Snowys Camping Show

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Water meets its match: fabric technologies demystified! When it rains, it pours - but it doesn't have to bore! In this episode, Ben is presented with another opportunity to geek out, and this time our gear gurus unfold the complex world of waterproof fabrics. From the fundamental differences between waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent, to hydrostatic head ratings and coatings - Ben and Lauren decode every last drop. The conversation flows through PE versus PU treatments, siliconised fabrics, laminated materials, and the beading beauty of DWR coatings. Tune in for a masterclass in fabric technology that proves keeping dry is equal parts chemistry, engineering, and outdoor know-how!Shortcuts:00:00 - Intro00:45 - Another Excuse for Ben to Geek Out...02:06 - Waterproof, Water-Resistant, and Water-Repellant03:55 - Maintaining Realistic Expectations06:23 - Waterhead and Hydrostatic Head08:49 - Coatings and Laminations11:37 - Hydrophilic Coatings and Preventing Hydrolysis13:01 - PE Vs PU Coatings13:53 - Siliconised Fabrics15:21 - Laminated Fabrics16:23 - Durable Water Repellant (DWR)18:20 - Canvas Vs Polyester27:14 - Re-Waterproofing31:01 - Another Geek-Out Done! Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

A deep-freeze dive into myCOOLMAN with the guy who keeps his cool for a living...Staying cool under pressure is both an art and a science. In this episode, Ben and Lauren sit down with myCOOLMAN's Technical Sales and Product Specialist, Charlie Graham, to unpack what makes this Aussie fridge manufacturer tick. Our gear gurus explore the brand's ground-up origins, tap into the Blue-Gen compressor technology, and discover the hidden features that set myCOOLMAN apart from the frosty competition. From efficiency and quality control processes to battery integration and secrets to reducing noise, tune in for the cold, hard truth on how local engineering expertise builds the best fridges for Australian adventures. Shortcuts:00:00 - Intro01:35 - Introducing Technical Sales and Product Specialist, Charlie Graham08:26 - Brands Beneath the myCOOLMAN Umbrella08:57 - The Origin of the myCOOLMAN Name11:47 - The Team Involved From the Ground Up14:44 - What Makes myCOOLMAN Different (and Better)?18:14 - The Blue-Gen Compressor26:35 - The Recreational Series29:17 - myCOOLMAN's Hidden Secrets and Features32:03 - Efficiency38:11 - Testing Standards and Quality Control40:18 - Insulation42:08 - Battery Power Packs47:35 - Example myCOOLMAN Setup49:43 - Reducing Noise53:00 - Troubleshooting: Service Agents, Spare Parts, and Warranties55:38 - The myCOOLMAN Aesthetic1:04:00 - What's in myCOOLMAN's Future?1:05:51 - Charlie's Final Notes1:09:48 - SummaryJoin the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

