HBCU students focus on “Charging Forward” in sixth year of DTU through immersive virtual and in-person marketing and journalism internship

This week, Chevrolet and the National Newspaper Publishers Association enter their sixth year of collaboration with the “Discover the Unexpected” program, amplified with program ambassador, and American actor, model and entertainer, Terrence Jenkins, better known as Terrence J.

“As a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a mass communication degree, I understand the value of historically black colleges and universities, which is why I am passionate about this opportunity and eager to engage with up-and-coming HBCU students pursuing journalism and marketing,” said Jenkins.

Jenkins will kick off students’ fellowship experience in New Orleans, following the NNPA convention that includes a Chevrolet Bolt EUV adventure challenge to promote team building and education surrounding electrification, journalism and marketing. 

DTU provides 11 students from around the nation internships and scholarships to explore marketing roles focused on General Motors’ vision for an all-electric future and journalism through NNPA.

Chevrolet placed five students within different areas of the marketing function to gain experience in content creation, media integration and strategy development. The NNPA placed six students with renowned publications across the country to focus on digital and social content creation, in addition to covering events such as the NNPA conference in New Orleans.

“Chevrolet is proud to continue its collaboration with NNPA on Discover the Unexpected, providing HBCU students hands on learning and development opportunities in addition to a platform to share their experiences,” said Steve Majoros, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “This program is pivotal in our mission of reaching diverse audiences through amplifying their perspectives, and we look forward to witnessing the impact of this year’s fellows.”

Chevrolet will award each fellow a $10,000 scholarship and a $5,000 stipend. Following the 2022 program completion, DTU will provide 49 HBCU students over $600,000. This immersive experience spans a 10-week program from June 6–Aug. 12.

“Our long-standing partnership with General Motors drives impact, awareness, and community connectivity,” said NNPA President and CEO Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “Over the last five decades, we’ve championed diversity, equity, and inclusion because we know representation matters. The publishers and DTU fellows richly benefit from Chevrolet’s commitment to fuel the next generation of journalists and marketers.”

Learn more about the Discover the Unexpected fellowship at https://www.nnpa.org/chevydtu/

“Own the Color” auction, benefitting DonorsChoose, takes place June 20-24 exclusively via SuperRare

The first mid-engine Corvette Z06 continues its promise of putting the world on notice with Chevrolet’s first entry into the Web3 space: a one-of-one 2023 Corvette Z06-inspired NFT artwork created by the artist xsullo. The upcoming “Own the Color” auction pairs the NFT with a custom-painted, real-life 2023 Corvette Z06 color-matched to the artwork. At the conclusion of the auction offered exclusively via SuperRare, the pioneering marketplace for unique curated NFT artworksthe winning bidder will be able to say they “Own the Color” — Minted Green, a reference to minting NFTs. The auction will be live to eligible bidders worldwide June 20-24 and those interested may only place bids in Ethereum.

All proceeds from the auction will benefit DonorsChoose. The organization’s mission is to make it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need and move us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education. Full terms and conditions of the auction, including limitations, eligibility and how to win are available at Chevrolet.com/CorvetteZ06NFTterms.

“Corvette is a halo at Chevrolet. It’s the pinnacle of performance and staying cutting-edge means getting into new territories as a bit of a pioneer,” said Steve Majoros, vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “This is our company’s first NFT. We see ‘Own the Color’ as an important stepping stone for Chevrolet into future digital initiatives for our customers.”

“Own the Color” means Chevrolet will not apply Minted Green to another production 2023 Corvette Z06. In addition to a digital certificate of ownership and authenticity for the art piece, the physical Corvette Z06, equipped with the Z07 performance package, carbon fiber wheels and a commemorative plaque, will carry the option code RFN. The signification will forever associate the car with this auction and it’s one-of-one status. Further, the VIN for this Corvette Z06 is inspired by binary code, the language of computers, as a further connection between the car and Web3.

The vibrant work from xsullo continues to make waves across the crypto art and NFT communities as the “Own the Color” auction approaches, and numerous pieces from xsullo have sold on SuperRare.

“I’ve been wanting to combine my digital art with the physical world, so it’s been a great opportunity to work with Chevrolet to bridge these two worlds,” said xsullo. “The Corvette Z06 is an ambitious car that I totally vibe with. I’m drawn to how technology can make us feel, and I can tell the designers of Corvette Z06 draw from similar inspiration.”

