Camping Gear Reviews - Create Your Campsite!
Heavy Duty Wheel Chocks
Campsite Pro camping gear reviews: Heavy duty wheel chocks
I own 2 travel trailers as well as a cargo trailer, and every year I have to replace another chock or two because they have cracked or hold poorly in some of the mountain terrain we take these trailers to.
These wheel chocks weigh over 2 pounds each. They are solid rubber and have aggressive ribs on the side that cup the tire. They hold amazing on gravel as well as in oil spots on the street. They are so reliable that I am going to have to get rid of all the old plastic ones I have purchased from the camping and hardware stores, and buy a set for each trailer. When unpackaged, the rubber has a very strong odor - you will want to install these right away or at least leave them outdoors.
I do not have a single complaint to make about these chocks, they are heavy duty and very effective. I have wasted a small fortune on cheaper plastic chocks that always need replacing sooner or later - I will be purchasing more so I have enough for every trailer.
These wheel chocks weigh over 2 pounds each. They are solid rubber and have aggressive ribs on the side that cup the tire. They hold amazing on gravel as well as in oil spots on the street. They are so reliable that I am going to have to get rid of all the old plastic ones I have purchased from the camping and hardware stores, and buy a set for each trailer. When unpackaged, the rubber has a very strong odor - you will want to install these right away or at least leave them outdoors.
I do not have a single complaint to make about these chocks, they are heavy duty and very effective. I have wasted a small fortune on cheaper plastic chocks that always need replacing sooner or later - I will be purchasing more so I have enough for every trailer.
Outdoor String Lights
Campsite Pro camping gear review: Outdoor string lights
I purchased this set of string lights because I needed lighting that is especially durable for campsites. I had a number of features I was looking for - it needed to survive weather, it needed to be rugged for frequent packing and transporting, and it could not get too hot to cause a danger to screens and tent material.
These commercial string lights are 24ft long with a bulb every 12". If you want to add another string, the end bulbs are 6" from the ends so that the lights remain evenly spaced between the new connection. Each bulb base has a set of holes for mounting - perfect for permanent mounting at home or for hooks or zip strips at the campsite.
I am not a fan of bright LED lighting, and these lights have a relaxing golden glow. The bulbs are large, about the size of a ping pong ball. The lights get warm but not too hot to cause a danger to fabrics including nylon screens. Each bulb seats down into it's base and a surrounding rubber barrier reduces moisture getting inside. The bulbs really need to be firmly screwed into its base - after first assembling my lights and plugging them in, only one bulb lit up. I went back and tightened some, then about half the bulbs lit. I have a fear of having a bulb break in my hand if I use too much pressure, but these bulbs need that pressure to seat in. I ended up using my silicon rubber cooking mit, and had to back some unlit bulbs out and re-screw - they are all lit now and have not loosened up after being packed away then set up again.
I have gone through many set of lights and thought I would never find a set that deserved 5 stars, but this set is impressive and I really can't think of how they could be any better. The cord as well as the bulb receptacles are weather and moisture proof, the light set doesn't come loose or unravel during packing and transport, the bulbs don't get too hot for fabrics, and the lights emit a wonderful golden glow. We have used this set for lighting inside the outdoor screened canopy, inside a large family-sized tent, strung outside a travel trailer, and over our deck at home.
These commercial string lights are 24ft long with a bulb every 12". If you want to add another string, the end bulbs are 6" from the ends so that the lights remain evenly spaced between the new connection. Each bulb base has a set of holes for mounting - perfect for permanent mounting at home or for hooks or zip strips at the campsite.
I am not a fan of bright LED lighting, and these lights have a relaxing golden glow. The bulbs are large, about the size of a ping pong ball. The lights get warm but not too hot to cause a danger to fabrics including nylon screens. Each bulb seats down into it's base and a surrounding rubber barrier reduces moisture getting inside. The bulbs really need to be firmly screwed into its base - after first assembling my lights and plugging them in, only one bulb lit up. I went back and tightened some, then about half the bulbs lit. I have a fear of having a bulb break in my hand if I use too much pressure, but these bulbs need that pressure to seat in. I ended up using my silicon rubber cooking mit, and had to back some unlit bulbs out and re-screw - they are all lit now and have not loosened up after being packed away then set up again.
