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TitreDateDurée
Ep209 - We're Changing Things Up - Here's Why16 sept. 202600:29:31

Perched in an Inspired Overland Trailpeak atop Ben's car (take two, after audio gremlins claimed the first!), Ben and Lauren zip up season 6 with a look back at its biggest hits. From down-to-earth chats with Bushman Fridges and Trangia to the 12V appliances episode that split the comments section – our gear gurus unpack what you watched, what you debated, and what they loved most. Along the way, Lauren returns from the Larapinta Trail with desert storms, wildflowers, and a hard-won lesson in trail food, while Ben stands by the four beers in his hiking pack.

Then, it's down to business: two 12-episode seasons a year with recording blocks in between – meaning fewer episodes, but better ones. Be it road tests you want run, interviews filmed on location, or your own rig in the hot seat – tune in for how you can help shape what's coming, the lowdown on the lightweight 38-kilo Trailpeak, and a tight-lipped teaser of the special episode landing in November, before the new season rolls out in early December.

00:00:00 - Intro: Recording from a Rooftop Tent
00:01:35 - Season Highlights: Bushman Fridges and Trangia
00:04:06 - Our Most-Watched Episode: 12V Appliances
00:05:29 - A Moto Guzzi Interruption (and Motorcycle Touring)
00:07:24 - 12V Power Draw and Our Most-Commented Episodes
00:09:25 - Lauren's Larapinta Trail Wrap-Up and Trail Food Lessons
00:14:37 - Why We're Changing: Fewer Episodes, Better Content
00:18:09 - What's Next: November Special and December Return
00:20:28 - The Inspired Overland Trailpeak Rooftop Tent
00:26:07 - Call-Out for Your Ideas and Season Wrap-Up

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep208 - The Future of Camping: Inside Zempire17 août 202600:58:43

Fresh from filming some new gear in the wild, Ben and Lauren sit down with Zempire's brand engagement guru James - a Toronto-born, bad-weather-loving New Zealander - to unpack the why behind the brand's kit. This isn't a spec-sheet sales pitch; it's a candid chat about building to a priority, not a price point. From the pioneering air-textured yarn behind the Shape Shifter to the pop-up ease of the Aerospeed, the return-rate maths on air poles versus hard poles, and a sneak peek at a brand-new chair range, a redesigned multi-gas cooker, and a pint-sized Hexolite table — our gear gurus get to the heart of what makes Zempire tick.

Be it packability, durability, or camping that's for everyone — tune in for the philosophy behind the products!

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome back to the Snowys Camping Show

00:47 - Meet James, Zempire's brand engagement guru

01:28 - Why Zempire went all-in on air

04:36 - From Toronto to New Zealand: James' backstory

07:22 - What 'brand engagement' actually means

08:02 - Talking the 'why', not the spec sheet

10:29 - Designing the new chair range from scratch

11:53 - The Hyperfold: one bag, a lot of chair

16:24 - Cooker 2.0: slimmer, multi-gas, smarter burners

21:52 - Hexolite tables and the new compact 60

31:05 - Shape Shifter: the tent that grows with you

32:30 - Building to a priority, not a price point

43:28 - Future-proofing your kit and the base system

47:37 - Air poles vs hard poles: the return-rate reality

51:11 - What's next in Zempire world

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
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Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep207 - Thinking About Hiking the Larapinta? Here's Where to Start20 juil. 202601:06:18

Two and a half weeks, 223km, and a whole lot of honesty about what actually happens on trail.

In this episode Ben turns the mic on his co-host Lauren, who's about to walk the Larapinta Trail - 223km from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder with two colleagues over 14 days. They dig into the gear debates that actually matter (trail runners versus boots, three wildly different backpacks between the group), the sleep system upgrades that finally made multi-day hiking bearable for Ben, and the practical realities of toileting, safety, and staying calm about snakes.

Tune in for a genuinely candid conversation about preparing for a long trek, whether you're a first-timer feeling intimidated or a seasoned hiker fine-tuning your kit!

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep206 - From Sweden to Campsites Worldwide | The Trangia Story07 juil. 202601:07:45

100 years, one factory, and a stove design nobody's been able to improve on.

From a small Swedish village called Trångsviken to a factory that's shipped over a quarter-million burners a year, in this episode Ben and Lauren sit down with Magnus Rydel, CEO of Trangia, to unpack a century of doing things the slow way on purpose. They dig into why the brass spirit burner hasn't meaningfully changed since the 1950s, how a scrap of aluminium punched from one part becomes the lid on another, and the story behind the brand's most unlikely bestseller: a glittery pink windshield born from a 9-year-old's note in a suggestion box.

Tune in for an hour of manufacturing philosophy, fuel-safety myths busted, and a genuinely lovely reminder that not everything needs to boil water faster!

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep205 - How Fuel Prices Are Changing Camping23 juin 202600:45:57

Turns out the cheapest mod you can make to your rig doesn't cost a cent.

From a fuel price shock that pushed regular unleaded past $3 a litre to reworking your entire weekly shop, in this episode Ben and Lauren strip fuel economy right back to basics. They dig into why weight is the single biggest lever you can pull on any trip, how one multi-purpose camp oven lid lifter can replace three separate tools rattling around your kit, and why the smartest fuel-saving habit might have nothing to do with your car at all - it's what you do with your bike, your kids' public transport cards, and your online shopping cart in the weeks before you even leave.

Tune in for a genuinely useful hour on stretching your fuel budget further, no fuel additives or dodgy chip tunes required!

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep204 - Inside Bushman Fridges with Tommy Stockdale09 juin 202601:28:31

The quiet achiever of the camping fridge world finally steps into the spotlight…

From wire-on-tube heat exchangers straight out of Nan's old Kelvinator to a 35L base that expands into a 52L weekend beast -- in this episode, Ben and Lauren unpack the quiet achiever of the camping fridge world with the man who's lived and breathed the brand for over a decade. They dig into why a swappable wiring loom beats a fancy touch panel, how steel construction outlasts plastic in the harsh Aussie sun, and why Bushman would rather you call them about your dodgy DIY mod than void your warranty over it.

Tune in for an hour of fridge philosophy, real-world efficiency tips, and proof that sometimes the most underrated gear is the stuff that just quietly gets the job done!

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep203 - What's New at Jetboil? With Nicole Walbran25 mai 202600:37:20


From a one-trick water-boiler to a whole new way of cooking at camp…

JetBoil is shaking up the kit you thought you knew. Fresh off last year’s chat with Mike Hebert, Ben and Lauren welcome JetBoil’s International Sales Manager Nicole Walburn into the studio to unpack the brand’s biggest range refresh in years. From the Flash 1.8L that quietly steps in for the much-loved Sumo, to the all new Trail Cook stoves, and the ever-popular Genesis two-burner — our gear gurus dig into what’s changed, why it’s changed, and which JetBoil suits the way you actually camp. Along the way: regulated vs unregulated stoves, the great Mini Mo loyalty debate, the truth about ceramic coatings, and even the wartime backstory behind Duck Camo.

Be it a fast-boil purist, a backcountry chef, or a car camper after one clever stove that does it all — tune in for the full rundown on JetBoil’s 2026 lineup!

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep202 - Jimmy, the Jimny and the Open Road11 mai 202600:53:11


Pocket-sized, brick-shaped, and punching well above its weight…

it’s the little four-wheel drive that’s built a cult following. In this episode, Ben and Lauren pull up a chair with Snowys’ OG ambassador James — better known online as Jimmy Chimney — to unpack five years of thoughtful mods, hard-won lessons, and the fine art of camping out of a car barely bigger than a shopping trolley. From slimline lithium setups and lightweight rooftop tents to GVM headaches, roof load realities, and cooking a proper feed out of a 20-litre fridge, our gear gurus dig into what it really takes to tour Australia in its most lovable little 4WD.

Be it a weekend warrior eyeing off your first build, a die-hard tourer weighing up the trade-offs, or simply a Jimny tragic who waves at every JB74 you pass — tune in for an honest yarn about doing a whole lot more with a whole lot less!

