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The Dreamers #79 - With Homecamp

The Dreamers #79 - With Homecamp

Established in 2015 by Doron and Stephanie Francis, Homecamp is on a mission to bring about a renewed camping and outdoor culture that places a connection to nature at its heart.

WELCOME TO THE DREAMERS. 

COME INSIDE THE HOMES OF EVERYDAY FAMILIES AND BUSINESS OWNERS DOING LIFE THEIR WAY. 



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Hey Doron and Steph! Tell us about yourself.

We started Homecamp in 2016 with a simple mission to provide high-quality outdoor gear that would stand the test of time. At the time, we felt that most outdoor brands were focused on either cheap products that seemed made-to-fail or high-tech gear for outdoor adventure sports. We wanted to create products that were timeless, durable, practical, and easy on the eye! 


 My partner Steph and I work together as a team, which has allowed us to navigate the ups and downs of building a brand and running a small business. Along the way, we have had three kids - Anais, Raffe and Theo - who like to keep us on our toes. We are lucky enough to live in the Mornington Peninsula, so we have an abundance of nature activities on our doorstep, so we are never short of things to do.

Where is your favourite place to go camping? Any local spots we should know about?

We are incredibly lucky to have so many great camping spots in Australia. One place we've been back to time and again is the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. We especially appreciate the north of the range - the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park. Arkaroola Village is an excellent base for camping and exploring the area. They have about 300 hectares of bush camping and hundreds of km of superb 4WD tracks. We look for solitude and wilderness when camping, so this suits us well. Closer to home, we tend to head to the high country - Wild Cherry Camping Area past Licola on the Wellington River is another favourite.


Do you have any advice or tips for first-time campers out there?

- If it's car camping, then I always recommend borrowing as much gear as possible for your first camp; otherwise, it can be overwhelming and expensive.  


- People get turned off camping because they perceive that it's an uncomfortable experience, so it's important to at least have a decent mattress (foam core, self-inflating) and bedding.  


- A big canvas tent is not for everyone, but whatever tent you take, make sure you set it up before you go so you can check that you have all the parts - nothing worse than turning up with a missing pole!  


- Have a gear checklist and tick this off as you go - this is a good one.  


- Cooking and eating a decent meal in nature should always be considered, so preparing food beforehand lessens the load.  


- I don't like to plug my own book, but Tent Life is a good resource for people who might be daunted by camping!


Rad Kid Spookie Stripe Hemp Tee - Kids
Keep Growing Hemp Tee Kids
Fishing For Dreams Organic Cotton Twinset

Rad Kid Spookies Stripe Hemp Tee - Kids

AUD $49.00

Keep Growing Hemp Tee - Kids

AUD $49.00 

Fishing For Dreams Organic Cotton Twinset

AUD $59.50 

Rad Kid Cord Cap Mauve
Checkers Shaggy Tufted Cushion
Rad Kid Spliced Cord 5 Panel Cap - Espresso

Rad Kid Cord Cap - Mauve

AUD $39.00

Checkers Shaggy Tufted Cushion

AUD $165.00 

Rad Kid Spliced Cord 5 Panel Cap - Espresso

AUD $39.00 

Describe a typical day with your family. What's your routine like?


Like any family with small kids, life is dominated by routine. We are all early risers, so we are always up well before 6am with one or two of the kids who will inevitably have found their way to our bed during the night. We have a chaotic breakfast and then get ready for the day of school/kinder and work. We like to get outside as much as possible and try to get the kids involved in helping out in the garden or feeding chickens (easier said than done!).

Any exciting plans for this year?


Homecamp has a bunch of new products planned for this year and a new carry range that we hope to launch early next year. Personally, we have a couple of camping trips on the horizon - Snowy River, Croajingalong National Park, and then camping along the Sapphire Coast. An outback trip up to Cameron Corner is on the cards too.

With Father's Day coming up, what are some of your favourite Homecamp products for the Rad Dads out there?


So many possibilities - bundles, tool rolls, canvas camping bags, heritage axes, and fire strikes all make for great gifts.

Shop Rad Dad Range For Father's Day:


Rad Dad Tee - Washed Black
Rad Dad Organic Cotton Knit Beanie - Camel

Rad Dad Tee - Washed Black

AUD $55.00

Rad Dad Organic Cotton Knit Beanie - Camel

AUD $49.00

Rad Dad Brights Stripe Hemp Tee
Rad Dad Walnut Hoodie

Rad Dad Brights Stripe Hemp Tee

AUD $59.00

Rad Dad Walnut Hoodie

AUD $149.00