Exotic and far away vacations are off the table this summer, but lucky for us we are surrounded by beautiful midwest camping destinations that will give you a little rest and reset in the great outdoors. Here are some items that you can pick up locally to elevate your camp site, as you safely enjoy your very own outdoor bubble.
If you head outdoors, don’t forget to tag us on social media @betterchicago. We’d love to see your camping adventures!
LuminAID Solar Lantern, $34.99
Chicago-based LuminAID has created a lightweight and collapsable solar panel that does good, too — with your purchase, they will donate a light to a humanitarian partner. To date, they have distributed more than 50,000 lights across projects in more than 100 countries.
Heritage Bikes & Coffee Trucker Cap, $20
Show your love to a local business with this cap that says it all.
Kelty Discovery 2-Person Camp Bundle, $249.95
This Kelty set, available at local REI stores, comes with everything you need: a 4-person tent with a waterproof rainfly, two 3-season sleeping bags and two self-inflating mattresses. Even better, it is currently on sale for $189.93.
LSTN – The Satellite BT, $110
Small and mighty, this bluetooth speaker available at Transitor in Andersonville is what you need to keep the tunes going all weekend long.
Badger Organic Anti Bug Shake and Spray, $10.99
All-natural, DEET-free and organic , this bug spray is perfect for the whole family, and actually keeps skeeters at bay. Pick it up at Whole Foods.
Gourmet S’mores Kit, $15.95
Elevate your S’mores game with this locally-made kit from XO Marshmallow in Roger’s Park. It includes their delicious gourmet marshmallows, chocolate bars and gluten free graham crackers.
Illinois Athletic Club Sweatshirt, $48
When the sun goes down, keep cozy with this sweatshirt that throws it back to the 1904 Illinois Athletic Club of Chicago, from People’s Garment Co.
Chicago Flag Parachute Nylon Hammock, $89.95
There’s nothing better than a hammock hang in the outdoors, and this special edition hammock folds up to the size of a football. Pick it up at a local Uncle Dan’s store.
Bergamot + Chamomile Hand Sanitizer Spray, $10-22
We should never leave home without it, and that includes heading into the outdoors. Yield’s hand sanitizer, available at Humboldt House, has notes of bergamot and blue chamomile to refresh and calm your spirits.
Half Acre Bandana, $10
Whether you wear it on your head, neck or face, we love the groovy colors in this bandana from local favorite Half Acre Brewery.
Here are a few more items we love, available nationally:
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More from Better:
- An Interview With Changemaker Cecilia Conrad
- 7 Virtual Races You Can Run in Chicago This Summer
- Living and Loving in a Pandemic: Here’s What I’ve Learned So Far
Macaire Douglas lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two sons. She proudly supports Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns nationwide. Since its inception in 2000, more than 3,600 newborns have been safely surrendered and adopted into loving homes.