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep201 - What We Should Get Rid Of...But Don't27 avr. 202600:44:37

Seven tents, five swags, and a fridge that moonlights as a weights bench...

It turns out even the most seasoned gear gurus aren't immune to a good old camping hoard! In this episode, Ben and Lauren throw open the shed doors and take an honest, hilarious inventory of the gear they can't quite bring themselves to part with - from sentimental scout-era stoves and hiking packs that haven't seen a trail in years, to duplicate eskies, eleven mugs, and enough camp chairs to seat a small army.

Be it the surprisingly relatable logic of keeping a broken fridge, the case for holding onto your eighth sleeping bag, or the moment Lauren admits she has more tents than she has weekends to use them - tune in for a candid, laugh-out-loud conversation about the gear we accumulate, the reasons we justify keeping it, and why sometimes the hardest part of camping isn't the hike... it's the shed!

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep200 - Watch This & Win: Episode 200 Giveaway!13 avr. 202600:46:26

200 Episodes, 5 Secret Sounds, and a Whole Lot of Gear to Give Away!

It's our 200th episode -- and we're celebrating the milestone with something a little different... A Secret Sound! Ben and Lauren reflect on five years, four studios, and nearly a million YouTube views, before diving into the stats (you've listened to us for 150,000 hours!), the standout episodes, and the moments that have made the Snowys Camping Show what it is today.

From the ghost camping crackdown that sparked 300+ comments, to the interviews that stuck with them most -- it's a look back at the people, the gear, and the banter that's kept the conversation going for 200 episodes strong. Be it a JetBoil Trail Cook 2.0, a Sea To Summit sleeping mat or the Cybertake Air Conditioner grand prize up for grabs -- listen in, guess the sounds, and you could be walking away with some seriously good gear!

More details here - https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/podcast-200-episodes-giveaway-special/

0:00 – Welcome to Episode 200!
2:01 – Introducing the Secret Sound competition and how to enter
5:01 – Show stats – nearly 1 million YouTube views and 150,000 hours watched
7:07 – Most viewed episode of all time (Ep. 78 — Australian Camp Oven Festival)
7:40 – Most commented episode – the ghost camping crackdown
8:28 – Ben and Lauren’s favourite episodes and guests
13:50 – Our cameraman Larry (doesn’t) show his face on camera
14:25 – How the giveaway is going to work
19:38 – Prize 1: Cybertech S2 Portable Air Conditioner & Heater
21:19 – 🔊 Secret Sound #1 – guess to win!
23:08 – Prize 2: Sea to Summit Circuit Down Sleeping Bag (-9°)
24:35 – 🔊 Secret Sound #2 – guess to win!
26:22 – Prize 3: Gerber Complete Cook Set
30:35 – 🔊 Secret Sound #3 – guess to win!
32:48 – Prize 4: Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe Double Sleeping Mat
36:52 – 🔊 Secret Sound #4 – guess to win!
37:49 – Prize 5: JetBoil Trail Cook 2.0
41:30 – 🔊 Secret Sound #5 – guess to win!
42:33 – All 5 sounds played back-to-back
44:20 – How to enter – comment by April 30, 2026, winners announced on Star Wars Day!

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep199 - Life on the Road: Kira & Mitch from Sure to Sea30 mars 202601:19:04

From van life solo to a Troopy built for two... meet Kira and Mitch of Suretosea

Ben and Lauren welcome Snowys' ambassadors Kira and Mitch, into the studio, a Tassie-based couple currently doing a full lap of Australia in their 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser troop carrier, affectionately known as Troopski. Fresh off 10 months on the east coast and down the centre, they've barely had time to wash the red dirt out before hitting the road again - this time heading west.

From the rooftop tent decision that changed everything, to budgeting $1,000 a week on the road, bulk-buying meat and the very real burnout that comes with trying to see it all — be it the highs of Babinda Boulders and Kakadu or the flies, the heat, and the moment you just want carpet under your feet -- tune in for an honest, unfiltered chat about life on the road with two people living it.

Shortcuts:

0:30 – Ben introduces Kira and Mitch of Suretosea

1:59 – Kira shares her background growing up in southern Tasmania

3:04 – Mitch talks about his upbringing on a farm on the Yorke Peninsula

6:39 – Kira and Mitch reveal they’re heading west for a full lap of Australia

10:24 – The story of Troopski — a 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser troop carrier

11:50 – Why they chose a rooftop tent over a roof conversion

25:00 – The origin of their brand name, Suretosea

29:31 – How they afford full-time travel (savings, budgeting, and UGC work)

37:50 – Fridge, freezer, and food prep tips for life on the road

50:20 – Favourite locations in Australia so far

1:06:24 – The items Kira and Mitch never leave home without

1:10:50 – The craziest thing they’ve seen on the road

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep198 - Eat Well, Camp Better - Q&A Edition16 mars 202600:36:55

From the campfire to the cooktop — every camp cooking question you’ve ever had, answered

Whether you’re chasing the perfect camp coffee, cooking through a total fire ban, or wondering if freeze-dried meals are actually worth it — Ben and Lauren have served up a feast of answers. In this Q&A compilation episode, our video guy, Larry, has raided four years’ worth of content to collate your most common camp cooking and food questions into one well-seasoned episode.

From camp oven lamb shanks and the great damper debate, to induction cooker realities, 12V oven limitations, and the AeroPress fan club — our gear gurus dish out practical advice on planning your camp menu, prepping smarter at home, and making the most of whatever cooking setup you’ve got.

Tune in for a blast from the past — and a whole lot of food for thought!


Shortcuts:

00:00 — Intro & episode format explained

03:54 — Q: What’s your favourite recipe for camp stove and open fire? (John)

07:00 — Q: Camp meal ideas, preparation & tips for stove-only cooking (Karen)

09:14 — Q: What cooking options do you recommend for total fire ban days? (Curtis)

14:43 — Q: Induction cooking is on trend — what’s available for camping?

21:26 — Q: What are the best coffee makers for camping?

24:43 — Q: Best ultralight crockery and cutlery for hiking at the lowest price (Everyday Alchemist)

27:13 — Q: What’s your favourite meal to cook when camping?

29:12 — Q: Have you reviewed BackCountry/Outdoor Gourmet freeze-dried meals? (Mel)

36:18 — Wrap up

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep197 - Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Camp Stretcher03 mars 202600:25:38

From bad backs to bad sleeps, the humble camp stretcher has a lot riding on it.

Whether you're looking to get up off the ground, create some storage under the bed, or simply bring a touch of home comfort to the campsite - Ben and Lauren stretch the topic thin and lay it all out flat. From easy-fold favourites and flat-fold classics to compact Helinox-style options and swag-specific setups, our gear gurus cover the lot: single vs. double, pole vs. no pole, saggy middles, tent fit, mat pairings, and the age-old question of whether your tent floor needs protecting.

Tune in for a no-nonsense guide to navigating the camp stretcher range -- and finally get a good night's sleep sorted!

0:26 – Intro: Why get a camp stretcher? Benefits covered (bad backs, storage, swag use, flood protection)

2:48 – Negatives of stretchers: bulk, weight, insulation limitations, and tent fit challenges

5:01 – Sturdy stretcher options: OZtrail Easy Fold, Zempire Z-Leg, and Quest Fast Bed reviewed

7:36 – Flat-fold stretchers: Big Sky and OZtrail Rhino Bed discussed, plus comfort vs. portability trade-offs

9:25 – Cross-leg stretchers: Oztent RS1, Coleman Swagger, 23Zero and others compared for stability

10:59 – Compact stretchers: Helinox options reviewed, value vs. cost debate, and budget alternatives

13:39 – Double stretcher deep-dive: pole vs. no pole, the sagging middle problem, and Quest's platform solution

16:28 – Swag-specific stretchers: matching dimensions, overhang tips, and whether tie points are really necessary

18:31 – Stretcher tents: Oztent Bunker, OZtrail, and Quest options explored as an all-in-one alternative

24:18 – Common questions answered: mattress pairing, tent floor protection, uneven ground, and putting two stretchers together

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep196 - Sea to Summit Design Process & New Gear 2026 with Tim Miller24 févr. 202601:12:33


From the drawing board to the sleeping bag, great gear doesn’t just happen…

…it takes 13 years, a children’s IKEA desk, and a whole lot of passion.

