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Best Camping Gadgets

Started by Fishin BC, Jan 05, 2005, 04:23 PM

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Fishin BC

I was reading all the things that everyone got their pop ups for Christmas.  Great thread!  

Anyway, I was wondering if you would all share your ultimate favorite camping gadget, or things you have devised that you now couldn't camp without.

Our newest gadget that I couldn't live without is rather silly.  Hubby found me a galvanized steel plant stand on wheels.  I use it as a coal pan for my dutch oven.  I can put it on the picnic table, light my coals, cook in my oven and not have to bend over and try lifting a 12 inch deep dutch off the ground.

Please share all your cool gadgets, we are always on the lookout.

Campaholics

The one thing we wouldn't camp without?  That would have to be The Box.  
The Box has all our dishes, pots and pans, dish pans, silverware, knives, serving spoons, hot pads, tin foil, zip lock bags, measuring cups, spices, sugar, flour, oil, matches, cutting board, and other odds and ends.  Fully loaded about seventy pounds.  I made the box when we first started camping.  It opens from the front, for spices, serving spoons, drawers for silverware and knives; from the back for plates, pots, dish pans, etc; and the top for hot pads, tin foil, zip locks, table cloth, etc.

It keeps everything organized, easy to find, and easy pack.

Bob

RumRunner

Favorite camping gadget....Igloo electric cooler.

griffsmom

Quote from: CampaholicsThe one thing we wouldn't camp without? That would have to be The Box.
The Box has all our dishes, pots and pans, dish pans, silverware, knives, serving spoons, hot pads, tin foil, zip lock bags, measuring cups, spices, sugar, flour, oil, matches, cutting board, and other odds and ends. Fully loaded about seventy pounds. I made the box when we first started camping. It opens from the front, for spices, serving spoons, drawers for silverware and knives; from the back for plates, pots, dish pans, etc; and the top for hot pads, tin foil, zip locks, table cloth, etc.
 
It keeps everything organized, easy to find, and easy pack.
 
Bob
We have the Campmate Kitchen, which is a commercial product that sounds exactly like the box you made. I keep mine right outside the camper on a table where I can do all my food prep and where it conveniently located next to our grill and DOs.  I LOVE not having to run in and out of the camper 420 times anymore when fixing a meal!
 
My other favorite gadgets (can't narrow it down to just one--if you ever saw us set up the camper , you'd understand why!:yikes: ): INexpensive fans we bought at Wal-Mart (no a/c on the PU) when it was 97 degrees in Temecula--IN THE SHADE!!!!; the camping mat we bought from the PUT store--it keeps out so much dirt and cleans up splendidly!; and my dutch ovens and a nice wine to drink while I'm cooking with them! :D

Turn Key

Number 1, best gadget we found is DW's electric throw blacket.  She was always cold in the PU at night and wanted to run the heat way higher then I liked.  She wanted to get a regular electric blanket with dual controls.  When we saw the price (around $100 for a good one) we both decided that that was a bit much for something we would only use when camping and then only for a couple of months out of the year.
 
While leaving the department at Wal-Mart (where else!) we came across an electric throw blanket made by Sun Beam.  It has three settings and was about the right size for one person.  Best of all, it only cost $30!  Needless to say, we jumped on that and have never looked back!  It's worked great for DW when we're camping and she uses it at home as well so we can keep the heat in the house down in the winter.  We're both happy and if I get a bit cool at night, well what the heck?  Just snuggle a bit closer:)!
 
Happy Camping!

Calstate361

I agree with some of the others, I can't keep it to just one so I'll mention them in the order we purchased them.
 
1. We got so tired of the dirty and heavy green grass mats so we purchased the mats that are in the PUT store, except we got ours at Camping World when they were on sale. You can also purchase them from a Dog Specialty Store.
 
2. Electric heater that oscilates. We camp most of the time where we have electricity. Why use your propane when you can use their electricity.
 
3. The folding drying rack (I have it listed in the products review forum). It is great for drying the towels that get wet and have them out of the way and not draped over a chair.
 
4. A small dorm refrigerator. It is larger than the Coleman or Igloo ones. It so nice not having to go get ice every few days. We purchased it around July of last year and it has almost paid for itself already (purchased at Best Buy for $125.00). We plug it in and get it cold the night before, then put it in the truck almost empty (due to weight) when we travel. At the campsite after we have the Hybred leveled, we put it just outside the door so it is handy and then we fill it up. It also has a small freezer in it so that helps with extra ice cubes or ice cream if I don't have room in the freezer inside. It kept things so cold, in the hot August sun (we covered it with a extra bunk end blanket), that the beer was icy!
 
I could go on with more, but this is good enough for now.
 
Joan

Fishin BC

You have to twll me more about these mats!  The grass mat is a pain and with two dogs I am constantly sweeping out the trailer.  I looked here at the PUT store site and didn't find anything.  What do they look like?  I think I need me a "BOX".  You're so right Lori, I am so tired of running in and out of the PU.

billy

I also purchased a patio mat at Camping World

http://www.campingworld.com/browse/products/index.cfm?deptID=1&subOf=47,3&prodID=4170

So far I could not be happier with it. It is 10 times better than our old indoor/outdoor grass mat!
Take a look at the "Our Camp site" link below to see the mat in action.

griffsmom

Quote from: Fishin BCYou have to twll me more about these mats! The grass mat is a pain and with two dogs I am constantly sweeping out the trailer. I looked here at the PUT store site and didn't find anything. What do they look like? I think I need me a "BOX". You're so right Lori, I am so tired of running in and out of the PU.
BC-
 
We had to have one after we saw Moose's, so you can check out his at the Doheny DOG.  Moose and we go back and forth buying things that the other already has.   Everytime we camp with them, there's always a trip to Costco or Wal-mart at some point during the weekend!  :D

Michicampers

My Fox Hill double oven. Love it, love it, love it.

MtnCamper

Quote from: MichicampersMy Fox Hill double oven. Love it, love it, love it.
It is a really nice addition isn't it. Works just like the one at home.

cyclone

I have to vote patio mat, as well.  I got mine here: http://www.cherrybrook.com/store/SearchResults.aspx

They call it a dog pen mat; the bag it came packaged in called it an RV mat.  I have the 6' x 8' size which is perfect for the awning.  I can't say enough about how handy it is.

Dee4j

My mini  4 pronged rake thingy with the cushy grip for manipulating firewood to achieve the optimum campfire. those who have seen it & ma at the campfire get it.  

 and Lori I have seen you set up camp. did I see a kitchen sink???  ;)  :J



the thermos metal koozies keep beer cold and it fits in the chairs cup holder


the one thing that has gotten the most use and for multiple tasks was an old very large roasting pan thats as old as I am. it has done dishes cook a huge amount of spaghetti. a great pan in a water fight and my DD even had a bath in it at a year old.

sandykayak

these are the outdoor mats for dogs:

http://www.cherrybrook.com/index.cfm?do=list&categoryid=420

Item No: 16-013    
 6'x8' (1.8x 2.44m) Exercise Pen Ground CoverDescription : 6'x8' (1.8x 2.44m) Exercise Pen Ground Covers are perfect for mid-size ex-pens. Use these colorful ground covers to protect your pet from mud, fleas, ticks, grass stains, glass- all the problems of having an ex-pen on dirt or grass. The tublular plastic surface provides a safe surface that allows waste cleanup while allowing liquids to flow through. Just hose or brush to clean and roll up for storage.    
 Low Price : $20.95
     Quantity :

NCSunshine

You MAY still be able to get the mats through PUT by emailing Dave.  If you are a paid member of the site you would also get the 10% discount.