Top Camping Gear At Walmart For Under $100 - Under $50 - Under $20

If you are anything like me, you want an affordable camping product while still having a product that will last for many years. We find basically everything we need at our local Walmart and here are some of my favorite items so far:

The Coleman 6 Person Clip and Camp Dome Tent, Only $79.00.

CAMPING GEAR UNDER $10.00

This adorable mint headlamp by Ozark Trail is just adorable for under $2.00, it is sure to be a handy addition to your camping gear. It is so important to have several flashlights with you when camping and this one is perfect as a backup light. It would also be just perfect for children or for a great gift.

Mint Headlamp - ONLY $1.88 at Walmart.

We also got ourselves the below two headlamps so far they have been great. Top headlamp is the Ozark Trail 100 Lumens Headlamp for only $3.98 with also comes with batteries. The bottom headlamp is the Ozark Trail 500 Lumens Headlamp which was almost too bright and still only $8.97, but great if you will be in complete dark or just prefer to be able to see further ahead.

Below, this sweet Kids’ Camping Chair is so adorable in Mint!! Great choice for only $9.88 at Walmart.

Kids Camping Chair in Mint. Only $9.88 at Walmart, Ozark Trail.

Lightweight Day Pack Backpack for Only $4.98! I got myself one of these and use it almost every day now. This bag is great for waking the dogs to hold water bottles, or for running everyday errands. It is just perfect.

CAMPING GEAR UNDER $50.00

We have weighed the options with every single portable camping air pump and always come back to this one. It is the only one that plugs into your car AC adapter (aka the lighter thingie), and works well to blow up our giant air mattress pretty quickly. Find this at Walmart for only $13.88. This has been our most useful piece of camping equipment because it also blows up our inner tubes!!!

Below is a camping chair that I have always wanted!! It has a cooler bag on the side and I just LOVE the color of these lime green colored Adult Camping Chairs. Find them at Walmart for only $24.98.

Lime Green Camping Chair With Cooler - ONLY $24.98 at Walmart.

The below set of reusable camping cook wear is also something I never leave home without for a camping trip. These are also good for road trips and other adventures too. The utensils are very strong, and won’t bend and the collapsible bowls make the perfect addition to any campfire dinner. Find it at Walmart for only $17.97, which beats having to buy a package of single use products for each item provided here. Don’t forget the biodegradable soap!

CAMPING GEAR UNDER $100.00

We just purchased THIS TENT from Ozark Trail and WE LOVE IT SO MUCH! I love how tall it is, so I can stand up and change clothes easily. This will be easy to setup now that we had some practice. Our Queen Air Mattress fit perfectly inside of it (thankfully it fits THROUGH the door, because our smaller tent had a very small door and the mattress did not fit like it does in this one. The pups still had tons of room at the foot of the air mattress to be able to sleep comfortable. We had a fantastic night’s sleep in this tent and would recommend it to anyone! It fit two us adults and two dogs just perfectly.

Ozark Trail 6-Man Clip and Camp Dome Tent at Walmart - $79.

Get yourself a good night’s rest with THIS Coleman 22” Tritech Queen Air Mattress, shown below. DO NOT FORGET YOUR AIR PUMP (we use this one here)! You will not believe how difficult it is to find the ONE AND ONLY style of air mattress that does not require DD batteries OR does not plug in for a power source. We found this one worked with our handheld air pump that has the car charger included. This one is a winner.

Below, this Coleman Triton 2 Burner Camping Stove has also been wonderful. It’s nice to use when it is either too wet or too hot to make a campfire. The new model of the Coleman camping stove is also super easy to clean. ON SALE NOW FOR $104.51 at Walmart. Don’t forget your Propane Gas for the stove, found here.

What are YOUR all time fave camping items you can’t leave home without?

Best Women's Hiking and Adventure Shoes & Boots from Zappos 2024

You may be asking yourself what a good pair of women’s hiking boots really looks like. You may take a look at your own outdoor adventure and hiking needs and read the list below to find a few of my favorite hiking boots found on Zappos.com.

