After a tiring week at work, with the weekend joyfully looming ahead of me, I often find myself fantasizing about a short sweet getaway! Just a few days away from my hectic life, and this hectic world, in a bubble of my own, where all my worries are nowhere to be seen. And with the summer season setting in, I’m definitely in the mood to soak up some sun; and, camping could be a great outdoor activity. Although camping does have a few downsides too – I mean, you have to get down and dirty, live life on the road, and tackle the moodiness of the elements. In such a scenario, having a set of trustworthy and handy camping products can make a world of difference! Having the right products by your side can make your life much easier during those crucial moments. From a portable power station to a flashlight duo with multiple modes– we’ve curated some fun and functional camping designs for you. Enjoy!
1. FireBase
FireBase is a foldable firepit that consists of five metal parts that can be slotted into each other like puzzle pieces, so that you don’t need to spend much time fussing or focusing on the equipment, but can rather concentrate on the fire and the food. You can slot in the optional trivets, and you have a stand for putting pots and pans on top too.
Why is it noteworthy?
The metal bonfire stand embraces a minimalist design where every part and cutout serves a purpose. In addition to the slots for inserting metal pieces like trivets and side plates, there are also holes in the middle that facilitate airflow.
What we like
- Minimal and clean form
- Easy to disassemble the contraption for more convenient cleaning and carrying
What we dislike
- The basic structure of the firepit allows for minimal cooking, and not additional cooking techniques.
2. The LIPOWER Mars-2000
The LIPOWER Mars-2000 is a beer-cooler-sized power station that provides you with 2000W of power no matter where you are or you go! Irrespective if you’re camping outdoors, spending a chill evening on the beach, taking a road trip, or attending a casual photoshoot, the LIPOWER Mars-2000 is an excellent portable power source that’s been amped with EV-grade LFP batteries for sustained power.
Why is it noteworthy?
The 1460Wh power station weighs 35.5 lbs (16.1 kilograms) and comes with built-in handles that let you load it on the back of a car and carry it pretty much anywhere you want. The LIPOWER Mars-2000 offers 10 different ports to charge/power a whole slew of devices, including 3 110V AC ports, 3 12V DC ports (including one car outlet), 3 USB-A ports (including one USB3.0 port for fast charging), and one USB-C port that outputs 60W, making it perfect for phones, tablets, and even laptops.
What we like
- There’s also an input for plugging solar panels into the LIPOWER Mars-2000, charging it via solar energy up to 80% in 5 hours, according to its makers, LIPOWER
What we dislike
- It is a bit bulky to be carrying around in the outdoors
3. HOTO Flashlight DUO
HOTO Flashlight DUO is a versatile flashlight designed to be used conveniently in camping scenarios. Yuxin incorporated and integrated various modes and inclusions to expand the innovative flashlight’s usability.
Why is it noteworthy?
There’s a retractable magnetic hook, strap, and magnetic base to make sure you are covered for any kind of usability. This gives the user freedom to go hands-free and focus on the task at hand. You can either stick it to a hanging space or magnetically hook on onto any metal object.
What we like
- The simple interface honed by a knob and button makes possible 13 different light combinations
What we dislike
- A bit on the pricey side
4. Rux
Rux is a simple, yet modular and flexible gear container. It is super durable and allows you to hold all your stuff, and it is soft-sided so you can fold and pack it up when you’re not using it!
Why is it noteworthy?
It has several components that you can easily put together and comes with additional accessories that you can add to it to organize all your gear. It can be a good companion for fishing trips, camping adventures, cross-country road trips, and various events where you need gearboxes.
What we like
- It has a lid with easy-access folds and is made from compressed Eva foam
- It comes with removable side handle straps and nylon webbing straps
What we dislike
- It does seem a bit big to be carrying around everywhere
5. The Tekto F2 Bravo
The Tekto F2 Bravo features a sharp design amped with a seamless, luxurious, and functional experience that makes it stand out against the sea of tools in your toolkit.
Why is it noteworthy?
The knife’s blade is made using 2 materials, Forged Carbon and G10, and uses ceramic ball bearings to ensure that the blade-flipping motion remains smooth after repeated use.
