Everything starts with conditions. My ideal is to sleep outside under the stars and actually sleep well. Most of my nights are in the arid Southwest—the Mojave, desert canyons, slickrock country—so rain and bugs are rarely the main problem. Temperature comes first, wind second. Shelter and padding choices follow from those two constraints.

For car-camping comfort I usually reach for a cot. My go-to is a Helinox Cot One Convertible with leg extensions that raise the bed about 8.5 inches. It breaks down small, weighs about five pounds, and lives in my truck most of the time. I’ve owned REI’s Wonderland Comfort Cot, which is the plushest cot I’ve tried—adjustable, well padded, and so comfortable you can lounge in it all day. The downside was its bulk and weight; it felt like traveling with Chewbacca, so I sold it. The Helinox trades a little luxury for packability, and that’s a worthwhile trade for most trips.

Can you sleep on the Helinox without any extra padding? Yes, I have. It’s fine for a night, but I sleep best with a pad. For car camping I like a thick pad: historically the four-inch Exped MegaMat (inflatable, high R-value) and, lately, a foam option—the Hest Foamy—have been my favorites. The Foamy has a waterproof bottom and won’t puncture, so it’s a great choice when I want to skip the cot and lay something directly on slickrock.

Insulation depends on temperature. Warm nights call for a cotton blanket; cool nights get a wool blanket or a sleeping bag. I don’t have a single favorite bag brand—I swap between NEMO, Marmot, and Exped depending on what’s clean and which model fits the night’s temps.

A pillow matters to me. For years I used an old house pillow; recently I’ve been using a compact camp pillow that fits well inside a sleeping-bag hood. I’d like it a touch softer, but it’s growing on me.

Part of the appeal of car camping, for me, is the chance to be comfortable. At the same time I’m fascinated by the idea of sleeping well with as little as possible—just my clothes or a poncho. I remember a mule packer in Durango, Mexico, back in the 1990s who slept like a rock on the ground with only a wool blanket. I suspect back sleepers have an easier time of that than side sleepers; when I’ve tried sleeping directly on hard ground without padding I’ve usually decided I prefer not to. Maybe I just need to tire myself out more.

For backpacking and bikepacking the calculus shifts toward weight and reliability. I’m still a fan of inflatable pads like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir series for their light weight. On a recent canyon overnight I used an Exped Flex 1.5R closed-cell foam pad; on sand it worked fine, but on rock or hard ground it felt a bit thin. Exped recently released a thicker Flex R3—better cushion but heavier (around 18 ounces), which illustrates the tradeoff: foam pads are heavier but nearly indestructible; inflatables are featherlight but must be inflated and can leak.

There’s no single perfect mattress system. Is a foam pad worth the extra bulk? Is a bivy better than a tent for your style? Quilt or sleeping bag? Waterproof stuff-sack sleep system vs. traditional bag and pad? I enjoy testing answers to those questions on different trips.

Bottom line: adapt to the place and the night. Different biomes, bodies, and goals demand different choices. I’ve had miserable nights and sublime ones, but the pursuit of good sleep in the wild is part of the fun. I’m aiming for 100 nights of camping this year to trial more combos—if there’s a pad, bag, or rig you want me to try and write about, tell me. And if you have a reliable way to sleep soft while sleeping rough, I’d love to hear it.

— Stephen Casimiro

Why carry a gas card
Even occasional fill-ups add up. The right card turns everyday fuel and charging costs into cash back, points or travel credits. Consider how often you drive, where you fill up (big-box gas, branded stations, Costco) and whether you prefer cash back or travel rewards.

Top picks and quick summaries
– Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
– Welcome offer: Targeted offers can be as high as $300 cash back after meeting a spending threshold; offers vary.
– Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95.
– Earning: 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year), 6% on select U.S. streaming, 3% on transit and 3% at U.S. gas stations, 1% on other purchases.
– Best for: Families and shoppers who value straightforward cash back and big supermarket rewards. Redeems as Reward Dollars for statement credits or Amazon checkout.

– Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
– Welcome offer: $200 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
– Annual fee: $0.
– Earning: Choose one category to earn 6% cash back (first year; then 3%) — options include gas/EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores or home improvement. 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs; 1% on everything else. Category and grocery/wholesale combined cap: $2,500 per quarter.
– Best for: People who want flexibility to shift their highest-earning category month to month.

– Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
– Welcome offer: None.
– Annual fee: $0 for the card, but a Costco membership is required.
– Earning: 5% back on gas at Costco, 4% back on other eligible gas and EV charging purchases (combined cap $7,000/year, then 1%), 3% on restaurants and eligible travel (including Costco Travel), 2% on Costco purchases, 1% on everything else.
– Best for: Costco shoppers who want top-tier gas/EV rewards and are comfortable redeeming Costco reward certificates annually.

– Chase Freedom Flex®
– Welcome offer: $200 after spending $500 in the first three months.
– Annual fee: $0.
– Earning: 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, activation required), 5% on travel through Chase Travel, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1% on other purchases.
– Best for: Cardholders who can take advantage of rotating 5% categories — gas often appears as a quarterly bonus at least once per year.

– Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card
– Welcome offer: 45,000 points after $3,000 in spending and payment of the annual fee within 90 days.
– Annual fee: $95.
– Earning: 8 points per dollar on participating Wyndham properties and on gas, 5 points per dollar on marketing/advertising/utilities, 1 point per dollar elsewhere. 15,000-point anniversary bonus and automatic Wyndham Diamond status.
– Best for: Small-business owners who frequently stay at Wyndham hotels and want elevated gas earning tied to hotel loyalty.

– Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card
– Welcome offer: 45,000 points after $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
– Annual fee: $75.
– Earning: 6 points per dollar at participating Wyndham properties and on gas, 4 points per dollar on dining and groceries (excludes some big-box discount stores), 1 point per dollar on other purchases. Includes automatic Platinum elite status and annual bonus points.
– Best for: Frequent Wyndham guests seeking a consumer card with strong gas earning.

– U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
– Welcome offer: 20,000 bonus points after $1,000 in net purchases in the first 90 days.
– Annual fee: $0.
– Earning: 4 points per dollar at gas and EV charging stations (on the first $1,000 each quarter; excludes discount supercenters/wholesale clubs), 4 points per dollar on travel booked directly with airlines/hotels/car rentals, 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels/car rentals via the Altitude Rewards Center, and 2 points per dollar on dining, streaming and groceries. Perks may include up to $100 in statement credits for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck and a limited Priority Pass lounge access benefit.
– Best for: Travelers and commuters who want no annual fee plus solid gas and travel bonus categories.

How to choose the right gas card
– Fuel frequency: Heavy drivers benefit from cards with the highest gas/EV rates and higher caps (Costco, Wyndham business). Occasional drivers may prefer no-fee cards that reward multiple categories (Chase Freedom Flex, Bank of America Customized, U.S. Bank Altitude Connect).
– Where you buy gas: If you frequent Costco, the Costco Anywhere Visa is very compelling. If you buy at varied stations, look for broader gas/EV bonuses or rotating-category opportunities.
– Reward type and use: Cash back is simple and flexible; points can be worth more when redeemed for travel but may require loyalty program knowledge. Match the reward currency to how you plan to use it.
– Fees and caps: Compare annual fees against expected rewards. Watch for category caps (quarterly or annual) that limit how much elevated earning you’ll actually get.
– Additional perks: Consider ancillary benefits like cell phone/car rental protections, travel benefits, lounge access, or airport-security credits.

How we selected these cards
We picked cards that offer meaningful rewards on gas and EV charging across a range of spend habits, issuer ecosystems and fee structures. The list includes cashback-focused cards, cards with flexible rotating categories, and travel/hotel-branded cards that also reward fuel purchases.

Bottom line
There’s no one-size-fits-all best gas card. Heavy commuters might prioritize the highest gas rates and caps, Costco members should consider the Costco Anywhere Visa, and value-minded drivers may prefer no-annual-fee cards that reward multiple categories. Choose a card that aligns with where you buy fuel, your overall spending, and whether you want cash back or travel value — and you’ll offset a noticeable portion of your fuel costs over a year.

First: it always depends on conditions. My goal is simple — sleep outside under the stars and sleep well. That night I was in the Mojave’s Turtle Mountains Wilderness en route to Arizona. Most of my camping nights are in the arid Southwest, so rain and bugs are rarely the biggest concern. Temperature is usually the primary consideration, followed by wind.

