Fueling your flames: the gas-tronomy of camp cooking…

Our gear gurus demystify LP gas and camping stoves, breaking down the crucial differences between high-pressure sizzlers and low-pressure simmers.

In a fired-up discussion, Ben and Lauren go from propane, n-butane, and isobutane science, to practical connections, canister considerations, and selecting stoves that best suit your style of camp cuisine. Tune in for a technical yet digestible guide to understanding why your flame might fizzle at altitude or freeze in colder conditions!

Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro
03:55 – Ben’s Episode Overview
04:22 – Thanks, Tugboat!
07:33 – High Pressure Vs Low Pressure Stoves
08:43 – Low Pressure Stoves: How Regulators Work
11:43 – Maintaining a Steady Gas Output: From 800kPa to 2.75kPa!
12:02 – The Effect of External Temperature
12:49 – High Pressure Stoves: No Regulator
13:59 – kPa of Single-Use Propane Cylinders?
15:25 – What Exactly is LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas)?
16:28 – Propane: External Temperatures, Internal Pressure, and Boiling Points
17:28 – N-Butane and Isobutane: External Temperatures, Internal Pressure, and Boiling Points
22:20 – Connecting the Right Gas to the Right Stove
24:04 – Weather Performance
26:59 – Cylinder and Canister Types
33:39 – Choosing a Stove
42:14 – Accessories
43:30 – Summary

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Bedrolls for bushcraft: when simplicity beats sophistication…

Ben and Lauren unfold the timeless charm of bedroll camping for those seeking simplicity under the stars. From envelope-style swags to canvas-covered mats and sturdy stretcher beds, our gear gurus roll through both commercial options and clever DIY solutions for every budget and backroad.

Covering practical aspects of different designs, tune in for an overall glimpse at minimalist sleeping arrangements that reconnect you with camping’s rugged roots while still delivering a decent night’s rest.

Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro
04:12 – Best Options for a Bedroll Sleeping Arrangement
06:07 – Pole-Free, Envelope-Style Swags
07:39 – Canvas-Covered Sleeping Mats
08:34 – Stretcher Beds
09:34 – If Money Was No Objection…
10:38 – Ben and Lauren’s DIY Bedroll Suggestions
14:03 – Yoga Mats Vs Canvas
15:18 – Summary

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From boots to beanies, Ben and Lauren unpack the camping gear on the cusp of convenient and comfy...

Our outdoor experts wade into the footwear debate, untangle cotton versus synthetic, and reveal why merino wool is Best On (Camp)Ground for all-round, all-weather performance. 

From mozzie-deterrent strategies to the unexpected uses of dishwashing gloves, the focus remains on adaptable and practical camp clothing. Tune in for an essential guide to resilient outdoor attire - your first line of defense against the elements in unpredictable weather!

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
01:36 - Clothing Recommendations for Camping in All Weather
02:49 - Lauren's Footwear Stance
03:43 - Ben's Footwear Selections
05:40 - Crocs, Tevas, and Standard Flip-Flops
07:34 - Shorts and Long Pants
08:42 - Cotton Vs Synthetic
09:22 - Managing Milder Weather
10:36 - Packing and Dressing for Comfort
11:37 - Managing Mozzies
12:43 - Merino Wool
13:33 - Gloves, Beanies, and Hats
16:30 - Merino Liners and... Dishwashing Gloves?!
17:10 - Fleece and Jackets
19:30 - Summary

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Putting it all out in the open(cell): the mat storage methods that matter!

In this episode, Ben and Lauren unpack the proper storage techniques for self-inflating sleeping mats, addressing the critical balance between compression damage and storage space. Our gear gurus explain the science behind foam cell recovery, differences between bonded and single-layer mats, and practical solutions for preserving your mat’s loft and longevity.

From Ben’s space-saving suggestions to Lauren’s maintenance tips – tune in for a concise guide to ensuring your sleeping mat remains comfortable for countless adventures to come.

00:00 - Intro 
00:40 - Ben's New Favourite Snack?!
02:59 - How to Store a Self-Inflating Mat
03:36 - The Result of Compressing
04:36 - Bonded Mats
05:10 - The General Rule: Store it Uncompressed
05:57 - Managing Space
06:07 - Ben's Recommendation
06:59 - Lauren's Tips for Mat Care
08:26 - Storing Your Mat Loosely Compressed
09:38 - Thanks, Kelly!

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From bushcraft to breaking point…

Ben and Lauren tackle the ultimate outdoor enthusiast’s question: how long would they last on the survival show ‘Alone’? Our gear gurus dive into both the physical and psychological challenges of true isolation, while revealing their personal top 10 survival items.

This episode covers everything from fishing and hunting gear to sleep and hygiene considerations, peppered with plenty of candid self-assessment of their survival skills! Tune in for an entertaining glimpse into what separates gear knowledge from true survival expertise, and whether our hosts have what it takes to endure the outdoors – completely alone.

00:00 – Intro
02:33 – Shout Out to Jack!
03:37 – How Long Would We Last on ‘Alone’ (and What Are Our 10 Must-Have Items)?
04:50 – Fish Talk
06:13 – The Psychological Pressure of Being Alone
08:08 – Lauren’s Answer
09:20 – Ben’s Must-Have Items
11:15 – The ‘Alone’ Gear List
13:37 – Sleeping Gear and Hygiene
14:24 – Hunting Items
15:16 – Ben and Lauren’s Top Ten Items
17:31 – Summary
18:55 – Thanks, Heather!

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Nature’s stress test: which tent designs pass the windstorm challenge?