In this episode, Ben and Lauren sit down with Sea To Summit’s senior product designer Tim Miller — the mind behind some of the brand’s most iconic gear — for an inside look at what it really takes to design outdoor equipment that lasts. From the Xpot’s award-winning origins to the engineering upgrades behind the new Ultralite XR air mat, Tim pulls back the curtain on the design decisions, trade-offs, and material innovations that keep Sea To Summit at the pointy end of the market.

Be it the bombproof weld construction of the updated air mat range, the clever Memory Lux pillow solving the ‘home pillow hogging the boot’ problem, or the tantalising tease of an airbeam mozzy net on the horizon — tune in for an hour and a half of product insights straight from the source!

Shortcuts:

0:00 — Intro & welcome: Ben and Lauren introduce Tim Miller, senior product designer at Sea to Summit

1:45 — Tim’s background: How he stumbled into Sea to Summit after university, starting unpaid at a children’s IKEA desk

5:00 — The design team: How the long-tenured team of six designers collaborates and avoids working in silos

8:40 — Sea to Summit’s design philosophy: Ground-up original design vs the “me-too” factory approach common in the industry

11:00 — Manufacturing process: Factory visits, quick prototyping, and the story of designing a machine when no existing equipment could make what they wanted

13:10 — Field testing & expeditions: Design team Kimberley packraft trips, testing prototypes in the wild, and the brutal feedback culture

17:15 — Working 2 years ahead: The challenge of designing for 2028 while reacting to what competitors launch today

19:20 — The ultralight balance: Why Sea to Summit won’t sacrifice durability for weight claims, and the lightest-isn’t-always-best debate

25:15 — Sustainability: Sea to Summit’s approach — durability as the best environmental policy, solution-dyed fabrics, and replaceable buckles

31:45 — 2026 sleep systems: Deep dive into the new Circuit sleeping bag — the spiritual successor to the original Trek

37:15 — Women’s fit sleeping bags: Lauren makes a passionate case for keeping women’s specific sizing in the range

39:00 — Air mat updates: The new Ultralite XR — thermally reflective film insulation, dramatically reduced bulk, and the improved weld construction

45:40 — The Comfort Deluxe mat: The 10cm car camping mat that actually folds up properly

51:45 — Pillows: The upgraded Premium Pillow, Down Pillow, and Tim’s passion project — the Memory Lux adjustable pillow

54:40 — Liners: Thermalite vs Coolmax fabrics explained, Tim’s controversial hot tip for the Breeze liner

1:05:30 — Other new products: Pack taps refresh, hydration bladders, and the X range and dinnerware updates

1:06:50 — Community questions: Mat longevity in humid climates, sleeping bag temperature ratings, what’s in the pipeline for 2027/28

1:09:10 — The big teaser: Tim drops the airbeam sealed mozzy net passion project — Sea to Summit entering the airbeam category

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep195 - Sleep Tight: Comfort & Shelter at Camp - Q&A Edition16 févr. 202600:57:19

Rest assured — we’ve got your camp comfort questions covered.

From self-inflating mats versus air mattresses to the best sleeping bags for bigger people, a comfortable camp starts with the right sleep system — and in this episode, Ben and Lauren are answering your biggest questions about beds, bags, tents, and shelter to help you build a setup that actually works.

Whether you’re weighing up stretchers against air beds (bad back and all), wondering if that new down bag smell is normal, or trying to track down a light and easy-to-roll swag for solo adventures — our gear gurus cover it all. They also tackle the big shelter debates: pop-up tents for boat and island camping, compact 4-season family tents, the cheapie tents from Kmart and Big W, air tents from Outdoor Connection and Zempire, and how to stop your gazebo from becoming a kite in high winds.

Tune in for real-world advice, honest opinions, and practical tips to help you sleep sounder and camp smarter!

Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro
03:43 – Choosing a sleeping mat
08:27 – How to repair leaks on sleeping mats
11:15 – Bed options for mobility issues
15:17 – Sleeping bags for larger people
19:35 – ‘Wet dog’ new down bag odour
20:57 – Swags for solo female travellers and solo camping safety
27:34 – Mattress toppers for swags
29:30 – Pop-up tent alternatives and four-season tents for families
40:05 – Tents for beginners and bad backs
43:50 – Cheap vs quality tents
45:08 – Opinion on Outdoor Connection air tents
47:53 – Roof covers vs tarps
51:19 – Gazebos in high winds
56:57 – Outro

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep194 - 12V Appliances are a Thing Now!08 févr. 202600:46:43

Watts cooking in the world of 12V?

From fridges and kettles to coffee machines and air fryers, 12V appliances are no longer just a novelty – they’re fast becoming essential kit for the modern camper. But with great power comes great responsibility (to your battery!), and not every gadget on the market is worth the amp draw.

In this episode, Ben and Lauren plug into the world of 12V appliances, breaking down which ones are genuinely worth running off-grid, what realistic power requirements look like, and how to integrate them into your camping or touring setup without flattening your battery before breakfast.

Tune in for the practical lowdown on what’s useful, what’s overkill, and what’s here to stay!

Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro
02:34 – Power requirements and setups
08:05 – Hardkorr 12V Coffee Machine review
13:30 – Sandwich presses and jaffle makers in the real world
16:55 – Induction cooktops pros and cons
19:08 – Air fryers, ovens, kettles and rechargables
33:00 – Managing air conditioning expectations
41:45 – Some specialised appliances
45:16 – Outro

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep193 - Powering the Outdoors: Q&A Edition02 févr. 202600:26:25

From power banks to generator gripes, we’ve summarised all your camping electricity questions!

In this episode, we’ve gathered four years’ worth of conversations about camping power systems and collated them into one info-packed episode. Ben and Lauren synthesise their accumulated knowledge on AGM versus lithium batteries, solar controllers, and the maths behind keeping your campsite charged – from calculating amp hours for multi-day fridge setups to connecting mismatched solar panels in parallel.

Tune in for practical solutions ranging from the ideal pairing of a 100Ah battery with a 200-250W solar blanket, why 240V inverters can be efficiency vampires, and how to diplomatically handle the campsite neighbour whose generator has been humming for eight hours straight!

Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro
03:51 – Small options for recharging a phone
05:10 – Best battery packs for 70L Fridge
11:20 – Does Ben have AGM or lithium batteries in his car
12:02 – Best way to power 35L fridge & phone for 4-5 nights
17:10 – Do I need separate MPPT controllers for each solar panel?
20:35 – Best way to manage generator noise in a campsite
25:34 – Outro

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep192 - Underrated Camping Gear That Just Works26 janv. 202600:34:26


The unsung heroes of camping: gear that quietly earns its keep…

Ben and Lauren pull back the curtain on their personal camping preferences, revealing favourite gear, hilarious camp fails, and Ben and Lauren celebrate the overlooked essentials that don’t get the glory but absolutely deserve it, drawing on insights from the entire Snowys crew and their passionate Facebook community. Our gear gurus explore humble heroes like paintbrushes for cleanup (thanks Bob West), pumps for deflating mats, collapsible buckets for hand washing, and the legendary “hot cross bun” lights that keep popping up in recommendations.

The conversation features contributions from team members like Cory, Jake, Hardy, and Brooke, plus community legends like Fiona, Muzzi, and countless others who’ve shared their low-key game-changers. From Sea to Summit pocket showers to collapsible Tupperware and portable fans that battle condensation, tune in for the practical picks that won’t break the bank but will absolutely improve your camping experience.

Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro
(contributors listed in order of mentions)
02:30 – Ben – Host
04:46 – Lauren – Host
05:28 – Corey – Snowys Continuous Improvement Manager
06:56 – Jono – Snowys Dispatch Manager
09:28 – Jake – Snowys Online product coordinator
11:55 – Bec – Snowys Brendale Store Team Member
13:09 – Jacob – Snowys Brendale Store Manager
14:02 – Hardy – Snowys Keswick Store Manager
15:03 – Nicole – Snowys Warranty Team
15:47 – Kaya – Snowys Customer Service Champion
16:45 – Ava – Snowys Keswick Store Team
19:48 – Brooke – Snowys Brendale Store Team & Warranty Coordinator
21:07 – Janet Moffett – Snowys Camping Banter Member
21:35 – Caelum Luke – Snowys Camping Banter Member
22:03 – Muzzy Karra – Snowys Camping Banter Member
22:34 – Alyshia Ford – Snowys Camping Banter Member
23:10 – Danielle Rogers – Snowys Camping Banter Member
23:40 – Aki Steinhorst – Snowys Camping Banter Member
24:02 – Andrew Dorney – Snowys Camping Banter Member
25:10 – Grant Schumacher – Snowys Keswick Store Team
25:57 – Rob Freeman – Snowys Camping Banter Member
26:26 – Wanda Daybell – Snowys Camping Banter Member
27:04 – Tawanda Zhungu – Snowys Camping Banter Member
28:02 – Alex James – Snowys Camping Banter Member
28:04 – Chris Walton – Snowys Camping Banter Member
28:13 – Sky Armstrong – Snowys Camping Banter Member
28:42 – Fiona Ludbrook – Snowys Camping Banter Member

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
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Ep191 - What's Hot This Summer at Snowys '2619 janv. 202600:44:27


Summer’s sizzling sellers: what’s heating up the Snowys shelves right now…

Ben and Lauren kick off from their shiny new studio, reflecting on 2025’s highlights before diving into Snowys’ top summer sellers. Our gear gurus unveil the ten products dominating sales right now – from Coleman’s instant setup heroes and JetBoil’s cooking wizardry to Exped’s comfort champions and Hard Korr’s legendary lanterns (affectionately dubbed “Hot Cross Buns”).

The conversation covers everything from reversing cameras and director’s chairs to mega shelters and sleeping mats, plus an honourable mention for the 360° Degrees Furno combo that’s turning heads. With insights into the Snowys Club monthly giveaway and bold winter predictions, tune in to discover what gear has captured Australia’s camping obsession this season.


Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro & New Studio
03:05 – Reflecting on 2025.
06:53 – Snowys Club & Monthly Giveaway
09:15 – Product #1: Coleman Instant Up Screenhouse
11:03 – Product #2: Coleman Packaway Table and Bench Set
12:44 – Product 3: Exped Widget Pump
14:40 – Product 4: Jetboil Genesis 2-Burner Stove
19:05 – Product 5: Coleman Instant Up 10P Northstar Tent
23:55 – Product 6: Blackwolf Compact Director’s Chair
25:29 – Product 7: Coleman Event 15 Deluxe Shelter
27:22 – Product 8: Exped MegaMat
31:45 – Product 9: Oricom Wireless Reversing Camera
34:20 – Product Item #10: Hard Korr “Hot Cross Buns” (U-Lite Lanterns)
39:10 – Honourable Mention: 360° Degrees Furno Stove and Pot Set
42:00 – Winter Predictions

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Ep190 - Inside Camp Life with the Snowys Team15 déc. 202500:49:45

Snowys unplugged: our gear gurus go off-grid and off-script! Here's what the team really packs for a camping trip...

Ben and Lauren pull back the curtain on their personal camping preferences, revealing favourite gear, hilarious camp fails, and the luxury items they can't leave behind. Our hosts share insights from across the Snowys team about what equipment really earns its place, explore campsite selection wisdom, and decode which gear trends are rising (and which are on their way out). 

The conversation covers weird and wonderful camping hacks that actually work, lightbulb moments that changed their outdoor approach, and the honest difference between true essentials and nice-to-haves. Yep, even the experts have failures, favourites, and unexpected indulgence!

00:00 - Intro
03:26 - What is Ben and Lauren's Favourite Piece of Camping Equipment?
12:19 - Snowys Staff's Favourite Camping or Outdoor Item
18:40 - What to Look for When Choosing a Campsite
22:37 - What Camping Gear is Trending Vs Phasing Out?
27:39 - Ben and Lauren's Funniest Camp Fails and Best Lightbulb Moments
33:03 - Weird and Wonderful Camping Hacks, Gadgets, or Solutions
38:40 - Ben and Lauren's Luxury, Non-Essential Camping Items
41:05 - Ben and Lauren's Personal Essential Camping Items
49:06 - Summary

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Ep189 - ChatGPT Goes Camping: Your Questions Answered08 déc. 202500:35:20

In the spirit of this week's episode, our copywriter resentfully asked ChatGPT to write the overview below:

"Buckle up, campers. In this episode, Ben and Lauren put the bot to work tackling Nicole’s curly questions about staying dry in wild weather and keeping your back happy on solo trips. From wind-proof setups to back-friendly sleep rigs, ChatGPT cops a grilling on accuracy, context, and its suspiciously American taste in gear. 

There are shopping lists, packing plans, pump chats, and a budget smackdown with Ben. It’s all the camp chaos you love, wrapped in Aussie banter. It's AI meets the great outdoors — what could go wrong?"

00:00 - Intro
02:10 - Ben and Lauren's Take on AI
06:40 - Your Questions: Answered by ChatGPT
06:45 - Easy Camping Options for Wind and Rain
10:55 - ChatGPT's Interpretation: Accuracy Vs Context and Creativity
11:55 - Lauren's Interpretation
13:55 - Best Solo Camping Sleeping Options for Back Support
22:29 - ChatGPT's Shopping List and Single Car Packing Layout
26:44 - ChatGPT Vs Ben: Budget Friendly Options with Back Support
27:35 - Better Stretcher Suggestions
28:42 - ChatGPT's US Influence 
29:52 - Pumps and Inflation
30:35 - ChatGPT's Technical Packing Plan
33:11 - Summary

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Ep188 - Campsite Setup: Q&A Edition30 nov. 202500:35:13

From sand invasion to stake placement: your campsite setup questions answered...

In this compilation episode, Ben and Lauren tap back into previous episodes to tackle a collection of listener queries about the practical side of campsite living. Our gear gurus share strategies for DIY windbreaks, reveal their at-home gear maintenance rituals, and decode effective food protection from persistent pests. 

The conversation covers surprising gear that proved unexpectedly useful (and even the mistakes that weren't), Ben's definition of "luxury" camping items that earn their weight, and the emergency kit essentials that could save your trip. A practical Q&A session that proves successful camping isn't about having every gadget - it's about knowing which problems to solve and which rituals to respect!

00:00 - Intro
02:17 - Limiting Sand and Dirt in Our Swags
03:44 - The Right Way to Stake a Tent
07:52 - Making Your Own Wind Break
12:55 - Unpacking At-Home Rituals, Gear Checks, and Maintenance
16:40 - How to Secure Food From Pests
24:24 - Two Items You Thought Would be Useless But Turned Out to be Useful, and Visa-Versa?
27:44 - Ben's "Luxury" Camping Items
30:07 - Items to Keep in the Emergency Kit
34:19 - Summary

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Ep187 - Snowys Christmas Gift Ideas '2525 nov. 202500:36:16

Stumped for stocking stuffers? Banking on something brilliant? The ultimate outdoor gift guide just dropped...

Ben and Lauren unwrap Snowys' 2025 Christmas lineup, from compact coffee makers to game-changing gadgets that'll have outdoor enthusiasts buzzing. Our gear gurus explore everything lightweight and practical from BioLite lighting solutions, Tiegear essentials, and JetBoil speed to luxury picks like portable air conditioners and Quest Air Sofas that redefine camping comfort. 

The conversation covers 12V appliances, cooler options for every adventure style, reversing cameras, headlamp heroes from Petzl to Hardkorr, and the entire KickAss gadget arsenal. Whether you're shopping for coffee connoisseurs, tech enthusiasts, or families ready to hit the trail, tune in for gift inspiration that goes beyond the camping clichés!