No-shows, know-hows, and new fees: the camping reservation revolution...In an episode as haunting as it is helpful, Ben and Lauren unpack the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service's proposed camping fee reforms, from new facility-based pricing tiers to the crackdown on 'ghost camping' – the frustrating practice of booking sites that go unused. Our outdoor experts examine the results of the 2022 survey that sparked these changes, debate the effectiveness of various booking systems, and share their own approaches to responsible reservation practices. From Ben's unwritten campers' code to comparing cancellation policies across Australia, tune in for an honest conversation about balancing access, affordability, and accountability in our cherished natural spaces.Shortcuts:00:00 - Intro01:17 - Camping Fees Reformed: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service04:53 - Hipcamp06:33 - Booking Systems09:21 - 2022 Survey Topics of Note10:41 - Fees and Charges12:07 - The Proposal: Facility-Based Fees14:40 - Unpacking the 6 Tiers: Inclusions and Party Numbers17:34 - Cancellations 18:42 - Ghost Camping Crackdown24:40 - Lauren's Approach to Ghost Camping29:05 - Last Minute Changes and Cancellations30:50 - An Unsaid Campers' Code!35:25 - Addressing Ghost Camping as the Primary Issue39:10 - Cancellation Policies in VIC, QLD, SA, and WA41:13 - Speculative Bookings43:33 - Lauren's Key to Preventing Ghost Camping 45:25 - Feedback Due on May 2546:10 - SummaryJoin the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Fueling your flames: the gas-tronomy of camp cooking…Our gear gurus demystify LP gas and camping stoves, breaking down the crucial differences between high-pressure sizzlers and low-pressure simmers.In a fired-up discussion, Ben and Lauren go from propane, n-butane, and isobutane science, to practical connections, canister considerations, and selecting stoves that best suit your style of camp cuisine. Tune in for a technical yet digestible guide to understanding why your flame might fizzle at altitude or freeze in colder conditions!Shortcuts:00:00 – Intro03:55 – Ben's Episode Overview04:22 – Thanks, Tugboat!07:33 – High Pressure Vs Low Pressure Stoves08:43 – Low Pressure Stoves: How Regulators Work11:43 – Maintaining a Steady Gas Output: From 800kPa to 2.75kPa!12:02 – The Effect of External Temperature12:49 – High Pressure Stoves: No Regulator13:59 – kPa of Single-Use Propane Cylinders?15:25 – What Exactly is LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas)?16:28 – Propane: External Temperatures, Internal Pressure, and Boiling Points17:28 – N-Butane and Isobutane: External Temperatures, Internal Pressure, and Boiling Points22:20 – Connecting the Right Gas to the Right Stove24:04 – Weather Performance26:59 – Cylinder and Canister Types33:39 – Choosing a Stove42:14 – Accessories43:30 – SummaryJoin the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

From boots to beanies, Ben and Lauren unpack the camping gear on the cusp of convenient and comfy...Our outdoor experts wade into the footwear debate, untangle cotton versus synthetic, and reveal why merino wool is Best On (Camp)Ground for all-round, all-weather performance. From mozzie-deterrent strategies to the unexpected uses of dishwashing gloves, the focus remains on adaptable and practical camp clothing. Tune in for an essential guide to resilient outdoor attire - your first line of defense against the elements in unpredictable weather!Shortcuts:00:00 - Intro01:36 - Clothing Recommendations for Camping in All Weather02:49 - Lauren's Footwear Stance03:43 - Ben's Footwear Selections05:40 - Crocs, Tevas, and Standard Flip-Flops07:34 - Shorts and Long Pants08:42 - Cotton Vs Synthetic09:22 - Managing Milder Weather10:36 - Packing and Dressing for Comfort11:37 - Managing Mozzies12:43 - Merino Wool13:33 - Gloves, Beanies, and Hats16:30 - Merino Liners and... Dishwashing Gloves?!17:10 - Fleece and Jackets19:30 - SummaryJoin the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Putting it all out in the open(cell): the mat storage methods that matter!In this episode, Ben and Lauren unpack the proper storage techniques for self-inflating sleeping mats, addressing the critical balance between compression damage and storage space. Our gear gurus explain the science behind foam cell recovery, differences between bonded and single-layer mats, and practical solutions for preserving your mat's loft and longevity.From Ben's space-saving suggestions to Lauren's maintenance tips – tune in for a concise guide to ensuring your sleeping mat remains comfortable for countless adventures to come.00:00 - Intro 00:40 - Ben's New Favourite Snack?!02:59 - How to Store a Self-Inflating Mat03:36 - The Result of Compressing04:36 - Bonded Mats05:10 - The General Rule: Store it Uncompressed05:57 - Managing Space06:07 - Ben's Recommendation06:59 - Lauren's Tips for Mat Care08:26 - Storing Your Mat Loosely Compressed09:38 - Thanks, Kelly!Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Where brilliance meets boiling point: inside the JetBoil phenomenon...In this episode, Ben and Lauren's hour-long episode bubbles over in a hot-to-go interview with JetBoil's Mike Hebert, uncovering the brand's revolutionary journey from concept to camp essential! Our gear gurus crank the heat on JetBoil's evolution, exploring everything from early prototypes to engineering challenges, international standards, and the science behind those lightning-fast boil times. Tune in for a comprehensive look at what sets the authentic product apart from imitators, feature variations across the globe, and intriguing hints about where this innovative cooking system might be heading next.Shortcuts:00:00 - Intro 01:28 - Introducing Mike Hebert from JetBoil03:08 - The Beginnings of JetBoil05:23 - From the PCS to the Flash, and the Protoypes in Between07:18 - JetBoil's Footprint08:37 - Timeline: From Initial Concept to Packaged Product11:37 - Mike's Favourite JetBoil Product13:50 - JetBoil's Range Review14:36 - The Flash: Versions From 2019 to Now14:43 - The Flash 1.0L and Zip 0.8L: Model Updates20:18 - Improvements and Enhancements22:40 - The Pot Support24:09 - The Cook Pot27:11 - 'Light before attaching the pot'?28:28 - Sell Us the Zip!30:11 - Reheating Food31:55 - Regulators35:08 - Gas Mixers37:55 - Engineering Challenges40:28 - The Real Deal Vs Dupes45:15 - International Standards55:17 - One Product, Multiple Countries: How Many Feature Variations?57:28 - Google: 'Robot from Flubber'!58:28 - Products in 2026?Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

