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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I got the surprise of my life after throwing empty bottle into sea decades ago'
When Alaina Beresford was 12, she committed her message to the sea in an empty bottle of Moray Cup fizzy pop and now decades later she has received the surprise of her life When Alaina Beresford chucked a message in a bottle into the sea aged just 12, she though little of it. But she was staggered this week - 31 years on - to received a postcard explaining her old message had been found. It washed up nearly 725 miles away on a beach in Norway and was eventually discovered this week by Pia Brodtmann, who was volunteering with a charity on the sand. The 27-year-old woman replied, sending a postcard alongside a montage of fascinating photographs. These include pictures of the message in a bottle, the boat Pia is living on (called the Nemo), and the area she's working in. Amazed to see her note had been discovered and was still legible, Alaina, 43, said: "When I went and checked my mail and thought 'what's this, a postcard?' - not something you see a lot - and when I turned it over it had my name on it. "The message from Pia said she'd found my message in a bottle near on a tiny island called Lisshelløya near Vega in Norway. She's there working as a volunteer doing beach cleaning with a charity called In the Same Boat for four months. The postcard was a wonderful, a montage of photos showing my message in a bottle, the boat she's on, the Nemo, and the area she's working in." Alaina, from from Portknockie, Moray, now intends to keep in touch with Pia on Facebook. She continued: "I was just so shocked that somebody had found the message I sent all those years ago. It was amazing that my note was still perfectly legible - even the old Moray Cup bottle was in good shape! "As far as I can remember we were doing a project on water with our P7 teacher Ann Bruce and part of that was doing a message in a bottle. I think her husband was a fisherman and he threw the bottle into the sea when he was out with the boat." Alaina added that she would love to get in touch with her former teacher but does not have an address or contact details. READ MORE: Prestwick Beach horror find as leg still wearing shoe and sock washes ashore For Pia herself, finding the bottle on Lisshelløya was something of a prophecy. She explained: "The day I found the bottle we cleaned two small exposed islands, Lisshelløya and Storhelløya, although we didn't finish Storhelløya. "I found the message between some rocks on Lisshelløya. I had already noticed before I picking it up, that the bottle wasn't broken or full of water like so many other bottles I had found that day. "It looked a bit different, probably because of the paper inside. When I picked it up and saw the folded paper with the little text 'To the finder" inside, I knew this one would be special. "It's kind of funny, though, because I said at the start of the clean up something like 'If we don't find a message in a bottle on this island, then I don't know where else we would'. "I said that because in just the first few minutes we had been finding almost only bottles and some fishing gear. I read the message during our lunch break with my crewmembers. "I wasn't too surprised that it had come all the way from Scotland because I have already found some stuff from Scotland before, but I felt really happy about the little message, especially because the address was still readable. I was just curious when it had been written. Writing a reply was never in doubt for Pia. She continued: "I thought Alaina would be really happy to know that her bottle had been found. She wrote in her note that she wanted to know who found it and where exactly it was found. "I wanted to give her this information and make her day special, like she made my day special. Also I just like the idea of people randomly getting in touch this way. And maybe I was hoping for a pen pal across borders, because I enjoy the old ways of communicating like postcards and letters. "Everyone is happy if there is something unexpectedly nice in the mail, while getting something digital via WhatsApp is less special and it can stress you out. "When Alaina told me how old the message was, I almost freaked out. The idea that this bottle had been out there, either in the ocean or lying on the island, for over 30 years is just really crazy. "It looked like it had been thrown in the sea something between some months and five years ago. The first thing I said after reading Alaina's replay was something like 'Wow, what were the chances that she still lives in that house?!', but after she sent me some pictures from the coastline literally right in front of her home, I could totally understand why she is still living there. It's just beautiful." Pia has been with the Norwegian In the Same Boat project since April this year and will remain with them until the end of July. Having recently finished her bachelor's degree she wanted to travel around Europe and improve her English. A love of the rugged Scandinavian landscape and a drive to do something to help the planet drew her to the project, which aims to fight marine pollution - especially plastic - along the Norwegian coastline. Pia added: "The main method In the Same Boat uses to fight marine litter, besides raising awareness, is beach cleaning, but 'beach' in Norway isn't really the right word. "Norway's coastline is mostly rocky, wild and remote, not a sandy beach. So we hike, climb and sometimes even crawl over and under rocks to collect the plastic before it becomes microplastic. "Then we carry all the heavy bags of trash to the next spot, where the workboat can come and pick it up. The organisation is made up of employed skippers and volunteers. "We all live together on sailboats, which allows us to move directly into the polluted areas. That saves time, emissions and costs. Lisshelløya, the tiny island where I found the message in a bottle - is so tiny that you can probably walk around in just five minutes. we picked and removed 1020kg of marine litter. Even though the island probably hadn't been cleaned before, this amount of trash is just insane."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scots woman received response to message in a bottle 30 years after releasing
