Our mission at HEST is to bring the comfort of home to the outdoors, enabling more people to chase adventure and enjoy the great outdoors. We understand that getting outside can be intimidating… between the bugs, an overwhelming amount of gear options, and the dread of sleeping poorly. The good news is: sleeping well makes all the difference and you don’t need a luxury RV, camper or tricked out rig to make that happen. All you need is a comfortable place to lay your head. To celebrate the simplicity of getting outdoors with your family, friends or by yourself, we present “HEST Nest” a new blog category featuring unique camping set ups and tricks to creating a cozy nest in the woods from people who are out there doing it.
If you would like your camping set up featured on HEST Nest, please send us info and images to info@hest.com
Your name: Mindi DePaolaHome Base: Boulder, Colorado
Camping Set Up:A random clearance REI tent in a Subaru Crosstrek
Favorite Camp Spot:Buena Vista, Colorado
HEST products: HEST Camp Pillows, HEST Foamy Wide.
Most beautiful place you’ve ever woken up?
The heart of the Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz, Peru.
Who’s in your adventure squad?
Fairly transient but Piper (dog) is a constant.
Advice for first time campers?
Don't be concerned about what everyone around you is doing or wearing or bringing or driving. If you're having fun, you're doing it right.
On your average weekend adventure, what is the gear set up you bring with you? What do you like most about your set up?
HEST (Foamy and Pillows), tent, Rumpl blankets, cooler, lots of snacks. Cribbage board, dog, fly fishing things. The best part of my set-up is it's perfectly dialed for what I most like to do on a camping trip.. which is relax.
Any upgrades or improvements you’re planning for your set up?
New vehicle is in the works at some point in the near future and honestly maybe just a deep clean of what's already in the set-up...
What’s the one creature comfort you can’t camp without?
Down booties for sleeping!
What do you look for in a campsite?
A large tree to shade the tent in the morning sun so I can sleep in...and views.
Best camp meal?
Chana masala and peach pie over the fire.
Worst night of sleep while camping?
Sleeping at 18,000ft in rural Peru while it snowed... breathing was hard and alpaca poop smells.
Any special camp traditions?
Honestly, not a lot yet, every trip seems to be so different! I do always have cribbage on hand, like a good Midwestern gal.
What’s your next camping adventure?
Good question! Maybe just up in the backyard of Nederland, CO. Anyone want in??
