I camp two ways, either with EVERYTHING, including the (cabelas) kitchen sink, or everything on my gravel bicycles ( tent, pack, food).

[@SlugBurpAK]

i use one of my dry bags to put ice in, in the cooler and when it melts i have more water for cleaning up with.

[@dieselmax8606]

this is a brillant idea good job

[@dangrayber]

Just started watching your videos. They're great. Thank you. I have definitely turned the corner on campfires. Last year, there were many burn bans in California, and we just got used to not having a camp fire. I feel so much better when I haven't been breathing in smoke all night, and smell better, too. We spend more time looking at the stars and going on night walks now. I added a roof rack to store all of the things like chairs, table, bug tent, solar panels, and other random comforts in a box. It's been really great having things stored on the trailer, and ready to go, and we may add a rooftop tent once my son outgrows the inside bunk. Some of the other extras we've added to our kit are Stanley steel clad cookware (heavy, but pack small and feel like the pans we use at home), a small light doormat to take our shoes off on, a tochta memory foam mattress, and at times our ipad preloaded with kid friendly movies for snuggling up inside and watching on cold nights. Because I made my trailer, I keep an ongoing project list of things I want to modify on our trailer. These have been anything from reconfiguring the galley, to adding small guardrails to the window near my son's bunk so he doesn't put his hands through the screen. The current items yet to be done on the list are some sort of outside, out of the elements, shoe storage that's easy to access from the door, and, sadly, some sort of hepa filter attachment for a window or the wall so we can avoid getting smoked out (hoping roof fan can blow out inside air while drawing in cleaned air through filter. California wildfires have changed how we camp, what routes we take and when. Camping in 200+ AQI air is no fun. I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love this post! This is the type of information people love to read. In regards to the shoe storage our favorite option for a DIY trailer like yours is a deep plastic bin on rails. Just mount two channel rails under the trailer. Just underneath the door you use most often. No bearings required the plastic will just slide in and out of the rails. This keeps your shoes off the ground from bugs and water drainage. And best of all it keeps your shoes up higher so when you reach down in the middle of the night or morning to get your shoes on you don't have to reach to the ground and back underneath the trailer. And we have ran into a number of people now who have installed air filters. Seems like a good route, especially for your neck of the woods.

[@carriemainquist757]

The Clam pop up screened in enclosure was worth every penny. I used to work at Cabela's and I swear I spent more than my paychecks every time!!! Boom. Its up.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes, we love it! And like you if we worked at Cabelas we wouldn't take a dime home. It would just be too tempting!

[@pamflowers8364]

Very interesting and honest video. I think each of us has to decide what really adds to our comfort. For me it's a small folding table to put beside my chair so I can sit outside and rest my pop or coffee on the table while reading. I don't end up using it for anything else but it sure does add to my happiness out there.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We are side table folk as well. We currently own one, but realize we actually need 2. We are constantly moving the one around as a water jug holder, heater holder, and our side table when lounging. We are hoping to try out one of the roll up tables soon. They look neat, but you never know until you get it out there. Thanks for sharing about your table Pam!

[@markb8954]

Yes! I bring along a plastic Adirondack chair & a nice folding cedar parson’s table. Makes a big difference when there arent picnic tables or logs about.

[@skipsamples2647]

I am really glad to that I found your travel a couple of months ago. I am planning in getting a teardrop and I get what you were initially going for but life changes things sometimes. I think what you have "upgraded" is a choice and with kids it is a good thing. If you were going off by yourself or with a buddy then you just dont take some of those items. If you are camping only for a night and travel to the next site then you dont have everything. The great part is you are at the point of having the ability to scale up or down for your specific trip requirements. Keep posting these videos.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I love your take on this. Also glad to hear you are enjoying the videos. Have you narrowed down what teardrop you may be getting?

[@skipsamples2647]

@@PlayingwithSticks Hiker is pretty good but I am in FL but will spend time out West and NC besides FL. There is a company not too far from me, Tiny Camper Co., and they turn around time is a lot shorter than most others and very economical. All comes down to timing when I pull the trigger. :)

[@AnneluvsKatz]

You’ve GOT to have COMFORTor you’re just going to be dreaming of going home. A comfortable place to sit is ESSENTIAL!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes. We couldn't agree more!

[@will_ren]

I ditched lead-aid for lithium batteries and couldn't be happier. Also added an ARB fridge so I don't have to deal with getting ice and hanging soggy food.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We are right with you. Just got our first refrigerator. Thought we didn't need it, but wanted to test it out for folks on the channel when they ask about them. Wow, were we wrong. My wife says it is the best addition to the whole camping setup.

[@pointlessdegenerates3568]

I have a home made tear drop and this weekend (04/23/2022) me and my lady are going out on our maiden teardrop voyage. your channel has single handedly inspired me to build a camper and go camping. thank you!

[@ob6565]

So true! My wife is the minimalist, I'm the opposite. Somewhere in the middle is where we have landed. We are now in a "8 person" gazelle t4 tent for 3 of us, rear is the sleeping, front is our boondock. One day we will upgrade to the teardrop. Thanks for the video! Love the true honesty.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love this comment Brian. If we are going with true honesty. There are days where we actually wonder if we would be better off in the two room gazelle. This would eliminate all the maintenance caulking, packing bearings, licenses, etc. But would still allow all the creature comforts by basically having an instant pop-up small little home. The only thing that stops us is that we really love our "good as home" bed and the hard side walls give you a peace of mind in regards to the bears. What do you all use for your bedding situation. I am assuming cots?

[@michaeloppenheimer2582]

Well sounds like you're spending more time camping and enjoying it better, which was the goal !!!

[@expressivepets1]

I followed lots of your advice. I invested in a comfy, full sized camp chair before my first camping trip...based on your advice. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I am comfortable and able to do so much more; than if I had brought one of my beach chairs. My original plan. I'm 63; health issues. Love your channel.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love hearing this! Thank you for sharing. May 2022 be a year of good health for you!

[@billbruff9613]

Your gas firepit is a great suggestion for rhose of us who live in states prohibiting wood fires. And no more carrying or buying firewood. Brilliant. And still able to toast marshmallows 👍

[@PalmdaleGal]

In 2014 I bought a basic 4x8 Runaway trailer (made in Florida), which is classified as a teardrop but is not that shape. Has more space and weighs about 650 pounds; can maneuver it by hand. I became a widow in 2013 and became paranoid about tenting... my Runaway Camper, like your teardrop, became my getaway. And I, too, keep changing the things I take and use. My "oldie" trailer is made of wood, but a couple of years ago they changed to composite. They also now have several different models and sizes. Simple and basic, to be outfitted as the owner prefers. I don't get out often enough, because I can't get friends/family to go with me (I'm retired and try to go mid-week), and I prefer boondocking also. I hope your kids are still enjoying your outings!

[@richardbatistelli7280]

Thanks for the realization as to the small trailer requirements.

[@bretb8799]

Small kids make this more challenging. Family of 4 in teardrop. Wow. I'm going out on a limb and guess next upgrade is bigger camper. We broke down and got a camper when boys were 5 and 3 with #3 on the way. Good times. Now they like to backpack and sleep in tents.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You are absolutely right Bret. We have the teardrop for the boy adventures and a 13' vintage trailer for the larger family trips. But, what we really want for our family is new teardrop with a rooftop tent for the boys. Now that sounds fun! We are hoping our boys go the same route as yours. We are big backpackers and car campers at heart, but with kids at this stage the trailer is much easier.

[@wut255]

The footage of your kids mosquito bitten hands is enough to make any parent cringe and make the bug tent a no brainer. I like the idea of setting clear goals. It’s really helps you attach those purchases to a purpose.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Good point!

