Jacob (Genesis 29-31

5 Must-Have Items for YourSpring Camping Trip

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(StatePoint) The spring camping season is here and it’s time to get ready. These five must-have items are not only compact, they’ll ensure you have fun and make the most of your trip: 1. Rest and relaxation: After a day of vigorous activity, you deserve to put your feet up. And there is no better way to relax than with a hammock. Hammocks that come with their own stand offer super easy set-up, instantaneously turning your campgrounds into a home away from home. 2. Tech support: Whether your day-time excursions include fishing, hiking or rappelling, wearable tech can support your adventures. The ProTrek PRT-B50 Series of watches feature a compass, an altitude/barometer and temperature measurements so you can stay oriented and safe. For those tracking their fitness goals, calories burned and step count offer valuable metrics that are recorded by the ProTrek Connected app. The app also offers a lineup of useful tools for the outdoors, including a Trekking Log that plots altitude points along the trail, and a Location Indicator, to help you track your route from pinned locations. 3. Delicious snacks: For a delicious evening snack, don’t forget supplies for S’mores. To simplify your packing, get a kit that comes with all the ingredients and tools you need for gooey goodness, including roasting sticks. All you need to provide is the campfire. 4. Music makers: Speaking of campfires, the best nights under the stars are those accompanied by music. To shake things up a bit, bring along a portable keyboard, like the Casiotone CT-S200. This ultra-compact model is powered by six AA batteries and features a built-in carrying handle and speakers, so you make music wherever and whenever you want. Weighing less than 8 pounds and small enough to fit into a slightly oversized backpack, it’s the perfect instrument for on-the-go adventures. 5. Streamlined entry: National Park Pass: Frequent campers should not leave home without a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Covering entrance, standard amenity fees and day use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle, it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy over 2,000 national parks and wildlife refuges nationwide.

As you ease into the camping season, gear up with supplies that make every adventure amazing.

EarthFriendly Gearfor Outdoor Enthusiasts

(StatePoint) Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Read labels carefully while you shop for gear.

While they’ve been around for decades, more consumers are becoming aware of a toxic class of chemicals called perfluorinated chemicals, often referred to as PFAS or PFCs. Because PFCs are good at resisting oil, stains, grease and water, they’ve become a go-to treatment for many manufacturers. In fact, PFCs are so widely used, they’re found on everything from shoes and jackets to couches and food wrappers -- including the many items designed for nature lovers!

The issue is that these chemicals find ways to enter the environment, the food chain and our water supply, which is bad for wildlife, the planet and human health. Because PFCs have a very hard time breaking down, they’re infamously known as “forever chemicals.”

Thanks to a heightened understanding of the health issues associated with PFCs, there has been a growing sense of urgency around removing them from consumer products. With a little care, you can shop with brands that have taken earth-friendly steps, and in some cases, bounds, to try to avoid these so-called “forever chemicals.” Need some inspiration? The following gift guide includes some of the best outdoor gear designed to stand up to adventures of all kinds, and it’s all eco-friendly to boot!

Cozy Footwear

Give the gift of indoor comfort outdoors with the warm, cozy Howser collection from KEEN Footwear. Ahygge-worthy, “sleeping bag for feet,” their fuzzy lining and PU cushioned insoles mean they’re as cozy as house slippers, and their grippy, sturdy rubber outsoles make them a solid choice for outdoor use. The collection includes slip-ons, ankle boots and high top choices for women, men and kids -- all of which are a natural fit for chilly evenings by the fire or rolling out of the tent in the morning to get the coffee brewing.

Not only is the entire collection PFC-free, options that contain leather are sourced from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries, which use processes to reduce chemical use and their impact on watersheds, creating an environmentally preferred leather.

“Eliminating PFCs from footwear is easier said than done,” says Erik Burbank, vice president of KEEN Effect, a team that guides the brand’s responsible manufacturing efforts. “We’ve spent years working to eliminate PFCs from our products and supply chain with safe alternatives while delivering the performance people expect from KEEN. In that time, we estimate we’ve saved over 50,000 KGs of fluorinated chemicals from being introduced into the environment. As part of our Detox the Planet initiative, we continue to push for ways to put the environment first.”

To learn more, visit keenfootwear.com.

LayerUp

Trekkers and campers know that weather is unpredictable and that makes layering essential. Now, they can do so with both performance and sustainability in mind. All of Houdini’s sportwear apparel is PFC-free. Plus, many of its garments are made from recycled materials, and are either recyclable or completely biodegradable. Stay warm and prepared for anything by checking out the Swedish brand’s base layers, mid layers, outerwear and accessories.

Pack Smart

From snowshoe backpacks to hiking backpacks to packs designed specifically for trail runners, the full line-up of outdoor gear offered by Deuter is highly functional and contains no PFCs. Instead, the brand relies on Durable Water Repellent treatments that are not harmful to people or the planet.

The best outdoor gear protects the nature it celebrates. Embrace a “leave no trace” mind as you gear up for your next adventure.