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Outdoor Bound: The Makings of a Retro-Camping Adventure

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Sundance Teardrop Trailer (Photo of Apartment Therapy)

Pack up the kids, head for the nearest campsite and break out the picnic baskets. Whether your idea of “roughing it” involves a sleeping bag under the stars or an air-conditioned cabin in the woods, America’s love affair with the good, old-fashioned camping trip is in full swing. Rustic locations are once again topping the travel charts. You needn’t look further than Conde Nast Traveler or Travel + Leisure for inspiration (both luxury travel rags have featured austere, though still posh, destinations of late). Even Vogue’s European Editor at Large, Hamish Bowles—purveyor of all things couth—spent some time at a wilderness survival camp (all in the name of research, of course). So before the summer is over, channel your inner Chet Ripley and re-commune with nature. You’ll find all the makings of your next great retro camping adventure on eBay, where listings for the term "camping" are up 9 percent in the past 90 days compared to the prior period. See our selects below. (S’mores not included.)

Roll over items for details
Alpaca Picnic Blanket
(buy it now price, $99.99)
Picnic Basket with Service for Two
(buy it now price, $58.95)
Tivoli iPal Portable Radio
(buy it now price, $219.99)
Vintage Aluminum Webbed Folding Lawn Chair
(buy it now price, $24.99)
Portable Propane Fire Pit
(buy it now price, $108.99)
Vintage Coleman Lantern
(buy it now price, $119.99)
Madewell Workwear Boots
(buy it now price, $186.99)
Current Elliott Denim Shorts
(starting bid, $29.99)
Vintage Nordic Cardigan
(buy it now price, $58.95)
Military-Style Tent
(buy it now price, $12.90)
Wenzel Grande Adult Sleeping Bag
(buy it now price, $130)
Alfred Hitchcock Book of Scary Stories
(buy it now price, $19.96)
Set of Campfire Cooking Forks
(buy it now price, $13.60)
Outdoor Bound: The Makings of a Retro-Camping Adventure

1. 1951 Ford Woody Station Wagon: Nothing says ‘family road trip’ quite like an old Woody. Once the automobile-of-choice for grandmothers the world over, it’s now an inspiration for retro weekend adventures.

2. Alpaca Picnic Blanket: Contrary to the popular any-old-sheet-will-do theory, finding the right picnic blanket is all about thickness. You want something that will stand up to dampness—even with people sitting on it—and provide just a little bit of extra cushion between you and the ground.

3. Tivoli iPal Portable Radio: Sure, there’s plenty to be said about the calming sounds of nature. But a few hours into the grasshoppers chirping and the wind whistling through the trees, and we’re betting you’re going to want some tunes. Tivoli’s water-resistant iPAL gives you the big-power sound of an at-home system in a portable little radio that works poolside, too.

4. Portable Propane Fire Pit: Roughing it is great and all, but when it comes to warmth and food, we opt for the no-fail, modern-day inventions, like a portable fire pit that you can use on your back patio at home too.

5. Madewell Workwear Boots: The one place that sensible shoes truly matter: the woods. Luckily, Madewell’s lace-up leather boots happen to be as cool as they are campsite-friendly.

6. Picnic Basket with Service for Two: Everything you need for a fine-dining experience outdoors in one, incredibly endearing—and organized—picnic basket. It sort of puts the old flip-top versions to shame.

7. Vintage Aluminum Webbed Folding Lawn Chair: The Boy Scout motto is “always be prepared.” In our book, that means having at least one of these handy fold-out chairs.

8. Wenzel Grande Adult Sleeping Bag: We loved nothing more than snuggling into a sleeping bag as a kid. Remember all those slumber parties? Well, with this extra-soft and warm adult-version, you’ll have almost as much fun, we promise.

9. Set of Campfire Cooking Forks: An infinitely more sanitary way than sticks to go about roasting the prerequisite campfire cuisine.

10. Vintage Nordic Cardigan: Perfectly roomy with loads of woodsy charm. It’ll come in handy come nightfall.

11. Current Elliott Denim Shorts: Distressed and slouchy—just how you like them. Never under estimate the versatility of a great pair of denim shorts.

12. Vintage Coleman Lantern: A true classic, this Coleman lantern is essential on outdoor excursions. But is so rustic and cool, you’ll want to keep it out-and-about around the house.

13. Alfred Hitchcock Book of Scary Stories: What’s a campout without ghost stories? This set of children’s books includes a series of tales from the master of mystery, Alfred Hitchcock.

14. Military-Style Tent: Get back to nature with a tent so old-fashioned and cool, it can tempt even the most head-strong city-dweller to go for a weekend in the woods.

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64c166b3-2bc1-446d-986c-786865425224 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:16:25 PDT Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:16:25 PDT
Kristine
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Oh amazing idea , I think that it will be a total fun to make such a picnic and kids will be happy and we will have a lot of fun! I have no patience to wait for the next weekend and I will organize it! <a href="http://www.endoftenancycleaning.com/page-cleaning-company.html">End of Tenancy Cleaning</a>

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