[@freedom456able]

We use to Camp every year growing up over 53yrs ago. We had Screen Cook Tent with a SIX Man Canvas War Surplus Army Tent. We had a Station Wagon seats folded down 8 feet deep with a Rack on the top. The Wagon Could carry 5 to 9 People. Father would drop the Tail gate, had a Alcohol Stove and cook away. With a dry-good cabinet that was removable. Alcohol Heater as well. I still have both Alcohol unites today. They burn so clean. Power went out during Storm Sandi yrs ago. Cooked dinner on the Alcohol Stove inside the house, you can't do that with Propane. We had fun when we camped out. You can camp big or simple. Father camp Big! We had a Fold-able Picnic Table with the Screen Cook tent, It was perfect & a different time & place when you could leave your Camp-Site & come back to your tent without it being stolen. Just be proactive when you camp. Take care! Enjoy living life!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love everything you said here. Just brought me back. Your camping style is so vividly similar to how my grandparents setup camp. That is why we love camping so much. It was those memories that they helped us create. I can smell their truck, I can feel the Stanley mugs in my hand. The memories are so vivid. Thank you for sharing!

[@freedom456able]

@@PlayingwithSticks Thank you, I remember about just 10yrs ago I was doing a Retail Craft Show in Wild Wood NJ. Left my Trailer at the Show. My Truck was cleaned out of the inventory, went to Cape May NJ Camp Grounds paid for a spot. Inflated my Twin Mattress with my Battery Fans & called it a night. The funny things I witness is that these huge homes on trailers, I thought it funny because they were more like mobile homes, just needed a foundation to put them on LOL! I can rough it any time. Today campers want what they have at home with color TV LOL! When we went camping it was fishing, rented a small boat, hike. Father had every Can good you could imagine. He was a WWII Vet he knew his stuff! Have GOOD Camping!

[@bnewburn]

Super well presented. I love how you told the story of starting small and upgrading as new realities landed. Everybody goes through a similar process as they test and improve. Thanks!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it Basil! Great name by the way.

[@nonnacollins9458]

Thank you for sharing your experiences upgrades and downgrades. 68 year old female making an investment on simplicity and comfort while boondocking. U gave me so many great ideas to help me choose. Thank you

[@mr.mister4110]

We camp in our 2008 Chevrolet Express Explorer van conversion. It's perfect for two, and if you bring a small tent, it's perfect for camping with up to 4 people. We have our gear, and we're in bliss. We just bought two inflatable kayaks and heaven just got better by steroids. I love your videos , wish we could meet , or talk some time. Love the way you guys live. We live too!

[@timothymarcantel8912]

We are on our 5th year in a teardrop and have purchased a tent attachment. We have used a 13X13 Z-shade for about 4 of these years. Together they make our trips week(s) long and comfortable. Next will be the suit-case solar panels.

[@jonathantelfer5174]

Finally! An honest video about teardrops. Iove teardrops but the reality is bigger then just the teardrop. more please

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it. We try to be as real with the content as we can. When watching videos we love it when folks share with us the struggles. Most of us tend to fantasize about the good moments, which is a good thing. But, we do enjoy it when someone out there is playing devil's advocate for us so we don't have to learn ourselves the hard way.

[@norataogirl5195]

Just bought a Canadian made "Droplet"! So excited to get started. I was shopping during the last 4 months for a 18 - 22 foot trailer but had commitment phobia because, being a woman with no trailering experience, I just got scared every time I viewed the monstrosity that I would have to attempt to back into a site. My worst nightmare, getting lost and having to turn around in a tight spot! I viewed the Droplet for a friend who wanted one and the cogs got turning in my brain. It was a super deal because the guy won it in the casino and didn't want it....BRAND NEW! I bought it for 1/2 price, and everything was still in boxes unpacked. BINGO! Now I am not stressed contemplating being a woman driving this alone! Thank you Drew and May, I am not obsessively watching your tips and tricks.....and really enjoying them...and finding them very helpful! Your boys are so adorable!!!! OH AND IT's COVID....I am a RN and have to laugh at the IRONY of having a Droplet Trailer when all we talk about is "DROPLET PRECAUTIONS" at work!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Congratulations on the purchase Nora! Welcome to the club :) Also how cool that you got it 1/2 price. We agree with the initial tow fears. Give it a year and you will be able to tow anything. It actually is harder backing in a teardrop than a large trailer because of the length and weight. However, your first trailer is best to be a teardrop because you always know if you get in a bind you can easily just unhook it and turn it around by hand. Now that droplet comment is IRONIC! Who would have guessed this is the world we would all be living in.

[@silvere36]

Terrific video of walking through the thought process.

[@atecay3636]

We had a quarantine Easter last year in Victoria Australia! There was no camping at all... Thanks for this vid! I'm sold.... just need to save!

[@robfromtoledo9514]

Really appreciate this video. I tent camped a lot from 12 as a boy scout until I was 28 and married with three kids. Then moved to a pop-up then a Class C 24' motorhome to a class A 32' gas and finally a 40' diesel pusher. I'm turning 55 this year and have 7 grand kids. I want to get back a bit more basic. Sold the bus and I'm taking a 14' cargo trailer and converting it but I'm not adding tanks and plumbing and after this video I may even rethink the battery/invertor route. Ive designed it like a teardrop where my kitchen will be out the back. I'm building a dinette that will convert to a bed for grandkids and I have a queen air mattress for me and the wife. Planning to use a similar tent you have for showers but the 2 room tent one side for showering and other for changing and using that dry side for a canister toilet. My kitchen is on wheels so it tucks against the wall and I can still haul my motorcycle too. Or remove the kitchen completely if I need the trailer for cargo. The Dinette also folds up as not to take up floor space. Just started by adding insulation but really enjoyed your video. Thanks

[@donovanturner6284]

My must have is the coffee maker. Started weird a French press and now I have a Keurig.

[@The_Mister]

Replace that table with the Lifetime 4 foot table and a coleman stove stand. The stand takes up no space and then you have an entire table for food prep.

[@Luigi13]

What I take from this video is that the experiences of camping have gotten more interesting and you all are having fun and wonderful experiences with the children. Life experiences. Cheers.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you Gino! Love your take on this. Very positive.

[@70CadillacMan]

A hammock and a tarp with mason line and stakes for sleeping. A small frying pan over a small burner that screws atop a fuel canister for cooking. I'm living out of a 2001 Malibu.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Sounds like a great setup. We keep trying the hammock thing each year. We get great naps in them but still haven't quite figured out to have a full nights sleep. We have been taught by quite a few hammock aficionados, but we must be slow learners. Thank you for sharing.

[@kathleenbuckley4338]

My lounger chair! It's way too heavy but I have the space and it makes evenings, with or without campfire, super enjoyable.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I think this has been the number one comment from the community. So many folks mentioned their zero gravity chairs. We would agree, not much beats a comfy chair out here.

[@bucktalesoutdoors7566]

I agree with Mike, you do what ever helps you enjoy your time outdoors, I still like the idea of the teardrop and using it as a utility trailer with a bed , that’s fine with me. Thanks Drew , hope you are all doing well in these crazy times.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Ours was basically a utility trailer and a bed for the first year and a half that we had it. We just didn't realize how much we would fall in love with it and how often we would take it out. The more we took it out, the more our packing mindset started to change. Have you ever seen Hangin with Herky's channel? They really have a nice outdoor space setup with their teardrop. It almost looks like their home away from home. Even inside their teardrop is pretty homey.