I have gone through many set of lights and thought I would never find a set that deserved 5 stars, but this set is impressive and I really can't think of how they could be any better. The cord as well as the bulb receptacles are weather and moisture proof, the light set doesn't come loose or unravel during packing and transport, the bulbs don't get too hot for fabrics, and the lights emit a wonderful golden glow. We have used this set for lighting inside the outdoor screened canopy, inside a large family-sized tent, strung outside a travel trailer, and over our deck at home.
Bimini Boat Top for Inflatable Boat
Bimini boat top for inflatable boat
I purchased this Bimini boat top for a 12ft inflatable boat (Intex Excursion). We have added wood floors and a trolling motor to the boat, so the oar holders permanently mounted on the sides were unused and perfect for attaching the Bimini top.
This Bimini top was packaged really well and received quickly after ordering. It went together quickly and mounted right up after I had purchased a couple large washers and extra long thumb screws - the whole process took maybe 1/2 hour. Plenty of room for moving around underneath. The fabric seems to be pretty durable - I did spray it down with tent waterproofer hoping it will extend the life of the fabric. The poles are strong aluminum and the whole setup looks professional and as if it were made just for my boat.
The top looks expensive and the poles and fabric are durable and quality built. Assembly was quick and quite easy with complete hardware and thorough instructions - adapting it to your particular boat is what you will spend time on. This top makes my low-cost boat look like a million bucks, and the comfort it has added to our time on the lake is priceless.
This Bimini top was packaged really well and received quickly after ordering. It went together quickly and mounted right up after I had purchased a couple large washers and extra long thumb screws - the whole process took maybe 1/2 hour. Plenty of room for moving around underneath. The fabric seems to be pretty durable - I did spray it down with tent waterproofer hoping it will extend the life of the fabric. The poles are strong aluminum and the whole setup looks professional and as if it were made just for my boat.
The top looks expensive and the poles and fabric are durable and quality built. Assembly was quick and quite easy with complete hardware and thorough instructions - adapting it to your particular boat is what you will spend time on. This top makes my low-cost boat look like a million bucks, and the comfort it has added to our time on the lake is priceless.
Shower Tent
Campsite Pro: Shower
Tent
I know this is going to be long, but this shower tent has changed camping so much for us. I am sure the manufacturer has sold many of these tents to campers who first saw one in a campground - everyone who comes by asks to see it and where we found it. We no longer have women and girls in the family that don't want to go camping because there is no privacy or facilities. We have full bathroom facilities even when we are deep in the forest with no power or water. We use it whether we are tent or trailer camping, we use it in campgrounds even though there may be nearby facilities, we have brought it along for day picnics, and this summer we used it for changing in the backyard when all the neighborhood was swimming in our pool. It is one of my favorite pieces of camping gear (and we have an incredible amount of gear!)
Set up is under 10 minutes. This tent must be assembled and can be set up by one person, but two is better. The roof is a rainfly over a net ceiling, and I don't even put it on unless we have rain/snow or it is extremely cold - plus I like the tent to have an opportunity to really dry out when we have been running the shower.
The walls are standard tent nylon. I hang a light inside plus have a small nightlight, and you cannot see anything from outside when the tent is lit up at night. The door enters into the "dry" side, and there is a sort of hanging shelf where you can put your items to keep dry while showering. I put a rubber-backed bath rug on this side to catch all the dirt coming in, plus it is nice to step on to after showering. The shower side's floor has netting at the edges to allow water to drain out of the tent, and the entire floor is sealed to the tent walls so there are no critter surprises when you are inside. I put a rubber car mat on the floor for extra stability on this side, and we use a square inflatable kiddy pool when we need a small bath for our little ones. There are hanging pockets on this side that hold soaps, shampoo, washcloths, etc., and they are actually pretty stong. There is a very thin sheet of nylon that can be tied between the two rooms to keep the dry side dry, it is somewhat effective but could be improved upon. The peak of the roof, where a shower hose or lantern might be hung, is in the center of the tent, right over the center of the two rooms. It's great for hanging a light there, but you have to aim the shower head toward the shower room. I know that some campers use solar shower bags, but there is no way I would hang something so heavy from this roof - the poles are not metal up there and already kinda feel like they could break just assembling the tent. There are nylon ties up there but we hang a lantern there with a carabiner. Also, there is no port hole to run any kind of water hose - you would have to run the hose through the top of the door and stop the zipper at it, or create you own opening in the tent. We use a 5-gallon bucket filled with hot water we boiled on the camp stove, combined with a battery operated little shower pump, and it is all contained inside the tent.
