Big plans this summer? Check out these cutting edge camping accessories for the next time you boldly go into the wilderness.
Goal Zero Venture 30 Weatherproof Phone & Tablet Recharger
Find it: Active Endeavors, Fin & Feather Buy it: $79.99*
If you want to goof around on your iPad or stare at your phone while immersed in nature’s splendor, then you’re in luck. This travel recharger has two USB ports so you can charge your phone or your tablet or both at the same time. It’s pretty much completely waterproof; I watched a Youtube video of some guy dunking it in water. The device itself charges via USB or solar panel, which is sweet — the only bummer is that the solar panel is sold separately.
Sea to Summit TPU Audio Waterproof Cases for Smart Phones
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Find it: Active Endeavors, Fin & Feather Buy ‘em: $29.95–39.95*
You’ll want to protect your fully charged smartphone from the elements. The TPU Audio Waterproof Case has a little channel jack so you can still plug your headphones into it even while the phone is snug inside its protective sack. Perfect for canoeing on the Wapsie.
MiniPresso Portable Espresso Machine
Find it: Fin & Feather Buy it: $65
A Little Village office favorite. This portable espresso maker comes with a built in coffee scoop and espresso cup, and pulls a shot with a good-looking head of crema.
LuminAID Packlites
Find it: Active Endeavors, Fin & Feather Buy ‘em: $19.99–24.95*
These lanterns provide up to 30 hours of LED light and recharge under seven hours of direct sunlight. They’re waterproof, they float — they are just so cool.
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Alite Designs Mantis Chair
Find it: Fin & Feather Buy it: $120
One of the most compact camping chairs — packed-up, it’s under a foot long. Unfolded it can support a human weighing up to 250 lbs!
Drinktanks 64 oz & 128 oz Vacuum Insulated Growler
Find it: Active Endeavors, Fin & Feather Buy ‘em: $69–114*
If you’re packing for a bike trip out to Sugar Bottom, think about the Drinktank growler. It’ll keep eight pints of beer cold for 24 hours or your coffee hot for 12. Bonus: It comes in an array of handsome colors.
Yeti Coolers
Find it: Active Endeavors, Fin & Feather, Scheels Buy ‘em: $29.99–349.99*
Yeti offers a whole line of beer cooling technology. They have the Colster, a stainless steel double-walled vacuum insulated beer koozie, and Yeti Ice, which freezes faster than an average ice pack, and stays cold for ages. Their ice chests and coolers are certified “grizzly proof;” they actually tested them against two 1,500 lb grizzly bears to ensure their durability.
Grand Trunk Double Hammock
Find it: Active Endeavors Buy it: $49–69*
Light-weight and mildew resistant, the Grand Trunk Double Hammock is made of parachute nylon and can hold up to 400 lbs. When used as a single hammock, the extra nylon also serves as a useful bug net.
*Prices may vary
This article was originally published in Little Village issue 200.