10 Things We Learned from the Camping Startup Everyone Is Talking About

Hipcamp founder Alyssa Ravasio loves the internet as much as she loves nature. Lucky for us, she’s found a way to marry the two. Hipcamp taps into the crowdsourcing powers of the web to curate a lengthy list of bookable US campsites — both private and public — and thereby makes camping a much, much more accessible pastime.

Along with building a thriving company and loyal community through their #cabinporn-filled Instagram, Hipcamp has encouraged tons of millennials to rediscover the great outdoors. “Our overall mission is to get more people outside and, more specifically, to inspire the next generation of people who are passionate about exploring AND protecting our lands,” Alyssa says. Judging by the enthusiasm of its users, Alyssa is seeing results.

To further inspire folks to get outside, Hipcamp is partnering with Eddie Bauer to offer eight Hipcampouts this summer. Each 50-person weekend is set with a theme — from sustainable farming practices to arts and crafts outdoors — to create a camping trip that cultivates learning and human connection. Fellow B+C staffer Anita and I were fortunate enough to snag an invite to the Arts and Craftsmanship Hipcampout at Jug Handle Creek Farm in beautiful Caspar, California. It’s safe to say we had one of the best weekends of our young lives. Scroll on to read more about our valuable takeaways from the blissy weekend.

1. You don’t have to camp the same way your parents did

Sure, millennial campers value similar themes of escaping, living simply and appreciating the great outdoors, but Hipcamp knows that we approach camping in a different way than our parents. Today’s camping movement is focused on community and nature photography aswell as living minimally. Documentation of the trip online — via Instagram, VSCO and personal blogs — is our own way of taking in the scenery. And arguably, the social media element of the movement is what keeps camping a popular activity.

Psst: If you ask us, all tents should be stargazing-friendly like this one. It’s safe to say we were smitten with this sheer and *super* photogenic Eddie Bauer tent :)

2. Unplugging — even for 36 hours — can be rejuvenating

As two city gals with demanding jobs and a few too many extracurriculars, Hipcampout was a big ol’ sigh of relief. For 36 hours, we happily traded in tech at our fingertips for the earth under our toes. The trip gave us a chance to slow down and single-task. It was a welcome change from our urban pace.

3. Camping fosters authentic interpersonal connection

This one’s an old lesson that we millennials are constantly re-learning: It feels good to get to know people in person. Having a good ol’ conversation around a picnic table or a campfire is just better. Period. The weekend’s agenda fostered community and human connection with workshops, fireside chats and communal dinners.

4. Being outdoors inspires you to fill your day differently

Wake up, make coffee, eat breakfast, make something with your hands. That’s what our mornings consisted of at Hipcampout. No email-checking, phone-scrolling or any of the other dozens of time-fillers we’ve become accustomed to in city life. TBH, we didn’t realize how much peace of mind we sacrifice daily until we shed the multi-tasking habits for a few days. We HIGHLY recommend it!

5. Learning a skill together is an easy way to bond

We couldn’t help the smiles from spreading across our faces as we spent the afternoon carving alongside Tonu Eagleton — a Polynesian master wood carver, environmental artist and educator — and shibori dyeing with Yoshiko Wada, the President of the World Shibori Network and the founder of Slow Fiber Studios in Berkeley, CA. At these workshops, we created tactile art with our hands and conversed with our tent neighbors. Let us tell you, collectively carving a redwood totem pole with 50 strangers is one way to make new friends :)

6. All meals taste better when served family style… in enamelware

There’s nothing like eating delicious, bottomless meals together — paired with Underwood canned wine — to bond a group of people together. Alright, the family-style aspect of the meals shouldn’t receive ALL the praise: We have to give credit to Luke’s Local for the unbelievable meals we devoured at Jug Handle. The menu included fresh stone fruits, braised greens, slow-cooked meats and even grilled abalone. We ate like kings.

7. The best group events have a structured schedule full of optional activities

Here was the weekend’s schedule: Coffee, breakfast, workshop, lunch, workshop, dinner, beach bonfire concert. Ample time was provided for each occasion and ALL were optional. The agenda provided enough structure to facilitate group bonding while also providing the choice to own our time, giving us meaningful yet individualistic experiences.

8. Want to add instant magic to a live concert? Host it on a beach at sunset

Yep. Saturday night concluded at dusk on the beach with a live concert and a bonfire. Hipcamp hosted The Farallons, a band with ethereal, dreamy tunes that kinda put us into a blissful trance. That, plus the giant bonfire, s’mores, Fort Point libations and a fellow camper who brought a telescope (and helped us find Saturn!) made this evening one for the books.

9. Wilderness can inspire major creativity

Hipcampout attracted folks from all walks of life — from a young couple camping in every US national park in under a year to an LA helicopter pilot-slash-aspiring actor to folks like Anita and me working in the Bay Area startup world. Sure, maybe it was the utopian setting and the Stumptown Cold Brew-induced glee, but each person we met seemed creatively fulfilled and really happy. Since the theme for this weekend was Arts and Crafts, we were eager to learn about their journey with creativity.

“At the risk of sounding lame: Wilderness inspires. In terms of photography, I love the challenge of trying to capture a beautiful moment outside with just one frame. I don’t get that urge in urban environments or indoors.” — Madison Kotack, Hipcamp Field Scout Manager

“[Creativity means] letting loose and digging deep. Being in the outdoors often gives you a second to pause and reflect. Sometimes, all you need is a little space to get creative juices flowing.” — Julie Kukral, Hipcamp Marketing Intern

10. Success and happiness come in many forms

When interviewing fellow campers about their relationship with creativity and the outdoors, we were particularly humbled by Hipcamp Photographer Ezekiel Gonzalez’s story.

He says: “You only have what you have now.” A reflection on being present, cultivating relationships and honoring your art.

After feeling an indescribable discomfort from being attached to so many material things, our new friend downsized everything he owned to one box and chose to live out of a van for a year. By shedding the excess, he found that his mind was considerably less cluttered and his love for the outdoors grew. What struck him the most was that his relationships with people felt deeper and his creativity was reignited. His knack for visual storytelling helped him find a community and eventually led him to Hipcamp.

BONUS: We got the best swag bag ever!

Major kudos to Eddie Bauer for the A+ swag bag. Receiving this guy upon arrival felt like Christmas.

At the end of the weekend, we all swapped contact info. It was just like the old days at summer camp, only instead of phone numbers and mailing addresses, we shared Instagram handles, occupations and emails. We left Jug Handle Creek Farm heady, satisfied and just a tiny bit more optimistic about humankind in the digital age. Cheers to Hipcamp and finding yourself outside.

This collectively-carved totem pole is now firmly planted and lives on the Jug Handle farm.

Scroll on for more photos from the weekend!

What’s your favorite thing about camping? What do you think of Hipcamp? Share with us on Instagram at @BritandCo using the hashtags #bcweekender and #FindYourselfOutside.

Author: Maddie Bachelder + Anita Yung
Photography: Anita Yung + Nic Castellanos

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

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This post has been updated.

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.