When not being used for a shower, we keep a portable potty in the shower room, and everyone seems to prefer to use the tent potty even when we have the trailer with us which has a bathroom. The tent is roomier than you would think, and even the larger members of the family have plenty of room for dressing and moving around. We found a little plastic sink that draws water from its own little inner reservoir, and keep it on a crate on the dry side - it is great to have everyone wash their hands in there instead of gathering around the camp kitchen while I am trying to cook. The tent has also become our first aid station since the porta potty makes a great seat, the sink is in there with water, and the hanging shelves always contain the first aid kit.
This tent sometimes can be found on sale, and I have picked up 2 for gifts for campers and they both were ecstatically happy. I cannot imagine camping without it anymore, and keep telling myself I should buy a spare because I would truly hate to be without one.
Ok, thanks for allowing me to rave and write a novel about this shower tent. I shall narrow down the good and not so good:
The concept itself deserves 10 stars
Even the finicky will now be happy to go camping
Stable, pretty sturdy, not see-through
Plenty of room for all sizes of persons
Wonderful for a portable toilet bathroom
Can be used for other events besides camping
Really needs a port hole added for bringing hoses in from outside
The roof poles could be stronger so more weight could be hung from it
A hook over the center of the shower side would be convenient
The dividing curtain could be more substantial or secure more tightly
Set up is under 10 minutes. This tent must be assembled and can be set up by one person, but two is better. The roof is a rainfly over a net ceiling, and I don't even put it on unless we have rain/snow or it is extremely cold - plus I like the tent to have an opportunity to really dry out when we have been running the shower.
The walls are standard tent nylon. I hang a light inside plus have a small nightlight, and you cannot see anything from outside when the tent is lit up at night. The door enters into the "dry" side, and there is a sort of hanging shelf where you can put your items to keep dry while showering. I put a rubber-backed bath rug on this side to catch all the dirt coming in, plus it is nice to step on to after showering. The shower side's floor has netting at the edges to allow water to drain out of the tent, and the entire floor is sealed to the tent walls so there are no critter surprises when you are inside. I put a rubber car mat on the floor for extra stability on this side, and we use a square inflatable kiddy pool when we need a small bath for our little ones. There are hanging pockets on this side that hold soaps, shampoo, washcloths, etc., and they are actually pretty stong. There is a very thin sheet of nylon that can be tied between the two rooms to keep the dry side dry, it is somewhat effective but could be improved upon. The peak of the roof, where a shower hose or lantern might be hung, is in the center of the tent, right over the center of the two rooms. It's great for hanging a light there, but you have to aim the shower head toward the shower room. I know that some campers use solar shower bags, but there is no way I would hang something so heavy from this roof - the poles are not metal up there and already kinda feel like they could break just assembling the tent. There are nylon ties up there but we hang a lantern there with a carabiner. Also, there is no port hole to run any kind of water hose - you would have to run the hose through the top of the door and stop the zipper at it, or create you own opening in the tent. We use a 5-gallon bucket filled with hot water we boiled on the camp stove, combined with a battery operated little shower pump, and it is all contained inside the tent.
When not being used for a shower, we keep a portable potty in the shower room, and everyone seems to prefer to use the tent potty even when we have the trailer with us which has a bathroom. The tent is roomier than you would think, and even the larger members of the family have plenty of room for dressing and moving around. We found a little plastic sink that draws water from its own little inner reservoir, and keep it on a crate on the dry side - it is great to have everyone wash their hands in there instead of gathering around the camp kitchen while I am trying to cook. The tent has also become our first aid station since the porta potty makes a great seat, the sink is in there with water, and the hanging shelves always contain the first aid kit.
This tent sometimes can be found on sale, and I have picked up 2 for gifts for campers and they both were ecstatically happy. I cannot imagine camping without it anymore, and keep telling myself I should buy a spare because I would truly hate to be without one.