"The postcard was a wonderful, a montage of photos showing my message in a bottle, the boat she's on, the Nemo, and the area she's working in." A woman who sent a message in a bottle as a girl has received a reply from 2,000 miles away - over 30 years after chucking it into the sea. Alaina Beresford was just 12-years-old when she wrote a messaged and popped it into an empty bottle of iconic North-East drink, Moray Cup. And now, 31 years, later Alaina received the surprise of her life when that message got a response. Alaina, from Portknockie, was shocked to find a postcard had arrived for her one day. She explained: "When I went and checked my mail and thought 'what's this, a postcard?' - not something you see a lot - and when I turned it over it had my name on it." Pia Brodtmann, a 27-year-old from Germany, wrote to Alaina saying she had found the message in a bottle, which had washed up on a Norwegian beach. Alaina added: "The message from Pia said she'd found my message in a bottle near on a tiny island called Lisshell ya near Vega in Norway. She's there working as a volunteer doing beach cleaning with a charity called In the Same Boat for four months. "The postcard was a wonderful, a montage of photos showing my message in a bottle, the boat she's on, the Nemo, and the area she's working in. I was just so shocked that somebody had found the message I sent all those years ago. "It was amazing that my note was still perfectly legible - even the old Moray Cup bottle was in good shape! As far as I can remember we were doing a project on water with our P7 teacher Ann Bruce and part of that was doing a message in a bottle. "I think her husband was a fisherman and he threw the bottle into the sea when he was out with the boat." Alaina added that she would love to get in touch with her former teacher but does not have an address or contact details. She is also keeping in touch with Pia via Facebook. For Pia herself, finding the bottle on Lisshell ya was something of a prophecy. She explained: "The day I found the bottle we cleaned two small exposed islands, Lisshell ya and Storhell ya, although we didn't finish Storhell ya. "I found the message between some rocks on Lisshell ya. I had already noticed before I picking it up, that the bottle wasn't broken or full of water like so many other bottles I had found that day. "It looked a bit different, probably because of the paper inside. When I picked it up and saw the folded paper with the little text 'To the finder' inside, I knew this one would be special. "It's kind of funny, though, because I said at the start of the clean up something like 'If we don't find a message in a bottle on this island, then I don't know where else we would'. I said that because in just the first few minutes we had been finding almost only bottles and some fishing gear. "I read the message during our lunch break with my crewmembers. I wasn't too surprised that it had come all the way from Scotland because I have already found some stuff from Scotland before, but I felt really happy about the little message, especially because the address was still readable. I was just curious when it had been written. Writing a reply was never in doubt for Pia. She continued: "I thought Alaina would be really happy to know that her bottle had been found. She wrote in her note that she wanted to know who found it and where exactly it was found. "I wanted to give her this information and make her day special, like she made my day special. Also I just like the idea of people randomly getting in touch this way. And maybe I was hoping for a pen pal across borders, because I enjoy the old ways of communicating like postcards and letters. "Everyone is happy if there is something unexpectedly nice in the mail, while getting something digital via WhatsApp is less special and it can stress you out. When Alaina told me how old the message was, I almost freaked out. "The idea that this bottle had been out there, either in the ocean or lying on the island, for over 30 years is just really crazy! It looked like it had been thrown in the sea something between some months and five years ago. "The first thing I said after reading Alaina's replay was something like 'Wow, what were the chances that she still lives in that house?!', but after she sent me some pictures from the coastline literally right in front of her home, I could totally understand why she is still living there. It's just beautiful." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Pia has been with the Norwegian In the Same Boat project since April this year and will remain with them until the end of July. Having recently finished her bachelor's degree she wanted to travel around Europe and improve her English. A love of the rugged Scandinavian landscape and a drive to do something to help the planet drew her to the project, which aims to fight marine pollution - especially plastic - along the Norwegian coastline. Pia added: "The main method In the Same Boat uses to fight marine litter, besides raising awareness, is beach cleaning, but 'beach' in Norway isn't really the right word. "Norway's coastline is mostly rocky, wild and remote, not a sandy beach. So we hike, climb and sometimes even crawl over and under rocks to collect the plastic before it becomes microplastic. "Then we carry all the heavy bags of trash to the next spot, where the workboat can come and pick it up. The organisation is made up of employed skippers and volunteers. We all live together on sailboats, which allows us to move directly into the polluted areas. That saves time, emissions and costs. "Lisshell ya, the tiny island where I found the message in a bottle - is so tiny that you can probably walk around in just five minutes. we picked and removed 1020kg of marine litter. Even though the island probably hadn't been cleaned before, this amount of trash is just insane."