[@bucktalesoutdoors7566]

I will check them out, thanks Drew.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@bucktalesoutdoors7566 You are most welcome!

[@spideymcgee4718]

Thank you so much for all your videos. My wife and I are legit about to put a deposit down on a new 2021 teardrop! You have helped me figure out so much and you've helped us realize this is the life we want to live. I look forward to more videos and maybe make my own. Many, many blessings to you and your family.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That is so awesome to hear Ryan! You two are going to love it. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures and possibly seeing those videos. They really make great family memories you can look back on. Ryan what teardrop are you putting your deposit down on? We like to know what folks are buying out there. Gives us a better understanding of what to follow.

[@garbinator09]

As retired folk, wife and I are taking serious look at both Vestibule Teardrop as well as NuCamp, the 320 Boondocker because it has a built in potty room. Myself, after years of doing overloaded, weighty hauling and pulling to the point of vehicle failures, I too am seeking less for more. I believe todays overlanding communities have seriously responded to the outdoor industry introducing amazing camping products that can go as deep as the consumers pockets are flooding over within. Alaska is a beautiful state. But me! I do not miss those Skeeters 🦟 one damn bit! Great job family!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We didn't realize you were an Alaskan! Always good to run into someone who lives or has lived up here. We completely agree with the great things the overland trailer community has done for us small camper enthusiasts. Also the two teardrops you are looking at are two of our favorites. Are you subscribed to Cosmo Weems and Mandy Lea? Cosmo owns a Vistabule and Mandy owns a NuCamp Boondocker. Both really great channels. Yep, those mosquitoes we could do without as well! Safe travels out there Gary. Let us know what trailer you end up purchasing.

[@garbinator09]

Playing with Sticks - I was in Alaska as a Fleeing felon around 1972 if my poor math skills can cling too. Its a long story, as I have many, I was a Juvenile having assaulted my freshmen year teacher in the classroom. It as in my life not all us older folks claimed so famously was the Kat’s Meow so to speak! When I arrived there, it was way before the states OIL PIPELINE was even a fly on the wall. It was wild, muddy, few people on the Kenai Peninsula as compared to todays populations. I matured very quickly while there. Living with my Dad’s brother. In a broken down shack in the woods. Sorry conditions as compared to what I left in California.

[@lizzaangelis3308]

It is like with anything that you spend a lot of time with. It takes time and tweaking on things to find out what works best for you. This goes with how you want to camp. Do you want to spend more time at your campsite or more time away from your site. And then it’s all about dialing everything to perfection

[@andy.bailey]

I just ordered a tiny camper of my own, and have been planning on the things I'll be bringing. Here is the takeaway I think your video highlights. You don't have to be uncomfortable to go into the wilderness in a tiny camper. If more comfort leads to more more time out, fantastic! There isn't a right way to do it, and you need to find the mix that works for you. For me, the thing that makes me more comfortable is a shower every night. Thus I've added a solar shower to the camper. That is important to me. Others are fine going days or even weeks (I thought I smelled something), but not me. Thanks for the video, as always...great stuff!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Hey Andy. First thing we have to know, what tiny camper did you end up purchasing? In our book there is no bad purchase, as long as it is a tiny camper! What these little things bring to your life is amazing! We agree with the shower. At home we shower often as well. Outdoors we are more like every other night, sometimes pushing to three days if we didn't exert ourselves during the day. Up here we don't work up a quick sweat like the Lower 48. The solar shower is a great addition. We carry ours around as well. Sometimes it doesn't quite get to the temp we need, so we just boil a little water to add to it. In the spring and fall we skip the solar shower and just use boiled water and our shower pump. Glad you enjoyed the video Andy, and your synopsis of the video was spot on!

[@andy.bailey]

@@PlayingwithSticks I ordered a runaway range runner. Should be perfect to tow with my outback. They come pretty basic, but it is more like a blank slate. I'm going to add solar power, a solar shower, and a rear galley to it.

[@MrRob0908]

Yep, been there too. Started minimal then wanted just a few things to improve the comfort. From inexpensive camp chairs to zero gravity chairs. Those things are a game changer imo. Nothing like being able to stretch back and elevate your legs. They definitely take up more space, but we have found we love the value they bring to the relaxing component of camping with a TD. Love your videos...keep it up!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you are enjoying the videos. I think you are either the 3rd or 4th person to mention the zero gravity chairs. Sounds like they may need to be added to many people's "must" list.

[@garbinator09]

HEAR!!! HEAR!!! AGREED kind SIR!!! 😉

[@soota6083]

2nd that on the zero gravity chair. Just got one and used for the 1st time last camping trip for 3 days...game changer.

[@f4mnect]

I like to sit and stare up at the stars, zero gravity chairs means no sore neck at end of night

[@BradleyVanTreese]

I love your content. You’re a natural presenter. Thanks, and please keep the content coming!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks Bradley. We really appreciate that comment. I would love to say it is naturally, but it is a bit of practice and some good old editing magic :)

[@chuckmartin861]

Take our solar inflatable Luci lights every time we camp and hike. Puts out an amazing amount of light, can sit them on the table or hang them and saves space. Now leave our Coleman propane lantern at home.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Us too! No more gas lantern, the Luci is our new best light friend. However, we did just purchase some BioLite lanterns and are excited to try them out. Should be showing up in the mail any day now. Thanks for sharing Chuck!

[@nate.leal.]

Second time around. Seeing this video again, after a couple years, feels like watching a good rerun. Been through all these stages. Had to draw a line at cluttering the teardrop or the cab of the truck. If it doesn’t fit in the pickup bed, it doesn’t go.

[@Thebirdman1221]

You need a solo stove to fix your smoky smell after fire problem. It’s a fire pit that magically has much much less to no smoke at all. Expensive but WELL worth it. From one teardropper to another. Cheers

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you for sharing this. We have seen these advertised, but were not sure if they were gimmicky or not. Do you happen to own one?

[@Thebirdman1221]

Playing with Sticks yes I own one. Every time someone sits around this fire, they end up buying one. Bet I sold 10-15 of these in various sizes for them. They need to put me on the payroll. However, I only advise because I have experience with this them and know they work. You will only say, “ why didn’t we get this sooner?”

[@mountainsnmoore256]

We have a homebuilt, convertible teardrop that I built in 2013. It is as simplistic as it comes, yet very functional...HOWEVER, we do not go simplistic on our accessories. We have two of the 10'x10' pop up gazebos, one with the walls and one without. The walled on sets up beside the teardrop for the boys to sleep in. We would have them on either side, on air mattresses, leave the teardrop door open, and have one of those portable room a/c units going. We live in Alabama, where an a/c is a must. Since the boys are grown and don't go with us as much, we only use the gazebo over the galley. To have a place to change clothes, bath, etc, we carry one of the Ozark Trail privacy tents. It works great. We have two of the huge, zero gravity chairs and one of those small foldable tables to set up in between to use as an end table. I am just stumbling across your channel and am going to subscribe and check out more of your content.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We like your setup. As our family is growing we have been adding the side entry tents as well. We call them our guest rooms now. Congrats on the build by the way. That is a great accomplishment!

[@mountainsnmoore256]

@@PlayingwithSticks Thanks! We are right at the opposite end of the spectrum; our kids are grown, so they seldom camp with us now. So we are able to down-size a little. We have started leaving the side gazebo at home and just carrying a small privacy tent for a shower, to have a place to change clothes, etc.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That sounds like us in our first season of playing with sticks. We used our little instant shower tent as our dining area, our evening hangout area, and our mosquito protection.