Ok, thanks for allowing me to rave and write a novel about this shower tent. I shall narrow down the good and not so good:
The concept itself deserves 10 stars
Even the finicky will now be happy to go camping
Stable, pretty sturdy, not see-through
Plenty of room for all sizes of persons
Wonderful for a portable toilet bathroom
Can be used for other events besides camping
Really needs a port hole added for bringing hoses in from outside
The roof poles could be stronger so more weight could be hung from it
A hook over the center of the shower side would be convenient
The dividing curtain could be more substantial or secure more tightly
Tahoe Gear Ozark tent
Campsite Pro: Tahoe Gear Ozark tent
Meet the Tahoe Gear Ozark tent. It was our first purchase, and arrived only after long, drawn-out research, plus some serious thinking about where exactly we would be able to pitch a tent this size – it is 16′ round and they say it sleeps 16, but we have slept eight still with room to move, and I think 12 would reasonably be the maximum I would try. Turns out, we have rarely had a problem finding space – though we have on occasion had to pitch right up between trees, or have a slight slope under part of the tent. I love, love this tent, and so does absolutely everyone that stops to ask to see it.
This tent takes me 20 minutes to set up alone. It consists of 5 long fiberglass poles that span the roof, and 10 metal poles that run from the ends of the roof poles to the ground. I build it before I get the floor finally situated, because you don’t want some of the tent walls too loose or too tight. I lay a heavy-duty 20×20 tarp underneath because it really resists some of the chill underground, and being mountain campers it is not always possible to find an accommodating area of smooth ground. We begin camping in May and sometimes go into October, and temperatures can become extreme especially in high elevations (we often camp at 12,000 feet). I layer for cold and heat as soon as we begin building camp.
Then begins all the staking and tethering. Even on a calm day, in the mountains there are often windy afternoons, and some areas gusts can be 40-60 mph. I have learned my lesson, I am a faithful tetherer. Inside, the tent is halved by a wall down the center that can zip shut. There are huge windows everywhere, the front of the tent becoming an airy screen room if you desire, the back half making huge sleeping quarters where we put 2 queen size airbeds, quite a bit of gear, and still have room to move around. That large back half has a nylon wall that can be tied to make 2 smaller rooms rather than the large one. Before bringing any gear in, we lay outdoor carpeting which we bought off a huge roll at the hardware store then cut to each half of the tent. The carpeting is incredibly lightweight, folds down pretty small, and packs as padding among our gear.
Above, the entire ceiling is net, with a rainfly roof that can easily be put on or off. The huge open ceiling looking out to trees and mountains and sky is spectacular! At each side of the tent is a zippered door which has a zippered screen, and next to one of the doors is a port to run electric cords. We have had a dorm refrigerator in there, flat screen tv, electric heater. This tent does pretty well in the rain – of course you cannot have anything touching the outer tent walls, but also you must be sure you stake the tent poles especially so that there is no sag in the wall portions containing the doors, or rain will be able to get in at the bottom of the door where the zippers meet.
For us, this tent is pretty darn close to perfect. I read the specs, considered the practicality, read every review I could find, searched for sales … and here we are.
This tent takes me 20 minutes to set up alone. It consists of 5 long fiberglass poles that span the roof, and 10 metal poles that run from the ends of the roof poles to the ground. I build it before I get the floor finally situated, because you don’t want some of the tent walls too loose or too tight. I lay a heavy-duty 20×20 tarp underneath because it really resists some of the chill underground, and being mountain campers it is not always possible to find an accommodating area of smooth ground. We begin camping in May and sometimes go into October, and temperatures can become extreme especially in high elevations (we often camp at 12,000 feet). I layer for cold and heat as soon as we begin building camp.
Then begins all the staking and tethering. Even on a calm day, in the mountains there are often windy afternoons, and some areas gusts can be 40-60 mph. I have learned my lesson, I am a faithful tetherer. Inside, the tent is halved by a wall down the center that can zip shut. There are huge windows everywhere, the front of the tent becoming an airy screen room if you desire, the back half making huge sleeping quarters where we put 2 queen size airbeds, quite a bit of gear, and still have room to move around. That large back half has a nylon wall that can be tied to make 2 smaller rooms rather than the large one. Before bringing any gear in, we lay outdoor carpeting which we bought off a huge roll at the hardware store then cut to each half of the tent. The carpeting is incredibly lightweight, folds down pretty small, and packs as padding among our gear.