00:00 - Intro
01:20 - Christmas Inspiration in 2025
04:10 - Christmas Gift Ideas
04:34 - BioLite Luci Lanterns, String Lights, and Site Lights
06:45 - Tiegear Guy Ropes and Pegs
09:19 - 12V Appliances
13:34 - Coleman Pro Can Soft Coolers, Glacier Icebox, and Hard Cooler
16:12 - Cybertake Pro Portable Air Conditioner
18:23 - Oricom Reversing Camera 
19:52 - Caribee Kokoda Gear Bag
21:07 - JetBoil Stoves
21:59 - FlexTail Pumps
23:09 - Gasmate Orbiter Portable BBQ
25:11 - Petz, KickAss, OZtrail, Black Diamond, Ledlenser and Hardkorr Headlamps
26:19 - All KickAss Gadgets
28:53 - Quest Air Sofas
30:05 - Companion Roam Series
34:04 - Petrol Usage When Charging 12V Devices
35:07 - Summary

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Ep186 - All-Conditions Camp Comfort: Q&A Edition17 nov. 202500:37:23

From scorchers to soakers…

Ben and Lauren tackle a compilation of listener questions about camping through Australia’s wildly unpredictable conditions, from torrential downpours to sweltering heat waves. Our gear gurus share battle-tested tips for camping in the rain, decode mozzie and wildlife management strategies, and reveal the clothing and equipment choices that actually make a difference across different weather scenarios.

The conversation covers preparing gear for humid conditions, staying comfortable, and the practical wisdom that promises manageable adventures. Tune in for how to embrace the forecast on every outdoor adventure – because camping in less-than-perfect conditions is only half the Australian experience.

00:00 – Intro
01:19 – Shout Out to Larry
02:42 – Join the Snowys Club!
04:46 – All-Weather Camping: A Compilation of Q&A’s
5:36 – Tips for Camping in the Rain
07:02 – Managing Mozzies, Pests, & Wildlife
14:53 – Clothing & Equipment for Different Weather
19:58 – Preparing Gear for Muggy Conditions
26:39 – Staying Comfortable in Extreme Heat or Wind
36:33 – Summary

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Ep185 - Pumped Up for the Outdoors10 nov. 202500:49:28

From lung-busting manual effort to push-button perfection, Ben and Lauren talk inflation innovation!

In this episode, our gear gurus blow through Snowys’ comprehensive pump range from basic manual options to advanced 12V, 240V, and rechargeable powerhouses that handle both inflation and deflation. Be it PSI considerations, comparing compact solutions against mega pump monsters, and decoding the versatility differences that separate budget picks from premium performers – this conversation covers it all. 

Tune in to this comprehensive guide, designed for anyone who’s had enough of the puff!

00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Overview of the Snowys Pump Range
02:23 - Basic Pump Options (Inflation Only)
09:43 - Advanced Pump Options (Inflation and Deflation): 12V and 240V
15:04 - Rechargeable Pump Options
16:53 - Considering PSI
21:24 - Versatility of Rechargeable Pumps
21:48 - Compact Pump Options
29:05 - Mega Pump Options
32:24 - So... What Pumps for What?
34:14 - Zempire Supercell Vs Dometic Gale
37:23 - Valve Types
44:43 - Lauren and Ben's Pumped Up Set-Up
48:56 - Summary

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Ep184 - Communal Camping03 nov. 202500:28:01

Building campsite communities that actually work together…

In this episode of the Snowys Camping Show, Ben and Lauren tackle the art of communal camping, from Zempire’s clever Shape Shifter range built for group gatherings to Lauren’s recent multi-family camping lessons. Our gear gurus cover everything from coordinated trips to creating shared living zones with tarps, gazebos, and heavy-duty shelter solutions.

Listen up for the lowdown on how to set up the communal spaces that keep the crew connected, and Ben and Lauren’s take on how to maintain togetherness without the tension.

00:00 – Intro
01:29 – Talking Zempire’s Shape Shifter Range
08:33 – Communal Camping: a ‘Joined’ System
09:58 – Lauren’s Recent Experience with Communal Camping
13:53 – How to Organise a Communal Camping Trip
16:24 – Setting Up for Communal Camping: Shelters and Tarps
19:04 – Gazebos
24:40 – Heavy-Duty Set-Up Options
26:29 – Summary

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Ep183 - From the Archives: Fire Ban Seasons with the CFS20 oct. 202500:47:45

They're our hot weather heroes - fighting the flames and forewarning the community of dangerous conditions. 

While every state and territory have a rural fire service of their own, Ben and Lauren chat with Phil from the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) and extinguish any confusion around Fire Ban Seasons.

From considerations in campfire cooking, to seeking the right refuge – in this heated throwback episode of the Snowys Camping Show, Phil cools the coals and clarifies all regulations that are relevant to travellers and tourers during the Fire Danger periods.

00:00 – Intro
00:50 – Introducing Phil from the CFS
01:43 – Gas Stove Regulations
04:16 – Travelling During the High Season
08:17 – Radios
09:14 – Protection in Bushfire-Risk Zones
13:08 – Bushfire Refuges
18:04 – Travelling on Foot
20:36 – Identifying a Fire
22:59 – The Fire Ban Season: Unpacked
28:03 – Braziers and Above-Ground Fires
29:20 – Comfort Fires
29:57 – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Legislation
32:15 – “Gas” Stove Terminology
33:33 – Use of Gas Appliances
35:30 – Generators
37:45 – Induction Cooktops
40:00 – Extinguishing a Fire
45:08 – Find Out More or Get Involved!

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Ep182 - Warm Nights, Dry Mornings: Rooftop Tent Tips13 oct. 202500:19:10

When morning dew hits new heights...

Ben and Lauren tackle the challenges of heat and condensation in rooftop tents, touching on how materials, insulation, and ventilation affect your overnight microclimate. Our gear gurus unpack the Inspired Overland Stargazer to illustrate smart design solutions, as well as cover the differences between standard and rooftop tents and the real causes of moisture buildup. 

Tune in for your guide to staying dry while camping high!

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
01:18 - Condensation While Camping
01:42 - The Inspired Overland Stargazer
03:38 - Addressing Condensation and Heat with Rooftop Tents
04:19 - Insulation
07:05 - Considering Materials for Heat Absorption
07:44 - Choosing When to Camp
08:45 - Standard Tents Vs Rooftop Tents
09:14 - Considering Condensation
12:38 - Causes of and Solutions to Condensation
18:10 - Ventilation
18:50 - Summary

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Ep181 - Lightweight Rooftop Tents: What's New06 oct. 202500:28:33

The minimalist movement: rooftop tents cutting weight without compromise

Ben and Lauren climb the ladder of the latest lightweight rooftop tent innovations, from 23ZERO's Super Lite range to Inspired Overland's carbon fibre brilliance and Darche's detachable designs. Our gear gurus examine the critical trade-offs between shedding kilos and sacrificing features, explore how new materials and technology are pushing boundaries, and reveal what's coming down the pipeline like Inspired Overland's Trailpeak. 

From removable features allowing customisable weight versus functionality, to integrated lighting and power points for convenience without bulk - this episode is essential listening for anyone chasing that sweet spot between roof rack-friendly weight and ultimate camping comfort – because sometimes less is more if you're not losing what matters.

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Ep180 - Stack It & Strap It! Tubs & Tie-Downs29 sept. 202500:30:46

From chaos to cargo control, without feeling tied-down...

Ben and Lauren expand on their previous episode, Ep171 - Roof Rack Storage, with a deep dive into the abundance of tubs, bags, containers, and strapping systems that keep your gear tight and together. In that, they discuss cam buckle reliability, and the pros and cons of ratchet straps, bungee cords, and occy straps for different securing scenarios. 

From hard tubs versus soft storage options and dedicated roof rack-style containers, to settling the age-old debate of straps versus ropes - this episode bears the load. 