Hiking at Pinnicle Mountain in Arkansas.

I have hiked at least a thousand or more miles in the past decade across many parts of the United States. I have experience in hiking on almost every type of trail imaginable, and often times, we bushwack through the woods with NO TRAIL AT ALL. These boots should hold up to even the toughest environments.

And remember, always make sure you keep your shoes in a dry place and ensure you set them in the sun after they have been soaked, to insure both the interior and exterior stay mold free, etc. Keeping hiking boots dry also helps the glues and materials to stay in tact rather than deteriorating from being wet and stored improperly.

All boots and shoes listed below are under $200.00. Yes that may sound like a lot but in reality, these boots should last you 5-10 years, so a good investment now enable syou to get out, get active, and get HEALTHY and not have to worry about spraining your ankle, stepping into unsavory terrain, or getting your feet soaked because your shoes are not waterproof. Yes, I have experienced every one of these situatins in the middle of the deep woods where you cannot just go change your shoes.

Some of the styles shown here are good for a more rugged hike, and some are better for general adventuring and light hiking on concrete or gravel. Most are still all waterproof AND BREATHABLE though, which is still recommended no matter what. So, head over to Zappos.com to see all their Women’s Hiking Boots here.

LOOK FOR THESE FEATURES WHEN SHOPPING FOR WOMEN’S HIKING SHOES OR BOOTS:

  • Good ankle support. Good laces.

  • High ankle features ar preferred for uneven terrain, wet terrain, and unknown terrain.

  • Select low top hiking boots for flat, smooth, even terrain that would be dry like concrete, gravel, and pavement.

  • WATERPROOF GTX (GORTEX) is breathable and a good choice for both wet and dry terrains.

  • Vibram soles are a plus.

  • Luckily, companies like Free People are considering these SUPER fashionable and finally catching onto the fact that people actually want to be able to use the goods and that they can promote healthy lifestyles.

AWESOME HIKING BOOTS FOR WOMEN:

La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Boot - Women's

I have personally purchased three pairs of these amazing hiking boots - see image of me in them above. I finally decided on these after ordering then returning 5 other pairs some years ago. So, these have been great in so many rugged terrains, and they don’t have to be broken in, even. They are comfortable and super supportive right off the bat. I had their blue/grey color way before, but not that I have had the tan/black/red design shown here for a couple years, I believe it matches more outfits since it has black. The first pair below is from backcountry.com, but the other shoes featured here are all from Zappos.com.

The Original Muck Boot Company Muckster Ii Mid (Blue/Quilted Floral) Women's Shoes

To be honest, in addition to my hiking boots, I never leave home without some rubber boots too. I have hiked more miles in my rubber boots than I have in any other pair of boots ever. I went through TWO pair of Hinter Rubber Boots, and yes some models re comfortable, but they are not really intended for deep woods hiking or creek crossings like a more rugged rubber boot would provide for you.

Teva Grandview GTX (Thyme) Women's Shoes

I almost purchased these, but opted to go for the ones above instead. It was a VERY difficult choice, since I just adore the design below more because it is lower scale and matched way more outfits. TEVA is still an excellent choice for cute hiking boots.

That wraps up sharing a few of my favorite hiking boots for women for 2024. There are endless options, but if you purchase a cheap pair of hiking and adventuring boots instead of investing in a decent pair, you may miss out on experiencing the joy of what a nice pair of hiking boots can truly do for you and your health. When your shoes feel great, it encourages you to want to go outside more often! ENJOY, FRIENDS!!

Gunner Pool, Arkansas *wild & free*

We fell in love with Gunner Pool over July 4th Weekend and this has easily become our favorite local swimming spot in the Ozarks of Arkansas. We closed the place down LOL! So happy we brought our new Ozark Trails inner tubes, because we just floated the deeper parts of the creek and just walked the more shallow ones with our tubes floating behind. What a fun way to enjoy the outdoors.