My preferred foundation for car camping is the Helinox Cot One Convertible with the leg extensions that raise it about 8.5 inches off the ground. I’ve tried many cots; two stand out. The REI Wonderland Comfort Cot is the most comfortable I’ve used — adjustable, well padded, and it can double as a good lounge chair. It’s so comfortable that I could sleep on it without extra padding. The downside is size and weight: even folded it’s bulky and heavy. I sold mine for that reason. The Helinox, by contrast, breaks down small and weighs about five pounds, so it lives in my truck almost all the time.

Can you sleep on the Helinox without extra padding? Sure. It’s fine. I prefer to add either the inflatable four-inch Exped MegaMat (R-value 8.1) or, more recently, the Hest Foamy (closed-cell foam, R-value 8.8). The Foamy has a waterproof bottom layer and won’t puncture, so it’s great for ground nights — if I don’t want to set up the cot I’ll toss the Foamy on slickrock and call it good.

Insulation above the pad depends on temperature. On warm nights I’ll use a simple cotton blanket; when it cools off I reach for wool or a sleeping bag. I don’t have a single favorite bag — I rotate between NEMO, Marmot, and Exped models. A pillow makes a big difference: I used to use an old house pillow, but I’ve been testing the Hest Camp Pillow. It fits inside a sleeping bag hood; I’d like it a touch softer but it’s growing on me.

I’m a big believer that car camping can — and should — be comfortable. That said, I’m also obsessed with the idea of sleeping well in minimal kit: just the clothes on my back or a simple poncho. I remember a mule-packing trip in Durango, Mexico in the 1990s when one of the packers slept beautifully on the ground with only a wool blanket. Maybe that’s easier for a back sleeper than a side sleeper like me. Every time I’ve tried to sleep directly on the ground without padding my verdict has been the same: no. (Maybe I just need to be more exhausted.)

For backpacking and bikepacking I stick with tried-and-true inflatables like Therm-A-Rest’s NeoAir series. On a recent overnight in a remote Grand Staircase canyon I used Exped’s Flex 1.5R closed-cell foam pad. It worked well on sand but felt thin on hard ground. Exped recently released the Flex R3, which is twice as thick and weighs about 18 ounces — heavier than comparable inflatables, but sturdier and leakproof. That tradeoff is familiar: inflatables can be featherweight but must be inflated and can leak, while foam is heavier and bulkier but more reliable.

Is foam worth the extra bulk? Is a bivy better than a tent? A quilt better than a bag? Is a waterproof bag alone sometimes the best option? I love testing these questions. There’s no universal perfect setup — every place, every body and every trip has different needs. I’ve had plenty of miserable nights, but I still try to maximize sleep quality whenever I can.

One of my goals this year is 100 nights of camping, which gives plenty of opportunity to experiment. If there’s a pad, bag, or setup you want me to try and write about, tell me. Or share how you sleep comfortably when you’re roughing it.

— Stephen Casimiro

Active transfer bonuses (current)
– American Express Membership Rewards → Air France‑KLM Flying Blue: 25% bonus through June 30 — 1,000 MR = 1,250 Flying Blue miles.
– American Express Membership Rewards → Marriott Bonvoy: 20% bonus through June 30 — 1,000 MR = 1,200 Bonvoy points.
– Chase Ultimate Rewards → Marriott Bonvoy: 55% bonus through June 30 — 1,000 UR = 1,550 Bonvoy points.
– Chase Ultimate Rewards → Southwest Rapid Rewards: 30% bonus through June 5 — 1,000 UR = 1,300 Rapid Rewards points.
– Citi ThankYou Rewards → Qatar Airways Privilege Club: 30% bonus through June 30 — 1,000 TY = 1,300 Avios if you have a Citi card that unlocks the full transfer ratio (some Citi cards transfer at a lower ratio; those cards would convert 1,000 TY ≈ 910 Avios).
– Citi ThankYou Rewards → I Prefer Hotel Rewards: 30% bonus through June 13 — 1,000 TY = 1,300 I Prefer points with cards that unlock full 1:1 transfers (otherwise lower).
– Citi ThankYou Rewards → Wyndham Rewards: 25% bonus through June 13 — 1,000 TY = 1,250 Wyndham points with qualifying Citi cards (lower with others).
– Rove → Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles: 50% bonus through June 30 — 1,000 Rove miles = 1,500 Miles&Smiles miles.
– Rove → Air Canada Aeroplan: 25% bonus through June 6 — 1,000 Rove miles = 1,250 Aeroplan points.

