TOP 10 CAMPING GEAR OF 2014

We have recently presented you with ‘5 Reasons you should be spending more time outdoors‘. Spending time outside has a huge influence on our well-being, even if it is just a short walk around the countryside. On the other hand, a longer stay outdoors would require some equipment that would preserve the comfort of civilization and still enable you to enjoy the open-air surrounding. This is why we have decided to help you with the equipment choices that will make your outdoor adventure even more enjoyable.

1 – POWERPOT V – THERMOELECTRIC COOKING POT

First of all, you will need to cook something. There are several options for this, but the PowerPot V has another perk. It is a charger that does not depend on solar power, or any power-storing devices, but rather on something you will definitely need in the outdoors – fire.

The PowerPot V converts heat energy into electric power and thus charges any device you need. Additionally, it does it as efficiently as a common outlet would. Of course that the Pot is very sturdy and that the cable is flame-resistant.

BUY | $76.45

2 – BIOLITE CAMPSTOVE

If you loved the PowerPot V, but you would require a more potent cooking aid, the Biolite Campstove might be the choice for you. It also enables you to cook on wood while a thermoelectric generator converts the heat energy into electric power which lets you charge your USB enabled devices. Additionally, a fan powered from the same source creates airflow and thus improves combustion which allows you to boil a liter of water with just 46 grams of wood.

BUY | $129.95

3 – BIOLITE BASECAMP STOVE

The same company is responsible for the final cooking device we are going to present here. The BioLite BaseCamp Stove has all of the amazing features of the two previous products, with some additional perks as well. You still get the 5W thermoelectric generator for conversion of heat into electricity, the combustion improving fan technology and the USB charging port. Additional perks are the folding legs that allow you to set the height the way it suits you, the flexible light, LED indicator dashboard and a battery that saves energy for charging even when you’re not cooking anything.

BUY | $299.95

4 – MATCHCAP | WATERPROOF MATCH CASING

Another thing you will love is the MatchCap waterproof match casing. It can take up to 20 matches up to the length of 72mm – which is most of them. Moreover, the casing is waterproof down to the depths of 5 meters. It is made of modified high quality 6061 aircraft aluminum so the MatchCap is very sturdy. With two strikers – one at the bottom and one on the inside for further protection – and an O-ring, there is no way you will ever have a problem with matches. The beautiful design is also aided by three different color options – black, blaze orange, and gunmetal gray.

BUY | $19.99

5 – GOAL ZERO LIGHTHOUSE 250 LANTERN

We really can’t live without our mobile phones. Another outdoor product with the ability to charge your phone is the Lighthouse 250 lantern by Goal Zero. The LED equipped lantern also has a USB charging port. The lantern relies on a lithium-ion USB-rechargeable battery complemented with a built-in management system with charging and low-battery protection. The battery juices up in just 7 hours from laptops or wall adapters using the included USB cord.

BUY | $79.99

6 – CAMPFIRE CUISINE COOKBOOK

So you liked the idea of cooking in the wilderness and charging your devices? Cool, but you’ll also need an appropriate cookbook for ideas. This is where the Campfire Cuisine Book by Robin Donovan jumps in. It includes more than 100 elaborate recipes, information on the required equipment and various other tips that you will find valuable. Of course, having in mind the outdoor conditions, the book is compact and it has a paperback cover.

BUY | $10.75  

7 – LIFESTRAW PORTABLE WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM

After all this cooking and eating you will need some water. The Lifestraw Portable Water Filter is very small filter which is able to eliminate about 99.9% of bacteria and parasites or anything that is larger than 0.2 microns. Additionally, the Lifestraw is good for about 264 gallons of water and its design and operation allow you to drink water directly from streams. There are no batteries, chemicals or removable parts and it is very cheap so it is no wonder that the Lifestraw has won many awards.

BUY | $19.95

8 – HOW TO STAY ALIVE IN THE WOODS

Another book on the list, this one by Bradford Angier, a true survival expert. Divided into four sections – Sustenance, Warmth, Orientation and Safety – the book tells you how to catch game without a fire arm, make a shelter, make clothes and keep warm, as well as what you should or should not eat. Even if you are not all that into such adventures, this book is still a fetching read.

BUY | $15.50

9 – DOUBLENEST HAMMOCK | BY ENO

After all the work you need to do in the wild, you will welcome a bit of relaxation and the Doublenest Hammock is just perfect for this. It can provide comfort for two people which makes it very useful, but, when packed it its compression sack, it is the size of a grapefruit. The unpacked size of 6 feet, 8 inches by 9 feet, 10 inches, however, gives loads of relaxation space. It can take weight of up to 400 lbs, but the Doublenest itself weighs only 22 ounces. It has also been treated with an insect repellent and 16 color patterns even give way to your sense of design.

BUY | $69.95  

10 – SUMMIT SERIES ASSAULT 2 TENT | BY NORTH FACE

Finally, if a long day in the wild makes you want to stay a bit longer you have the option of a proper outdoor accommodation. The Assault 2 tent is made of breathable DryWall™ fabric which sports the ultimate tear strength. Moreover, it can accommodate two people and it has a removable vestibule that you can opt not to carry with you in order to decrease weight of your equipment. The tent is, of course, fully waterproof and heavy-duty reflective Kevlar guylines and glow-in-the-dark zip pulls make the Assault 2 a stunning piece of equipment. Unique design features make way for extra headroom on the inside, as well as for the strength and durability.

BUY | $399