So… watt solar panel size is the missing piece to your power puzzle?From recharging depleted batteries to powering your camp kitchen, Ben and Lauren shed some (sun)light on the complexities of solar panel sizing. Our gear gurus break down the practical differences between 100W and 200W panels by explaining controller requirements, power station compatibility, and real-world limitations.Tune in for a sun-soaked discussion of valuable amp calculations, plug-and-play recommendations, and Ben and Lauren's personal approach to solar setups, so you can keep the campsite powered up off the grid.Shortcuts:00:00 – Intro02:59 – What Sized Solar Panel do I Need?03:44 – The ‘One-Line' Answer…04:45 – Considering a 200W Vs 100W Solar Panel06:06 – Limitations07:06 – Considering a Solar Controller with Your Panel10:01 – The Companion Rover 500 Power Station11:50 – What Would Ben Do?14:12 – Amp Replenishment15:45 – Plug ‘N Play18:07 – SummaryJoin the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

From saving your back to saving your relationship, a double camp stretcher with a centre bar could make or break both!In this episode, Ben and Lauren tackle the age-old camping conundrum of double stretchers – specifically, whether that infamous centre bar is a deal-breaker or just a minor inconvenience. From Kulkyne Kampers' design to Darche's approach and Quest Outdoors' innovative solution (coming soon), our gear gurus weigh up the pros and cons of double camp stretchers with an without centre bars, be you a solo camper or the other half of your adventure duo.Tune in for a practical discussion that proves sleeping arrangements shouldn't come between you and your camping companion!Shortcuts:00:00 - Intro03:08 - Double Stretchers: Bar or No Bar?04:33 - Kulkyne Kampers Double Stretcher05:57 - Managing a Centre Bar07:02 - Darche XL 1400 Double Swag Stretcher08:19 - The Function of a Centre Bar10:35 - Solo Campers Vs Couples10:58 - Quest Outdoors' 'Platform'13:13 - Try Instore!13:30 - SummaryJoin the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Thicker mats... better naps? Ben and Lauren roll out the facts on sleeping mat thickness, challenging the assumption that more centimeters means more comfort. Our gear gurus weigh up pack size versus plushness, solo sleep versus shared slumber, and how insulation value varies.Kick back for a concise breakdown of what really matters when choosing your next camping mattress, where the perfect night's sleep may not require the thickest mat in the tent.Shortcuts:00:00 - Intro01:52 - Is a Thicker Mat More Comfortable?03:36 - Pack Size03:56 - Soft Vs Firm04:32 - Sleeping Solo Vs With Company07:09 - 15cm Vs 10cm: Insulation08:29 - Considering Uneven Ground08:44 - SummaryJoin the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