American Express Membership Rewards
Amex is currently running bonuses to Flying Blue (25%) and Marriott Bonvoy (20%), both through June 30. If you’re short on Membership Rewards points, popular Amex cards that earn MR and commonly feature large welcome offers include the American Express® Gold Card and the American Express Platinum Card®. Transfer only when you have a confirmed award — transfers can’t be undone.

Capital One
There are no Capital One transfer bonuses active right now. If you want more Capital One miles, consider cards like Capital One Venture, Venture X, or Venture Business, which are the program’s main earners and often come with welcome bonuses.

Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase has two notable bonuses: a big 55% bonus to Marriott Bonvoy through June 30 and a 30% bonus to Southwest Rapid Rewards through June 5. Chase card options to earn Ultimate Rewards include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Ink Business Preferred. As always, confirm award availability before transferring points.

Citi ThankYou Rewards
Citi is offering bonuses to several partners: 30% to I Prefer Hotel Rewards and 25% to Wyndham (both through June 13), plus 30% to Qatar through June 30. Note: you’ll get the full transfer ratio only with certain Citi cards (for example, Citi Strata Elite, Citi Strata Premier or legacy Citi Prestige). Other Citi cards transfer at a reduced rate, which reduces the effective bonus.

Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott isn’t currently running transfer bonuses to airline partners. If you want to build Bonvoy balances, there are several Marriott co‑brand cards with different welcome offers and perks; evaluate those if you plan to earn Bonvoy points directly.

Rove
Rove is running two promotions: 25% to Air Canada Aeroplan through June 6 and an attractive 50% bonus to Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles through June 30. Rove’s program lets you earn transferable miles without a credit card (earnings through hotel and flight bookings, portal shopping, etc.), and it’s rapidly adding partners. The Turkish bonus is especially useful — for example, discounted business-class award prices from North America to Turkey can be within reach with this boost.

Should you transfer points or miles?
Only transfer when you have a clear plan to use the partner currency. Transfers are final and you lose the original program’s flexibility. Confirm award availability, routing rules and total cost (taxes and fees, carrier surcharges) before moving points. If you don’t have a specific redemption in mind, it’s usually better to keep points in your transferable currency until you do.

Bottom line
Transfer bonuses can meaningfully increase the value of your points, but they’re best used when you’re ready to book. Run the math, check award space, and verify whether your specific card unlocks the full transfer ratio before completing any transfer.

Key offers and highlights

The Business Platinum Card from American Express
– Welcome offer: eligible applicants may see as much as 300,000 bonus points after $20,000 in purchases within three months (offers vary).
– Why consider it: very large potential bonus plus premium travel perks (airport lounge access, automatic Gold hotel status enrollment options).
– Annual fee: $895

American Express Business Gold Card
– Welcome offer: eligible applicants may see offers up to 200,000 bonus points after $15,000 in purchases in three months (offers vary).
– Why consider it: strong 4x earning in your top business categories each billing cycle (cap applies).
– Annual fee: $375

American Express Platinum Card
– Welcome offer: eligible applicants may see offers up to 175,000 bonus points after $12,000 in purchases within six months (offers vary).
– Why consider it: premium travel benefits, extensive lounge access and hotel elite perks that can offset the high fee for frequent travelers.
– Annual fee: $895

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
– Limited-time offer: earn 150,000 bonus points after $6,000 in purchases in the first three months. Time-sensitive: this offer ends June 15 at 9 a.m. ET.
– Why consider it: transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards currency, a $300 annual travel credit and strong travel protections.
– Annual fee: $795

Capital One Venture Business
– Limited-time accelerated offer: up to 150,000 bonus miles — 75,000 after $7,500 in three months plus an additional 75,000 after $30,000 in six months. Offer ends June 8.
– Why consider it: simple mileage-earning structure and travel credits for business travel.
– Annual fee: $95

American Express Gold Card
– Welcome offer: eligible applicants may see offers up to 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 in purchases within six months (offers vary).
– Why consider it: excellent earnings on dining and U.S. supermarket spend, plus useful dining credits to offset the fee.
– Annual fee: $325

Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite (Alaska Airlines)
– Welcome offer: 100,000 bonus points plus a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after $6,500 in purchases in the first 90 days, and a 50% flight discount code after account opening.
– Why consider it: premium Alaska benefits including lounge passes, free checked bags and priority boarding.
– Annual fee: $395

Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card (American Express)
– Welcome offer: $1,500 in Reward Dollars after $50,000 in purchases within six months.
– Why consider it: straightforward cash-back structure (2% base, 5% on flights/prepaid hotels via Amex Travel) but requires heavy spending to earn the bonus.
– Annual fee: $295

United℠ Business Card
– Welcome offer: up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs — 100,000 miles and 2,000 PQPs after $5,000 in three months, plus 10,000 miles for adding an authorized user in the first three months.
– Why consider it: useful United benefits for frequent United flyers, and PQP credit toward status.
– Annual fee: $150

Citi / AAdvantage® Globe Mastercard®
– Welcome offer: limited-time 90,000 AAdvantage miles after $5,000 in purchases within four months.
– Why consider it: mid-tier annual fee with valuable airline perks like Admirals Club guest passes and a statement credit.
– Annual fee: $350

Bilt Palladium Card
– Welcome offer: 50,000 bonus points and Gold status after $4,000 in purchases within 90 days, plus $300 in Bilt Cash at approval.
– Why consider it: exceptional earning on everyday spend when choosing Bilt Cash and a $400 annual travel portal hotel credit split biannually.
– Annual fee: $495

Aeroplan® Credit Card
– Welcome offer: 75,000 Aeroplan points after $4,000 in purchases within three months.
– Why consider it: automatic elite status after account opening and traveler-friendly perks on Air Canada and partner airlines.
– Annual fee: $95

A few things to keep in mind
– Offers can vary by applicant and may be targeted; the bonus you see could differ from published maximums.
– Issuers often restrict how frequently you can earn a welcome bonus on the same product — check issuer rules and your own recent approvals before applying.
– Some elevated offers are time-limited; if an offer fits your plan, act before it expires.
– If you’re tracking Chase’s application rules (the “5/24” guideline), it’s usually wise to prioritize Chase cards if you’re under that limit.

Bottom line
Welcome bonuses remain an efficient way to stockpile rewards, but timing matters. Compare the spending requirements, fees and long-term value of the card’s ongoing benefits, then decide which offer makes sense for your travel or business goals. If you want help choosing between two cards, provide your travel habits, preferred airlines/hotels and spending patterns and I can recommend the best fit.

My original wish list included things like:
– Hiking the Desert Section of the Pacific Crest Trail (about 700 miles)
– Running or hiking Joshua Tree’s 36.6-mile California Riding and Hiking Trail in a day
– Organizing a large trash cleanup in the Mojave Desert
– Backpacking the Trans-Catalina Island Trail
– Reporting a feature for AJ using only handwritten journal entries and sketches
– Summiting 50 peaks on the Sierra Club Hundred Peaks list
– Making four new friends and hiking with them
– Camping at least 30 nights
– Reaching A2 level in Portuguese

I got energized thinking about all of it. Then reality checked in. My 2026 calendar already includes commitments that demand time and steady attention: planning, editing, and publishing four issues of AJ; writing dozens of newsletters; completing the California Naturalist curriculum (with weekly study, field work, and a volunteer project); and, you know, having a life outside work. I’m not a full-time athlete and can’t devote my entire life to nonstop big adventures. My hard things have to fit inside relationships, work, and the ordinary responsibilities that matter.

So I focused on what I most want from these challenges: sustained time outside, learning from nature, connection, and meaningful effort. The result is a single, season-spanning goal that feels ambitious and achievable: sleep outside at least 100 nights in 2026. My partner says that sounds more fun than hard, and she’s right — but it will also be a stretch. Reaching 100 nights will require planning, prioritizing, and showing up through a whole year. It will let me visit new places, climb peaks, pick up trash, and welcome new people into outings. It doesn’t rule out the other projects; in fact, in the past month I’ve already hiked with two new friends.

I’ve come to think the hardest part isn’t pushing through exhaustion or discomfort — it’s overcoming inertia and starting. I hope sharing this challenge encourages you to name your own hard thing, whatever that means for you, and to commit to it. We get one go at this life in these bodies; there’s no better time than now to go after what matters.

Let’s go do our hard things.

Stephen Casimiro
Founder + Editor

P.S. If you value slowing down and connecting more deeply with the world, consider giving yourself the gift of analog — a printed issue, a handwritten journal, or time away from screens can change how you notice things.

