Last night I had a fun time with some awesome local social influencers at an event organized by ECM Media at the Trail Shop in Halifax, NS. We had an INDOOR CAMPFIRE, sang a campfire song (Taylor Swift is totally campfire music right?!) and ate s’mores brownies! Plus we got to play around in sleeping bags and tents and test out the products! How much fun is that?!
Ok, it’s a close second to a real campfire but not bad for a cold rainy night in the city! Our event was hosted by the fabulous ladies at ECM Media, Sue Stanfield of The Trail Shop and Jan from A is for Adventure. Jan lead the campfire singalong (Taylor Swift’s – Blank Space) and read to us from his book, A is for Adventure.
We learned that the owners and employees of The Trail Shop really think of their store as a place where memories are made. I would definitely agree. When I was in university I bought my first pair of heavy duty hiking boots at The Trail Shop. Later on in university, I was hired by The Trail Shop owner to open and work at a new store in Halifax, Valhalla Pure. I have so many great memories of adventures I took that are associated with both stores, because, the employees who help you plan and buy the right gear for your adventures become part of your memories.
There is absolutely nothing in the world like the feeling of being in the outdoors, surrounded by the smell of clean, fresh, air, and listening to the sounds of nature all around you. It is incredibly calming and invigorating at the same time! A is for Adventure is all about inspiring people to connect with the natural world around us and I’m all for supporting that goal! If you’ve followed my blog for a while you know our family loves being outdoors. I even wrote a post about how to start camping with your family.
INSPIRING GIFTS FOR OUTDOORS LOVERS
There are many ways to have adventures and enjoy our natural environment. You don’t have to be someone who loves being in a tent. Anyone who loves being outdoors or even having a bonfire in their back yard will love these gifts!
The Yeti Mug – It’s indestructable, made of stainless steel, keeps your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold, looks amazing and the Rambler Bottle holds a whole bottle of wine….who wouldn’t want this as a gift!
Lemongrass Outdoor Spray from Atlantick – An essential oil based tick repellant made here in Nova Scotia. Dog friendly! Ticks are a huge problem around these parts and even if you’re just walking in the grass you can get them on you. Buy one of these for ALL your family and friends especially for those with little ones in Guides or Scouts who go camping! They will thank-you for it!
Hat liner – I like this one by Stanfield’s but any other thin hat is a great gift idea. I’ve used a hat like this so many times over the last 20 years. It’s great for extra warmth under another hat on a really cold day, as a sleeping hat on cold nights when camping and for running on colder days.
A is for Adventure – an inspiring book for children about connecting with nature by Jan Sebastian LaPierre and Christopher Hoyt. You can get it at The Trail Shop or HERE.
Smartwool Socks – these are another personal favourite! They’re so comfortable and warm but not itchy in any way and they don’t make you sweat. I’ve worn them camping, skiing, running and just every day simply because I love them. Plus they come in funky colours!
ENO Hammocks – These hammocks are amazing. They’re so sturdy and pack up so small you can take them anywhere. Kids and adults both love them.
Pom Pom Hats! – Ok, you don’t even need to love the outdoors to love these pom pom hats! The Trail Shop has a big selection of fun, colourful beanies that will keep you warm in any weather!
Dry Sacks – These sacks are amazing for anyone who is ever going to come into contact with water. Seriously, have you ever been caught in the rain and ruined something in your backpack? They’re even great for just going out on a boat as a precaution. There are phone covers and sacks big enough to carry your backpack and they are way smaller than they used to be so easy to pack.
Petzl Headlamp – anyone who has ever camped knows how important a good light is. If you haven’t tried a headlamp before you definitely should put it on your must try list. They make camping (or doing anything in the dark) so much easier. With a headlamp you get both hands back to do whatever it is you’re doing (yup peeing in the woods just got easier.)
Disclosure – I was given a gift bag of awesome products for participating in the influencer event at The Trail Shop. THANK-YOU Sue! All of my opinions in this post are my own and I chose to write it because I REALLY love these products.
Happy Trails!
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