Mint
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Top 8 Father's Day movies to watch today: Finding Nemo, Paa, Fatherhood and more
Top 8 Father's Day movies to watch today: Finding Nemo, Paa, Fatherhood and more 8 Photos . Updated: 15 Jun 2025, 12:54 PM IST Share Via Celebrate father-son-daughter bond with a dad-themed movie this Father's Day. Given below are specially curated must watch movies to cherish all fatherly figures. 1/8Ta Ra Rum Pum: Siddharth Anand directorial movie features Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji in lead roles. The story revolves around professional car racer Rajveer Singh who returns to the track after major accident to support his family. (Screengrab @YouTube) 2/8Finding Nemo: Walt Disney's animated comedy-drama delves into the quest of a clownfish to save his son, Nemo. (Screengrab @YouTube) 3/8Dangal: Nitesh Tiwari's biopic, available on Netflix, shows how a former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat trains his daughters to fulfil his dream of winning a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games. (Screengrab @YouTube) 4/8Piku: Starring Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan, highlighting father-daughter bond is streaming on SonyLIV. Directed by Shoojit Sircar, the movie showcases father-daughter dynamics during a road trip. (Screengrab @YouTube) 5/8Paa: R Balki directorial movie, streaming on Netflix stars Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Vidya Balan. The story revolves around 12-year-old Auro suffering from rare genetic disorder. (Screengrab @YouTube) 6/8Fatherhood: Paul Weitz's comedy drama revolves around the struggle of a single dad after the tragic death of his wife following their daughter's birth. (Screengrab @YouTube) 7/8Big Daddy: Dennis Dugan directorial comedy drama follows a law school graduate, who adopts a child to impress his girlfriend. (Screengrab @YouTube )
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Literal lifesaver': Abandoned dog hailed a hero for giving blood to anemic pup
An abandoned pup at a shelter in Texas is being hailed a hero after he stepped in as a canine blood donor for a sick pup, who needed help fast. Bronson, a one-and-a-half-year-old part terrier and part pit bull awaiting adoption at Austin Pets Alive!, a non-profit rescue shelter, saved the day - and a puppy - by becoming a canine blood donor. Nemo, a tiny month-old puppy, had just arrived at the shelter along with his mother and siblings from the Austin Animal Center. He was suffering from anemia, which meant that there were not enough red blood cells to supply oxygen to his body. "The smallest of the litter, Nemo, was dangerously anemic and needed help fast," APA said in a news release. Video footage shared by the shelter shows Bronson patiently cooperating with the shelter staff as they draw blood from him. Later, a tiny Nemo can be seen receiving the life-saving transfusion. "Thanks to Bronson and the expert care of the APA! clinic team, Nemo stabilized and is now in foster care, healing alongside his siblings and getting stronger every day," the shelter added. The pup is doing well; however, Nemo remains the smallest of his litter and has a cloudy eye, which may indicate a vision impairment, according to the group's spokesperson. Bronson, who is now up for adoption, was found abandoned and tied to a pole in APA!'s parking lot last month, the shelter said. He was taken into the shelter's care after no microchip was detected, and no one came forward to claim him. The shelter described Bronson as a "goofy, high-energy adult pup with the heart of a puppy, a love for zoomies, a talent for stealing the spotlight with his giant expressive ears, and a joyful spirit that guarantees endless fun and affection." "In his few days at the shelter, he has already won over the hearts of our staff with his playful charm and loving spirit," the nonprofit rescue said. Bronson loves being around people and other dogs, the shelter said, adding he's ready to "find a loving home." "From being left behind to becoming a literal lifesaver, Bronson's journey is a powerful reminder of how every animal has worth, and every one of them deserves a chance," the rescue said. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Heroic dog gives blood to anemic pup at Austin shelter
Buzz Feed
13-06-2025
- Buzz Feed
27 Splurge-Worthy Camping Products From Backcountry