[@carasmussen27]

what I use is one of those three drawer plastic units. You can get them at Target and they are cheap. I have all the necessary supplies in one place. I do need a folding table. It's never a problem since I camp in national parks or state parks and they always have picnic tables. Some are remote and not a lot of people around. We are looking into a tear drop or small trailers. I think a tear drop is too small since we have a teenage daughter. We were ready to buy a pop up camper but besides Covid I was diagnosed with cancer. Today is actually 1 year since I had surgery to remove the tumor. Spring will be here soon and I am hoping hubby still wants to get some kind of trailer. I hate to say it but I really can't sleep in a tent anymore LOL. best wishes and happy camping in 2021.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. But also glad to hear you are one year out from the tumor removal. Sounds like you are a trooper! I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting a little comfort. We still go back and forth between tent camping and teardrop camping. But man is it nice 90% of the time to be using the teardrop. With all you went through I think the family owes it to you to get you that trailer. Let us know what you end up getting. Best wishes and happy camping to you as well!

[@mauriceaustin3442]

We love our ARB awning and attachable tent on the passenger side of our off-road tear drop trailer. The tent has 4 walls a ceiling and floor. Solid walls that can be rolled up to open screening and then the screening can be rolled up to allow a complete walk through open area. Also our wall that hangs against the trailer has a zip open door so we can have it open with the rest of the walls closed off and our granddaughters sleep in there. But yet it is open to inside the trailer for our piece of mind. New follower. Great video

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We drool at setups like yours when folks are camping next to us and have these options. We always tell ourselves, some day.... Thank you for sharing your setup Maurice.

[@conniechamberlain1259]

What fun.Your doing what you want to do.😃

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks Connie.

[@DogDriver58]

Our teardrop galley has a barbecue, and is equipped with a 2 burner stove with oven. Love my biscuits in the morning....

[@angela-r]

Thank you for this great advice! I’ve been dreaming of a small, light teardrop for a while and also want to travel light - but smart too! This advice will definitely help. 🙂

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad this info was helpful Angela. You are going to have so much fun out there! The hardest thing about teardropping is deciding which one to get :)

[@angela-r]

Playing with Sticks It sure is! 🙂

[@carlah6922]

My husband and I (and 60lb doggo) will be getting our first teardrop in about 2 weeks! Being truck canopy campers, we already HAD a TON of creature comforts. Including portable solar panels (200watt x 2), a Jackery 1500 sogen, Clam quick set sky camper, Lightspeed side entry tent, Ozark double wide shower tent, Joolca Hot Tap Propane shower, ARB ZERO dc fridge/freezer, RTIC 65 qt cooler and too many tables to count. NOW our new teardrop will come with a full galley kitchen with ANOTHER Dometic fridge/freezer, (which means we can dedicate one to a full freezer and one to a fridge!) a camp chef ranger 2 cooktop and TONS of storage. We've even figured out a way to hook up our Kangen water ionizer machine to a portable pump! (BC ya know.. water snobs. lol) And that's just to name a few things.. We are going FULL TIME in our tiny camper for the time being! CANT WAIT TO START OUR TEARDROP LIFE! 💙

[@molliedoodleable]

I just came up with this too. I have Papa bear Rustic Trails teardrop. I am having a nice camp kitchen dropped off today !

[@sandymichalski3515]

I'm new, I haven't yet camped in my teardrop, because of the stay at home. Looking forward to go and thanks so much for all these wonderful ideas.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Welcome Sandy to one of the greatest communities you will ever be a part of! We really do mean that. Being a small camper owner is such a fun adventure and better than the adventures are all the neat people you are going to meet along your journeys. We are so excited for you to get out there in your new teardrop. We remember our first few weekends very well. Such a great upgrade from car camping. What teardrop did you end up purchasing? Or did you build your own. Again, welcome to the club Sandy!

[@sandymichalski3515]

@@PlayingwithSticks we purchased a retro-teardrop. Used because I needed to talk hubby into trying teardrop. We have a 22 ft travel camper also. With that size limited us in so many ways. Now retired we can do quick easy trips. Campers all our married life. Love it and your videos so helpful. Keep up the good work and thanks.

[@CallMeVie]

@@sandymichalski3515 Congrats on your new to you retro teardrop!!!!! 😎 Even if you can't travel, you can always have the teardrop in your driveway for the weekend for practice and enjoyment! I have a 20ft trailer as well and we enjoy both teardrop and trailer during summer. Still love the simplicity of teardropping even if we do have some bulky accessories as Playing with sticks have in this video.

[@user-fy7ru4ii1i]

I think it was smart of you to add those extras. Especially if it added to your enjoyment of family time camping.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks Jeremy. Not everyone has agreed with us on this. But again it is like you say, if adding things doesn't increase their enjoyment while camping, great! They are happy just keeping it basic.

[@SueziesOneSimpleThing]

You do such a great job with your videos, and cover really interesting and important content. I love your little set up and your little family. It is also a treat to "travel" Alaska; it is on my "when I am retired" list! We've only been (tear)dripping for about six weeks but have already added many of the items that you have. One huge upgrade for us was the addition of the Ikea Lonset mattress support under our memory foam. It makes sleeping just so much more comfortable (really would extend my willingness to go on looonnnggg tripsi), raises the mattress up to be flush with the door so I am no longer bruised getting in and out, and helps a great deal with the condensation, without dealing with an air mattress or the more expensive systems.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Nobody has mentioned these LUROY, LONSET and LEIRSUND slatted bed bases yet in any of our comments. So not only do they raise the bed and reduce moisture, they make your mattress feel more comfortable? Hmmm, sounds like something we need to look into.

[@SueziesOneSimpleThing]

@@PlayingwithSticks I did have to cut mine down a bit using a mitre saw to custom fit my tear. Super easy..took me less than an hour to cut it down and install.

[@patricklaw9951]

Great video!!! Nice family. Keep living life to the fullest.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you Patrick! We really appreciate comments like this.

[@clermontcubby9207]

We carry a SUV tent that can be attached to the side/rear of the teardrop. game changer when we camped from florida to washington and back.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

These are great aren't they! Is yours a King Camp Awning?

[@clermontcubby9207]

@@PlayingwithSticks it's a Napier Backroads 9x9 tent. Has full screens and zip up storm panel.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@clermontcubby9207 We have never seen this model on anyone's teardrop. Any chance you could drop us a photo of it? Would love to see this conneccted to a teardrop galley. Our email is [e-mail] but please don't feel obligated to chase down a photo.

[@clermontcubby9207]

@@PlayingwithSticks I do have pics, what's the best way to send you a copy.

[@GeekFamilyAdventures]

Thanks. We have done 3 trips in our 2020 NuCamp Tag XL Boondock Edge. We bought several things before we started and a few more since our trips. Still feel like a minimalist. Love your videos. Thanks 🤓

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We have said this before, but love your trailer! Glad to hear you have already made 3 trips!

