Picture this: A night spent stargazing in some faraway destination–Northern California or along the Hudson River Valley–in a tent fully outfitted with all the modern luxuries to truly feel at one with nature. For husband-and-wife founders Mike and Kelsey Sheofsky, an insatiable love for travel is the driving force behind Shelter Co., the lifestyle brand specializing in off-the-grid luxury outdoor camping experiences and goods.
Shelter Co. has garnered somewhat of a cult following (and for good reason). Their tents and a full collection of lounge furniture and glamping accessories are available to rent for gatherings big and small, and their turn-key events service for music festivals like Coachella, mind-blowing corporate retreats, and intimate wedding weekends have us wanting to ditch the office and embrace the great outdoors. Lucky for us, we can shop Shelter Co.’s line of European-style canvas tents to satisfy our inner wanderlust whenever we want to hit the open road. Also lucky? One of the founders, Kelsey, is here to give us a few tips for our next glamping getaway.

Consider the Essentials

When planning a gathering outdoors–big or small–pay close attention to the essentials beyond just a comfortable place to lay your head. When we outfit a campsite, our tents are stocked with thick Pendleton blankets, soft bedding, and plenty of inviting lounge chairs for circling around a roaring fire. Our best advice: don’t skimp on lighting. There are plenty of battery operated lights that are easy to transport and will completely transform your evenings (you won’t regret it).

Invest in Great Gear to Embrace Nature

Selecting gear that’s going to keep you warm and dry is a must–particularly when camping in remote places. We have developed a custom line of canvas and nylon tents after years of producing events under a wide range of environmental pressures. Our Meriwether Lite is the perfect go-to for car camping–small, light and compact for quick getaways but roomy enough for a whole family. And they are attractive enough to pop up in the yard when not on camping trips too.

Comfort is Key

While camping may harken to mind a fear of “roughing it,” it doesn’t have to be that way. Small luxuries can make all the difference. Stock the cooler with delicious, pre-mixed cocktails or simply stick to something on ice. Choose easy meals like a cast-iron frittata or chili with skillet cornbread. Coffee is another essential.  We always bring a french press or 3 depending on the size of the group. When we plan special events for clients, our services include the assistance of our ‘camping butlers’ who will deliver luggage, stoke the campfires, and be on call for every need that comes up. We have arranged wine tastings with a private sommelier and organized guided foraging hikes which are fun add-ons for those who want to up the ante.

Get Outside, Stay Outside

Mike and I spend a lot of time road tripping along the California coast.  There are so many wonderful campgrounds and open spaces in this state and across the country that are perfect places to set up camp and party in the great outdoors. We are huge fans of a forced digital detox every now and then and we encourage our clients to embrace it too.  It helps to revitalize and reconnect, especially when spent in good company.