DonorsChoose and Chevrolet have a history of collaborating on projects that further General Motors’ commitment to STEM education for all. This auction taps the ability for DonorsChoose to collect cryptocurrency donations, highlighting the many ways people can help teachers make an impact on their students. In 2022, two prior auctions involving Corvette Z06 raised $4.6 million in charitable contributions for other nonprofits.

“GM is empowering STEM teachers through one of the most innovative ways our educators have received funding for their DonorsChoose projects,” said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. “This partnership shows just how possible it is for the digital and traditional sectors to engage in a way that benefits students’ education in public schools across the country.”

As a way to bring the digital world into real life, the “Own the Color” artwork will be available for viewing at The Crypt Gallery during NFT NYC, one of the biggest NFT events of the year. The Crypt Gallery, the first NFT gallery in the hospitality industry, is launching its second location at Dream Downtown hotel in New York City.

Chevrolet and SuperRare will also cohost a Twitter Spaces on June 20, featuring The Crypt Gallery, xsullo and others to discuss this unique offering.

ABOUT CHEVROLET

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in nearly 80 countries with nearly 2.7 million cars and trucks sold in 2021. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

ABOUT SUPERRARE
Founded in 2018, SuperRare is a pioneering, curated marketplace for high quality NFT artworks, built on the Ethereum blockchain. More than $300M worth of NFT-based artworks, also known as ‘CryptoArt’, have been bought and sold on the platform, with artists earning revenue on both original sales and resales. A destination for digital discovery and with the unique proposal of only single editions, SuperRare was created with the goal of empowering the next generation of artists through technology and has facilitated artists and collectors around the world to sell and purchase digital artwork.

In 2021, SuperRare launched the new $RARE curation token, converting the SuperRare NFT marketplace into a community governed network of galleries, decided on by community vote.  To learn more visit: superrare.com/rare
Discover more at superrare.com

About The Crypt Gallery

Founded by King of Midtown, a collector, leader and innovator in the digital art community, we are the first NFT gallery in the hospitality industry. Bringing the digital marketplace to life, guests can experience IRL (in real life) events and participate in live auctions, art drops and secondary market sales. Emphasizing education and building organic, meaningful connections, both King of Midtown and The Crypt Gallery have developed relationships in multiple industries with the aim of increasing mainstream exposure and involvement in the NFT community. Our mission is to unlock the future of human creativity — by hosting live interactive events that bring digital artists, collectors, communities and fans together. 

The brand shares another look at the Blazer EV SS ahead of the debut.

If gas prices are hurting your wallet like most people, than you might be extra excited to see this new sneak peak of the all-new Chevy Blazer EV. It will combine the reliability that the Chevy Blazer is known for with the latest EV and infotainment technology.

The all-new 2024 Chevy Blazer EV will be revealed on July 18. Developed from the ground up, the Blazer EV offers a groundbreaking mix of style, performance and technology. Stay tuned to learn more.

Summer is approaching, which means you might be hitting the road soon. Make sure your vehicle is roadtrip ready, no matter how near or far you are going.

Take advantage of our service specials so you can have confidence in your vehicle whether you’re headed to the Olympic Peninsula or across the country.

  • Front Brake Pad Installation (24 months/unlimtited mile warranty)
  • Front Brake Rotor Installation
  • Battery Installation (30-month free-replacement limited warranty)
  • $200 Rebate on GM Genuine Parts Engine, Transmission, or Transfer Case
  • Buy 3 Tires, Get the 4th for $1
  • Complimentary Tire Check
  • Aquapel Rain Repellant for $54.95
  • Sunroof Drain Cleaning and Preventative Leak Maintenance

Check out our website for the details, terms, and conditions for all of these and then book your appointment!

Here in the PNW, we love to grill salmon because it’s light, healthy, and flavorful. Sometimes you just want a burger, but you also want to be healthier, so you choose a turkey burger. Great choice!

This recipe for the Chimicurri Poblano Turkey Burger will delight your senses and be kinder to your waistline. Sometimes turkey burgers get a bad rap as being tasteless and dry, but not this one!

With flavorful ingredients like jalapenos, scallions, lime, and coriander, your tastebuds won’t know what hit them.Give this recipe a try and let us know how you like it!

Photo credit: www.feastingathome.com

May 30 is Memorial Day, when we all pause to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and freedoms. As you get together with friends and family this year, don’t forget to take time to quietly thank those who gave all.

While we can only do our best to honor and remember those veterans who have passed on, we can do more to recognize the veterans that walk among us every day. At Chevrolet of Burien, we do our utmost to serve active duty and veteran members of the armed forces. This includes providing wraparound service and the most inclusive military offers of any car company.