[@jodybogdanovich4333]

Like some others who posted here, I absolutely love my anti-gravity lounger, but you can sit upright as well. I did give the extra big one I had to my grandson because I am 65 with a lot of arthritis problems and the bigger one was a little too cumbersome so I downsized to a smaller one. I also plan to take my outdoor rocking chair once I get a little teardrop trailer and Tow rig. Another camping must-have for me: My daughter gave me a Presto MyJo coffee maker that utilizes coffee pods, which are so handy! Just add hot water and press down on the device over a cup. It even makes the shooshing sound like the Keurig brewer makes and it provides a delicious crema on top of your cup of joe. They are only $20 and I know you can get them at Walmart. Because of my Orthopedic issues, I do have to place the coffeemaker lower than table level to get the right downward leverage, but in two or three pumps, I have an awesome cup of coffee! ☕ Plus I consider it my upper body workout LOL 💪👩‍🦳 Here's a link to a short video I found online that demonstrates it: Watch "Presto MyJo Single Serve Coffee Maker" on KZbin kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJSrYaKwh8SAqac PS At the beginning of the covid-19 lockdown, my Keurig coffee brewer quit working at home and I was putting up with instant coffee that I happened to have for emergencies. After a couple depressing days of that, I remembered the MyJo out in the garage with my camping gear. I have been using it for the past 2-1/2 months every day, brewing 2 to 4 cups a day at home. Lifesaver!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We are going to try this one. We had a similar situation where we lived on instant coffee. We ended up buying a $3 pour over that you place on top of your coffee cup and add a filter into it. We have really enjoyed the experience. It also adds a bit of crema to the top if done right. Unfortunately "done right" are the key words as we find it is not the most consistent brew. We will have to give the Presto a try. Thanks for sharing. And love the upper body workout!

[@jodybogdanovich4333]

@@PlayingwithSticks Cool! Let me know if you have any questions when you get one. I should clarify where I said add hot water, it should be near boiling. When I use it at home, I put water in the reservoir and zap it in the microwave for 90 to 95 seconds for an 8 oz cup, but you'll figure it out for your preferences. I'm still trying to figure out the right grind of coffee to use in the reusable pod that comes with it. The pre-packaged pods are much handier for camping anyway.

[@georgiahaque9453]

I’ve seen you a few videos. I love that your stories and your experiences are based in truths. You seemed to be able explain and teach so much, even I will be able to perfect this thing! Love you!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you so much for the positive feedback Georgia! Love comments like this.

[@jeffbenesch]

Love that you're rockin' the UCLA football shirt. Go Bruins! JBUCLA. Class of '74

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes! Funny we typically only get negative comments about that shirt on here. Haha. The haters are gonna hate. 😂

[@mikemead2315]

Add whatever it takes to enjoy - whatever makes you smile more. My two game changers were the 12volt compressor fridge and the “shower” tent. The fridge allowed keeping a much better class of non-processed foods longer and never ending up with the dreaded “cooler stew”. My next addition will be some kind of oven for homemade rolls and baked deserts: stovetops Colman-folding or Omnia, Dutch oven with coals, covered gas grill/griddle, or a dedicated camp oven. I also would not mind a bigger fridge freezer for variety and easier organization. Oh yeah. My toaster!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We are still pretty new to the 12volt compressor fridge world. What model do you own and by any chance do you happen to know what amount of watts it takes to run it. This summer, that is if we get to go out, our goal is to really increase our quality of meals. We are still experimenting with blocks of ice and a drain for the water, but in the end I could see us checking out the refrigerator route. An oven would be something we would be into to. The current trailer we are remodeling, even though it is only a 10ft cabin/interior it does have a built in oven. We are interested to see how often we will use it. We are big fans of camping outside, but an oven could possibly change that thought process. Oh, and if you were to get a bigger fridge/freezer do you have any idea which one you may go with. We are just curious, it will give us a place to start looking as we do our research. Could make for an useful video for someone out there. We were really hoping our solar generator could handle the toaster, but not even close unfortunately. The idea of car camping with a toaster sounded really novel.

[@mikemead2315]

Playing with Sticks, lot of good 12v compressor fridges out there and power usage comparisons. The best value is the Truck Fridge. Ugly plain. Good reputation. They sell the typical chest big cooler top-loading kind and they sell bigger upright kinds for truckers - built in like for a camper. They are still expensive at around $500+- for the chest type depending on size. Not meant to store outdoors. Power depends on temp of fridge and ambient temp. Amps is low but adds up. At 63F degrees and set at 36, used 1-1.2 AmpHour. I set it at 32, so bottom is starting to freeze and top is good for other stuff used 1.75AH. Set low enough for ice cream mild-firm at 23F on the bottom with a divider to let the top stay warmer not frozen used 2.54AH. So if just used as a basic fridge and 1AH, a basic deep cycle battery would run it 2 days using 1/2 of a 100 AH battery or 50AH. Your mileage may very. I got lots of solar, so I can completely charge on most days, or I would need more batteries or different charging. Truck fridge also has the bigger builtins with freezer section I would consider for a broken propane fridge replacement in a camper. There are the dual separate section chest type that can be set up as separate fridge & freezer or both the same. Nice. Propane is nice not needing to do solar, but the fridges start out more expensive, but less solar expense and work in the shade - they are horribly inefficient electric fridges fyi. I would not kick one out of the camper. My portable one means I can take it anywhere, and if I get a camper, I can use it as a backup, extended boon dock temp fridge freezer for additional supplies, or provide a freezer if camper only has fridge. I got the second biggest, because the big one was too tall under the pickup bed cover.

[@mikemead2315]

Playing with Sticks, your solar generator does not have the watts to run a toaster, but would run the low power fridge for awhile. Easy. Length of time depends on its usable AmpHours.

[@mikemead2315]

joe momma, Yeah! Looks like no way the Coleman Oven would work, but everyone says they work great! Thanks! Good place to start!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@mikemead2315 I definitely asked the right guy for information on these. I have copied and pasted all this into my OneNote for my next research session. Thanks as usual Mike!

[@pedrogonzalez-vt4jf]

Great channel. Interested in knowing how to sleep confortably now you're a family of 4. Sleeping well is definitely my biggest drawback when tent camping, and I've seen teardrops are quite tight inside for a family

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes, they are definitely tight. We don't suggest them to most families. We co-sleep at home so we are used to being pretty close to each other. In our 4X8 teardrop 3 of us was just right. Now that there are 4 of us we are busting at the seams. To be honest I think I spent 50% of the time this summer in the side entry tent.

[@pedrogonzalez-vt4jf]

Yeah, that's my thought too. I've heard of people on camper vans that installed hammocks for the kids, or even sort of bunk beds, from side to side and on top of the "main bed". Wondering if that's also possible on teardrops. Think it'd be a good idea for a video, so people can bring their ideas and hacks

[@Mylifelovingit]

I take my wife with. Adds lots to the experience

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Ditto! Nice to hear this. Thank you Chris for demonstrating how to be a real man.

[@justinfowler2857]

I left mine behind. Way better experience. Lol

[@spideymcgee4718]

@@justinfowler2857 lol

[@spideymcgee4718]

I see what you did there

[@moriver3857]

Great video. The things you have added, not only makes your camping experience better, but gives you flexibility on the type of camping and location. Besides, you are giving your kids a lifetime experience a lot of kids don't get in the lower 48, and elsewhere. Kudos to you and your family. Boondocking is the way to go.

[@metaxaanabeer]

We are in a 5x8 teardrop and the two things I will never be without is our 10x10 EZ Up canopy that I had a marine upholstery guy make me curtains for...this is marine screening stuff, hard to describe but it keeps mosquitoes out, knocks down a howling wind and even stops wind driven rain yet you can see out of it. Second item is a Nemo Helio pressure shower...a bit more than a solar shower but way more convenient for daily use in washing dishes, rinsing off muck and for showering. We just fill it halfway and then boil water in our largest pot and carefully add that to fill and you have a very comfortable 5 minute (more actually) shower.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

A 5X8 sounds like the perfect size. Our family is often saying, we just need one more foot. Especially now that we have the new little guy in the family. Love the idea of putting curtains on the EZ UP. We are familiar with the screening, Drew's mother-in-law has it on her boat. Very durable, but like you said you can still see out. The Nemo showers look great. We are like you in that we fill our little shower setup halfway with warm water as well. When we first were showering we got it pretty darn hot. But, we have now come to find a warm shower feels pretty good and has decreased our water heating time immensely. Thank you for sharing. Would love to see a photo of your curtain setup if you ever have the chance to send one. Oh, and thanks again for your comment about the coleman stove in one of our other videos. We are looking forward to getting her back up to tip-top shape.