A Marmot four-person, three-season tent that'll be your go-to for almost any camping trip you can dream up. Grab a few pals, pick a spot, and run for the hills, mountains, desert, etc. It's a wonderful thing to have a "home" away from home you can bring anywhere and really love. A good rule of thumb is that a tent can hold the number of folks it's rated for (four, in this case) squished like sardines *or* one less person with room for everyone's gear. The more the merrier, IMO, especially with a nice vestibule like this tent has! And since it's rated for three seasons, it'll be perfect for any spring, summer, and fall trips. Just don't take it out in the dead of winter. Mmmm, maybe that'll be a good excuse to get a cabin for the weekend. Promising review: "I have been camping at Katmai every summer since 2017 (with the exception of Covid 2021). I have camped in June, August, and September. Each month brings totally different weather conditions, from violent winds with heavy rain to spring-like days for a walk in the park. This tent has withstood all conditions without fail. I am on my second tent only because the airline lost all my baggage in 2022. This is a great tent." —Edward SPrice: $398.95 (available in two colors) Or a Nemo Dragonfly one-person, three-season backpacking tent if you're itching to get out for some solo multi-day trips — a personal fave way to experience the outdoors! This puppy is freestanding (aka can be set up with its included poles), super light at just over 2 pounds, and is the perfect size to tuck away into your pack virtually unnoticed until nightfall. Nothing like tucking yourself in under the stars. I have a *slightly* different one-person backpacking tent from Nemo and absolutely adore it! They've perfectly hit that "all the special features you need and none that you don't" mark that is essential for lightweight gear. Price: $449.95 A doggie backpack so your furry friend can carry their own gear on hikes into camp. Just be sure to give them a doggie packing list! Food? Check. Poop bags? Check. Really cool stick? Double check. Price: $99.95 (available in sizes XS–XL and two colors) A Garmin InReach Mini 2 to help you stay in touch with loved ones or in case of emergency when you're out in the backwoods with no cellphone service. A huge relief to have for outdoor folks of all kinds, especially if you often travel alone. To use the Garmin on your trip, the device requires a monthly service fee of $14.95+ (or $11.95+ if you opt for an annual contract). But don't worry, if you're just planning on one trip, the monthly plan only requires a 30-day commitment, so you can bail after your hike and reactivate the next time you go on an adventure. Price: $299.99 (originally $399.99, available in two colors) Some adorable Nocs Provisions binoculars so you can do some birdwatching from your sight, check out the top of the nearest peak, and see if you can spot any interesting flora and fauna. Love a camp activity! Promising review: "I bought these to throw in a backpack for hikes in Southern Utah as we scout the cliffs. They are the perfect size and offer a clear picture and ideal magnification power for my purposes. They are sturdy and easy to use for me and the kids. I definitely recommend these for a solid set of hiking binoculars." —Landon LPrice: $94.95 (available in five colors) A Rumpl puffy blanket to keep you warm and cozy all through the night — whether you grab it for some time around the bonfire or add it to your sleep setup. Its smooth surface is water- and dirt resistant, so there are no worries about exposing it to the elements. And best of all, when you get it home, it's washer- and dryer safe! I've had my OG Rumpl blanket since 2019 and literally could not love it more. Six years in and it still lives in the trunk of my car, ready for impromptu trips, picnics, and park hangs! It's a splurge-worthy piece of gear I've recommended to basically everyone in my life with my whole chest and will for years to come. Price: $99 (available in two colors) Or the iconic Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket that has a snugglier take on the outdoor blanket thing. Made of 86% virgin wool and 14% cotton, it's soft, incredibly warm, and just breathable enough to help you sleep soundly through the night. Tuck it into your tent, lay it out for stargazing, heck, throw it on your bed when you get home, too. Promising review: "I've had my Yakima blanket for at least 15 years, maybe more. It goes on all my adventures. From sleeping in my hammock in warmer months wrapped like a burrito, to sleeping in the back of my '97 4Runner. Keeping me toasty, always. When my kids came of age, they received a Pendleton blanket as well, with the understanding that this blanket is to be used. Whether picnics, camping out in the mountains, concerts, or wherever their adventures take them. My daughter just received hers this Christmas at 17 years old. She was tickled to death and snuggled up in it right away. Mine is a little threadbare around the edges, but still going strong." —FlyFishNut Price: $199+ (available in two sizes and six colors) A Dometic 45-liter powered cooler to keep your food