Ask Snow Peak
Welcome to our new Ask Snow Peak column, where we answer your questions about all things camping – from meal options, to packing, creating a communal vibe and more. Read our first installment and submit your questions for future columns below.
I want to camp more, but most of my friends have never been camping. How do I get them excited about spending a weekend outside?
It can be tough convincing outdoor-hesitant friends to camp for the first time! When discussing your camping plans with hesitant friends, start from a position of curiosity. Ask them questions about their concerns and anxieties. Is it poor sleep? Being far from modern conveniences? Concerns about bugs or wildlife? Once you understand their hesitancies, you may be able to flex your plans to ease them into the outdoors.
Our second piece of advice would be to involve your friends in the planning process. As a camper yourself, you likely have expertise to share. Involving your friends in the pre-trip activities may offer a sense of control and build enthusiasm for the trip. Share positive previous experiences – ie when you camped on a lake and saw the Milky Way for the first time. While our perspective is certainly skewed, we truly believe everyone could benefit from time outside.
A few years ago, we invited a group of campers to join us for Snow Peak Way in New York. One gal in the group was especially apprehensive about the experience. She had never camped before and had no idea what to expect. Her anxiety continued to linger when she first arrived at the camp, but in the evening as we gathered for Takibi Time and shared laughs and drinks by the fire, she began to relax. As the weekend continued, she experienced the slow and leisurely pace of time at camp, even when faced with unexpected weather. By Sunday, she was sad to leave and shared that she felt a new appreciation for nature.
All that said – camping has to be experienced to be understood. Connecting with nature doesn’t need to mean trekking for miles and surviving on trail mix. It can be sharing a delicious meal at sunset, cracking a bottle of wine or sake and passing drinks around the campfire, or enjoying a nap in the sunshine. Camping slows down our lives and realigns us with nature’s rhythms. We hope you’re able to help your friends overcome their hesitation and experience what the outdoors has to offer.
What’s your favorite way to add more luxury to the campsite?
Comfort and outdoor luxury are our specialties! Here’s a few simple suggestions to get you started:
Lighting: A well-placed light makes all the difference. We prefer a soft, warm vibe over a harsh white LED glow. Bring battery-powered lights or lanterns and place them strategically to add a whimsical effect. The Mini Flame is our go-to for a bit of extra ambiance.
Special treats: A favorite dessert, a rare bottle of wine or farm-fresh produce – all subtle ways to make your camping trip feel like a gift. You’ll enjoy your bit of luxury twice as much under the open sky.
Cozy touches: Layer a blanket over your sleeping bag for a homey feel or bring an extra pair of slippers to wear in your tent or shelter. Consider the creature comforts you enjoy at home and don’t hesitate to take them to the campsite.
A tidy camp: It sounds silly, but a well-organized space sets the mind at ease. Paying special attention to packing, stacking and sorting your gear creates a considered and elevated campsite.
I love Takibi Time and the gathering feeling it offers. I always respect the fire bans in my state, but I miss that communal campfire vibe. Any suggestions?
Thanks for taking fire bans seriously. It’s so important to follow regulations and practice safe campfire guidelines.
Obviously, time by the campfire is a core part of many camping experiences. When there’s a fire ban in place, we turn to another of our core products to fill the gap: the IGT system. Part of the fun of Takibi Time is the shared experience of cooking over the flames. Create a communal cooking setup with the BBQ Box or Grill Burner and gather your friends to join in. String up some lights (we love the Daisy Chain and Mini Hozukis) and you’ll rediscover the possibilities of camping ambiance. All this aside – we are excited to be introducing a propane insert for the Takibi Fire & Grill within the next year. Stay tuned!