 

Allez Outdoors - Skincare + SPF

Premium skincare essentials, tested on climbers, made for those who live in the elements.

I’ve fallen in love with protecting my skin! These all natural products from allez outdoors are tested by some of the toughest outdoors women and men, and have proven time and time again, they make a big difference.

Give this women owned company a try and let me know what you think! Learn More Here.

Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Camping Stove Review + The Best Camping Recipes

We recently got the new Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Camping Stove and LOVE it.

GET YOURS HERE.

We used to reply solely on making a fire to cook our camping dinners and breakfast recipes, and sometimes that was challenging if we arrive to the campsite after dark, or if it has rained and firewood is saturated.

Travis set the stove set up in ten minutes or less. The only additional items we needed was a Coleman Propane can and a lighter of some sort. You have to turn the gas going to the burner on first, then light it second. Food cooks super quickly on this stove and we would definitely recommend it.

Within minutes we were cooking our mix of chopped potatoes and onions and seasoning in a small skillet. That took some time, but only due to the fact I should have cut the potatoes smaller. Our brats cooked super quickly after that.

Just stir your veggies every few minutes to keep them cooking consistantly.

The pups are excellent helpers :)

TOP EASY AND DELICIOUS CAMPING RECIPES:

Camping Recipe: Easy Chicken Tacos by Damn Delicious

Don’t forget your camping cutlery and utensils, found here!

Cute Camping Cutlery Set, great for travel!

Simply boil water on your camping stove and add to the jars, below. Super fresh ideas here.

Try this upscale meal while camping! Bring frozen prepared shrimp and cook over the stove.

Falling Water Falls (Waterfall) - Sandgap, AR - Richland Creek Wilderness Area

Hello! I’m back from a little blogging hiatus to share with you a stunning waterfall we visited in Northwestern(ish) Arkansas called Falling Water Falls. Located in Sandgap, Arkansas, in the Richland Creek Wilderness area, this waterfall is well worth the drive. There are other beautiful waterfalls along this drive too, which we will cover in upcoming posts.

The best part, this one is actually roadside. You park very close to the waterfall, and within a few steps, you are met with a majestic, blue rushing waterfall that looks like one of the best swimming holes ever.

The Explore The Ozarks website had some great information about this place, found here.

WATERFALL INFORMATION:

  • Height: 10'

  • GPS: N35 43.317, W 92 56.964

  • USGS Quad: Smyrna

  • Distance: View from road

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Location: Ozark National Forest

  • Ranger District: Big Piney

  • Region: Arkansas Ozarks & Boston Mountains

DETAILS & DIRECTIONS:

This beautiful little waterfall is conveniently located right next to the road, so you don't even have to get out of your car to see it! Falling Water Falls is located on, of course, Falling Water Creek, just a few miles east of Ben Hur, on Falling Water Road/FR# 1205. There is also a nice big pool that the falls spill into, and it is a popular swimming hole in the summer. This waterfall is located just south of the Richland Creek Wilderness Area, which also has numerous other beautiful waterfalls, well worth a day of exploring.

To get to Falling Water Falls, travel East on AR Hwy 16 from Pelsor/Sand Gap, which is located on Scenic Hwy 7 between Russellville and Jasper. Travel about 9 miles on AR Hwy 16 (past Pedestal Rocks/Kings Bluff) to the community of Ben Hur. About a mile east/south of Ben Hur, Turn Left onto FR# 1205/CR# 68/Upper Falling Water Road. Falling Water Falls will be 2.3 miles north on this road, and there will an area to pull off on the side of the road, right next to the falls.

To get to Falling Water Falls from the Richland Creek Campground, travel about 7 miles South on FR# 1205, and you will come to the falls on your left.

Falling Water Falls - Upper Falling Water Rd -

Sand Gap, AR 72856

 

After moving from Illinois to Arkansas last year, Travis and I are REALLY enjoying the mountains and creeks and hiking opportunities here in the Natural State.