What we like
- The drop point, made of strong D2 steel, cuts through a variety of materials easily
- Weighing just 68g, it easily fits into any bag or pocket, allowing you to literally carry this EDC on an everyday basis
What we dislike
- The blade comes with one variant – the Titanium-Coated D2 Steel and offers no alternative for anyone wanting any other option
6. SpherEscape
The SpherEscape is a unique and innovative spherical tent that will instantly capture your attention and is designed to be a true testament to the convergence of design and functionality.
Why is it noteworthy?
Crafted with advanced materials and state-of-the-art technologies, SpherEscape ensures unwavering protection against the harshest weather conditions. This means you are guaranteed comfort and safety in any situation – whether you’re an avid traveler, a passionate camper, or someone in search of a fancy romantic getaway.
What we like
- Allows you to bask in the beauty of nature
What we dislike
- There is no explanation on how to elevate the tent when needed, so it’s unclear on whether it is a difficult/time consuming process.
7. The Microtech Exocet Dagger
With a tiny 1.94-inch blade, the Microtech Exocet Dagger is actually legal to carry in most states, making it the perfect EDC to have on you at all times. The dagger features an OTF-style (out-the-front) drop-point blade made from CTS 204P steel that’s perfect for piercing and carving outdoors and doing things like opening boxes indoors.
Why is it noteworthy?
The blade retracts into the Exocet’s rather comfortably compact aircraft-grade aluminum handle, which also has a pocket clip on one side that doubles up as a money clip, letting you carry your cards and cash with you. I imagine taking out your money for a mugger would be a pretty interesting event, given that your de facto wallet also doubles as a blade!
What we like
- It’s also the relatively wide pocket clip on its side, which Microtech designed to also double as a money clip, giving you a safe and secure place to store your Benjamins
What we dislike
- We wish it had at least one additional function to make a multitool EDC
8. Tentsla
The Tentsla is not just a funny pun, it is a tent that perfectly fits into the boot of your Tesla, and opens up into a full-fledged tent that can be utilized alongside the Tesla’s Camp Mode.
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed to turn your EV into the ultimate camping experience, the Tentsla comes with all the bells and whistles, including a multi-use weather-resistant canopy, mosquito netting, and a pump to help you set up your Tentsla in minutes. Once you’re ready to make your way home, the Tentsla folds right up into a bundle small enough to fit in your EV’s frunk or boot, keeping you ever-ready for any impromptu tailgating session!
What we like
- Boasts a multi-canopy design that lets you block out the sun from pretty much any angle to keep your tent cool during the day
- Tentsla is designed to withstand up to 6000mm of water pressure, keeping the tent’s interiors waterproof even in inclement weather
What we dislike
- Only restricted to the Tesla Model Y
9. The Titanium Multi-Function Pry Bar
Built from Gr5 Titanium, the Titanium Multi-Function Pry Bar is a pocket-friendly tool that is designed to be lightweight, versatile, durable, and also meant to last forever!
Why is it noteworthy?
It sports 10 different tools that cover every scenario from fixing your bicycle to escaping your car, and from cracking open a bottle of beer to writing a letter… all of which encapsulate that ‘forever’ aspect, including the last bit, thanks to the fact that the Titanium Multi-Function Pry Bar comes with its own Forever Pen – a special metallic writing instrument that can write forever, without using ink or graphite.
What we like
- The Titanium Multi-Function Pry Bar has the unique distinction of having tools that can be used indoors and outdoors and in casual settings or emergencies
What we dislike
- The Pry Bar and Tritium capsules are shipped differently
10. The Garmin Foretrex 801
The Garmin Foretrex 801 is an innovative and unique wearable designed to help you explore the great outdoors even better! The wearable is perfect for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, as it makes their journey enhanced, elevated, and more precise.
Why is it noteworthy?
The wearable has been equipped with advanced sensors and enables you to navigate with precision. It features an upgraded multi-band GNSS which provides improved position accuracy.
What we like
- Durable and sturdy design
- Features a stealth mode that keeps your data and you off-grid
What we dislike
- The aesthetics don’t match the edgy designs we are accustomed to seeing from the usual Garmin gadgets.