[@1FAST91SONOMA]

I'm not in a teardrop, but a Suburban conversion (think teardrop space but built into a 4x4 suv. I have 1 vehicle to register and insure, and none of the difficulty of towing a trailer. Just something to think about for those thinking about a teardrop) I have 1700W of solar (500W on the vehicle and 1200W worth of folding panels) to charge the 5120WH lifepo4 server rack battary which provides power to my lights, USB ports, maxxair deluxe fan, starlink, and 2000W inverter which powers my microwave and hotplate (I only use that when "stealth" camping) it has a 13" thick residential mattress that is one of the best I've ever used. Handmade wood cabinets, 2" R13.1 insulation boards throughout, the body cavities are packed with wool insulation, and it even has a propane water heater to accompany the shower awning from kickass as well as a water tank on the roof to supply water for showering. Showers can be done open-top with a beautiful view of the sky (excellent on starry nights) or with the 8x10' awning stretched across the top of the shower to protect from cold rain. The mattress has a heated pad which runs from DC and I have a couple DC space heaters to choose from depending on power needs. I also have an Ecoflow Wave AC unit and Ecoflow Delta Max to power it. I have all that and 2 big, comfy chairs, all the recovery equipment a 4x4 may ever need except a ground anchor, tire patches and plugs, a 4 tire air inflation/deflation system, and a matching fullsize spare wheel/tire as well as a winch and 4 traction boards. ALL of this fits in the vehicle without having to shuffle anything to take a quick nap. When I add my cooler (almost never since I got the 12V dual zone fridge/freezer) that rides in the back, on the floor between the mattress and the front seats, so it would need to be shuffled out. I have extra storage on the hitch with a large basket and waterproof bag which holds my propane tank, stove/oven, chainsaw, fuel, water, tool set, fluids for the vehicle, and a 4000W generator. I hope all this being on/in a 2002 Suburban puts space into perspective. Its not about how much you have. How well you use it is everything. I have space to spare and room to stretch out and get comfy. My whole build cost less than most teardrops too.

[@Thebirdman1221]

And you might consider a teardrop with full kitchen, a/c, and tv. Same size as yours. Look it up. We have one. Love it! Nucamp Tag Max XL

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes!!! That is definitely the type of trailer for us. We would like something with a few more bells and whistles, but really not looking for anything that much larger. Our brother-in-law has a Tag Trailer. Not sure what model (has the ac, tv, and kitchen). They drove up two summers ago (husband and wife with three kids) and said it was tight but doable. Whatever we get next we will need to ensure it can support a rooftop tent, if for some reason we ever needed to get one.

[@Thebirdman1221]

Playing with Sticks the XL model has a RV king mattress. I say mattress, more like a cushion. I upgraded mattress and what a difference! Cost me 7 $700 to upgrade, but definitely the juice is worth the squeeze!

[@rtchow3000]

Your wife and two sons are a handful. great starting the kids young see the real world. i love outdoor, especially fishing. one thing my wife has in common with me, she loves the beach and i love it so i can snare crab. i made my own trap and loop. also, i made my own crayfish wire mesh trap. you can see it on eBay for sale on the snare and the loops. i caught a dungeon and rock crabs at the Pacific beach with my homemade trap. too bad we have to stay in our county till the calif clear the health issue. every time i see your video, i learned and got good advice. thanks, bob

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We are very similar to you in that we love all things fishing in this family. Our little East talks about fishing all winter long. We have ice fishing, but it just isn't the same as fishing in the spring, summer, and fall. Love that you make your own traps. We have often talked about setting traps for shrimp here in Prince William Sound. We are out there fishing with rod and reel in the spring for rockfish and the summer for salmon, but haven't spent the spring baiting traps yet.

[@rtchow3000]

@@PlayingwithSticks: there's a video on youtube this two men using live bait, i think worm, on a fishing pole. you have to hold the pole up all the time to get the feel when the shrimp grab-on the bait and gently come up. they did that all day long with many shrimps caught. i believe my trap can do the same using canned cat food, punch some holes on one side only. the can have to suspend, not touching the bottom/sides or else the crayfish will just dig in little at a time. you want the crayfish/shrimp to go into the trap. there's some cheap trap on eBay. i found making my own get the joy of catching my food.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@rtchow3000 Now fishing for shrimp, we had no idea you could do that. We would love to give that a try!

[@rtchow3000]

@@PlayingwithSticks: do use worm so you can reuse the worm once you slowly lift the shrimp up. there is a youtube video on this method someone made in Asia. i can use only trap here in the creek/mountain stream.

[@rtchow3000]

@@PlayingwithSticks: do check out the youtube get more detail from these two Asian videos. there is no shrimp at my location, only crayfish at the mountain stream/creek.

[@MyTentLife]

Well as I posted a few weeks ago about me getting my first teardrop on one of your videos. Well a week or two I jumped into my car and took it for a 2.5 week camping trip. Well of course I took to many things as if I was camping in a tent that I found out I didn’t need in my teardrop. I did the canopy over the door and a canopy over the galley. Well when it rained water was running down the side of the camper and the bugs wanted in out of the rain which was not nice of them. Well I got to thinking and still had the problem of changing clothes inside the teardrop. That is a struggle for me at 63 years old. So I watched a video on a tent that is only 5 by 7 screen and it also closes completely up to add privacy. But it also has a capsule that goes from tent to the door with a draw string to make it seal around the door as long as you have the little J channel trim kit installed and if not you can buy them really easy. Well I decided to buy that tent for 2 reasons. One is I change clothes in it with complete privacy and the best of the two is I can go to the restroom in it when I get them in the middle of the night bathroom oh man I got to go’s. You know what I mean. So I bought me one of them tents and received it a few days ago. I will be taking me a camping for 2 or 3 days to sit it up and seal it with scotches guard sealer and to test it out. But also I downsized to a smaller tent upgraded to more privacy and and a screened in area. So I think it is a wow win cause now I don’t need to take a second heavy canopy. I also have found everything I need to have a completely to take a nice warm shower even this the teardrop don’t have hot water tanks.

[@dorvinion]

One big benefit to a propane campfire is turn the gas off and its out. No lingering hot coals or sparks to start a wildfire. Not much of an issue here in the Midwest, but when we go out West I'm always worried about that. The one thing we still have yet to sort out that affects our comfort and costs is cleaning up after cooking. After a long day of exploring we want more than a single pot meal. Cooking a good meal is easy, cleaning up after (three basins) just feels like a hassle, so we often find ourselves eating out (consequence of camping in developed campgrounds, laziness can be enabled). For weekend camping its easy enough to just bring an extra set of most things and then throw them in the dishwasher at home. My goal before our next long trip is to work out a better way to wash.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great point on the fire. When we were kids we thought we properly put out a fire. Basically used dirt and water. A high windstorm came up and in the middle of the night we woke up to our fire roaring. Definitely was a learning moment for us. Since then I have seen this happen at many campsites, much more common then you would think. We are right with you with the cleaning as well. I highly suggest our low water cleaning video. It sounds a bit ridiculous when you first watch it. But try it. We actually enjoy cooking large meals now and the cleanup is actually fun. No water basin, no large amount of dishes to dry. We learned this trick from Cosmo Weems and it really does work kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJWXo5iai7Zpjc0 Cast iron, even though it is extremely heavy. Once properly seasoned they are also a nice addition for decreasing your cleanup time. Also there is nothing wrong with eating out. I think sometimes we all feel that we have to rough it when camping. But, if cooking outdoors means you stay out 2-3 days and cooking mixed with eating out means you stay out a week. I would do whatever it takes to stay out here longer!