Above, the entire ceiling is net, with a rainfly roof that can easily be put on or off. The huge open ceiling looking out to trees and mountains and sky is spectacular! At each side of the tent is a zippered door which has a zippered screen, and next to one of the doors is a port to run electric cords. We have had a dorm refrigerator in there, flat screen tv, electric heater. This tent does pretty well in the rain – of course you cannot have anything touching the outer tent walls, but also you must be sure you stake the tent poles especially so that there is no sag in the wall portions containing the doors, or rain will be able to get in at the bottom of the door where the zippers meet.
For us, this tent is pretty darn close to perfect. I read the specs, considered the practicality, read every review I could find, searched for sales … and here we are.
Coleman Instant Screened Canopy
Campsite Pro: Coleman Instant Screened Canopy
Bass Pro Camp Kitchen
Campsite Pro: Bass Pro deluxe camp kitchen
Alps 0 degree sleeping bag
Campsite Pro camping gear reviews: Alps sleeping bag
Camping at altitudes around 12,000 feet, July nights in the Rocky Mountains can be around 20 degrees and lower. I have never been a fan of mummy bags, and the Alps Cedar Ridge sleeping bag provides plenty of room as well as warmth in frigid temperatures. Two zipped together make a large and comfortable bed for two.
Queen size air mattress
Camp Chef "Everest" camp stove
Campsite Pro: Camp Chef Everest propane stove
I read many reviews and specs for quite a few different types of propane stoves, and purchased the Camp Chef Everest as a result. I was going to be making a one-time purchase of a brand new propane stove which would hopefully last me the rest of my camping lifetime, and I was willing to pay a bit more - yet not an exorbitant amount - for the right stove. I can sometimes have a large group to cook for, and having something large enough to use 2 full-size pots or pans simultaneously was important. This stove is wider (just under 24") than previous stoves I have used, yet it is pretty lightweight (12 lbs.) and is the same size depth-wise as other stoves - it sits just fine on the camp kitchen. I boil large pots of water for bathing or cooking, and a higher BTU was a feature I especially searched for. I am really happy with how quickly I can heat water now, though the higher BTUs, the more propane you will use. It is so great to percolate coffee and cooking time for almost everything is reduced. Normal amount of propane use when cooking at lower temperatures. It would be cool if the burner knobs had some sort of reference point for low or medium, but you figure out what works for you quickly. I am a fan of self ignition, and the igniter button has always fired on the first strike. The button is located on the face of the stove, near the burner knobs, and I find that I must have a grip on the stove when pushing the igniter button because it tends to slide the stove back. The stove is a bit more stable during ignition on a non- slippery surface like a wooden picnic table. I would have liked to have the button located somehow on the surface of the stove that could be pushed directly downward. There are wind guards are on sides of the stove, a strong wire cooking rack which is as well built as my home oven racks, and the burners are recessed under the wire rack and are situated so that clean up is not a hassle at all. We mountain camp and wind can sometimes really be a problem, but I have never had a burner blow out. I wanted to hook the stove up to a propane tree and bought an expensive extension hose, but the hose fittings did not match my stove and I have not yet attempted to locate the proper adapter - I used the small propane bottles that you can purchase in a four-pack all this season, but normally I would just use the smaller bottles when I do not have a larger propane tank with me. The stove comes with the adapter for those smaller bottles. The stove has a metal latch for closing and transporting, and a wire handle which seems strong but is kind of uncomfortable. I like to keep my equipment nice, and will next purchase a good padded bag to transport and store this stove in. I have now used this stove over a 5-month camping season and I am really happy with the quality, features, and price.
