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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowys

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

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!

Shortcuts:
00:00 - Intro
00:46 - Introducing Ferdinand and Ronnie from Inspired Overland
10:17 - The Viral Video
11:44 - The Products: a Hobby Vs a Job
15:47 - Staying Loyal to Lightweightness: The Sacrifices
16:53 - From Concept to Distribution
20:20 - A Community-Focused Company
25:44 - Ferdinand's Background
27:37 - Shout-Out to Ronnie's Clothing Brand: Highland Trail Club!
26:55 - Materials: Talking Durability
32:30 - Innovation and Consumer Feedback
41:15 - Inspired Overland's Global Representation
45:10 - Sponsorships and Reviews
48:05 - Other Parts and Products
50:12 - The Carbon Fibre Manufacturing Process
54:30 - The Downside of Carbon Fibre?
55:41 - The Stargazer
59:58 - The Future of Inspired Overland
1:05:00 - Less Weight, More Fun! How Weight Affects Your Camping Experience
1:09:00 - Final Words
1:11:35 - See You at the National 4X4 Outdoors Show in Sydney!

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