Gadgets, Gizmos & Gear (Part 1)
One of the greatest things about camping is learning new tricks and gadgets to make your life easier and more fun when you’re camping. Whenever we camp, we walk around the campground checking out other campers’ equipment. Some are brilliant. Some are comical. But we always come home with a new idea for how to do something, or an item or two that we want to make or buy. Invariably, over the 25 years we’ve been RV camping, we’ve picked up a lot of great ideas, recipes, and equipment from talking with other campers. We’re happy to share what we’ve figured out ourselves or learned from others. Please note: I’m not associated with, nor compensated by, the companies who make these products.
UMBRELLA CLAMP: The perfect solution for campsites with no shade. This innovative device clamps to most picnic tables except really thick ones ($38 at mistercoolz.com). Amazon also sells different models. Ideally, get one that will adjust up to a 2.5” table thickness. Then just buy a simple beach umbrella and you have the perfect, moveable canopy for sun or drizzle. You’ll be surprised by how many people come by and ask you where you got the setup.
LUCI LIGHTS: Boy oh boy, Luci Lights are one of my favorite inventions! They’re light-weight, inflatable solar LED lights that are indispensable for dry camping. We have 8 of them! They charge in 7 hours, have 3 light intensities as well as a strap to hang them or carry them like a flashlight. Get them at REI for around $30 or a little less at Walmart.com. The 5” diameter lights come in cool or warm light. Additional hack: Go to a dollar store, buy two clear, translucent, cylindrical “Tupperware” type containers about 4” diameter and about 6” tall. Remove lids, invert them on your picnic table. Put your Luci lights on top—elevating them gives off more light to illuminate the whole table. Warning: Luci Lights can be damaged by over-expansion at high altitude or when left in super-hot sun. I learned the hard way! Keep them slightly deflated. Also great for power outages at home—which happens a lot where we live. We keep one constantly charged on a windowsill. We also give them as semi-weird gifts but each recipient has thanked us when their power goes out!
BENCH PADS: I spend so many hours writing at campsite picnic tables that I consider these a camping necessity! We go through a pair every 2-3 years because the straps tend to rip out. But they’re well worth the $13 at www.campingworld.com. They fit most benches and fold neatly into thirds for storage. Amazon also has a variety of picnic bench pads. I’m always surprised by how many people ask where we got them. I didn’t think they were such an unusual sight.
TABLECLOTH BUNGEES: These elastic bands keep your tablecloth from going airborne into the next campsite when it’s windy. They’re super easy to put on and fit every picnic table we’ve come across so far. They’re only about $7 at www.campingworld.com.
CAMP CHAIRS: We like these Timber Ridge chairs from Costco (2-pack for $100). There are lots of companies who make similar chairs. It’s a personal preference. However, I think the pop-up side table (with drink holder) is a must—for books, phones, and of course, coffee cups and wine glasses. These chairs are relatively light weight and rugged. We also have lounge chairs for nap-taking and sky-gazing. Got to have the right chair for the right situation!
In Part 2, I’ll cover lots more fun stuff to make your life easier. If you have suggestions for more gadgets, gizmos, and gear to share, please send them to me from my contact page.
Happy camping, and we’ll see you out there!