I have given the Camp Chef Everest Propane Stove 5 stars for the following reasons:
Higher BTUs have really improved cooking experience, greatly reduces time for boiling water
Extra width provides adequate space for two full size pots/pans used simultaneously
Good dial control
Igniter lights on first strike, every time
Strong cooking rack
Easy to keep clean
Lightweight, can transport and set up myself
Flame has good wind shelter
I would have liked to have clear information regarding the correct extension hose and adapter to use
I have given the Camp Chef Everest Propane Stove 5 stars for the following reasons:
Higher BTUs have really improved cooking experience, greatly reduces time for boiling water
Extra width provides adequate space for two full size pots/pans used simultaneously
Good dial control
Igniter lights on first strike, every time
Strong cooking rack
Easy to keep clean
Lightweight, can transport and set up myself
Flame has good wind shelter
I would have liked to have clear information regarding the correct extension hose and adapter to use
Camp Chef propane fire pit
Campsite Pro camping gear reviews: Camp Chef propane fire pit
When summers are fairly dry, fire danger is high in the mountains. Many years, a fire ban is imposed. Open wood fires are not allowed. However, often a propane fire source is allowed as long as there is access to an immediate fuel shut off. We purchased the Camp Chef Redwood fire pit for this main reason, but have come to appreciate it also for the convenience of having a full fire in a moment by the touch of a button. Lack of firewood is not a problem, nor is wet wood. No smoke to blow in our faces when gathered around. We forever love wood fires, but this fire pit has added a level of comfort to our camping. It is great on the back patio on summer nights, and is no bother to bring along on a picnic. A really great addition to our gear!
Folding table and benches
Campsite Pro: Folding camp table and benches
We purchased this table and benches set because some of our more primitive campsites provide only a fire ring. We take it along no matter where we are camping now, because it is the perfect size for the screen room in the front of our tent. The set is heavy and folds flat. The benches will hold two adults each and are fairly stable (not tippy).
Kelty Airlift inflatable tent
Campsite Pro: Kelty Airlift 4-man inflatable tent
Shower tent
Harbor Freight trailer
Campsite Pro camping gear reviews: Harbor Freight trailer
I soon found my SUV was not going to be large enough for all the gear we wanted to take. I needed an inexpensive trailer that was going to be small enough to handle myself. I purchased a Harbor Freight trailer kit, built it myself, then had a friend help me finish it by teaching me some basic wiring and how to pack wheel bearings. It is great to have all the gear on the trailer while the car remains uncluttered and comfortable. It’s also nice to be able to unhitch when I want to drive in to town and not have to haul all the gear with me.
ZODI portable handheld shower
Campsite Pro: ZODI portable shower
I purchased the ZODI Outback Gear Battery Powered Shower Pump this last Springtime, before camping season began, and used it frequently for the next 5 months. We had previously attempted gaining warm shower water with a black solar bag, but found it extremely heavy and awkward to rig, besides the problem of low water pressure. We looked into the pumps with water heating units, but found them to be quite pricey. I researched and read reviews for a month before choosing this battery-powered pump, and I am extremely happy with it. I have used this ZODI Pump for rinsing dishes on my camp kitchen (a camp kitchen luxury!), but mainly purchased it for when we are tent camping and have a portable shower tent erected. We use a 5 gallon bucket, fill it half with cold water and half boiling water, then drop the pump in and it's ready to go - or leaving the water in sun all day will provide a moderate-temperature shower. It is battery operated (4 D cell batteries), and the battery pack fits perfectly inside a pocket inside our shower tent - the cord from the pump to the battery pack is 4 ft. long and allows the pack to be placed nearby when showering so you can control on and off functions. The pump has surprisingly good water pressure for such a little unit. The hose with the sprayer is 8 ft. long, which allows us to run the hose up the frame of the shower tent and hook it at the top for a secure shower head, but also can be unhooked to hold the sprayer in hand. I have heard the batteries should run the pump 2 to 4 hours, but showers really only last about 5 minutes and the original batteries we put in lasted the whole camping season with occasional showers. I am always sure to completely dry the unit before packing it up, including inside the battery case. This purchase has been a surprisingly great value.