and drinks cool as can be without ice. Thanks, technology! By plugging it into your car you can refrigerate or reach temperatures as low as -7 degrees, all without dealing with wet food, sloshing water, and everything else annoying about traditional coolers. The cooler features a "three-stage dynamic battery protection" that miraculously means it stays cool without draining your car battery (that was also my first worry). It can fit up to 67 cans (!!!!) and also includes dividers so you can keep everything contained and tidy. Promising review: "I have had a number of ice coolers over the years. The CFX3 45L has an amazing amount of room, considering no space has to be given up for ice. The cooler does a great job of keeping everything cool. I have paired it with a PLB40 battery, and it keeps the fridge running for just short of two days (I have been averaging about 2–3% of battery capacity/hour when not in direct sunlight). Unlike ice coolers, nothing gets soggy, and no water to drain or ice to buy. I was so impressed with the performance of the CFX3 45L, I added the CFX3 25L for those shorter day trips. Highly recommend if you want to get away from the traditional ice cooler." —Tami MPrice: $850 A super cool Jetboil Genesis Base Camp 2 Burner Cooking System with two adjustable burners so you can be a Michelin-level camp chef, whipping up delectable egg and bacon breakfasts, elaborate dinners (with a side!) and anything else you can dream up. It also includes a 5-liter pot and a pan so you have truly everything you need all in one handy, collapsible, easy-to-transport package. The burners feature wind screens to keep the party going even if it's a blustery night, and they run on standard 16-ounce propane fuel tanks. The burners also have simmer control — fancy! — so you can really dial in your signature dishes. Price: $399.99 A Katadyn BeFree 3-liter microfilter for anyone who's tired of putting in the elbow grease with filters that require squeezing and just want to let gravity do its thing. With the BeFree, all you need to do is fill the bag, let it hang, and let your newly cleaned water flow into the vessels of your choice. The reservoir you put dirty water in holds 3 liters of water, and it filters at a rate of 2 liters per minute. Whoa, that's faster than I thought! Maybe it's time I finally try one! Backpackers love this system, but they'd also be great for car camping trips where you have access to nice, running mountain water. Sure, you could pack your own, but drinking the water you find in the backcountry really is a special experience, especially when you have confidence it's safe to drink after treatment. Promising review: "Only used once in 50 degrees. Stream was clean, running fast, and filled the bladder in 7 seconds. Flow rate was perfect for my needs. Perfect holding points especially at intake side for submerging. First, BeFree, so will see how long it lasts with a good flow rate. I'll likely carry an extra filter if out solo. Weight is perfect for the benefit. Last thing I want to do is squeeze a bag for my water after a long hike and setting up camp. Now I know why I see a lot of gravity filters are hanging. The holding strap was a bit much for my needs unless someone uses it as a shoulder-carrying strap. I changed that up." —DilfPrice: $79.95 A Nemo Riff Endless Promise 30-degree down sleeping bag so you can get snug as a bug in a rug when you lay down after a long, tiring, beautiful camp day. Nemo's "spoon"-shaped bag is perfect for side sleepers with extra room where you need it that mummy bags usually constrict. It's fairly light, packs down small, and is equally suited for car camping and backpacking. Choose your own adventure! There's really nothing like going to bed in a down bag, and their warm yet breathable feel is really unmatched and worth the splurge. Down bags are also usually much lighter and easier to pack down than synthetic ones, making them more versatile and easy to throw in a backpacking pack. This bag also comes with a compression bag to get it super tiny for transport. Price: $359.95 for men's sizes or women's sizes (each available in long and regular lengths) Or a Big Agnes King Solomon 20-degree double sleeping bag if you and your boo want to share a bed outside just like you do at home. The top layer even zips off so you can use it as a quilt — perfect for warmer camping months when you want more than anything to stick one foot out of your sleeping bag so you can get to the perfect temp. Price: $449.95 And an Exped LuxeMat Duo self-inflating pad so you're not contending with individual sleeping pads, too. This pad is 4-inches thick, aka mega comfy, has wool insulation so it's ultra warm for year-round use, has an integrated pump, and a washable cover for when you get home. This pad has