Stop in this weekend so our staff can tell you more about how we can help you get into a new Chevy or preowned vehicle. Find out more about our special offers to military personnel, teachers, and first responders.

Chevrolet SUVS provide enough towing power and control to help you move, tow your toys, and more! They make the perfect vehicles for family getaways, road trips, and just moving things around. Find out more in this article that originally appeared in New Roads, Chevrolet’s online magazine.

If you think you need a big, brawny pickup for trailering, it’s time to think again. These Chevrolet SUVs might surprise you.

When it comes to towing, pickup trucks grab most of the attention. Which makes sense, since many are specifically designed as work trucks to haul and tow heavy loads.

But don’t overlook the towing power of SUVs. Though they’re designed first and foremost to move people and their gear both comfortably and capably, SUVs have a sort of hidden superpower: the strength and capability to tow loads that you might think would require a truck.

We’re not just talking about the large, full-size SUVs, like the Chevy Suburban or Tahoe. The 2022 Traverse Premier, for example, can haul a ski boat, or two horses in a full-sized horse trailer. And the 2022 Blazer RS AWD, another midsize SUV, can get you and your passengers where you want to go along with your favorite toys like ATVs or dirt bikes.

The bottom line: That spacious and highly capable SUV that’s well equipped for you and your gear can also tow some serious stuff.

Trailblazer — handy for your next move

Small but mighty, the Trailblazer ACTIV features a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and its interior can accommodate objects up to 8 1/2 feet long. Its spacious rear-seat leg room means passengers in the back seat can stay comfortable even on longer trips.

Equinox — head for the great outdoors

Equinox Premier is designed not just to get around, but to get away. With 63.9 cubic feet of cargo area and a hands-free power liftgate, it’s easy to load up and hit the road. And Equinox also has standard Chevy Safety Assist, a bundle of six advanced safety features including Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, and IntelliBeam® high beam assist, among others.

Blazer — take your toys out to play

The stylishly designed Blazer RS is more than just good-looking. With sliding rear seats, available twin-clutch advanced all-wheel drive, and up to five drive modes for different driving conditions, Blazer RS gives you that rare mix of capability, comfort, and confidence.

Traverse — time to make some waves

With seating for up to seven, technology to keep you connected and entertained, and 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space, Traverse Premier lets you make the most of every drive. The second-row Smart Slide® seat makes for easy and convenient access to the third row or cargo area.

Offering 400 miles of driving range, up to 10,000 pounds trailering capacity and loaded with high-tech innovations

Today, Chevrolet introduced the 2024 Silverado EV — the reimagining of the brand’s best-selling nameplate, packed with the power and capability expected of Chevy Trucks, offering:

  • Expected GM-estimated 400-mile range1 on a full charge offered on Work Truck (WT) and RST
  • Up to 664 horsepower with more than 780 lb-ft of torque in available max power Wide Open Watts Mode on RST, enabling a GM-estimated 0-60 mph time of less than 4.5 seconds2
  • Standard DC fast charging (up to 350kW)3 on WT and RST
  • Up to 10.2kW of offboard power on WT and RST with optional equipment
  • Up to 10,000 pounds of maximum trailering with up to 1,300 pounds of payload on RST4

Developed from the ground up as a fully-electric truck on GM’s advanced Ultium EV Platform, the Silverado EV offers a boundary-breaking combination of capability, performance and versatility, along with advanced technologies that can evolve the vehicle over time.

“Chevrolet has constantly revolutionized the Silverado franchise to make it the powerhouse it is today,” said Steve Hill, vice president of Chevrolet. “The Ultium Platform is a critical enabler of next-level pickup truck performance for both fleet and retail customers, whether they are currently driving a Silverado or are considering a pickup for the first time.”

At launch, the Silverado EV will be available in two configurations, an RST First Edition and a fleet-oriented WT model. Each will offer a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety technologies.

The flagship RST First Edition includes:

  • Four-wheel steering
  • Automatic Adaptive Air Suspension
  • Multi-Flex Midgate that expands the truck’s cargo capability while maintaining seating for a rear row passenger
  • Available Multi-Flex Tailgate with power release
  • Large, 17-inch-diagonal LCD freeform infotainment screen paired with a neighboring 11-inch-diagonal reconfigurable driver instrument display and a multi-color driver head-up display with a field of view over 14 inches
  • Trailering-capable Super Cruise5, the industry’s first true hands-free driver-assistance technology, allowing drivers to travel hands-free on more than 200,000 miles of compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada
Silverado EV Trail Boss

The WT will launch first for fleet customers and offer impressive capability to meet the needs of organizations with sustainable transportation goals, including 510 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque. The WT will offer 8,000 pounds of towing and 1,200 pounds of payload4. After initial launch, Chevrolet will introduce a fleet model with up to 20,000 pounds max trailering with the max tow package4.