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
01:07 - A Spin-Off of Ep171: Roof Rack Storage 
02:48 - Hard Tubs and Storage Boxes
09:13 - Dedicated Roof Rack-Style Tubs
10:18 - Soft Options and Storage Bags
14:00 - Straps Vs Ropes
14:49 - Ben's Take on Ropes and Knots
17:33 - Cam Buckle Straps
19:57 - Bungee, Occy, and Stretch Straps
14:07 - Ratchet Straps
28:44 - Ben's Recommendation
29:32 - Summary

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Ep179 - Dynamic Shelter Solutions21 sept. 202500:26:01

The shape-shifting camp shelters in the outdoor space as we know it!

Ben and Lauren tackle the clever world of shelter systems that adapt to your outdoor adventures and expanding families. Our gear gurus examine setups from the Oztent RV5 to Zempire's tent cities, explore modular brilliance of multi-structure setups, and discuss how investing in foundational tents with smart add-ons beats constantly upgrading your full kit. 

Tune in for a camper's guide to having gear that grows with you - not dictates your limits!

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
01:49 - Setups That Can Grow With You
06:09 - Ben's Current Setup with the Oztent RV5
09:05 - The BlackWolf Turbo Range
11:05 - Adapting Your Setup Footprint to Suit the Campsite
11:55 - Modular Setups for Fairweather Camping
17:47 - Benefits of Investing in Foundational Tents with Add-Ons
20:58 - The Evolution of Camping Options
24:43 - Summary

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Ep178 - The Best Vehicles to Camp Out Of14 sept. 202500:44:06

From slick family sedans to more rugged rigs, Ben and Lauren discuss how to choose your camping chariot…

From Lauren’s efficient car setup to wicked 4WD configurations, our gear gurus explore how different vehicles suit different camping approaches. It’s the practical stuff that matters – payload limits, towing capacity, hidden costs, and listener feedback on everything from wagons to dual-cabs. The conversation includes clever solutions like sedan camping setups and how lightweight rooftop tents are expanding options for smaller vehicles.

Tune in for essential, go-to guidance that reveals your ride’s role in camping adventures – and if it can handle your outdoor ambitions!

Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro
02:45 – Hardcore Vehicle Setups
03:40 – Lauren’s Car Camping Setup
07:52 – Considering Your Camping Setup and Style
08:47 – Feedback From Others: Covering 4WDs, Vans, Wagons, Utes, and SUVs
12:01 – Towing a Trailer
13:21 – Considering Payload
18:49 – Katrina’s Grand Sedan Setup!
20:39 – Setups for Efficiency and Accessibility
22:17 – Considering Hidden Costs
24:50 – Ben’s Suggested Starting Point
27:58 – Lightweight Rooftop Tents in SUV Setups
29:12 – 4WD, Wagon, and Dual-Cab Setups
31:40 – Enhancing a Sedan Setup
35:11 – Camping Options for Compact Setups
39:54 – Considering Extension Cords and Power Plugs
41:40 – Summary

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Ep177 - Blockout Tents: Yay or Nay?07 sept. 202500:17:46

In the dark about Blockout technology? Ben and Lauren address the great debate dividing the tent world...

In this episode, our outdoor experts tackle one of camping's most polarising fabric technologies - blockout coatings that promise pitch-black mornings but deliver heated tent controversies. 

A camping luxury, or an expensive "solution" to an inevitable aspect of outdoor living? From sleeping soundly through the sunrise to waking in oven-like conditions, and exploring the affect of light-blocking treatments and enhanced materials on durability, waterhead ratings, pack weight, and performance - this conversation covers the science behind fabric coatings, the fundamental tension between ventilation and insulation, and the unbeatable bliss of simply waking up with the sun.

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
01:22 - Blockout Technology
02:19 - Tent Ventilation Vs Insulation
04:37 - Pros of Blockout Technology
06:44 - Cons of Blockout Technology
09:41 - The Impact of Fabric Coatings on Durability and Waterhead Ratings
13:47 - Weight Considerations of Fabric Coatings
15:43 - Summary

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Ep176 - Talking Rooftop Tent Brands01 sept. 202500:33:33

Our rooftop tent options that elevate every campsite setup…

Ben and Lauren scale the heights of rooftop tent excellence, breaking down their picks from powerhouse brands like 23ZERO, Darche, and Inspired Overland. Our gear gurus compare equivalent models across manufacturers, and explore everything from detachable designs to solar-integrated solutions. The conversation covers lightweight alternatives for weight-conscious campers, brands beyond the Snowys shelves, and confessions of their own rooftop tent FOMO!

The best elevated sleeping isn’t just about getting off the ground, it’s about not breaking the bank – or your roof racks!

Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro
01:10 – Top Rooftop Tent Brands
03:24 – 23ZERO Rooftop Tents
10:58 – Darche Rooftop Tents\
18:00 – Darche and 23ZERO’s Equivalent Rooftop Tent Models
19:06 – Inspired Overland Ultralight Rooftop Tents
23:53 – Lightweight Rooftop Tent Alternatives
26:56 – Darche Detachable Rooftop Tent
28:24 – Darche Solar Rooftop Tent
29:45 – Coming Soon From 23ZERO
30:17 – Rooftop Tent Brands Beyond the Snowys Shelves
31:00 – Ben and Lauren’s Rooftop Tent FOMO?!
33:03 – Summary

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Ep175 - How Much Water to Carry25 août 202500:19:13

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Ep174 - Canvas Vs Synthetic Tents18 août 202500:16:37

The age-old tent tussle: canvas champions versus synthetic titans...

This episode unpacks Ben and Lauren's pitch on a deceptively simple yet loaded question: which out of canvas or synthetic tents are the most superior for various types of outdoor adventuring? Our gear gurus start by laying down the foundation; addressing primary differences in weight, durability, and water resistance, while considering how your camping style influences the best choice. 

From lighter canvas innovations, keeping natural fibres dry, and the trade-offs between robustness and portability, to why sacrificing features for simplicity might be the ultimate weight-saving strategy - tune in for a comprehensive guide that proves the 'better' tent is simply what suits your style of adventure.

00:00 - Intro
02:23 - Canvas Vs Synthetic Tents: Which Is 'Better'?
03:24 - Primary Differences
04:54 - Canvas Tents: Weight, Durability and Water Resistance
05:55 - Synthetic Tents: Weight, Durability and Water Resistance
06:51 - Types of Camping and Duration of Stay
08:38 - Lighter Canvas
09:10 - Keeping Canvas Dry
09:32 - Best for Longevity and Robustness
10:12 - Best for Lightweight Portability
11:09 - Which Tent Suits What You're Doing?
13:19 - Ben's First Mid-Episode Sneeze!
13:30 - Saving Weight: Sacrificing Features for Simplicity
14:39 - Rooftop Tents
15:11 - Summary

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Ep173 - Non-EN-Rated Sleeping Bags11 août 202500:21:07

The sleeping bag rebels going rogue on ratings!

Ben and Lauren dive into non-EN-rated sleeping bags, explaining why these rating renegades might actually be onto something! Our gear gurus decode what EN standards really tell you (and what they don't), and introduce their very own Snowys rating - focusing on real-world warmth over laboratory perfection. 

The conversation covers Lauren's field-tested, cold-weather survival tactics, warranty claims that'll leave you out in the cold, and Ben's refreshingly honest take on why some of the best bags don't always boast a certification.

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
01:46 - Sleeping Bags Without an EN Rating
02:56 - EN Ratings: What Are They and What Do They Mean?
06:18 - Contributing Factors to How Well We Sleep
08:40 - The 'Snowys' Rating
09:52 - Reputable Sleeping Bag Brands Without EN Ratings
10:55 - Lauren's Cold-Weather Sleep System
13:45 - Comparing Sleeping Bag Models
15:50 - What's Not A Warranty Claim
16:34 - Ben's Conclusion
17:32 - Being Dynamic With Your Sleep Setup
20:28 - Summary

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Ep172 - Getting Back into Camping04 août 202500:38:19

Your camping comeback: when the great outdoors feels a little too great...