From boxy tents to shapes that shed the wind – Ben and Lauren sweep through what truly anchors a tent against wild winds. Our gear gurus unfold the mysteries of structural integrity, air out the differences between waterhead and wind ratings, and pitch manufacturer claims against real-world scenarios.

Tune in for their gusty guide; a whirlwind of everything from inflatable shelters and guy rope strategies to frame construction and proper pegging techniques!

00:00 – Intro
02:54 – What is ‘Wind-Resistance’?
03:48 – ‘Will I Feel the Wind Sitting Inside?’
05:23 – Structural Integrity
06:02 – Waterhead Rating Vs Wind Rating
07:20 – Wind Tunnel Testing
07:50 – Air Tents
08:49 – Claims and Expectations
10:21 – Dome and Sloped Tents Vs Boxy Tents
10:47 – Fabrics
11:37 – Guy Ropes, Eyelets, and Trace Springs
14:22 – Frame Size and Construction
16:26 – Anchoring Your Tent
19:15 – Tarp-Buddies
20:02 – Summary

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Where brilliance meets boiling point: inside the JetBoil phenomenon...

In this episode, Ben and Lauren's hour-long episode bubbles over in a hot-to-go interview with JetBoil's Mike Hebert, uncovering the brand's revolutionary journey from concept to camp essential! Our gear gurus crank the heat on JetBoil's evolution, exploring everything from early prototypes to engineering challenges, international standards, and the science behind those lightning-fast boil times. 

Tune in for a comprehensive look at what sets the authentic product apart from imitators, feature variations across the globe, and intriguing hints about where this innovative cooking system might be heading next.

00:00 - Intro 
01:28 - Introducing Mike Hebert from JetBoil
03:08 - The Beginnings of JetBoil
05:23 - From the PCS to the Flash, and the Protoypes in Between
07:18 - JetBoil's Footprint
08:37 - Timeline: From Initial Concept to Packaged Product
11:37 - Mike's Favourite JetBoil Product
13:50 - JetBoil's Range Review
14:36 - The Flash: Versions From 2019 to Now
14:43 - The Flash 1.0L and Zip 0.8L: Model Updates
20:18 - Improvements and Enhancements
22:40 - The Pot Support
24:09 - The Cook Pot
27:11 - 'Light before attaching the pot'?
28:28 - Sell Us the Zip!
30:11 - Reheating Food
31:55 - Regulators
35:08 - Gas Mixers
37:55 - Engineering Challenges
40:28 - The Real Deal Vs Dupes
45:15 - International Standards
55:17 - One Product, Multiple Countries: How Many Feature Variations?
57:28 - Google: 'Robot from Flubber'!
58:28 - Products in 2026?

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Is your camping fridge bigger than your appetite?

From 45L single-zones to 80L dual compartments, Ben and Lauren unpack the cold, hard facts about fridge capacity. Our gear gurus consider how vehicle space, party size, climate, and even adventure style can affect your ideal setup. They dive into practical considerations like fridge slides, temperature zones, and efficient compartmentalizing – proving that sometimes the bigger choice can be a little too much cold to carry.

Tune in for a refreshingly practical guide to matching your mobile refrigeration to your real-world needs.

00:00 – Intro
01:22 – Lauren’s Adventure on the Overland Track
04:57 – Is 45L the Right Size Fridge for One Person?
05:58 – Considering Space: Ben’s Setup
06:56 – Dual-Zone Fridges
07:46 – Operating as a Fridge Vs Freezer
08:48 – Family Vs Single
09:11 – Location and Climate
10:35 – Fridge Slides
12:12 – Compartmentalising in Dual-Zone Fridges
14:20 – Summary

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So… watt solar panel size is the missing piece to your power puzzle?

From recharging depleted batteries to powering your camp kitchen, Ben and Lauren shed some (sun)light on the complexities of solar panel sizing. Our gear gurus break down the practical differences between 100W and 200W panels by explaining controller requirements, power station compatibility, and real-world limitations.

Tune in for a sun-soaked discussion of valuable amp calculations, plug-and-play recommendations, and Ben and Lauren’s personal approach to solar setups, so you can keep the campsite powered up off the grid.

00:00 – Intro
02:59 – What Sized Solar Panel do I Need?
03:44 – The ‘One-Line’ Answer…
04:45 – Considering a 200W Vs 100W Solar Panel
06:06 – Limitations
07:06 – Considering a Solar Controller with Your Panel
10:01 – The Companion Rover 500 Power Station
11:50 – What Would Ben Do?
14:12 – Amp Replenishment
15:45 – Plug ‘N Play
18:07 – Summary

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From saving your back to saving your relationship, a double camp stretcher with a centre bar could make or break both!

In this episode, Ben and Lauren tackle the age-old camping conundrum of double stretchers – specifically, whether that infamous centre bar is a deal-breaker or just a minor inconvenience. From Kulkyne Kampers’ design to Darche’s approach and Quest Outdoors’ innovative solution (coming soon), our gear gurus weigh up the pros and cons of double camp stretchers with an without centre bars, be you a solo camper or the other half of your adventure duo.

Tune in for a practical discussion that proves sleeping arrangements shouldn’t come between you and your camping companion!

00:00 - Intro
03:08 - Double Stretchers: Bar or No Bar?
04:33 - Kulkyne Kampers Double Stretcher
05:57 - Managing a Centre Bar
07:02 - Darche XL 1400 Double Swag Stretcher
08:19 - The Function of a Centre Bar
10:35 - Solo Campers Vs Couples
10:58 - Quest Outdoors' 'Platform'
13:13 - Try Instore!
13:30 - Summary

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