 From marketplace newcomer to must-have gear maker... Ben and Lauren sit down with co-founder of Quest Outdoors, Chris, to unpack the brand's meteoric three-year rise from industry outsiders to outdoor living experts. Be it the meaning behind the name, navigating business from across the ocean, or the meticulous product development process - our gear gurus establish what sets Quest apart, including the highs, lows, and laughs of the Air Sofa! Tune in for a candid conversation about camping kit expectations, industry evolution, and how Quest plans to keep pitching above their weight in the outdoor space. Shortcuts:00:00 - Intro02:07 - Introducing Chris from Quest Outdoors03:31 - The Story of Quest Outdoors05:45 - Needing Vs Wanting06:55 - The Origin of 'Quest' 08:19 - Separating Quest from the Rest11:40 - Three Years Young: Quest's Rate of Growth14:18 - Attention to Detail17:01 - Product Development, Research, and Feedback22:01 - Marketing for Customer Expectations26:15 - The Air Sofa 1: Expectations Vs Reality!31:01 - Design Considerations of the Air Sofa37:05 - New Releases in the Pipeline40:25 - Velcro Vs Zippered Wall Attachments43:28 - The Future of the Camping Industry48:29 - The Future of Quest Outdoors51:25 - SummaryJoin the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Racking your brain about raising the roof?Whether you're tackling it solo or hosting a mounting party, Ben and Lauren break down the essential know-how of roof top tent installation. Our gear gurus explore everything from weight ratings and rack configurations to platform systems and positioning preferences - proving that with the right approach and a helping hand, you'll have a mounting success story and elevated sleeping quarters in no time!00:00 - Intro01:35 - How to Mount a Roof Top Tent02:32 - Roof Load and Racks Weight Rating02:50 - Roof Top Tent Operation03:13 - Awning Considerations03:21 - Host a Mounting Party!04:52 - Have Fun but Be Safe05:41 - Mounting Off-Centre07:18 - Door-to-Door and Boot-to-Bonnet Systems08:49 - Platform Roof Racks11:37 - Ben's RTT Mounting Experience14:05 - Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platforms x Roof Top Tent Designs16:53 - Door-to-Door Vs Boot-to-Bonnet Configurations17:31 - SummaryJoin the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

So the pegs won't peg, the storm won't settle, and you're all wheel, no drive?From flyaway tents and flooded campsites, to painful neighbours and malfunctions in the middle of nowhere - Ben and Lauren unpack how to handle camping catastrophes with a productive, spring-back attitude. Be it battening down the hatches or packing up early, our gear gurus share their hard-won wisdom on making the call between riding out the storm or hitting the road.Shortcuts:00:00 - Intro 01:20 - When Camping Goes Wrong 02:02 - Covering the Basics 03:10 - The Right Mindset 03:56 - Lauren's Stance 05:03 - Fix the Problem, or Hit the Road 06:04 - Resilience and Resourcefulness 09:48 - Weather, Health, and Safety 11:18 - Campsites and Neighbours 14:08 - Additional Advice 17:27 - SummaryJoin the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

From first-time investments to upgrading the essentials… what's worth watching in 2025?Starting fresh doesn't always mean starting from scratch. In this episode, Ben and Lauren kick off the year with a showcase of 2025's most promising gear innovations. From TOAKS' ultralight cooking solutions, to MPOWERD's innovative lighting system, and Dometic's latest fridge technology to surprising new players in the roof top tent game – tune in as our gear gurus unpack what's worth watching in the world of outdoor gear.Shortcuts:00:00 - Intro01:52 - Lauren's Fan Moment!02:48 - New Brands03:08 - TOAKS: Lightweight Hiking06:36 - KAON: Fixing and Mounting Tools09:10 - Oz Braai 10:11 - Dometic CFX5 Fridge/Freezers14:42 - Darche Alien Light and Speaker, Solar Fan and Light, and Magic Magnets17:57 - Darche Datachable Roof Top Tent21:40 - Darche Solar Roof Top Tent22:05 - Harry Fisher's 'Fire II Fork'23:05 - Quest Outdoors Pop Top Camp Cupboards24:28 - Companion Recycled Ground Mat25:19 - Companion Caravan Awning Clothesline25:32 - Companion Deluxe Towing Mirrors25:50 - Companion Aero Breeze Fan26:50 - MPOWERD Luci Solar Site Lights 29:59 - Coleman Event 15 Deluxe Shelters32:17 - Teasers32:37 - Exped Sleeping Mats: Overhaul!36:49 - Sea to Summit Updates37:30 - Oztent Roof Top Tents?!39:26 - KickAss Air Conditioner40:55 - 23ZERO Yowie Aluminium-Shell Roof Top Tent42:07 - New Concepts from Inspired Overland42:44 - SummaryJoin the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

