In this weekly roundup, Togo RV shares the top stories and features that are impacting and shaping the RV community. We cover everything from news and travel updates to gear and gadgets, and all the good stuff in between.
Mask Mandates Return to Some National Parks
As COVID-19 cases rise, so are the number of National Park Service (NPS) sites requiring face masks at indoor facilities and on park transit services. Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Yosemite have reinstated masking requirements in recent weeks. NPS monitors data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding community transmissions. When local cases and hospitalizations reach high levels, you can expect masking to be required or promoted at park locations for visitors ages 2 and up. Check the NPS website for any parks you plan to visit to see current policies.
Read more from CBS NewsCan’t Find Outdoor Clothes That Fit?
While most women in the U.S. fall between sizes 16 to 18, many outdoor clothing brands stop at sizes 12 to 14, excluding many. Outside Online reveals which brands offer more inclusive sizing. Columbia strives to include a broader selection of sizes at a wide range of price points. Eddie Bauer also made the list, offering approximately 80 percent of women’s apparel items in plus sizes; other inclusive brands include Terry Bicycles, Outdoor Research, and Alder Apparel.
Read more from Outside OnlineThis Lightweight RV Can Go Where Others Can’t
TAXA Outdoors is debuting a new edition of the lightweight, expandable Mantis trailer designed for off-grid camping. The Mantis Overland uses a Timbren axle-less suspension with a 4-inch lift to provide 14 inches of ground clearance. Add all-terrain tires and a Lock ‘N’ Roll Hitch, which provides 360 degrees of rotation, and you have a trailer capable of handling some seriously rugged terrain. Inside this 19-foot-trailer, you’ll find a stylish design with sleeping room for up to four, thanks to a versatile couch and bunk system. The Mantis Overland weighs less than 3,500 pounds, unloaded.
Read more from Taxa OutdoorsCamp Fimfo to Bring Glamping to the Catskills
In 2023, Camp Fimfo is coming to New York’s Catskills region, expanding the brand from its current locations in New Braunfels and Waco, Texas. Located along the shore of the Delaware River, the campground will offer deluxe cabins and full-hookup RV spots, along with tent sites. Stay entertained onsite with an alpine coaster, heated pool, splash ground, kayaking, ziplining, and more. Then, venture out to explore the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains.
Read more from Woodall’s Campground MagazineRocky Mountain National Park’s Largest Campground to Close
Moraine Park, Rocky Mountain National Park’s largest campground, will be closed during the summer of 2023 for rehabilitation. The campground, expected to reopen in 2024, currently features 244 campsites. The project includes updating water and sewer lines, relocating campsites away from wetlands, and burying electrical wires. Also, 17 accessible campsites and improved pathways will be added, enabling those with disabilities to easily reach campsites and comfort stations.
Read more from Woodall’s Campground MagazineA Straw That Filters Water With Every Sip
If you’re camping off-grid and looking for the easiest way to clean your drinking water, check out LifeStraw’s water filtration products. The Peak Collection is designed for travelers and features a reusable water-filtering straw, collapsible bottles, and a gravity filtration system. LifeStraw uses hollow fiber membranes with microscopic holes to collect dirt, microplastics, bacteria, and parasites from water, with the ability to remove more than 30 common contaminants, improving both the safety and the taste.
Read more from LifestrawWill Vanlife Hit the Brakes Due to Gas Prices?
Many people who joined the vanlife lifestyle in recent years were seeking a cheaper way to live, but have high gas prices affected the community? Those living on a set budget have had to make adjustments, with many opting to drive less and stay longer. Others are using gas apps to help reduce costs and even picking up freelance work and other jobs on the road to make up for the increased travel prices. Travelers who invested money in renovating or purchasing rigs continue to live vanlife, looking to get a return on their investment and remain in a lifestyle they love. Despite rising costs, interest in nomadic living has continued to grow.
Read more from Poko News