I gave the ZODI Outback Gear Battery Operated Shower Pump 5 stars for the following reasons:
Really good results for a low price
Has other uses besides just the shower
Does not require expensive or exclusive batteries (4 D cell batteries, not included)
Small size of pump can be used in a variety of containers
Entire unit is fairly small making it easy to pack and store
Easy for all ages to operate
I gave the ZODI Outback Gear Battery Operated Shower Pump 5 stars for the following reasons:
Really good results for a low price
Has other uses besides just the shower
Does not require expensive or exclusive batteries (4 D cell batteries, not included)
Small size of pump can be used in a variety of containers
Entire unit is fairly small making it easy to pack and store
Easy for all ages to operate
Intex Excursion 5 inflatable boat
Campsite Pro: Intex Excursion 5 inflatable boat
Boat/canoe/kayak dolly
We have a 12ft. inflatable boat and mostly use it in mountain lakes, requiring us to carry the boat down to the water's edge. We recently added a trolling motor and marine battery, nearly doubling the weight of the boat. We had seen someone using a small boat dolly for their canoe, and we began looking for a dolly which we could adapt for our inflatable boat. I had the opportunity to purchase this Deluxe Kayak Canoe Dolly at a reduced price in exchange for an unbiased and honest opinion, and jumped at the chance to find out if dollying our inflatable boat was even possible. When we unpacked the dolly, the only assembly was attaching the wheels to the axle using a pin. I am impressed with the quality of materials - the frame is a coated and lightweight aluminum, the pads are substantial rubberized foam, and the tires are a hefty, treaded rubber. There are legs which allow the dolly to stand, and can be flipped back out of the way when not needed. Included are long nylon straps which connect to the dolly frame and wrap around your canoe/kayak. We were able to slightly move the pads outward, set the rear of the boat upon the dolly, and secure it by attaching the straps to the oar holders. This dolly works really well! I am able to lift the front end of the boat and move the entire boat myself. The pneumatic tires are great over mountain terrain. The dolly releases upon undoing the straps, and it allows us to transport 100+ pounds with ease. Because of the sometimes difficult ground we must cover to access the lake, I would like to have the axle sit higher, but I imagine not everyone is going to be transporting over rocks and logs. Also, because the shape of our boat is not slim like a canoe/kayak, I will probably switch out the straps to something perhaps wider and ratcheting. Overall, this dolly is amazing at transporting heavy, awkward watercraft and I wish we had known about these long ago.
I have given the Deluxe Kayak Canoe Dolly 4 stars for the following reasons:
Works really wheel, eliminates awkward transport
Good, durable materials
Slide-out legs for self-standing really convenient
May want to exchange straps for something more substantial
Axle needs to be higher for uneven terrain
I have given the Deluxe Kayak Canoe Dolly 4 stars for the following reasons:
Works really wheel, eliminates awkward transport
Good, durable materials
Slide-out legs for self-standing really convenient
May want to exchange straps for something more substantial
Axle needs to be higher for uneven terrain
Outdoor rug
Campsite Pro camping gear reviews: Outdoor rug/mat
We are a hard-core camping family so I am careful to research gear before purchasing because everything is heavily used. We have a variety of tents, plus a couple camper trailers, and I was looking for a large indoor-outdoor mat/rug that could be used for a variety of purposes. I am really happy with this Camco Outdoor Mat - I wanted something that was moderately priced since we use it so heavily and know that we will be replacing every year or so. We purchased the burgundy print, and the colors have not faded after being in sun and a bit of weather this last month. The fibers are actually a durable plastic weave woven with heavy thread. I am more worried about the durability of the thread more than the plastic, I can see if a thread wears down how the rug will begin to split - though we plan for this exact situation and will hand stitch any future thread breaks with fishing line. When we have the camper trailer with us, the rug is set outside the door and is great for cutting down on the dirt that is tracked in, plus the outdoor furniture is placed upon it. The ketchup spill from the hotdog roast just needs to be hosed down - the water runs right through and the rug is quick to dry, though when it needs to be dried I try to raise it off the ground a bit so moisture does not remain under the rug. The edges of the shorter sides of the rug are bound in black nylon, and at each corner there is a nylon loop enabling a tent stake to be used to secure the rug - very important to us as we are mountain campers and afternoons usually bring along serious wind. When we are tent camping (we have a really big tent), the rug is set down inside the tent on top of the tent floor. It really makes a difference in warmth of the floor, and it is heaven on your feet. We also have a large screened canopy room that has no floor, and this rug keeps the dust down plus provides a barrier between damp ground. This large rug can be rolled or folded to store, and is quite lightweight. I will say, though, that I would never want anything hot to touch this rug - campfire sparks, cooking utensils - because I would imagine the plastic fiber would melt immediately.
