On the hunt for the latest camping gadgets? As summer arrives, we take a look at a few more of the latest releases in the world of camping equipment.
Bringing the most fundamental of human discoveries up to date, the Biolite FirePit promises smoke-free fires which can be controlled by an app. Sound too futuristic to be true? It’s certainly drawing crowds on the camping scene. This modern take on a fire pit, is a mesh container shaped like a small holdall where you can start a fire in the usual style. But controlling it is where technology comes into its own. At one end, it has a fan within a detachable powerpack that controls airflow to the flames. Charge it up via its USB port and you’ll have 24-hour’s worth of fan power – unless you choose to charge your phone with it (another of its uses). You can control it directly or download the app to your phone and connect via Bluetooth.
Vango’s new-for-2019 Thermacore Sleep Mat is described as their most advanced yet. It has what they call a Typhoon Valve which means it pumps up quick and air won’t flow back out. Inside, it’s got a siliconized hollow fibre core and a height of 6½cm, which, to the average camper, simply means you’ll be insulated and off the floor. It’s got a pack-down size of 35cm x 19cm, weighs 740g, and stretches to 185cm when unpacked and inflated. It’s made of a material that’s durable and “crinkle free” so it should provide years of quiet night’s sleep on camping trips – depending on where you pitch your tent of course.
You may have seen LifeStraw bottles for a while, but when it comes to camping gadgets, this relatively simple one is hard to beat. When you’re out and about on your adventures, the LifeStraw means you can drink from any (non-saltwater) water source safely – so it’s especially good if you’re backpack camping, wild camping or camping abroad. Its filtration system protects against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, chlorine and organic chemical matter. The bottle is BPA-free and, while it’s pricier than other water bottles, it can literally be a lifesaver; for each bottle bought, clean water is provided to a child-in-need for a year.
Unless you’re a super-organised camper or go in for a spot of luxury glamping, you probably live out of your bag during camping trips. These Pack-It Specter cubes can help make finding that all-important pair of clean socks easier. A series of lightweight, water resistant, translucent bags, pouches and folders, Pack-It Specter Cubes, create pockets in your bag where none exist. You can separate clothes and other camping gadgets and gear by colour to make finding things faster. We particularly like the two-sided Dirty-Clean cubes.
Okay, a watch may not strike you as a strict camping necessity, but Elliot Brown watches are designed with adventurers in mind and rigorously tested to withstand the elements, so should survive any camping trip. The latest addition to the Kimmeridge collection for women is a Mother of Pearl face that can be teamed with soft silicone rubber straps in a variety of different colours. Breather lines on the inside of the strap are based on the OS contours of Tyneham Cap which overlooks Kimmeridge Bay on the Jurassic Coast. It’s one of the most popular camping destinations on our website and a part of the world that inspires this British brand, which is headed up by Ian Elliot, co-founder of Animal, and Alex Brown who spent 17 years helping establish the company’s watch department.
Waterproof, dirtproof and rugged, Eagle Creek’s latest duffel bags have been designed to last with sustainability in mind. Traditional weak points have been strengthened and materials have been carefully chosen. They are 100% solvent free and feature material made out of plastic removed from landfill. But what are they like to use? They open wide, Doctor’s-bag style, so it’s easy to find your belongings but also pack in to a neat cuboid shape that can be stacked. They have both holdall-style carry handles, grab handles on the ends and tuck-away padded rucksack-style straps. Available in 40, 60 and 90 litres with larger wheeled versions too.
If you’re in the market for a new family tent this year, how about considering the Eurohike Air 400 and 600 tents? You can leave the world of poles behind and opt to inflate your home-from-home on the campsite in the shape of these four and six-man tents. The bedroom compartment at the back of the tent has an optional divider so you can create two separate bedrooms if you’re camping in a larger group. Waterproof and breathable, these Eurohike tents are available exclusively from Blacks and Millets.
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