They tempt you with pictures of happy campers, laughing and enjoying their new camping gadget that promises comfort and performance at an unbelievable price. It would be easy to blame a naive consumer for squandering their hard-earned money on this junk, but unfortunately a lot of it comes from name-brand companies.
The 11th Essential: Lightweight Hammock
Sometimes Christmas comes twice a year. I was cleaning out the garage last month and getting my gear in order, when what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a brand new hammock from Trek Light Gear! I had forgotten all about buying these – I gave away several of them last summer, one in a contest and another to the 1,000th reader comment, here on CampingBlogger. Obviously I kept one for myself, and proceeded to forget all about it, until stumbling across the hammock six month later.
10 Outdoor Headlamps for Under $30
Headlamps are the new flashlights and if you haven’t tried one out yet, then you are really missing out. Headlamps allow you to keep your hands free, if you are carrying gear or trying to hammer a tent stake, which is a real plus. Also, the light is shining in the right direction whether you are walking or reading a book inside the tent. Best of all, competition continues to bring the price down and the features up, giving you more for your money. Here are ten headlamps for under $30 that can replace that old flashlight.
Hybrid Down Bag for Camping and the Home
A few weeks ago I talked about the little Kotey bag that I carry in my daypack. On the opposite end of the scale is our big, puffy, rectangular Downlite™ sleeping bag. The Downlite is one of the most flexible pieces of gear that we own, because it zips completely open into a down comforter which is great around the campfire and even on our bed. What other piece of camping gear gets regular use in your home?
Small Sleeping Bag, Smaller Price
It’s always been my contention that when it comes to camping gear, you have to pay a premium for the lightweight backpacking variety. That logic got stood on its head when Eureka!® sent me one of their Kotey 35-degree bags, which weighs just a shade over two pounds and retails for less than $100.