Gear to Go

As warm weather approaches, we can’t wait for the first camping trip of the season! Here is some great gear to add fun (and convenience) to your adventures, whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a few months on the road.

Goal Zero

The Goal Zero Sherpa 50 solar power pack has ports to directly charge USB devices, laptops and anything requiring 12V DC; device charging takes as long as it would from a wall outlet. The Sherpa 50 can also be powered using a wall charger or car charger, and only weighs 1.2 lb. It can be paired with another Sherpa 50 for additional power capacity; each unit stores 58Wh.

Available for $269.99 at www.bestbuy.ca

The Goal Zero Boulder 30 will charge the Sherpa 50 (above) in four to eight hours. This 30W solar panel is waterproof and designed for temporary or permanent installation. It can be linked with up to three other units for increased charging speed/capacity.

Available for $259.99 at www.bestbuy.ca

BioLite

The BioLite SolarHome 620 solar lighting system is powered by a 6W panel. A 20Wh central control box powers three overhead lights (including a motion-activated security light), a USB charge-out, and even plays an MP3 and FM radio system. An 18-ft. cable allows for multi-room lighting.

Available for $189.99 at www.bestbuy.ca

EcoTek

The inflatable Air Hammock Lounge by EcoTek Outdoors is a compact seating solution for relaxing almost anywhere. Only 1.5 kg and 15×10 inches when deflated, it grows to over six feet long when inflated and can hold over 400 lb.

Available for $42.95 at www.amazon.ca

Trekology

With a 300-lb. capacity and three adjustable heights to fit adults or children, the Trekology YIZI Go portable camping chair weighs only 2 lb. thanks to a foldable, aluminum alloy frame. Mesh side panels provide ventilation, while a handy storage bag keeps loose items safe – and, at only 14 inches long, it also holds the chair when it’s not being used.

Available for $49.99 at www.amazon.ca

Coghlan’s

Keep your site clean with Coghlan’s Mini Pop Up Trash Can, a durable polyethylene container that folds away when it isn’t being used, but holds an impressive 53L of trash when expanded, with a zippered lid to keep pests away.

Available for $13.00 at www.mec.ca

GSI

Having an extra table for setting up outdoors is essential, and the GSI Macro Table provides two heights (21.6 cm or 37.5 cm) with a lightweight, aluminum structure that is durable and easy to stow away. It holds up to 9.1 kg and weighs less than 2 kg.

Available for $72.95 at www.mec.ca

KODIAK

Safety first. If you find yourself stranded or in trouble, the Kodiak Flare Kit with launcher and flares will ensure you’re seen. A belted, secure holder includes three flares, two bear bangers and a launcher in a waterproof case.

Available for $58.99 at www.mec.ca

GARMIN

The Garmin Foretrex 401 GPS waterproof wrist unit has a trip computer, electronic compass, barometric altimeter and a battery that lasts up to 17 hours. It stores routes and waypoints, and can transmit data wirelessly or through a USB port. It also provides info about hunting and fishing, and a path-retracing TracBack feature so you’ll never get lost on the trails.

Available for $128.48 at www.amazon.ca

CABELA’S

If you have an unused 2-inch towing hitch, you can add Cabela’s TrailGear 2 Folding Cargo Carrier to utilize additional storage space for carrying up to 500 lb. of cargo, and fold it back up when it isn’t in use. The heavy-duty steel-tube construction is powder-coated for a long-lasting finish.

Available for $179.99 at www.cabelas.ca

GO TRAVEL

Go Travel makes translucent, waterproof bags and pouches (safe to 1m depth) for almost every portable electronic device, including iPod, iPad, Kindle, phone and camera.

Available for $12.99 to $24.99 at www.jet-setter.ca

NAPIER

Napier offers several truck-bed, SUV, minivan and hatchback tents, including Backroadz and Sportz in four truck sizes. A variety of styles are custom-designed to maximize convenience and utility, with room to sleep up to six.

Available for $169.99 to $469.99 at www.bestbuy.ca

AIRBEDZ

AirBedz Lite makes full-size, short- and long-bed truck air mattresses that fit over the wheel wells to utilize the entire truck bed. Made of high-grade PVC construction, with a portable DC air pump and 16-foot cord.  

Available for $198.32 at www.amazon.ca

WACACO

The Wacaco Nanopresso is high-powered and hand-operated, so you don’t need a power source to enjoy your favourite java. Weighing less than a pound and under 16 cm long, it can hold up to 80ml of water. All that’s needed is fine-ground coffee, and the built-in hand pump easily activates the brewing process.

Available for $89.90 (with protective case) at www.amazon.ca

BRIGGS & RILEY

The Briggs & Riley Large Hanging Toiletry Kit will free up your minimal cabinet and counter space, and when it isn’t hanging for convenient access, you can bundle it up. A variety of mesh and leak-proof pockets help to keep everything organized.

Available for $115.00 (and up) at www.jet-setter.ca[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]