[@Chrisb8s]

I love watching your videos, I drive a Tesla Model S and it has so much space. that the back is almost like a teardrop trailer. this week I am putting a trailer hitch on for bikes. I am thinking about getting a 'side tent/hatchback tent for chilling as the back of the car has plenty of space for sleeping. the nice thing about your videos is that I don't have to go through a bunch of stuff to find out what might work for me. My son is a dragonboat team racer and I went from the lightweight portable chairs to the nice big captains chairs, and if there are trees a portable hammock and a shade structure and a wagon to carry it all.. luckily again the Tesla has a frunk and a trunk so plenty of space to carry it all in the car.

[@ALDOELTA]

We have our small mobile tiny home. We have the big pop up tent where we put our potty tent also. Double trouble. Then we make fire for mosquitoes to go away. We bought a portable bluetti chargeable and solar on top of it. Life is good!! We don’t have garage so everything goes to the storage even our truck From home we switch to our small car. It’s a lot of work but we do it twice a month.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes, that moving things around part can get tough. We completely understand the feeling as we often find ourselves in that situation.

[@VerissimusAurelius]

I put up a Coleman 6 man tent in my backyard for a weekend to just check it out. Then I started using it as my "zen plum village" meditation hut. It worked GREAT. I thought the thing would weather and collapse after a few rains..nope, it was perfect after 7-8 months, dry as a bone, I put a queen size inflatable bed in it and still had half the tent left. Also added a ridiculously LARGE chair.... I took it down to build a fence for my dogs and went to put it back up again and the mice in the garage had made swiss cheese of the sides..broke my heart. I then started thinking about incorporating it with a small tear drop like you have...(they make them here in Ocala, FL.). Your video was enlightening. My plan is to get a new Coleman just likte the one I have...and use it as a day lodge...for resting, reading, its actually over 6 foot tall...and make the mice eaten one into a bathroom or something. Its too dear a friend to kill it. Love you kids.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Your Colemean sounds like a great setup. This suggestion is a bit costly, but have you looked into the Gazelle tents. About the same height and size as your Colemean, but it is an instant pop-up and built pretty beefy. The T4 is really expensive, but a really neat design.

[@robinmurphy2563]

My Husband and I own an rv.. as much as I would love to have a teardrop.. One of the things that I have issues with.. is storage even inside the rv.. I have been buying "collapsible" items from Amazon.. like measuring cups, bowls, storage bowls, dish pan, stuff like that.. it sure helps out a lot.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes, storage is a concern that is very valid.

[@stephensapp7233]

I recently started looking into teardrop camping. I tent and hammock camp and wanted to camp longer. However I soon learned that teardrop trailers are expensive even for used ones. I guess I'll continue to go to state parks and tent and hammock camp.

[@Hanginwithherky]

The battle with the stuff is real....on our last 5 week trip we took too much stuff it was so frustrating for us. We even discussed making a trip to goodwill and drop some stuff off. Cooking over a fire requires a lot of stuff like you we use a propane fire and a butane burner. Nancy pre cooks most of our meals now and we just warm them up. The 12 refrigerator was a game changer for us as it allows us to bring those meals we have frozen. Great subject matter on this video. Safe travels

[@PlayingwithSticks]

The addition of the propane fire pit was because of you three. The very first episode we saw of yours, you two and Herky were "Hangin" out in the garage with the door open and the fire pit blazing. Within 30 seconds of the video we were hooked to your channel and knew we needed to get a fire pit. What 12 volt refrigerator did you end up purchasing? I think we may have missed that video.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Playing with Sticks propane fire is something I can’t do without now. I hated the smoke from the wood and in Indiana you can’t move firewood so you have to buy it. In the end propane was better for us.

[@Rain3Silver]

Hi! Playing with Sticks! Love your subscriber name! Myself I am glad you have made your Camping life more worthwhile especially for the longer days of Camping. All the gear you have shown looks great and efficient to use for your camping experience's. You are still outdoors Camping! With are modern day Camping gear that is available, absolutely make use of the gear and make life easier and more comfortable. Be A Happy Camper! Blessing's to you and your family! Be safe, watch out for the Bears! I lived in Alaska recently for two and half years. I lived in Chugiak, Ak. I saw a lot of Moose while I was there and one time a large Moose ran across the highway right in front of us, this happened very suddenly! Had to slam on the brakes! My boyfriend wasn't a tent camper and we did not have a trailer, even though he could of easily purchased one. But now that I reflect we did actually get to sleep in a tent a few times for a Big Salmon fishing trip on the Copper River. Boy! that was a once in a life time experience!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Chugiak. What a nice little community. Your Moose story sounds intense! Just saw the moose sign on the Glenn yesterday. Currently 350 moose have been hit this year. So sad, and scary for the folks who hit them.

[@argonautteardropcamper7030]

Love your videos! Thank you for the information from your real life experiences. Keep up the excellent work.

[@uweschroeder]

Good one! Don't even get me started on the amount of stuff we carry into the desert - and we don't even have a side tent (yet). I'd say the biggest items we carry are 2 full size zero gravity lounge chairs. Got to be comfy when stargazing. Since I'm into more fancy cooking even on road trips, we usually carry a staggering amount of ingredients. I could cut this down a lot by planning meals and sticking to the plan, but then I don't do that at home either so I always have a few choices available. I even bake fresh sourdough bread on trips - so I carry a dutch oven and a foldable coleman oven. I'd say cooking utensils and ingredients as well as wine, snacks, cocktails etc. are the largest weight we carry. I also tend to carry around 30 gal of water in total (15 in the tank in the trailer and another 15 in 3 Nato jerry cans). I like my quick military shower after a hike, so water is important for me. The jerry cans allow me to bring extra water into camp and refill the onboard tank. My trailer has a lithium battery system with onboard solar panels and I carry an extra foldable panel that can be plugged into the trailer thus doubling my solar capacity to 240W in total. Running out of battery hasn't been an issue since, but it's quite an investment and not something on the "affordable" list. We also have a gas firepit because the Southwestern US have a lot of fire bans in summer but gas fires are usually ok. Downside is that I bring a second gas bottle to fuel that, so in those cases I carry 2 of the BBQ size gas bottles. I think the chairs and entire kitchen setup contribute the most to being very comfortable when out there. We also bought 2 queen size blankets just to curl up into when sitting outside at night. Of course we don't live in Alaska, so in most places neither mosquitos nor rain or cold are much of a problem. I would definitely add a side tent or change the awning I have on the trailer to one that allows side panels to be attached.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We like your style Uwe! I mean, we already knew that from all your great comments in the past, but your setup sounds like where we want to be in the near future. Our goal this year is to increase our quality of meals while camping. We are both spend a lot of time in the kitchen at home, but have never really had the capacity to make those kind of meals on the road. We are excited to add another element to the camp. There is something about the daily campsite tasks that can be really relaxing and enjoyable, even though in reality they do take a bit of work. How often do you find yourself using the dutch oven? Sounds like something a lot of people in this community enjoy. You really do haul a good amount of water Uwe. We have never been the best at that due to our weight limitations. We end up drawing quite a bit of water out there. This year we upgraded to two 11lb propane cylinders. One will ride on the tongue and the other further back near the axles. Like you we needed a bit more fuel for the fire pit. But, we wanted to keep our tongue weight down. We are excited to see how it all works out. As usual Uwe, thanks for sharing with all of us.