Delta last operated the LAX–YVR route in 2018, according to schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Vancouver, often called “Hollywood North” because of its busy film and television production industry, is also a major hub for Delta partner WestJet.

The Vancouver route is one of several international additions Delta has announced from LAX. The carrier began flights to Melbourne (MEL) in December and plans to launch service to Hong Kong (HKG) on June 6. At the same time, Delta continues to adjust its overall capacity plans amid elevated jet fuel costs; CEO Ed Bastian said the airline was “meaningfully reducing capacity in the current quarter with a downward bias until the fuel situation improves.” Delta initially planned about 3% capacity growth for 2026 but suspended that guidance after energy-price volatility earlier in the year.

Despite the caution on capacity, Delta is still adding routes in competitive markets. Recent network moves include new service from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) and additional flights on routes previously served by Spirit Airlines out of Boston (BOS), Detroit (DTW) and Orlando (MCO).

The relaunched LAX–YVR market will be competitive: Air Canada, American Airlines, Flair Airlines, United Airlines and WestJet already operate between Los Angeles and Vancouver, according to Cirium schedules.

A brief note about content: this story may reference partner offers and includes reporting and analysis from the editorial team. Any linked credit-card or commercial offers are separate from the editorial coverage. Opinions expressed are those of the author and not endorsed by banks, card issuers, airlines or hotels.

Editorial note: This article is updated periodically with new information and offers.

Editorial disclaimer: The views expressed here are the author’s alone and do not reflect the positions of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, nor have those entities reviewed, approved, or endorsed this content.

Key facts
– Annual fee: $99
– Welcome offer: 80,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases in the first three months
– Recommended credit score: ~670+ for better approval odds
– Rewards currency: Southwest Rapid Rewards points (best redeemed for Southwest flights)

Who this card is best for
– Travelers who fly Southwest a few times a year and want to offset baggage and seat selection costs.
– People who value simple, airline-specific perks rather than broad transferable points.

Main perks and protections
– Free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight passengers on the same reservation (bag fees are typically $35 each way).
– Group 5 boarding for the cardholder and eligible companions.
– Free standard seat selection within 48 hours of departure.
– One annual 10% flight discount code (not valid on Basic fares).
– 25% back on inflight drink and Wi‑Fi purchases when paid with the card.
– 3,000 anniversary bonus Rapid Rewards points each year after account renewal.
– 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year toward the Companion Pass.
– Travel protections such as baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, extended warranty and purchase protection.

Earning structure
– 2 points per $1 on Southwest purchases
– 2 points per $1 at gas stations and grocery stores (on the first $5,000 in combined purchases annually)
– 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
This is straightforward and rewards Southwest spending most heavily. If you want broader everyday returns or flexibility, a general travel or cash-back card could yield more value.

How to redeem
– Rapid Rewards points are most valuable when used for Southwest flights. Southwest uses dynamic award pricing, so point costs track cash fares. The trade-off is good award availability: seats for sale are generally bookable with points.
– Other redemptions (gift cards, hotels, rental cars, merchandise) usually give lower value than flights.
– Example redemption: TPG reported a round-trip Orlando–Aruba ticket booked for 38,500 points that would have cost about $800, implying ~2 cents per point — above the site’s typical valuation for Southwest points.
– If you want more transfer flexibility, consider a transferable-points card (for example, Chase Ultimate Rewards cards) that can move points to Southwest among other partners.

Pros
– Practical, easy-to-use Southwest perks that frequently offset the $99 fee (checking a bag on ~3 round trips a year covers the cost).
– Annual points and Companion Pass qualifying points add ongoing program progress.
– No foreign transaction fees and helpful purchase/travel protections.

Cons
– Fewer perks and lower earning rates than Southwest’s higher-tier cobranded cards (Priority, Premier).
– Limited value outside the Southwest ecosystem; not ideal if you fly many airlines.
– Subject to card-issuing rules: generally ineligible if you’ve opened five or more new cards in the past 24 months (Chase 5/24 rule) or if you’ve recently received a Southwest welcome bonus.

How it compares to higher-tier Southwest cards
– Southwest Priority and Premier cards have higher annual fees but stronger bonus categories, larger anniversary points, and additional long-term perks that frequent flyers will likely find worthwhile.
– Plus is a better fit for occasional Southwest users who want the key benefits without a premium fee.