an R-value of 7.2, which just means it's A-OK to take out on your winter camping trips, as well as your trips during the rest of the year! When you unroll a "self-inflating" pad, it'll puff up, doing most of the air intake for you. You'll just need to pump it up a little bit more to get it to your desired firmness, hence: the integrated pump!Price: $500+ (available in two lengths) A Helinox Chair Zero Camp Chair because sometimes those campsite benches just don't cut it. It weighs just over a pound, packs down super small, and is perfect for any outdoorsy person who hates to forgo comfort. I've had one of these for years and can confirm, it's super easy to bring along on trips where you want to be more comfortable without adding a ton of volume. And whoa, does it pack down small! The chair weighs 17.6 ounces. Promising review: "I am so glad I bought this chair and absolutely loved having it on my four-day, three-night backpacking trip. I used it around camp and took it on my day hikes. It's easy to set up, packs easily into its own carrying case, and is super light. I won't backpack or day hike without it now!" —ShannonPrice: $139.95 (available in three colors) A cutie patootie RovR cooler that looks like it's ready for an adventure, doesn't it? Big, fat wheels keep it trucking over rocky, bumpy terrain on the journey from your car to your site if you're walking in, a spacious 60-quart interior ensures you can pack everything you want for your weekend trip, and a convenient drain lets you get all that water out of there as your ice melts. Ummm, I just don't think I've ever seen a cooler cuter than this! It comes in such fun colors, and those back wheels really will help you get it around. No more lugging with flimsy handles!Price: $399.95 (available in three colors) A Biolite Alpenglow 500 lantern because with one wonderful lantern you can make your site functional once the sun falls *and* curate some truly wonderful vibes. Biolite is by far my favorite lighting gear company, making such easy-to-use, durable, and nice-looking pieces. This lantern can run for five hours on its highest setting and a whopping 200 hours on its lowest. Whoa! It's rechargeable with an included USB and is water resistant, so you don't have to worry too much about sudden showers or packing it up just so. Speaking of packing, it also features a locking setting so it doesn't accidentally turn on in your bag and drain its battery before the trip even begins!Price: $79.95 An Eno DoubleNest Hammock for relaxing to the max amongst the trees. I literally can't imagine anything I'd like to do more than chill in a hammock on a camping trip. Nap time outside > nap time inside. And here are the Atlas Straps you'll need to hang your new hammock quickly and easily!Price: $74.95 (available in 12 colors) A fancy-schmancy Snow Peak table because boy oh boy do they design some of the most beautiful, splurge-worthy camp furniture and gear. Just imagine you and your campmates gathered around this table sharing a meal, swapping stories, and getting really heated over a game of cards, all as the moon beams overhead. Heavenly. The table is expandable, and the center can be opened to put a stove in between the two sides, creating a cool cooking and prep space. The bamboo top can also double as a cutting board, and aluminum construction perfectly balances strength and weight. It folds down to fit in an included carrying case with a handle. Price: $419.95 A pair of Darn Tough Hiker Boot Cushion Socks that last forever and famously come with a lifetime guarantee — they're THAT confident they'll serve you well. I finally got my first pair of Darn Toughs this year, and love them. The heels and toes are perfectly cushioned, the merino wool blend isn't scratchy at all, and they're, tough! Promising review: "I've had 3–4 pairs of these and I typically blow the toes out of all my socks. Not these. I have a pair that are almost 8 years old and show no sign of falling apart anytime soon." —MdksdePrice: $27.95 for men's sizes M–XL (available in six colors) or women's sizes S–L (available in three colors) A Hest foam sleeping pad for anyone who refuses to be any less comfortable sleeping outdoors than they would in their comfy bed back home. More power to ya! This rollable pad has two layers of memory foam, a small stash pocket, a machine-washable cover, and a compression hardness with a handle for easy carrying. Promising review: "This is the camping pad that I have been waiting for. No pumping, no worrying about punctures. Just a comfortable night's sleep. Took two seconds to unroll and you're ready for bed." —Brock HPrice: $329 A Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Sleeping Mat backpackers who are trying to cut weight will be so grateful to have in their pack. Ditto for