[@janewilhelm3568]

Thank you so much! I am on the edge of enjoying the life of traveling about North America seeing all the wonderful natural things that I've only dreamed of before now. Your videos have provided so much information and help as I prefer to be off road and off grid whenever possible. I like people alright but my kids are grown and hubby has joined a freer world. So you will certainly see me enjoying your precious family videos more and more; and Oh! Alaska! one my biggest dreams...

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Welcome to the Playing with Sticks community Jane! If you ever make your way up here make sure to look us up.

[@USARMYMEDIC21]

I've been watching your channel now for awhile and a video will pop up that I realize I haven't seen and I get super excited to watch it. You guys are awesome and do such a great job addressing all aspects of camping in a teardrop. Keep it going because people like me really appreciate all the hard work you put into your videos! Much love

[@janandbruceadamsvanadventu3226]

For me, it is the portapotty. I can do without a lot of things, but not the portapotty. Note: hubby's rule is no lumps.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Portapotty is a good one. We started out digging latrines. That didn't last long. We still use the basic plastic sack inside a collapsible toilet. We are thinking this summer we may try a cassette toilet. Our family used to have one growing up in our boat. No lumps, is that referring to only having #1 in the toilet?

[@janandbruceadamsvanadventu3226]

@@PlayingwithSticks LOL, that is exactly what it means. If you put lumps in it, you get to clean it out! We have reached the age that we have to go in the middle of the night and we don't want to take a "hike" .

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@janandbruceadamsvanadventu3226 Love it! I am going to have to use the term Lumps. I know know the term will make May squirm!

[@janandbruceadamsvanadventu3226]

@@PlayingwithSticks I will use an outhouse rather than put lumps in the portapotty and you have NO idea how I HATE outhouses.

[@garbinator09]

Jan and Bruce / Adams Van Adventures - Lincoln Logs work too. Bruce knows what those were in our day. FYI on the Cassette crappers. Toss just one of those blue Bio blacktank RV pods in and run a bit of water in there. When it coomes time to empty in a public rest stop or camp ground toilet the smell won’t bring you to your knees type thing. I loved using them when I had my Lance 990 Legend Camper.

[@obadiahscave]

Great video on camping, brother.. Trust me, you're absolutely right..

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks 👍 Any chance you are out of Palmer Alaska? I'm guessing not based on your channel art, but have to ask.

[@thatmichigangirl90]

I love my Kelty tent with two vestibules- an entrance for stashing stuff, and a rear vestibule for my night time potty (coffee can). I sleep on an Exped mattress on top of a cot with a down blanket, and it's super comfy. I have been scoping out the Tab clam shell camper as I want standing room but don't want to cook inside.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We are big fans of tents with two vestibules as well. Lately we have been really interested in the 2 room gazelle tent. A little big for our needs, but a really neat pop-up design. We never thought of putting a mattress on top of a cot. We often tell people if we can find a way to car camp that is as comfortable as teardropping we may go back to it some day. We are also right with you about enjoying a standup camper, but not needing to cook inside.

[@sbasu03]

I just love your videos! So practical and so relevant without any pretense. I’m about to get a teardrop although still struggling with the idea of how to fit myself, wife and 2 kids in one. Seems like that’s where the awning would come in handy and I’d be spending the night outside 😁

[@CBub1971]

My wife and i just bought a teardrop, i have a daughter that occasionally likes to go with us, we decided an awning room would be the best way to go. It’s outside, but it works. If its cold enough, a buddy heater does the trick. Yes, I’m the one outside but i love it!

[@fredescobedo2556]

Really glad a fellow Matrix owner is doing something I'm about to do 😎

[@garygoldsmith9844]

Hammock, I wouldn't leave home without it! Great video!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We have got to give those hammocks another try. We even camped once with our friend we call the "hammock expert." He set us up well and had us properly lay in them. We had great naps, but struggled to have good overnights in them. We want to try them again to see if we can learn how to overnight in them better, maybe more padding, blankets, etc. Would be a great upgrade to sleeping on the ground when backpacking. Glad you enjoyed the video Gary!

[@garygoldsmith9844]

@@PlayingwithSticks There is a learning curve but when you get it down, shazam!

[@FreysOnTheSide]

Love this video on so many levels! This is a continued struggle with our set-up comfort vs minimalist.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

This is the type of video I’d love to make with your family. Kind of a how we got to where we got set up video. Glad you enjoyed this one Matt.

[@ReneaDooserider]

Cute baby. Haven’t watched for a while. Yes new chair and reflectix for windows. Subie car camper. great video. Thank you. 💕 Weather tech window deflectors. Windows down at least 1 inch Fan to keep air moving even if it’s cold. Water absorbing beads from dollar tree store. non-toxic crystallized silica gel. Still looking for better ways. This one guy design a 3-D printer and Xbox fans to suck air out of his sunroof it was pretty cool. But the plastic was fragile.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks Renea! We are pretty excited to have another boy in the mix! Out of curiosity with the reflectix and the small space what do you do to minimize moisture? We used to have a Jeep Cherokee with a bed and drawers, we love it. The only issue we had over time was minimizing the moisture. But, really our simple fix was just to get more ventilation at the time. Just wondering if there are other tricks we don't know.

[@ReneaDooserider]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5ezipt6eMehfZo This is how I made my reflectixs hope this helps he has video for RVs too.

[@rmangold]

We're just getting started on this adventure. My wife and I are in our 50's with grandkids that we want to introduce a non-digital life for even just short periods of time. Seeing your journey has helped us sort of fast forward to the good stuff and skip the pitfalls (some anyway). Thanks!

[@coreyrobinson9010]

Subbed after 4 or 5 videos. I love the family aspect and genuine life alteration seeking aspect to your videos. Time to get my wife outside more

[@stoneyrunva]

Interesting video. I don't require most of those things. I also prefer the camp fire smell to be everywhere. But it looks like you and your family are enjoying camping. That's all that matters.

[@michelvaillancourt3833]

Loved this one...yes, I have stopped camping because of all the non-confortable nick-nacks of not bringing enough confort..now...because of covid pandemic...we are going to give it a good ''go''...merci beaucoup for all the precious info :)

[@roxannegordon6162]

We have Winnie (Winnebago Mini Drop 21') big enough for 2 people. TWO! designated items that always stay with Winnie. Winnie is self contained. Stove, fridge, Electric, Fridge, Freezer, AC and heat. We boondock with no issues. We double everything. Buy one for the house (shampoo, paper towels etc. and one for Winnie leave em there.) From refillable shampoo/conditioner/body wash gizmo screwed into the bathroom, clock on the wall, a clamp reading light in the bedroom, boots, and crocs in a tub, Winnie is ready to go. I have all my clothes in a tote under the bed. Same hiking clothes all the time, just take out the tote, bring them to the laundry at home, put back in the tote, ready to go. Only thing we have to shop for along the way is what I want to cook that weekend for fresh protein which is fish. Swordfish over the campfire!! Most other protein is in Winnie's freezer. So packing up Winnie, (coming and going) driving off takes us about half an hour , a bit more if we bring the bikes and/or screen house, to undo when leaving. This took practice and now it's second nature. Being that close to my mate for weekends is PRICELESS!

[@slamboy66]

I bought a nice camping chair because my other one was too close when I was welding. Returned nice camping chair old one so comfy .

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love it! We have a few of those beater items we haul around as well. Many times new does not mean better!