Gadget Update, and David Crockett Birthplace State Park
Hey Y'all!
I fell a bit behind last week, so let's catch up...
16th Tue- Update on Our Favorite Gadgets
Hey Y'all!!
We're sure this list will change the more/longer we're out there, and we'll update you as things change, but for now here's our Top 5!
*None of these are affiliate links. In some instances it's just the closet to what we have that we could find, but I still wanted to include a link.
1) Under Bed Storage- (This is not the exact one we have but was the closest we could find in an online search. I believe ours are from T.J. Maxx or a similar store. They are black, and Velcro closed, the top is not clear.) We've had them for years as under bed storage for larger sweaters, etc. Now, we're each using one for all our clothing and it fits under the front of the bed perfectly.
2) Blackstone 22in- We got extremely lucky and came across one on clearance at our local Walmart for $55 USD. Our only thought as to why is was clearanced out was because of the box damage, but even that wasn't extreme and didn't reach the unit itself. We chose it for that reason alone, however we're glad we did. We like it simply because of the wide variety of things you can cook on it with no other "stuff" needed... except a spatula. Cleaning it up is super quick and easy too.
3) Comfortable Bed- This one is obviously going to vary from person to person since we all have different preferences. We tried a few nights with the seat to bed conversion, and it wasn't bad- but long term we've decided to cut our memory foam down to fit and add our fluffy mattress topper. Ours is not a name brand (if I'm remembering correctly it was a last days of Kmart purchase), and is a 6in memory foam, so that still leaves more than enough head space for sitting up in the bed.
4) This one is another personal preference in a way, but everyone is going to need some light/window blocking "thing". We both wanted a van with windows for a reason, but at night we also both like it dark. A- I can't stand pitch black (no view) during the day though. It makes me fell like we're in a closet. C-Yeah like a tin can, plus having light saves on power/battery.
Our solution is the built in curtains throughout the rear, with magnets added to block more visibility and close the gaps. For across the front windows we have sunshades and to further separate the space a pair of room darkening curtains across a shower rod secured to the walls directly behind the seats. The curtains were from before when Chris worked nights, and just happened to be a perfect length for the van.
5) A vehicle! This one is obvious, in order to travel and live in a vehicle you have to have one already... but why did we opt for a van? For the full answer check out this blog: https://outlandadventures.blogspot.com/2023/07/whyd-we-choose-conversion-van.html
In short? It really felt like the best fit for our needs.
...
This one is gadget #vanlife specific, but the items from that top 5 blog are definitely some great products we love too!
TOP 3!
1) Collapsible Tub:
We picked ours up at Aldi! Such a great find. At the time we purchased locally it was just under $10 USD. We use it for doing dishes, or washing fruits/veggies, or anything else you'd use a sink for.
We found two of these, sitting in the floor of the furniture aisle of our local Walmart & knew we should grab them up for under $20 USD each. We have used them for working on the laptop, coloring/art, eating, outdoors to hold the radio or phones & drinks. Such a useful purchase!
3) Lights!
We actually had these before the van (pretty sure ours were from Ollie's several years ago), for emergencies since our power would go out so often. They worked great for that, and they're very useful in the van too. They're bright without being blinding, and last forever. We also like that we can move the light(s) with ease anywhere in or outdoors.
What would you add to the must have gadget list? Let us know in the comments below!
...
We've got three more to add to the list!
1) Power!
We chose this one:
Eco Flow Delta Mini-
https://us.ecoflow.com/products/delta-mini-portable-power-station?variant=39976376434761
Delta is little (roughly 15x7x9), fairly lightweight at 23lbs, doesn't take up a ton of space, has plenty of power for our needs (1400W), and got great reviews. So far it's serving our needs very well, and charges quickly. We also liked the price point on this one, and got an even better deal than the sale price on eBay.
2) Laptop!
https://www.newegg.com/p/2WC-000N-0E5U5
We chose Asus TUF A17 Gaming Laptops, simply because specs vs price they were the best deal.
We want to use them for: blogging, watching TV, video and photo storage and editing, gaming, etc. Chris did a lot of research before choosing, and ordered from Newegg. I'd recommend continually checking the price before purchase. We got them cheaper than either of the two prices it displayed while researching this blog.
3) This last one is a cheap, simple tool that we find we're using multiple times per day:
Craftsman Fixed Folding Utility Knife-
https://www.craftsman.com/collections/knives-and-blades/products/cmht10930
At around $10 USD at most retailers, we liked the price first and foremost. We also like the foldability, and how compact this item is. We use it for opening packages, bags, and food items, as well as just about any and everything you'd use a knife for. We've also used it to cut up/slice our food in a pinch (after sanitizing, lol).
Which of these was your favorite?
Have a gadget suggestion for us? Leave it in the comments below!
So... our thoughts on these previous picks now?
The under bed storage, and the bed itself we've changed out. The storage was just too flimsy, and took up more space than we wanted, so we switched it out for the hard plastic type. Building the bed, and removing that old a/c and framing was a total game changer, and allowed for so much more free space, and is just as comfortable (if not more so).
We absolutely still love our Blackstone, but as a correction ours is the 17in, not the 22 as previously stated.
The sink, and the folding trays... I'm glad we have them, and they take up very little space, but we're not using them as often. We have been staying at parks that have picnic tables, and sinks so currently they're not as needed.
Laptops, obviously a must, and I love mine!
Is there a must have we're missing? Let us know in the comments below.
18th Thur- David Crockett Birthplace State Park
We had a lot of fun here! It was hot, hot, hot the entire time, so we spent a good bit of time in the Nolichucky River. The beach there was great, we love an easy sand entry. The water was flowing, but nothing to swift, and it was so clear! Very nice river access here.
We enjoyed the short but plentiful trail system, and the homestead (upcoming video) was also nicely kept up.
The visitors center wasn't our favorite, and it was very small. The camp store was also small, but well stocked if you needed anything, however only open 11-4 most days. The hosts were happy to open up if you really needed anything though, so that was nice.
Our camp hosts were great! Very knowledgeable about the park, the surrounding area(s), and great at recommending things to explore nearby.
We saw and spoke to several rangers, all were great, but M. Faulk (?) was exceptional, we really enjoyed our chat!
Laundry was a bit more here than other parks we've been to, but we liked that it, and the bath house, as well as the restrooms were all air conditioned. It made taking a shower far more comfortable.
The campground itself is rather small, as you'll see in the video below.
Our biggest issue?
No big signage from the main road pointing you in the right direction. So you'd better know where it is, or use GPS. The park has a nice sign when you get there, but none leading up to it.
Video- David Crockett Birthplace State Park & Campground
Thanks,
The Outlands
Comments
Post a Comment