The latest in camp luxury proved so comfy, it literally sold out while we were writing this story.
Even the iconic man’s man, Ernest Hemingway — who famously embarked on a vigilante World War II mission to sink German submarines with his fishing boat — wore a big, comfy sweater. And while Hemingway certainly isn’t the ideal male role model, the point remains: Being tough doesn’t have to mean being uncomfortable.
So while some may scoff at the Rumpl Chillmono fleece-lined outdoor robe, I bear no shame when I say I am here for it! Announced this month, the Chillmono drapes the wearer with water-repellent, puffy blanket goodness. And it’s so good, it sold out in little more than a week!
And sure, it’s a big step away from roughing it. But anything short of running naked through the woods and eating tree fungus is a step away from roughing it — I’m looking at you, camp stove users and 800-fill sleeping bag slumberers.
What’s more, the outdoor industry continues to find new ways of making the outdoors a little less rugged and a little comfier. After all, we’ve invented a bunch of cool stuff since evolving from wild nomads to civilized — albeit highly disagreeable — members of society. I’m talking about good wine, comfortable seating, and high-quality footwear just to name a few.
If you ask me, the Chillmono climbs aboard with Hemingway’s sweater and a few other choice outdoor luxuries we ought not shun simply because deep down they feel so good. So join me in calling on Rumpl to bring back the Chillmono!
Rumpl Chillmono
I knew I liked the Chillmono when Rumpl proudly declared, “Go commando with the ultra-plush polyester fleece lining.”
Done and done!
A simple twist on the brand’s outdoor-ready puffy blankets, the Chillmono sports a water- and dirt-repellent face material. Add sleeves, a kangaroo pocket, and a soft lining designed for blissed-out hedonists, and you’ve got “the upgrade you didn’t know your robe needed,” according to Rumpl.
I met with Rumpl at Outdoor Retailer last month and saw the Chillmono firsthand. Honestly, I was skeptical at first — who needs an outdoor robe? But it’s not about what you need, it’s about what feels good. And this thing definitely felt good.
And then I realized the Chillmono isn’t that unusual when you think about everything else we’ve accepted as legitimate gear. Alpinists have crammed puffy slippers into already crowded packs for years. And from The North Face ThermoBall Mules to Columbia’s heat-moldable Molokai slip-ons, it’s clear this foot-pampering isn’t going anywhere soon.
And what about our backcountry libations? YETI — a brand that has trademarked hardcore phrases like “T-Rex,” “Vortex,” and “Bearfoot” — last year launched a wine tumbler. That’s right, a rust-resistant, double-wall, vacuum-insulated rosé holder. And you know what? It’s cool!
The same thing is true of coolers that light up, outdoor rocking chairs, and big, fluffy pillows. But I think I’ve made my point. If you want to get in on the outside-and-loving-it action, the Rumpl Chillmono sold for $199 on limited release. But days after it launched, it was gone. Still, on the product page, you can email Rumpl to say you want one.
In the meantime, I’ll wait for somebody to invent dangling beads for my tent door or a campfire smoking jacket.