Ben and Lauren tackle the daunting prospect of returning to camping, addressing everything from solo adventure anxiety to navigating gear choices with physical limitations and tight budgets. Our gear gurus break down the sleep system essentials that actually matter, decode camp cooking without the complexity, pull up a seat to discuss why your choice of chair can make a difference, and lay everything out on the table about how the ultimate slat-top can elevate your time outdoors.

A go-getting, geared-up guide for anyone who's as ready to get out there as they are frozen at the front door - tune in for the conversation that paves the way for your new outdoor mojo!

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
02:17 - The Intimidating Side of Camping Alone
04:01 - Getting Back into Camping as a Beginner with Limitations
07:26 - Sleep Systems: Sleeping Bags and Mattresses
16:11 - Food Storage, Prep, and Cooking
23:13 - Tables
29:04 - Chairs
35:10 - The Two Camp Items Not to Skimp On...
36:04 - Summary
36:41 - Ben's Suggestion For a Tent

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Ep171 - Roof Rack Storage27 juil. 202500:20:38

From forehead tattoos to foolproof roof rack setups...

Our podcast playlist is officially racking up with this week's packed-in episode of content that stacks up! 

First, Lauren asks the million-dollar question that tests Ben's brand loyalty - before our gear gurus tackle the art of roof rack storage without losing your gear to the elements. The conversation covers waterproofing strategies, Ben's personal setup secrets, and his top three tips for keeping everything secure and accessible. Our outdoor experts debate the merits of top-loading versus end-loading waterproof bags, explore different packing philosophies, and prove that there's more than one way to conquer roof rack organisation. 

Shout it from the roof racks, and tune in for the ultimate guide to practical packing up top!

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
01:08 - Lauren Asks: Would Ben Tattoo a Brand Name on His Forehead for $1M?
04:09 - The Best Way to Stow Gear on Your Roof Rack
04:23 - Waterproofing Gear on a Roof Rack: Is it Possible?
07:05 - Ben's Roof Rack System: Setup and Waterproofing
10:48 - Ben's Top 3 Tips to Roof Rack Storage
11:40 - Top-Loading Vs End-Loading Waterproof Bags
17:27 - There's No Right or Wrong Way...
18:22 - Closing Comments and Summary

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Ep170 - The Snowys Story with Richard Wescombe21 juil. 202501:02:51

From shearing sheep and dishing pizza to doorsteps, to shepherding outdoor adventurers with the right gear, get-up, and guidance…

Ben unlocks the rich, robust, entrepreneurial past of Snowys Outdoors founder Richard Wescombe, from his humble beginnings to today’s outdoor retail royalty. Richard’s early ventures with Dial-A-Dino’s pizza delivery service, Stanford Mowers, and Ring-A-Ling Brothers Chinese food together built the solid foundation of experience and know-how to found his proudest establishment and asset to every Aussie adventurer – Snowys Outdoors.

From the inspiration behind the Snowys brand to the art of building a team that sticks around, Richard tells a story of true grit, Aussie wit, and team spirit, underpinned by his all-too authentic passion for people. Tune in for a feel-good, warm-and-fuzzy discussion about a business driven not by dollars and cents, but customer service, collaboration, and connection. 

Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro
00:31 – Introducing Founder of Snowys Outdoors, Richard Wescombe
02:12 – From Humble Beginnings on a Sheep Farm
05:19 – Richard’s Business Portfolio
06:06 – Dial-A Dino’s
08:54 – Remembering Greg
09:58 – Stanford Mowers
10:46 – Ring-A-Ling Brothers
12:04 – Building the Snowys Brand: The Inspiration, Name, and Logo
16:01 – The Adelaide Market in 1995
18:15 – Richard’s Approach to Choosing the Right Team
19:59 – The Evolution of Snowys’ Advertising
21:51 – Ben: A Snowys Asset!
24:56 – ‘Build Your Own Brand’: Richard’s Philosophy on Fostering Employee Growth
25:52 – Branding Strategies
27:55 – Snowys Brand Values: the ‘Why’ Behind the Business
29:18 – Growing the Snowys’ Web Business and E-Commerce
34:45 – Challenges and Set Backs
40:27 – Business Expansion
43:46 – Opening the Snowys Stores
47:28 – The ‘Leaner’ Team of Today: Efficient, Committed, and Multi-Skilled
49:09 – Phasing Out Footwear and Apparel
52:58 – Doubling Down on Snowys Principles
55:20 – The Feathers in Ben’s Cap
56:11 – Running a Family Business
01:00:15 – Richard’s Dreams for Snowys Outdoors
01:04:05 – Summary  

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https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep169 - Gear Up: Top 10 Best Sellers Right Now!14 juil. 202500:32:48

The gear that's got everyone going!

In this episode, Ben and Lauren bust open the bag and let cat go rogue - revealing the top 10 best sellers that are flying off the Snowys' shelves! 

From the ever-proving-popular Hard Korr lanterns to Darche's Cold Mountain sleeping bags that boast superior warmth for a bargain - our gear gurus decode what's driving these camping cravings, and which products are genuinely worth the hype.

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
01:33 - Top 10 Best Sellers
02:20 - Hard Korr U-Lite Dual Colour LED Lanterns
03:57 - Rock Tamers Mud Flaps
06:00 - Oricom Wireless Reversing Camera
08:03 - Exped Mega Pump
11:28 - KickAss 12V 120Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery
14:29 - KickAss Portable Vacuum Cleaner
17:30 - Milenco Mirrors
20:52 - Muk Mats
22:21 - Exped MegaMat Max
24:45 - Darche Cold Mountain Sleeping Bags
29:48 - Other Best Sellers
32:30 - Summary

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Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep168 - Sea to Summit Sleep Mats with Ross Smith08 juil. 202500:43:09

From sleeping rough to sleeping right, we hear from the mat masters!

Ben and Lauren roll out the welcome mat for their all-time favourite guest, Ross from Sea to Summit, to discuss the ins, outs, and updates to their sleeping mat range. Our gear gurus explore the impact of global legislation on manufacturing, unpack updates to the Ether Light series, and discover the science behind the Delta Core technology in the Pursuit range. Plus, Ross hints at some developments still on the down-low, while Lauren declares that gear aesthetics aren’t optional – they’re scientific fact!

Tune in for insider insights from the brand turning rough ground into royal slumber.

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
01:04 - Introducing Our All-Time Favourite: Ross from Sea to Summit!
02:12 - The Changes to Legislation and Manufacturing of Sleeping Mats
04:05 - Balancing Legislative Requirements Across the Globe
04:46 - Updates to the Sea to Summit Ether Light Series
09:47 - Durability and Reliability of a Sea to Summit Sleeping Mat
16:30 - Minimising Leaks
17:49 - Mat Insulation
21:52 - Gender-Specific Sleeping Mats Vs Bags
24:01 - R-Value
25:02 - Updates to the Sea to Summit Pursuit Self-Inflating Mats
27:32 - Delta Core Technology
29:53 - Where Does the Pursuit Sit in Sea to Summit's Current Range?
32:13 - Pack Size
34:21 - Sea to Summit Sleep Systems: Is There a Magic Combination?
35:45 - An Ideal Sleep System for an Adelaidean
37:21 - Updates to Pillows, Accessories, and Sleep Systems
39:15 - Considering Colours
41:14 - Lauren's Stance on Underestimating Aesthetics: 'You Can't, It's Science!'
42:16 - Summary: Secrets and Exciting News?

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Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep167 - The HipCamp Story & 5 Hidden Camping Gems30 juin 202500:52:27

Reshaping outdoor access, one private paddock at a time…

In this episode, Ben and Lauren pull up a chair at the campsite with HipCamp’s Global Social Media Strategist, Brooke, to discuss how this clever concept is solving the camping shortage by unlocking access to private properties. Our gear gurus explore the journey from ‘YouCamp’ beginnings to navigating state regulations, booking systems, and the fine art of balancing host happiness with camper satisfaction. 

