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In this episode…
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Data and Wifi for the road: TOGO systems
Winegard and AT&T teamed up to bring a cellular-based internet solutions to your travels. The TOGO plan is a true unlimited data plan, with no throttling when a certain amount of data has been used. The device uses its own AT&T wireless data plan (you must purchase the plan), and it includes a built-in wifi transmitter. As long as there’s an AT&T tower, or AT&T contracted tower around, you get data and wifi! Perfect for work-camping, long-termers, and full-timers! Road-schoolers here’s looking at you!
RunsWithTogo.com
GPS:
The new Garmin RV 785 GPS unit is a powerhouse that does way more than your old GPS or Google Maps can do. First, it’s not cellular-based (for when you’re away from your TOGO unit, mentioned above). Not only do the maps and directions work when you’re far away from cellular towers, but this thing can help you plan your trip with the dimensions of your RV in mind. Wait… what?! Yep, enter your rig’s height, length, width, and weight and the Garmin RV 785 will get you where you’re going without you running into any low bridges. Is there more? YES! The RV 785 has a built-in dashcam, and it can connect to your rear-view camera. I’m running out of space to detail features, so here’s a link: https://newsroom.garmin.com/press-release/garminr-introduces-new-rv-785-rv-and-camping-enthusiasts
For the way out there overland camper in you… there’s a specific and incredibly powerful Garmin Overland version of their GPS device.
Portable Solar
Not much needs to be said about the function and value of having portable solar with you on your trips, but we can briefly state that we love the folding panels and some of the brands we trust are Zamp, GoPower… and we’re really digging the Samlex options lately.
Anything Lithium Ion
Seriously, Lithium-Ion battery technology is changing so many aspects of long-distance traveling. We’d be remiss not to mention the amount of power you can carry in a Lithium-Ion system, or how well they handle RV-level loads… or how quickly they charge! Sigh…
So, smaller but just as useful Lithium Ion devices are of course power banks. We’d like to bring up the Expion 72 Pro here because it can power CPAP machines, any USB powered devices, computers AND there’s an included adapter that attaches to your RV’s 7-pin plug allowing you to run the lights, electric jacks, fans, and other 12-volt accessories! We’ve used it to power the podcasting equipment in remote places!
Portable Bluetooth Speakers… so.many.options.
Have you seen the Tiki Tunes? No?! Prepare yourself…
Bluetooth speakers make your music more portable, of course, but they also help keep the campground peace! Keep your music player nearby and you won’t have to blast it to get full sound when your any distance from your camper. Lower volumes make for happier neighbors and happier wildlife. Here are some manufacturers of Bluetooth speakers to check out. Furrion, Bose, Sony, JBL, KING.
Weather radio
It sounds practical… and it is. BUT, it’s peace of mind AND right up an outdoorsy techno-geek’s alley. Make sure it’s NOAA certified, and stay safe out there, my friend.
NOAA Weather Radios on Amazon.com
Quality Flashlights
We like NEBO products
Surefire, Streamlite… many options
12-volt compressor fridge
Quality Ice Chest
Anything Roto-molded (Like YETI, Rtic, Pelican, Magellan, Igloo, Coleman, etc.)
LODGE Cast Iron set
Little Red Campfire and Big Red Campfire
Fireside Outdoor Pop-up Fire Pit
Camping Hammock, lots of brands out there
Gazelle G6 Gazebo as another option
Charitable gift-giving:
Patagonia: – Patagonia.com
Since 1985, Patagonia has pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. This stacks up to over 89 million dollars. Patagonia has a full line of clothing and outdoor gear for all ages, but we are especially fond of the Recycled Black Hole Bags that are durable gear made from recycled plastic bottles.
Bomba: – bombas.com
Easy concept. One sold, one donated. And their great socks! Dress socks, casual socks, running socks, hiking socks, snowboarding socks, tennis socks, golf socks, basketball socks, you name it. When the founders realized the most requested item at homeless shelters was socks, they set out to make an amazing sock that everyone would love, and include a donated pair with every purchase. Did I mention they have a “100% happiness guarantee”? If you have a problem, they will solve it, replace it, refund it, whatever it takes. Can’t go wrong with really awesome Bomba socks.
Toms: toms.com
Toms shoes have become famous for their donations to worthy causes. Did you know Toms now has a great selection of slippers and sunglasses? Know somebody that is crazy about Star Wars? Yep, a whole collection of Star Wars shoes along with the dress shoes, boots, and slip-ons. Not sure what to get? There’s always a gift certificate!
Warby Parker Glasses:
Glasses or Sunglasses, either way, pick 5 pairs to try on at home for free! What a great gift! Or a Parker Travel Pouch or Travel Case, or how about just a gift certificate. Either way, you are supporting an amazing company that provides eye exams and ultra affordable glasses to those in need around the world. What traveler couldn’t use a new, very cool pair of sunglasses!
One Hope wine: onehopewine.com
Affordable wine. A California Brut Sparkling Wine Gold Shimmer Edition (only $29) It looks very glittery and a great gift option! Donates to various organizations including homeless pets, meals for children and vaccines for disease prevention in tropical areas.
Love your melon: loveyourmelon.com
Love your melon began as a way to donate beanies to children with cancer. Now, the donations of love your melon go far beyond the beanies. Since 2012 they have donated over 6 million dollars and 185,000 beanies. 50% of their profits go to nonprofits they support, and on their website under the “giving” tab, you can see specific beanies that support some of the nonprofit groups, or purchase from their online shop to donate to the Love Your Melon Fund. When half of your purchase amount goes to support children’s cancer charities, it’s easy to be generous.
S’well – swellbottle.com
Who doesn’t love these eco-friendly bottles that keep your drinks cold or hot for over 24 hours! Did you know they donated 1.4 million dollars to Unicef since 2017? Other partners they support are the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Lonely Whale. All types of bottles, containers, carafes, shaker sets, etc… in so many classy designs like teakwood, Calcutta Gold, Black Marble, bright-colored aluminum… lots of choices! No excuses, since this is a great gift for just about anyone!
Unicef: marketplace.unicefusa.org
Yep, you can shop for gifts directly from Unicef, where 89 cents of every dollar is spent to help children in desperate need around the world. Their choices are limited, but they are unique items sourced from around the world. For the traveler, I suggest the men’s sweaters or Women’s Ponchos! The products are good quality, unique, and will quickly share your holiday spirit of giving through Unicef.
