Camping doesn't have to mean roughing it. A range of gadgets, tools and toys can make the experience smoother, from a solar oven to a backpacking pillow. The Guardian's Filter team has tested these products to help you upgrade your next trip.
Eat and drink better
The Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Kettle by Sea to Summit, priced from $72.95, allows you to heat water for coffee or tea. Made of food-grade silicone with a hard anodized aluminum base, it doubles as a cooking pot. Alyx Gorman, a Guardian Australia editor, uses it to make "billy tea" with eucalyptus.
The GoSun Sport-E Hybrid Solar Oven, now $225 (originally $349), cooks using solar radiation or electricity. In testing, Alan Truly, a Filter reviewer, found it capable of making potatoes, quinoa, stir-fried veggies, bread, kebabs, tofu, and brownies. It can be plugged into a car's 12V outlet or a portable battery pack.
The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, from $29.95, collapses flat into a disc when empty. Elizabeth Brownfield, a Filter contributor, appreciates its flip-top straw and dishwasher-safe design.
Jacobsen Salt Co Pure Sea Salt Slide Tin, from $6, features a camp-friendly sliding lid. Juno DeMelo, a Filter contributor, keeps one in her camping bin and another in her purse for seasoning food or coffee.
Play better
The Tucktec Pro Foldable Kayak, now $360 (originally $379), packs down to fit in a Prius and assembles in 10 minutes. Truly noted, "The reduced hassle often turns a 'maybe' idea into a 'let's go!' adventure."
The Gregory Alpaca Gear Box, 2-Pack, from $104.96 (originally $139.95), offers rugged 45-liter stackable bins with clear lids. Paige Triola, an outdoor writer, said, "These sturdy, stackable bins seal tightly so everything stays dry and clean."
See better
The Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp, now $51.93 (originally $64.95), provides a wide beam bright enough for trail navigation. Josh Patterson, an outdoor expert, praised its rugged, waterproof construction and lock-out feature.
The Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8x25 Binoculars, $99.95, are packable and powerful. Patterson said, "They have turned plenty of 'what's that over there?' moments into actual sightings of birds, wildlife or far-off landscapes."
Sleep better
The Loop Dream Earplugs, $49.95, feature soft silicone tips comfortable for side sleepers. Patterson noted they "stay comfortable for hours" and offer multiple size options.
The Nemo Fillo Backpacking Pillow, $49.95, combines an inflatable core with soft foam insulation. Patterson explained, "The mix makes it more pliable and feel more natural with none of the crinkly sounds that many inflatable pillows make."
