Tyson Gillard | 05.01.2015

According to Urban Dictonary, glamping is: "Going camping, but with glamour. A combination of the two words. It's like regular camping, but with nicer things than usual, being warmer, and more comfortable. Glamping isn't done by usual outdoor types who climb mountains."

Well, we'll agree with everything but the last sentence. We like to be beaten, sweaty, and just as grimy as the best of them, but every now and then we want to get out for a weekend with friends and have a few more creature comforts than what our ultralight backcountry gear will provide. Sometimes it's just nice to have access to electricity, heating, showers and restrooms, and especially when it's a 1 minute walk from the yurt to the beach. We'll be honest, glamping isn't primarily about connecting with nature (there are far better ways to do that), but it is about striking that perfect balance between the rejuvenating calm wilderness provides and having your favorite comforts of home. It's all about having fun, and it makes for great photos to share on your medium of choice with your friends and family.

Sleeping in a standard yurt isn't glamping. Yurts have the utility, but they are definitely drab on their own and lack charm without a creative touch. Luckily it doesn't take much to turn a hard-surfaced floor and vinyl-covered bed into something resembling an exotic mountain lodge. Assembling a good packing list and spending 30 minutes to set everything up goes a long way. When done right, glamping is inherently shameless, so that means it takes some work getting all the right things to pull it off. We called up our friends at Pendleton Woolen Mills, picked up a few of their coziest, most timeless products, and got to work transforming our yurt site into the weekend glamping experience we were after. We hope this gives you a few ideas!

Light it right:

  • Table lamp
  • Globe lights (with string to hang them)
  • Electrical extension cord(s)
  • Candles (for outside only)

Cozy it up:

  • Fitted sheet(s)
  • Pillows
  • Throw pillows
  • Numerous blankets
  • Rug (optional)
  • Towels
  • Chairs (if not provided)

Fine dining and cookware fit for a magazine cover:

  • Propane camp stove (2-burner or more)
  • Propane lantern
  • Sauce pan
  • Frying pan or cast iron skillet
  • Glamping food + drink recipes and all the needed ingredients
  • Salt, pepper and portable spice collection
  • Spatula(s)
  • Plates, bowls and glasses
  • Flatware + napkins
  • Table cloth
  • 5-gallon water container
  • Sponge/miscellaneous cleaning equipment
  • Cooler with ice for proper refrigeration

Campfire in style:

  • Wood chairs + side table
  • Blankets + throw pillows
  • S'more skewers (best made on-site)
  • S'more fixings
  • Firewood, kindling + matches/lighter
  • Hatchet

How do you bring your adventures from camp to glamp? Share tips and photos in the comments below! 

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