side-sleeping car campers who are looking for a pad that keeps their hips and shoulders super comfortable all night. Having a really cozy bed in a teeny-tiny package never gets old! The pad has an R-value of 4.5, so it's a little on the low end for a winter trip, but depending on the exact temperature, it could work. TL;DR, do a little research before taking this out in December. But for spring, summer, and fall trips, you're good to go! The regular size weighs in at just a hair over a pound, so if you're at the backpacking stage where you're counting ounces, I think you'll be really happy with this upgrade!Price: $189+ (available in three sizes) And a Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow that honestly might be nicer than your pillow at home. This baby packs down small enough and is light enough to backpack with thanks to being mainly inflated with a soft, warm down topper. And if you have a Sea to Summit sleeping pad, the pillows and pads have an integrated locking system so your pillow doesn't slide away in the night! You don't *have* to have a Sea to Summit pad to enjoy this pillow — anyone can use it! You just won't get to use the locking feature. Price: $64.95+ (available in two sizes) A Sea to Summit Frontier ultralight two-person cook set to ensure you have all of your camp kitchen needs packed and ready in one convenient place. No more plates left behind! The set includes a 2-liter pot and lid, two plate-bowls, and two cups with lids so at long last you and your camping partner don't have to both eat out of a pot, clanking your heads and spoons together! Price: $99.95 A 12-ounce Hyrdro Flask coffee mug because sipping on coffee and tea on a crisp, cool camp morning is one of life's greatest pleasures, and it's made even better when it's out of a mug you love that can help retain your bevvie's temperature. Those metal camp mugs are cute, but WHOA do they make your drink cold fast. Price: $27.95 (available in nine colors) An Osprey Ariel or Osprey Atmos backpacking pack ("women's" and "men's" models of the same pack, respectively) so you can hit the ol' dusty trail with everything you need in a supportive, cushioned pack that has all the special features you need, but not so many that it weighs you down. With a suspended mesh back, plenty of pockets, and a comfortable hip belt, it's wonderful for first timers and seasoned pros alike. An older model of the Ariel was my first backpacking pack, and I still have BIG love for it! Absolutely the most comfortable bag I've ever owned, and I found 65 liters to be a good volume to start out with, especially if you enjoy bringing a luxury item or two, are planning on going out during colder weather (requiring bulkier gear), are carrying gear for a friend, kid, or pet, or just have a kit that skews larger. If you're conscious of your pack's weight, there are lots of removable components, including the "brain" at the top of the pack. But rest assured, weight carries really well in this bag thanks to mercifully padded hip straps. Price: $207+ for the Ariel (originally $319.95, available in sizes XS–L) and $339.95 for the Atmos (available in sizes S–XL and three colors) Or a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55-liter pack for ultralight backpackers who are ready to take the next step into their weight-cutting journey. This no-frills bag is a fave of thru-hikers for a reason. A strong and light Dynema body, the huge outer pocket we all dream of, a roll-top closure and taped seams that get it as close to "waterproof" as anyone can reasonably claim, and aluminum stays that give it a structure without adding too much weight. This pack is at the top of my ultralight wish list! It weighs just two pounds (the black version is an ounce heavier, funny enough) and just seems super functional. The folks that I've met who have tested it love it, yes, for backpacking, but also for using as a travel bag in general. Hey! A great bag is a great bag. Promising review: "High quality and well-made. This is the backpack if you need something that is simple, ultralight, and waterproof. It is a roll-top bag so not as convenient as one with a zipper opening which allows full access to the contents without pulling everything out but is is like half the weight. The seams of the pack are the only areas where water could penetrate. The 55-liter provides additional flexibility to expand when you have a larger load out, but can be rolled down to 40 liters if you don't need the extra space." —Melissa MPrice: $379+ (available in three sizes and two colors) A Coleman Cross Rocker Chair that sounds like the ultimate way to relax at camp. I can see it now. You whittling away at a little stick, listening to the fire crackle, rocking back and forth, not a care in the world. Price: $144.99