The conversation covers self-contained camping requirements, community reviews, and the ongoing tussle with local council red tape – plus, Brooke reveals five hidden camping gems that remain humbly off the beaten track.

Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro
01:28 – Introducing Brooke from HipCamp
03:00 – From YouCamp to HipCamp
07:10 – What Makes HipCamp Different?
08:40 – More Than Just a Camping Airbnb…
10:10 – State Rules and Regulations
11:25 – Listings
13:34 – Booking Through HipCamp
16:12 – Hosting on HipCamp: Facilities Vs Self-Contained Camping
20:40 – Reviews: Support for Hosts and Campers
29:51 – Hosting on HipCamp
30:48 – Aligning with State Rules and Regulations
39:14 – The Scenic Rim Petition
45:00 – 5 Hidden Camping Gems
49:20 – The HipCamp Social Media Community
51:14 – Summary

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Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep166 - Is It Normal for Your Tent to Get Flooded?23 juin 202500:20:01

That sinking feeling of a flooded tent: are they an unfortunate reality or a gear failure red flag?

Ben and Lauren drain the delusion from this soggy subject by diving into condensation versus leakage, separating the drips from deluges, and revealing which tent floor materials keep you high and dry. Plus, our gear gurus explain what happens when the weather stress-tests every stitch and seam.

Tune in for a no-nonsense guide that reassures campers their shelter should repel water – not collect it!

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
00:59 - Is It Normal for Your Tent to Get Flooded?
02:00 - Firstly - NO!
02:51 - Some Exceptions and Condensation
05:50 - Condensation Vs Leakage
09:58 - Best Types of Tent Floors
15:39 - Unprecedented Rain
16:37 - Summary

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
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Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep165 - Lightweight Rooftop Tents with Inspired Overland16 juin 202501:12:49

From heavyweight tradition to featherweight innovation: we meet the tent techs who have taken over!

Ben and Lauren sit down with Ferdinand and Ronnie from Inspired Overland to unpack how they're reshaping the rooftop tent game with cutting-edge carbon fibre technology. Our gear gurus explore the journey from hobby project to global distribution, the sacrifices made to keep weight down without compromising durability, and the community-focused values that drive their product development. 

The conversation covers everything from materials and manufacturing processes to consumer feedback and future innovations. Tune in for a fascinating look at how obsessing over every gram can transform your camping experience - proving that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from thinking lighter, not larger!

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Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
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Ep164 - How to Choose a Headlamp10 juin 202500:24:42

In this episode, Ben and Lauren have several lightbulb moments…

Our gear gurus navigate the headlamp highway, shedding light on choosing the perfect hands-free lighting solution for your outdoor adventures. This 25-minute breakdown is as bright as it is tight, exploring the technical details from lumens versus lux ratings to flood versus spotlight beam patterns.

The conversation covers power options, red light function, and practical considerations for both night hiking and campsite dynamics. Tune in for illuminating advice on how to choose the best headlamp for you!


Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro
01:48 – How to Choose a Headlamp
02:53 – Ben and Lauren’s Headlamps
04:29 – The Petzl Range
05:41 – Lumens
08:19 – Lux
09:07 – Night Hiking
09:57 – Flood and Spotlight Beam
11:03 – Value for Money
12:28 – How a Headlamp is Powered
16:46 – The Red Light Function
18:49 – Petzl Vs Black Diamond
22:49 – Summary

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Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep163 - What Makes a Fabric Waterproof?02 juin 202500:31:45

Water meets its match: fabric technologies demystified!

 When it rains, it pours - but it doesn't have to bore! In this episode, Ben is presented with another opportunity to geek out, and this time our gear gurus unfold the complex world of waterproof fabrics. From the fundamental differences between waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent, to hydrostatic head ratings and coatings - Ben and Lauren decode every last drop.

 The conversation flows through PE versus PU treatments, siliconised fabrics, laminated materials, and the beading beauty of DWR coatings. Tune in for a masterclass in fabric technology that proves keeping dry is equal parts chemistry, engineering, and outdoor know-how!

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Another Excuse for Ben to Geek Out...
02:06 - Waterproof, Water-Resistant, and Water-Repellant
03:55 - Maintaining Realistic Expectations
06:23 - Waterhead and Hydrostatic Head
08:49 - Coatings and Laminations
11:37 - Hydrophilic Coatings and Preventing Hydrolysis
13:01 - PE Vs PU Coatings
13:53 - Siliconised Fabrics
15:21 - Laminated Fabrics
16:23 - Durable Water Repellant (DWR)
18:20 - Canvas Vs Polyester
27:14 - Re-Waterproofing
31:01 - Another Geek-Out Done! 

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Ep162 - All About myCOOLMAN with Charlie Graham26 mai 202501:11:19

A deep-freeze dive into myCOOLMAN with the guy who keeps his cool for a living...

Staying cool under pressure is both an art and a science. In this episode, Ben and Lauren sit down with myCOOLMAN's Technical Sales and Product Specialist, Charlie Graham, to unpack what makes this Aussie fridge manufacturer tick. Our gear gurus explore the brand's ground-up origins, tap into the Blue-Gen compressor technology, and discover the hidden features that set myCOOLMAN apart from the frosty competition. 

From efficiency and quality control processes to battery integration and secrets to reducing noise, tune in for the cold, hard truth on how local engineering expertise builds the best fridges for Australian adventures. 

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
01:35 - Introducing Technical Sales and Product Specialist, Charlie Graham
08:26 - Brands Beneath the myCOOLMAN Umbrella
08:57 - The Origin of the myCOOLMAN Name
11:47 - The Team Involved From the Ground Up
14:44 - What Makes myCOOLMAN Different (and Better)?
18:14 - The Blue-Gen Compressor
26:35 - The Recreational Series
29:17 - myCOOLMAN's Hidden Secrets and Features
32:03 - Efficiency
38:11 - Testing Standards and Quality Control
40:18 - Insulation
42:08 - Battery Power Packs
47:35 - Example myCOOLMAN Setup
49:43 - Reducing Noise
53:00 - Troubleshooting: Service Agents, Spare Parts, and Warranties
55:38 - The myCOOLMAN Aesthetic
1:04:00 - What's in myCOOLMAN's Future?
1:05:51 - Charlie's Final Notes
1:09:48 - Summary

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Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep161 - Ghost Camping Crackdown and a Camping Fee Overhaul18 mai 202500:46:57

No-shows, know-hows, and new fees: the camping reservation revolution...

In an episode as haunting as it is helpful, Ben and Lauren unpack the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service's proposed camping fee reforms, from new facility-based pricing tiers to the crackdown on 'ghost camping' – the frustrating practice of booking sites that go unused. Our outdoor experts examine the results of the 2022 survey that sparked these changes, debate the effectiveness of various booking systems, and share their own approaches to responsible reservation practices. 

From Ben's unwritten campers' code to comparing cancellation policies across Australia, tune in for an honest conversation about balancing access, affordability, and accountability in our cherished natural spaces.

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
01:17 - Camping Fees Reformed: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
04:53 - Hipcamp
06:33 - Booking Systems
09:21 - 2022 Survey Topics of Note
10:41 - Fees and Charges
12:07 - The Proposal: Facility-Based Fees
14:40 - Unpacking the 6 Tiers: Inclusions and Party Numbers
17:34 - Cancellations 
18:42 - Ghost Camping Crackdown
24:40 - Lauren's Approach to Ghost Camping
29:05 - Last Minute Changes and Cancellations
30:50 - An Unsaid Campers' Code!
35:25 - Addressing Ghost Camping as the Primary Issue
39:10 - Cancellation Policies in VIC, QLD, SA, and WA
41:13 - Speculative Bookings
43:33 - Lauren's Key to Preventing Ghost Camping 
45:25 - Feedback Due on May 25
46:10 - Summary

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https://www.snowys.com.au

Ep160 - Decoding LP Gas & Choosing a Stove12 mai 202500:44:35

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

Join the conversation over on our Facebook group:
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Head to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:
https://www.snowys.com.au

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