Snowys Camping Show

Snowys Outdoors

The Snowys Camping Show is a podcast for outdoor adventurers, who love spending every spare minute they have exploring. Tune in each week for your dose of outdoor fun, advice, and information on camping, 4x4, caravanning, hiking, bushwalking, and more that you can listen to when you're not adventuring.

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20 episodes
Updated July 20

Episodes20

Newest first

July 20 · 1 hr 6 min
Ep207 - Thinking About Hiking the Larapinta? Here's Where to Start
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
July 7 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep206 - From Sweden to Campsites Worldwide | The Trangia Story
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
June 23 · 45 min
Ep205 - How Fuel Prices Are Changing Camping
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
June 9 · 1 hr 28 min
Ep204 - Inside Bushman Fridges with Tommy Stockdale
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
May 25 · 37 min
Ep203 - What's New at Jetboil? With Nicole Walbran
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
May 11 · 53 min
Ep202 - Jimmy, the Jimny and the Open Road
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
April 27 · 44 min
Ep201 - What We Should Get Rid Of...But Don't
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
April 13 · 46 min
Ep200 - Watch This & Win: Episode 200 Giveaway!
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
March 30 · 1 hr 19 min
Ep199 - Life on the Road: Kira & Mitch from Sure to Sea
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
March 16 · 36 min
Ep198 - Eat Well, Camp Better - Q&A Edition
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
March 3 · 25 min
Ep197 - Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Camp Stretcher
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
February 24 · 1 hr 12 min
Ep196 - Sea to Summit Design Process & New Gear 2026 with Tim Miller
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
February 16 · 57 min
Ep195 - Sleep Tight: Comfort & Shelter at Camp - Q&A Edition
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
February 8 · 46 min
Ep194 - 12V Appliances are a Thing Now!
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
February 2 · 26 min
Ep193 - Powering the Outdoors: Q&A Edition
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
January 26 · 34 min
Ep192 - Underrated Camping Gear That Just Works
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: https://www.snowys.com.au
January 19 · 44 min
Ep191 - What's Hot This Summer at Snowys '26
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 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
Dec 15, 2025 · 49 min
Ep190 - Inside Camp Life with the Snowys Team
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 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
Dec 8, 2025 · 35 min
Ep189 - ChatGPT Goes Camping: Your Questions Answered
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 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
Nov 30, 2025 · 35 min
Ep188 - Campsite Setup: Q&A Edition
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 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