When to apply
– The current welcome offer (80,000 points after $1,000 in the first three months) is a strong incentive; TPG values that offer roughly at $1,000. Check recent offer history before applying to see if it’s elevated.
– Keep in mind issuer restrictions (5/24 and recent Southwest card bonuses) when timing an application.

Alternatives to consider
– Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority: higher fee, richer Southwest perks and larger anniversary bonuses for more frequent Southwest flyers.
– Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier: mid-level option with a modestly higher fee and improved earning/anniversary benefits.
– Chase Sapphire Preferred: transferable Ultimate Rewards points that can move to Southwest and many other partners for greater flexibility.
– Capital One Venture X: premium, flexible travel rewards with lounges, travel credits and transfer partners if you want broader premium benefits.

Bottom line
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card is a sensible, affordable option for travelers who fly Southwest occasionally and want concrete airline perks like a free first checked bag, free seat selection near departure and boarding priority. It’s easy to recoup the $99 fee if you check bags or use the other ongoing benefits, but frequent Southwest flyers will likely extract more long-term value from the airline’s higher-tier cards. If you want flexible points usable across many airlines and hotels, look at transferable-points cards instead.

My primary objective when I sleep outside is simple: under the stars and actually sleep well. The specifics shift with conditions, but most of my nights are in the arid Southwest, where rain and bugs are rarely the primary worry. Temperature comes first, wind second. For car camping my go-to is a cot setup: the Helinox Cot One Convertible with leg extensions that raise the bed about 8.5 inches off the ground. It packs small, weighs roughly five pounds, and I keep it in the truck almost all the time.

I’ve tried dozens of cots. The most comfortable I ever used was REI’s Wonderland Comfort Cot—adjustable, well padded, and luxurious enough that I could lounge on it all day. It slept great with no extra padding. The downside: it’s huge and heavy, the kind of thing you notice every time you pack the truck. That’s why I sold mine and stuck with the lighter Helinox.

Padding matters. You can get by on the Helinox without added cushioning, but I prefer a softer surface. For inflatable pads I like the Exped MegaMat (4 in, R-value 8.1). Lately I’ve been using the Hest Foamy, a foam pad with an R-value around 8.8 and a waterproof bottom layer. Because it’s foam it won’t spring a leak, so it’s great when I want to toss something on slickrock or sand and skip the cot entirely.

My insulation layer depends on the night. If it’s warm, a cotton blanket will do. If it’s cool, I reach for wool blankets or a sleeping bag—no strict brand loyalty, I rotate through NEMO, Marmot, and Exped bags. A pillow is non-negotiable; I used to bring an old house pillow and I’ve been testing Hest’s Camp Pillow recently. It tucks into a sleeping bag hood nicely—could be a touch softer, but I’m adapting.

When I think about sleeping in nothing but clothes or a poncho, I’m intrigued. In the 1990s, on a mule-packing trip in Durango, Mexico, I watched a mule packer sleep soundly on the ground with only a wool blanket. It was impressive—likely easier if you sleep on your back. I’m a side sleeper, so every time I’ve tried to sleep directly on the ground without a pad, I’ve concluded: no, not for me. Maybe I need to tire myself out more.

For backpacking and bikepacking I still favor inflatables like Therm‑A‑Rest NeoAir models for their weight-to-comfort ratio. For simplicity and reliability I sometimes go with closed-cell foam: on a recent overnight in a remote canyon of Grand Staircase I used an Exped Flex 1.5R. It’s fine on sand but a bit thin on hard ground. Exped’s newer Flex R3 doubles the thickness and improves comfort, but at about 18 ounces it’s heavier than many inflatables—illustrating the tradeoff: weight and bulk versus durability and simplicity.

Inflatables are light but require inflation and can leak. Foam won’t fail in the same way but takes more space and weight. Is a bivy better than a tent? A quilt better than a bag? A single waterproof bag good enough on its own? I enjoy experimenting to find answers.

There’s no perfect setup. Every biome, every body, every trip goal, and every night’s weather changes the equation. I’ve had miserable nights but also many great ones, and I try to maximize comfort where I can. I’ve set a personal goal of 100 nights of camping this year, which gives me plenty of opportunities to test gear and setups. If you want me to try a pad, bag, or combo and write about it, or if you want to share how you sleep soft while sleeping rough, let me know.

—Stephen Casimiro