“GM Fleet has long provided customers with great products and services, an exceptional customer experience and innovative solutions to meet their unique business needs,” said Ed Peper, vice president of GM Fleet. “We’re excited to launch the Silverado EV, providing customers with a true work-capable truck to help them begin the transition to an electric fleet and assist them in achieving their own sustainability goals.”

Ultium-powered propulsion
The Silverado EV harnesses the power of the Ultium Platform, which is the foundation of GM’s EV strategy and the driver of the company’s vision for a zero-emissions future.

“The Ultium Platform enabled our design and engineering teams to start from a clean slate and create a pickup with impressive performance and capability,” said Nichole Kraatz, Silverado EV chief engineer. “The result is a truly impressive testament to the creativity and innovation our teams can bring to market with speed and at scale.”

A new body architecture, which efficiently leverages the available 24-module Ultium battery pack as a part of the fundamental structure, enables the vehicle’s impressive range. This structural design integrates the capability Silverado customers have come to expect from a full-size pickup in terms of strength, durability and performance, while also providing a more comfortable, confident ride both on- and off-road. 

Additionally, the chassis is designed with independent front and rear suspensions, with power transferred to the available 24-inch wheels on RST via front- and rear-drive motors that compose the e4WD system. Automatic Adaptive Air Suspension enables the vehicle to be raised or lowered up to 2 inches (50 mm).

Four-wheel steer capability reduces the turning radius at lower speeds for greater maneuverability in parking lots, and enhances handling and stability at higher speeds, particularly when trailering.

The RST and WT models also come with Tow/Haul mode, trailer hitch provisions, and an integrated trailer brake controller and Hitch Guidance. The RST also includes Chevy’s Advanced Trailering System.

Phenomenal performance
The RST and WT feature public DC fast charging capabilities of up to 350kW enabling approximately 100 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes based on GM estimates.

When combined with the available accessory power bar, the Silverado EV’s PowerBase charging system offers up to 10 outlets, to provide a total of 10.2kW of all-electric power for countless worksite or recreational needs, including powering your home, with the required equipment.

The Silverado EV is also capable of charging another EV using the available accessory charge cord, sharing its power in times of need.

With the growing North American network of chargers and the Energy Assist feature in the myChevrolet Mobile App, drivers can create energy-efficient route planning even while trailering.

RST owners also have access to Ultium Charge 360, GM’s holistic approach to EV charging, which is designed to simplify the overall charging experience, including access to more than 100,000 publicly available charging points in the U.S. and Canada.

WT customers have access to Ultium Charge 360 Fleet Service, which offers one of the industry’s most comprehensive charging solutions for businesses, whether drivers take their vehicles home or return to a central depot.

Designed for performance and functionality
Inside and out, the Silverado EV RST and WT are thoughtfully designed for functional flexibility.

“We had no constraints when it came to designing the Silverado EV with dramatic style and flexible utility because we didn’t need to work around a traditional propulsion system,” said Phil Zak, executive director of Chevrolet Design. “The Ultium Platform allowed us to redefine what it means to offer expansive new storage and utility possibilities.”

Exterior proportions and surfacing convey the truck’s capability and athletic performance. The front-end design has been sculpted to efficiently direct air down the body side, significantly reducing drag and turbulence. As a result, the Silverado EV WT is estimated to have one of the lowest drag coefficients of any available production full-size pickup truck, which helps enable the impressive range.

The Silverado EV will be offered exclusively in Crew Cab models, with a shorter front overhang that gives the truck a more aggressive stance, more spaciousness and enhances forward downvision. The second row is pushed rearward, meaning passengers over 6 feet tall will be comfortable no matter where they sit.

Customizable first row storage on both RST and WT models makes the most of the interior space and provides functional solutions for a variety of customer needs.

The eTrunk – a lockable, weatherproof compartment in the front of the vehicle – provides enough space to fit a large hardside suitcase and a multitude of accessory options for both fleet and retail customers to load gear based on the unique needs of the customer.