For links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out our show notes:Is your tent looking more holey than heavenly? Today we're talking tent repair!"Ben and Lauren are back with a practical episode all about fixing up your camping shelter. They'll cover common tent issues like tears, broken zippers, and leaky seams, sharing their top tips for easy DIY repairs. Whether you're dealing with a small rip or a major malfunction, our hosts have got you covered with budget-friendly solutions to keep your tent in top shape for many adventures to come. So grab your repair kit and join us for some canvas first aid!Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Gather 'round the virtual campfire as we spill the beans on the new kid on the camping block!Ben & Lauren are stoked to introduce you to Tilda Outdoors, the fresh face in the camping game that's got us buzzing like mozzies around a lantern. This newcomer is shaking things up with gear that screams 'glamping meets girlpower'. Their standout piece? The Rosie Swag - a freestanding dome swag that's tougher than your grandma's fruit cake but prettier than a sunset over Uluru. With its midge-proof mesh and plush 50mm foam mattress, it's bringing a touch of luxury to the outback without sacrificing durability. So, strap in, camping enthusiasts - we're about to dive deeper into what makes Tilda Outdoors the talk of the campground!Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

In this episode, Ben and Lauren unzip the world of swags, comparing everything from classic bed rolls, to compact canvas castles.We'll canvas the key features - from sky windows to comfy foam mattresses - and share tips on choosing the perfect-sized swag for your next adventure. Whether you're a solo explorer, looking for a double swag to share, or part of a camping clan, we've got the lowdown on what makes a great swag stand out from the crowd.Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

For links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out our show notes:https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/podcast-fast-pitch-tents/In this episode, Ben and Lauren unpack how a fast-pitch style tent can upgrade your campsite.From canvas versus synthetic, to folding frames, flies, and pitch times - tune in for some top-quality, compact, and Turbo-charged talk on the features, benefits, and setup variations of Instant Up, Fast Frame, Turbo, RV, and inflatable tent designs.Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

 I spy with my little eye, something beginning with… Ben, Lauren, and two working microphones. The answer is Episode 128 of the Snowys Camping Show – where our outdoor experts work hard, so you can play hard! This week, Ben and Lauren bring to the podcast table hours of car and campsite games, guaranteeing ongoing entertainment on every family getaway. Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

If there was ever a topic to associate with a Monday morning, it's mould.This week, Ben and Lauren embrace the Monday blues by touching on something just as damp and dull, but nowhere near as nice on a cracker with quince and a glass of red: mouldy camping gear. Nevertheless, this episode builds on how to prevent, remove, and recover your tents, shelters, and swags from the ultimate vampire of longevity that feeds on humidity but fries in UV: mould!Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

For links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out our show notes:https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/podcast-new-season-new-gear-winter/In this episode, Lauren lifts a rooftop tent with one hand and spins it on her forefinger like a basketball....OK, that's not entirely true. But now that we have your attention - this week on the Snowys Camping Show, Ben and Lauren crack into the ~cool~ new gear fresh to the Snowys floor this winter!From ultralightweight roof top tents and steadfast tent pegs to new and improved sleeping bags and hiking gear redefined, tune in for the gear that's good to go ahead of your next outdoor getaway.Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

For links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out our show notes:https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/podcast-talking-oztrail-with-michael-ben/From hitting the track to hitting the sack, OZtrail have successfully designed and delivered rugged outdoor gear to the tourers, travellers, and thrill seekers for over 30 years. In this episode, Ben and Lauren pull up a chair for Michael and Ben from the OZtrail team to talk the origins, evolution, and future of the brand. Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

For links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out our show notes:https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/podcast-camping-outdoor-apps/Be it traversing the tracks, tracking the weather, or watching for wildlife - there's an abundance of apps to make outdoor adventuring and travelling safer, easier, more interactive, and enjoyable. Some you'll grow to rely on, others you'll just love to have.Enough of the doom-scrolling. Gather your baggage and buckle your seatbelt as Ben and Lauren tap into the Snowys-approved camping and outdoor apps that will boast the most benefits on your next adventure.Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

