Camping and RVing doesn’t just involve the pulling up to a site, pitching a tent or hooking up and kicking back – there are usually activities planned, and that means gear.
It seems as though every time we head out, someone brings along a new piece of gear that I wind up coveting, and it’s a struggle to keep from running out after the trip and buying it. Not only is the cost a factor – we just can’t afford every new gadget and gizmo – but there are also the considerations of space and weight. In addition, I think we can all count the number of items collecting dust in the corners of closets and storage spaces.
But every once in a while, a piece of equipment turns out to be truly revolutionary, a top-notch replacement or so useful that it does wind up being worth the money. Here are a few that have earned a permanent spot on our excursions:
Topeak Harpoon S2 Harpoon Master Blaster Bike Pump
Not only is this now the bike pump we carry while we’re actually biking – it’s so small, it works well attached to a bike or stashed in a backpack – it replaced our floor pump, as well. It automatically adjusts to fit either Presta or Schrader valves, so there’s none of that awkward unscrewing of caps and pulling out the spongy insides (and then dropping all the innards into the dirt with filthy hands, etc., while you’re on the trail), and it locks right on. But the best part is that this little thing rocks on the inflation part: It not only sends a big burst of air in when you push in, but also when you pull the handle out. So the tire fills up in no time, and pretty much effortlessly, so a small child can do it. If you’re worried about overinflating, just switch it over to low pressure. Also comes with a needle attachment for inflating basketballs and soccer balls.
Buy it here: www.amazon.com, $23
SteriPEN Water Purification System
If you’ve been using the old iodine tablets or chlorine to sterilize your water when on a long backcountry hike, it’s time to check out this system. Lightweight and economical in the long run, the unit uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in the water. You just stick the wand end of the PEN into the water, and wait until the light turns off, which indicates that the water is clean. The PEN claims to be 99.9 percent effective, which is as good as or better than any other system. Initially, the cost will seem prohibitive, and at first I was skeptical about the battery use, but now that I’ve been using it for a year, I’m sold. Each set of rechargeable batteries is supposed to be good for between 50-75 liters of water, but I’ve actually gotten closer to about 80 (they recently came out with a hand-powered unit, by the way, but I haven’t tested it). Bonus: Iodine and chlorine make the water taste icky. I have a friend who’s so enamored of the SteriPEN, he takes the small unit along each week when he trains for a marathon.
Buy it here: www.steripen.com, starts at $70
eGear Collapsible Floating Lantern
River rafters, fishermen and other water bugs will appreciate this waterproof lantern, but everyone who needs light at night and knows that sometimes it rains, you want a small compact unit that packs away easily, and that it’s nice when you can hook the thing onto something at a weird angle will love it, too. The hook pulls out of the handle, which is ingenious, and the light comes on as soon as you open it up, so no fumbling around for a switch in the dark. It’s 6” high and 3” around, and takes 3 AA batteries.
Buy it here: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/, $13
The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.