The RST’s modular console features a capacity of just over 7 gallons, meaning a lunch cooler can easily fit inside. The RST features a fixed-glass roof, which offers expansive visibility, increased headroom and an enhanced experience for both front and rear passengers. 

On the RST, the storage capacity of the 5-foot-11-inch bed is maximized thanks to the innovative available Multi-Flex Midgate, which provides just over 9 feet of storage between the cab and the tailgate when the Midgate is open.

A 40/60 second row seat offers four configurations that allow users to haul gear or equipment while still accommodating a passenger in the second row. With the addition of the available Multi-Flex Tailgate the Silverado EV RST enables up to 10 feet, 10 inches of load floor and storage capability. An available tonneau cover allows items such as lumber or a kayak to be loaded into a fully lockable, weatherproof storage compartment.

Technologies for today and tomorrow
The Silverado EV is packed with the latest technology, including an advanced software system that enables vehicle technologies to evolve over time.

As a driver approaches the RST with an enabled cell phone or key fob, a distinctive lighting animation greets them.

Upon entering the vehicle, a bold 3D animation appears on the RST’s large 17-inch- diagonal LCD freeform infotainment screen, which is paired with a neighboring 11-inch-diagonal driver instrument display. Together with a driver head-up display with a field of view over 14 inches, a driver can’t ask for more information at their disposal. With new, hands-free start, the vehicle turns on automatically after the driver enters with an enabled device, leaving hands free to buckle up and get on the road.

A major enabler of the Silverado EV’s technologies will be the brand’s first application of Ultifi, a new Linux-based software platform. Developed in-house at GM, it separates the vehicle’s software from the hardware to enable rapid and frequent software updates. This will give drivers the opportunity to evolve their vehicles over time, enhancing both the capabilities and accessing cloud services in a flexible and fast way.

Production, availability, and reservations
The Silverado EV will be assembled with domestically and globally-sourced parts at GM’s Factory ZERO, Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center — a facility repurposed and retooled with a $2.2-billion investment devoted to EV production.

In spring 2023, the Silverado EV will debut a WT model offering GM’s longest range battery with an expected GM-estimated range of over 400 miles on a full charge. In fall 2023, a fully loaded RST First Edition model, also delivering a 400-mile range, will debut with an MSRP of $105,000 + DFC. After production ramps up, Chevrolet will unleash the full Silverado EV portfolio, including WT (with a starting at MSRP of $39,900 + DFC), RST, Trail Boss and more. Customers will have the ability to content the truck across various price ranges, with MSRPs around $50,000, $60,000, $70,000, $80,000 and more, allowing them to choose the truck that meets their capability and pricing needs.  

It’s no secret that right now it takes a bit more work to find the vehicle you are looking for because of supply chain limitations in the automotive industry.

But that Burien Chevrolet still has new vehicles ready to go and, in some cases, the new vehicles do not cost too much more than pre-owned vehicles. These specials end April 30, so get to Burien Chevrolet to go for a test drive today!

  • Chevrolet Bolt EV (no more trips to the gas station!)
  • 2022 Chevrolet Equinox LT
  • 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD LT
  • 2022 Chevrolet Equinox RS

Stop in today to take advantage of special deals on these vehicles; get more information on each on our website!

Outdoors in a Box

Apr 21, 2022

Camping is a favorite pastime of many Burien-area residents. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we have some fantastic camping opportunities and the Chevy Trailblazer may be the perfect vehicle to get you there and help you have a great time. Check out this story from Chevrolet’s online magazine, New Roads, about the new Chevrolet Trailblazer is a great choice for people who love camping.

Fold it, collapse it, or deflate it: Today’s camping gear is easier than ever to stow small and fit inside your vehicle.

Stow your notions of bulky, heavy tents and unwieldy gear that seems to require three hands to put back in the box. Today’s camping gear and accessories are remarkably svelte and often fold down into compact sizes for storage and travel. That means getting away from the grind and spending a weekend at the campground is a simpler affair than in years past.  

With that easily packable gear, there’s no need to rent a large SUV or truck for the weekend or tow a trailer behind. The 2022 Trailblazer ACTIV is compact enough for urban driving and parking in your day-to-day routine but offers a generous amount of cargo space for your expertly folded gear. That makes it an ideal partner for escaping the urban jungle and getting into the woods. Thanks in part to its sport terrain tires, a suspension tuned for rougher roads, and available all-wheel drive, you’ll have added confidence when getting to the trailhead or the campground. All you need is the right equipment and some clever packing, and you can be off to your outdoor destination.