We could imagine having a picnic or fun swimming day here soon.

Just steps from the road, you can step out onto the top of the waterfall and explore the area. Such a stunning view!

Below are a couple of cute Hiking-Inspired finds you may enjoy too. Having good boots and cute socks make a world of difference when adventuring like we do.

While we were just here for a little bit, we are definitely going back this spring, and we are really looking forward to it.

Until next time!! - Love, Katherine, Travis, Porter, and Luna

Volunteer Work Days at Fults Nature Preserve

Lately I’ve been spending my time outdoors a little differently. I am honored to be helping Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves, a non-profit organization that spends its time helping to maintain nature preserves in Illinois. While the organization is still relatively new, and mostly based in northern IL, we have been making great strides to help in areas of southern Illinois. Fults is a stunning state-owned IDNR property, and while there have been certain challenges in navigating that system, I believe the rewards have outweighed any hurdles.

Below are photos from our Winter Solstice Work Day (12-21-21). We had a large group of amazing volunteers from around the state helping to clear bush honeysuckle and woody species from one of the sections of the Hill Prairies. We had a lot of fun, and WOW - that view is fantastic!

Additionally, I helped to facilitate Friends of IL Nature Preserves as this quarter’s Wooden Nickel recipients at the Neighborhood Co-op where I work! Donations have exceeded $1,500.00, way more than most other organizations have ever received in the Co-op’s history of the program.

CBDMEDIC + Me ~ Outdoor Adventures in Southern Illinois

This post is sponsored by CBDMEDIC but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Experience a new revolution in pain relief! CBDMEDIC is a topical ointment in stick form that is applied directly to the skin to relieve sore muscles. I love being able to choose a safe, effective, and powerful pain relief - allowing me to Play Harder & Live Better!

I visited CVS to grab the stick. I found it across from the pharmacy, in a nice CBD featured endcap. I loved getting to know the range of CBDMEDIC products.

CBDMEDIC - a CBD-infused topical for fast pain relief. Topicals generally do not enter the bloodstream, and they do not have to pass through the metabolic system before producing the effect. This aids in temporary pain relief. This would be great to keep in your travel bag too, since the lid fits nice and securely.

This incredible rub-on CBD-infused stick relieves sore muscles through other active ingredients like camphor, menthol, and clove oil. Many other natural oils and ingredients are utilized.

About the product, from the brand. "Our Active Sport™ Deep Muscle Rub and Solid Sport Stick provide advanced pain relief while continuously delivering our proprietary formulation that increases blood circulation and reduces inflammation. Active Sport™ products can be applied before, during, and after workouts, so they work when you are ready for them. From strains and sore muscles to joint distress and muscle pulls, our Active Sport™ line can offer highly effective relief and get you back in the game"!

Play harder & Live better!

With all the fun outdoor activities we do here in southern Illinois, it takes a toll. Sore muscles are no joke, and while I try to stretch or fight through the pain, sometimes I definitely need something. This lotion was really nice, and easy to apply since it’s in a twist-up applicator.

We are so fortunate to have such immense natural beauty here in southern Illinois. We have lived here for about 13+ years, and we used to hike and camp all the time. We loved it, but the heat would keep us inside more and more. It gets extremely hot and humid here, and there is rarely a cool breeze to greet us.

We recently headed to a friend’s cabin and I tried Stand Up Paddling (SUP). While I have kayaked and paddled quite a bit recently, I have never gotten the chance to SUP. It was great.



As I mentioned, we have kayaked a lot lately. Last Fall, we got a two person kayak, and learned that the best way to actually enjoy summer here is on the water. Paddling can definitely hurt my arms and shoulders, almost making my body feel tight. It’s always nice to know that I have been exercising and working those muscles, and this CBDMEDIC offers fast relief, and then you can go on with your day.

If you would like to learn more about CBDMEDIC, visit them on social media, or their website, here!