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The leaves are changing, the air is getting crisp. It's a great time of the year for camping. We've rounded up some neat (and affordable) gadgets to help you weather the wild. And keep these in mind for any outdoorsy folks on your holiday gift list this year.
It's a water bottle! No, it's a flashlight! Wait—it's both! The LightCap is a one-liter bottle that has a solar panel on the lid. Charge it in the sun all day and you'll have up to six hours of light to guide you at night. ($25)
There's nothing like drinking wine around the campfire. But who wants to lug around fragile bottles that you have to drink in one sitting? The Bota Box holds four bottles' worth of California wine in a lightweight box with a handle. It stays fresh more than a month after opening (about $20).
Souped-up tents are out, apparently. Hammocks are the new black. REI's travel hammock won't break the bank, and comes with a built-in mosquito net to protect you from the little beasts ($39). The Hennessy Hammock comes with netting, a detachable rain fly, and support ropes. "It's especially popular with teens who don’t want to sleep in the big tent with Mom and Dad," says the site (from $80).
The lightweight, pocket-sized HYmini charger converts wind and solar energy into a power source for all your gadgets. In just 20 minutes, you can tack 40 minutes of life onto your MP3 player or take an additional 20 photos with your camera. Think of all the power you could harness on a long bike ride (from $50).
Find these and more thought-provoking ideas for camping gear at TrustyPony.com, the travel goods blog.
What products make your life easier on the road?
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My mini solar charger. Powers my cell phone and iPod in about 40 minutes. I just leave it outside during the day, and take it in at night to charge my stuff.
Posted By Annie on October 14, 2008, 5:22 PM
The Bota Box sounds awesome, and I don't even have to go camping to enjoy one. But what I'd really like is one of these Aquaduct bicycles, that purifies water as you pedal:
http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/10/08/aquaduct-bike-purifies-water-as-you-pedal/
Posted By Marilyn Terrell on October 15, 2008, 1:46 PM
Emily - I want the LightCap. That's awesome.
Posted By Janelle on October 15, 2008, 4:50 PM
I've slept in a Hennessy Hammock for about five years now and it's a life-changing experience. The hammock sets up in most situations in five or less minutes. I find a camp site, make dinner and save hammock hanging unti right before bedtime. It's also super light.
I've even slept soundly in highway rest areas while other exhausted drivers writhed around in fitful sleep. I just walked over to two trees, set up and crawled in. I woke up ready to drive another 10 hours.
Posted By G.R. on October 16, 2008, 2:26 PM
the light cap is cool, but not as bright as the pictures! Just warning you. I'm hoping they make it a little brighter!
Posted By amy on October 17, 2008, 8:52 AM