Two people carry a fold-up kayak, fully assembled, through a campsite between a Zeus Bronze Metallic Trailblazer and a tent.

The Basics

Packing light for your camping trip starts with compact yet functional accommodations. It’s no surprise that today’s tents meet that definition. The Stoic Driftwood, for instance, sleeps three when set up and folds down into a bag about the size of a yoga mat. Stuff that rolled-up tent in Trailblazer’s rear-seat footwell and know you’ll have plenty more room for creature comforts, like an inflatable mattress pad and the Stoic Groundwork sleeping bag. The latter measures an easily packable 15.5 by 10 inches when all wrapped up in its carrying pouch.

And your four-footed friends may or may not be compact, but their camping necessities are: Look to Ruffwear collapsible dog bowls and foldable dog beds to bring everything your spoiled pooch needs to stay well fed and comfy while camping.

If you’re trying to get away from the crowds, you’ll want a more rustic campsite that may come with fewer creature comforts. Fortunately, folding tables take up little space inside Trailblazer’s cargo area but offer a stable surface for prepping and cooking meals.

Two photos, one of two people making coffee using a handheld Nanopresso espresso maker, and the other of a lot of camping gear loaded in the back of a Trailblazer ACTIV, with a dog on the ground next to the car.

Fuel Up and Explore
Camp food is sometimes reduced to burning hot dogs over a fire pit, but not when you have a portable camp stove. The BioLite CampStove 2+ includes attachments for grilling, boiling water, and brewing coffee, and clever electronics use excess heat from its flame to charge your phone. Talk about multifunctional. Pair it with the Sea to Summit X Set, which features a pan, pot, and kettle that fold nearly flat for the trip home, and you’re equipped to craft an above-average al fresco dinner.

With stomachs full, take advantage of the open spaces around your campground. Carrying your outdoor toys on a roof rack is one way to go (Trailblazer ACTIV is equipped with standard roof-mounted side rails to attach a rack). But today, there are folding versions of sports gear like bicycles and kayaks, so you can carry them inside the Trailblazer. That means your equipment is protected from the weather and hidden from view. And it’s considerably easier to load everything into the back cargo area than to tie it to a rack, especially if you’re packing up on your own.

Retrospec’s Weekender Inflatable Paddle Board is a prime example of clever thinking where outdoor fun outweighs packing fuss. Inflate it with the included pump and it expands to a generous 10 feet long, while the aluminum paddle telescopes from 3 to 9 feet in length. Yet deflated and packed, it measures just 3 feet by 11 inches. Not sure your balance skills can handle the paddle board? Look to brands like Oru Kayak, California-designed kayaks that unfold, origami-style, from easily portable to lake-ready in minutes. They’re not only simpler to store in a small home or apartment than a traditional kayak, but their compact folded size makes them a cinch to stuff into the car at the last minute.

Seen from above, two people are lying on the ground in a campsite in sleeping bags surrounded by a large variety of camping gear.

Relax to the Max
Still, getting away from it all can just be about disconnecting: Grab a good book, set up folding bamboo camp chairs, and zone out to the sound of the rustling leaves and chirping birds. Sure, the Trailblazer has an available built-in Wi-Fi® hotspot that you can connect up to seven devices to, from as far as 50 feet away from the vehicle. But isn’t it better to ignore the emails and get back to nature?

One thing you don’t want to leave behind in civilization, of course, is your morning caffeine jolt. Go ahead and make a traditional drip brew with your camp stove, or get fancy with the Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker. The pocket-sized black cylinder is completely hand-powered — no batteries to forget to charge. Weighing in at just under 12 ounces and less than 6 inches long, it will tuck into your daypack with a thermos of hot water — perfect for a freshly brewed shot on your hike to the nearest peak to catch the sunrise.

When it’s time to head home, the journey back on the pavement gets a little more entertaining and convenient thanks to Trailblazer’s standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. They allow you to use many of your favorite music or navigation apps right on the vehicle’s touch-screen. An available wireless charging pad helps make sure there’s plenty of power to keep your devices charged up before you head out into the woods.

The bottom line is that today’s camping gear makes outdoor exploration much more accessible. Whether you’re a seasoned pro used to packing for weeklong trips or an amateur just looking for an escape from the city, products that are foldable, inflatable, and collapsible just make sense. The smaller your outdoor gear, the more of it you can bring along — and the easier it is to carry to your campsite. Like the Chevy Trailblazer, it’s all about having maximum function inside a just-right-sized package.