｜Interviewer information
｜The reason I started camping
I grew up in a seaside town where my family frequently had BBQs, and my wife grew up in the mountains where her family often went camping. Before we knew it, it became normal for us to enjoy outdoor leisure as a couple on weekends.
Two years after getting married, my son was born, and we started camping more frequently, as it flows more leisurely than day trips for BBQs.
I love the outdoors so much that I’ve created a space for camping within walking distance from home.
｜My camping style
I enjoy visiting campsites I haven't been to yet and those surrounded by local nature.
Sometimes we spontaneously head out to a campsite that doesn’t require reservations in the morning, but when harsh weather like rain, typhoons, or cold waves is forecasted, we camp in our private space.
It’s fun to sit around the campfire with family, drinking and roasting marshmallows while chatting about silly things.
｜Favorite ZEN Camps gear
The "BLACK fire pit sheet" that is indispensable for camping
The BLACK fire pit sheet is absolutely essential gear from ZEN Camps.
This is just my personal feeling, but I prefer it as a color for items placed under the fire pit, as it blends more naturally into the site than the common beige fire pit sheets.
With the sand-colored TC material tent and tarp, the beige fire pit sheet feels a bit too much...I was delighted by the appearance of black just when I was thinking about it.
The sheet is coated, so even if it gets dirty with mud or ash, I can think, "It's okay because I can wash it," which I believe contributes to its ease of use.
The "ash carry" that is easy to transport to the charcoal disposal area
When I used to carry the fire pit to the charcoal disposal area, I would walk with my arms extended to keep the heavy, soot-covered fire pit from touching my clothes. But since I started using the ash carry, that discomfort has disappeared, and it’s a great relief.
Since it’s not as heavy as a fire pit, it has been very helpful during pack-up time that my son has started to take the charcoal away.
Now there are various manufacturers offering fire extinguishing bags, but I believe that the simple entrance structure of the ash carry, which is not a zipper or button type, has no malfunctions or inconveniences.
The "fire-blowing stick" that hits the spot in design
The fire blower can accurately send air to the targeted point, so the fire can easily be revived, and after use, it can be disassembled into small parts for easy cleaning, making it more hygienic to store than a telescopic fire blower.
Above all, the design is completely on point and is a favorite of the whole family.I want you to see how cool it is, so I end up placing it in a prominent spot on the site (laughs).
“Fire starter” that makes you feel like a wizard
The most shocking item among ZEN Camps gear was the fire starter.
The sparks produced are truly an amazing amount... It’s at a level where the fire is flying, so it’s a completely useless skill, but I’ve become able to ignite the hemp string on the fire pit from over a meter away (laughs). It feels like becoming a wizard.
My wife holds pine cones and twigs, my son holds the fire blower, and I light the hemp string. It’s a complete family collaboration at the campsite. The fact that even children can easily ignite it is the best.
｜The appeal of ZEN Camps gear
I believe the characteristics of ZEN Camps gear are its streamlined design and compactness.
There are many cool designs from other manufacturers, but those tend to have quite a few items that require careful handling when transporting to the campsite.
I feel that ZEN Camps gear has a lot of items that you can use without worry. All types can fit into a small container that seems to hold about 100 items.
Of course, it’s great for camping scenes, but if you keep it packed as disaster supplies, the sense of security in case of an emergency is quite different. Even those who don’t camp frequently think it’s worth having and recommend it to others.
Message from ZEN Camps
Thank you, Mochizuki family, for your wonderful interview responses!
Seeing so many fun photos made me very happy as well.
Since around February 2022, Zen-kun, the eldest son of the Mochizuki family, has been serving as an ambassador for ZEN Camps, and we are always greatly helped by Zen-kun and everyone in the Mochizuki family.
I feel like ZEN Camps is growing along with Zen-kun! (laughs)
Thank you so much, as always!
And thank you for your continued support.
ZEN Camps Together