For links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out our show notes:https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/podcast-weird-wonderful-camping-gear-3/If you thought two episodes of nonsense inventions and head-scratcher gadgets were quite enough, Ben and Lauren respectfully challenge that with another twenty! Some are practical, some are peculiar, most are weird, and all are wonderful!In their third episode of the sort, things get weirder without much warning.Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

For links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out our show notes:https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/podcast-keeping-it-clean-with-camp-showers/Yeah, Ben and Lauren scrub up alright. In this episode, they keep it classy in their squeaky clean discussion of everything camping showers.From pared-back shower bags and basic bucket setups, to compact 12-volt appliances and gas hot water systems - your favourite outdoor experts run the tap on the range of shower options for a refreshingly rustic cleanse out bush!Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

For links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out our show notes:https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/podcast-off-grid-communication/'Don't call me unless it's an emergency' should be taken just as seriously as 'don't talk to me until I've had my morning coffee.'In this episode, Ben and Lauren discuss the kind of communication that requires a gadget caught between the all-out, 'get me out', sending-out-an-SOS Personal Locator Beacon, and the in-range, just-down-the-road, yarn-with-Mum mobile phone.From connecting to satellites and choosing the right device, to navigating, recharging, and maintenance - we're sending our own important message to every outdoor adventurer ahead of their next off-grid escape.Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

For links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out our show notes:https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/podcast-beach-island-camping-with-brendale/Take whatever you've been told about beach camping with a grain of... sand.In this episode, Ben and Lauren invite Dave and Bec from our Snowys store in Brendale, Queensland, to unpack the beach camping considerations for those sunlit trips off the bitumen. From the mesh groundsheets, best sand pegs, and suggested tent designs, to mitigating the mozzies, midges, and high tides - it gets a little ~snowy~ on this beach!Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

For links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out our show notes:https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/podcast-campsite-qas-8-with-ben-lauren/This week, Ben and Lauren are back behind the mic with their raw, rustic, and never-curated-ever-organic approach to answering even more of your campsite questions.Be it tent protection from the top down, or preventing mid-adventure vermin invasions - boil the billy and settle in for another Q&A episode with your favourite outdoor experts! There's usually something to learn, and always something to laugh about.Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

For links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out our show notes:https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/podcast-campsite-questions-answers-7-with-ben-and-lauren/With the abundance of budding adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts across the country comes a plethora of keen, campsite questions.In this episode, your favourite gear experts prepare their notes, park themselves behind the poddy mics, and produce yet another Q&A episode, addressing your most common queries posed across our Snowys YouTube and social media platforms.Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

For links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out our show notes:https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/campsite-qas-with-ben-lauren-6/Fresh at the desk for 2024, Ben and Lauren kickstart Season 4 with their sixth Q&A!Be you a solo 4WDer or an on-the-road family of five - your favourite outdoor experts detail their answers to the top queries in their inbox, from fridge capacities and battery pack portability, to compact tents, extended trips, setups, and storage advice.Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

'I flicked through all the episodes, and I saw one that was related to pizzas... I don't remember talking about pizzas?!' ~ Ben'I just feel like I've spent a large portion of this year inside an operating washing machine.' ~ LaurenGenerating the majority of 2023's content from their stellar new studio, Ben and Lauren unpack the most notable moments of what could be considered a scramble of sound, yet successful series: Season 3!From their ever-growing Facebook group to the jam-packed chats with some of the best brands - tune in to your favourite gear gurus as they wrap up Season 3, and toss it under the tree!Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au

For links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out our show notes:https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/podcast-christmas-gift-guide-23/Well, Silly Season has officially hit the Snowys podcast room...In this episode, gear gurus Ben and Lauren work their way down their wish lists, detailing the gear and gadgets fit for every outdoor adventure.From perfectly practical stocking fillers to perfectly portable water faucets, solar-powered string lights, and Sundowner swags - watch or listen for the ultimate gift guide, bundled together with a bow by your favourite, festive outdoor experts!Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au