Indoor/outdoor rubber horseshoes set
This set is much lighter than a traditional iron horseshoe set, which I wanted in an effort to keep the weight of all our camping gear down. It is no problem to adjust to the lighter weight, and the younger children were able to participate. I love that the poles can be staked into the ground, but also can be set in the rubber mats - we are mountain campers and sometimes the ground is so hard that anything that is hammered in to the ground will be bent or destroyed. Also, this set is quieter to play than an iron set and we try to be respectful of anyone who may be camping nearby and seeking peace. I must say, though, that due to the lighter weight, the shoes have a bounce to them, but it's just part of the game and you adjust. We happened to bring this set along to a family reunion in a park, and it was such a hit we now bring it out for barbecues, outdoor parties, and the neighborhood children love to come and play with it on summer afternoons. We recently arrived to our campsite and decided to get the horseshoes out, only to realize they were still at home because we had used them the previous weekend and did not put them away with the camping gear. And so, I have just purchased a second set to permanently stay home. The set is a great value, adults enjoy it as much as the kids.
Minn Kota Power Center
I needed a power solution because there is usually no electricity where we camp, and I needed something that would simplify this whole electrical process which I barely understand - and I should mention that I really hate having to mess with electricity, I have had a couple unpleasant experiences. I have a boyfriend who occasionally comes along camping, but I am on my own to rig and operate this stuff when he's not around. I have a marine battery for a trolling motor, but also use it for powering car and phone and tool chargers, lights, and a small air compressor. All these items seemed to need circuit breakers and specific hookups, and I was feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out how to adapt it all to a campsite - plus I always have that fear of electricity in the back of my mind. My boyfriend told me about these battery boxes, and I read a lot of reviews and specs and finally chose this one. I am so happy, it has really changed everything for me. My boyfriend installed my battery inside the box for me - the inner cables are included, and they hook up to the battery terminals. Then the lid is closed and that is really the last of having to deal directly with the battery. The outer box has all the accessories I need, plus the required circuit breakers are built in to the box and it really eliminated a lot of confusion and worry for me. I really like that there is a built in meter on the lid - I press a button and the meter reads how much charge the battery has left. There are two cigarette lighter outlets on the side of the box, and I can plug in the phone chargers and air compressor. We have a 12ft inflatable boat, and though we have somewhat adapted the floor, I always worry about the battery tipping over or getting wet when we bring it along for the trolling motor. Now I just bring the box with the battery in it, and only have to hook up the motor wires to the outside box terminals - which somehow are not as intimidating to me as hooking up straight to the battery. My boyfriend recently gave me an inverter, and I can now hook it up and have regular plug electric receptacles - heaven! I also have a car battery charger that I can hook up to the outer box terminals when I want to charge the marine battery. The box is quite durable plastic, handle so far is alright, but the battery inside is so extremely heavy that I usually grasp the side handles to move it. I have grabbed the handle and dragged the battery box short distances, and the box does fine despite my abuse, but I am not sure the nylon strap that runs around the box will last for a long while. I think if it was much wider it would seem more stable. I have had a lot of campers and boaters stop when they see my battery box, they have a lot of the same questions I had, and every one of them go away impressed with all the functions, swearing they are going to go buy one for themselves. This box has made electricity not so terrifying for me, enables me to power all sorts of devices, and has made camping so much more comfortable.
Ice Cream Ball
We bought this for the children for camping trips. The outer ball is rigid plastic, and the inner chamber is aluminum. Though the idea is to roll the ball around, the ball collects dust and dirt especially in the raised ridges and I had to wash it down before opening it at the halfway point and again when the ice cream was ready. I have seen they make an inflatable outer ball that wraps around this ice cream ball, and I will probably purchase one because I worry about it cracking if rolled across a rock. The children grew tired of just rolling it around and the adults had to take over until it was nearly time to be finished, then the excitement returned for the children and they finished the last 5minutes or so. Rather than ice cream mix, we used heavy cream and vanilla - and the ice cream was spectacular. Opening the ball at the halfway point is important - some of the ice had begun melting and I refit as much ice as I could pack in, plus added some more salt. When finished and the ice cream chamber was opened, there was a tiny bit not yet frozen, but it stirred right up into the frozen ice cream and was just fine. I had to guess on the vanilla measurement because I did not have measuring spoons packed, and may have put in a bit much because it was flavor packed vanilla. Everyone was impressed with the quality and flavor. Back at home I did not worry about the plastic cracking so much when rolled on the lawn, but again I found the kids were not interested to roll it for the entire duration, so be prepared to take over for a while if you have younger children. Having fresh (and delicious) ice cream deep in the mountains during an extended camping trip was a real treat for the children, and it is one of their great memories from that trip - which is the whole reason we do these things, to make wonderful memories...