Camping Gear Gift Guide: Top Picks You'll Love

TechCrunch's 2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Camping Edition

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The Balancing Act of Camping Gear

Selecting camping equipment often involves careful consideration of compromises.

For instance, lightweight gear, ideal for backpacking, may not possess the same durability as its heavier, typically more affordable counterparts. Small comforts can enhance a trip, but each expenditure should be weighed against potential concerns about wear and tear.

Value Over Expense

A substantial financial investment isn't always necessary for a successful camping experience.

While premium options are continually available, remember that superior equipment doesn’t automatically equate to increased enjoyment of the outdoors.

Embracing Low-Tech Options

The most rewarding camping trips often involve disconnecting from the digital world.

Therefore, this year’s guide emphasizes simpler, less technologically dependent gear.

The Allure of Disconnection

While smartphones offer convenience with music, maps, and local information, they can also be a source of distraction.

Truly memorable camping experiences often stem from being fully present in the moment and with companions. Consider, when possible, intentionally setting your phone aside – silenced and inaccessible – as a gift to yourself.

Gear Longevity Through Care

Investing in expensive, “indestructible” gear isn’t the sole path to durability.

Proper maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your camping equipment. Cleaning gear after each trip, storing components together, and addressing minor issues promptly will yield significant benefits.

Updated Recommendations

The majority of items featured in this guide are new additions compared to last year’s recommendations.

However, the previously highlighted products remain highly regarded, so exploring that list is also encouraged!

Please note: This article includes affiliate links. TechCrunch may receive a commission on purchases made through these links.

Aurelle TOOB Brush

Maintaining good hygiene can often be a challenge during camping excursions. While many toiletries can be considered optional for outdoor stays, a toothbrush is an essential item that should never be overlooked.

Convenient Design

This compact travel toothbrush was purchased several years ago and has proven to be exceptionally useful. It features an integrated miniature toothpaste reservoir within the handle, complemented by a protective cover to ensure cleanliness.

Initial concerns regarding the potential for a proprietary or restricted toothpaste refill system were unfounded. The integrated tube is readily refillable using standard, larger tubes of toothpaste commonly found in bathrooms.

Cost Information

Price: $7, available at REI.

The Aurelle TOOB Brush offers a practical solution for oral hygiene while camping, combining portability with ease of use and maintenance.

Opinel No. 8 Beechwood Handle Knife

Opinel knives are widely appreciated and have garnered a dedicated following. In contrast to the prevalence of complex and expensive camping knives—often exceeding $100 and featuring tactical grips—these knives represent a welcome simplicity.

They serve as an excellent, affordable addition to any camping equipment collection. While more specialized knives may exist for specific tasks, this model effectively addresses the fundamental cooking requirements for many individuals.

Key Features

This knife is particularly well-suited for those seeking a basic, reliable tool. It consistently proves capable of handling a wide range of culinary needs during outdoor excursions.

Price: Approximately $20 when purchased through Amazon.

The Opinel No. 8 offers a compelling balance of functionality and affordability. It stands out as a practical choice for campers who prioritize simplicity and value.

Jetboil MiniMo

When prioritizing camping essentials, after ensuring safety and adequate shelter, the preparation of camp coffee stands out as exceptionally important. Early mornings in the outdoors necessitate a quick way to combat drowsiness and fully embrace the day's adventures.

Throughout my experience with backpacking equipment, the Jetboil MiniMo, particularly when paired with its French press attachment, has become my preferred choice.

The Jetboil system is widely favored among backpackers due to its efficient design, maximizing fuel usage and resulting in remarkably fast boiling times.

The MiniMo’s 1-liter pot is notably shallow, allowing it to function conveniently as a bowl for meals. This feature is especially beneficial for solo backpackers or those traveling in smaller parties.

Larger Jetboil models are also available, catering to groups requiring greater capacity.

Key Features & Pricing

• Price: Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System, $150 from Amazon
• Jetboil Coffee Press add-on, $18 from REI

Fuel efficiency is a core benefit of the Jetboil system, making it a valuable asset for extended trips. The rapid boiling times contribute significantly to a streamlined camp cooking experience.

The versatility of the MiniMo, functioning both as a cooking pot and a bowl, enhances its practicality for backpackers seeking to minimize their gear weight.

GSI Outdoors Folding Water Cube

Access to water is paramount when you are engaged in backpacking activities, representing a fundamental need for campers. For those camping at designated sites with a reliable water source, a sizable water container can prove invaluable.

The GSI Outdoors Folding Water Cube was acquired to provide a convenient method for water storage, facilitating tasks like refilling water bottles or washing dishes in the vicinity of the campsite.

Design and Durability

While this product isn't engineered for extreme durability, it offers a significant advantage over competing products through its packability.

The expected lifespan is limited to several uses; however, for individuals prioritizing robustness and possessing ample packing space, a more durable, rigid container – such as the one offered by Reliance – may be a preferable choice.

Key Features

• Provides a convenient water storage solution.
• Highly packable design for easy transport.
• Suitable for filling water bottles and washing dishes.

Price: $16 from Amazon

This water cube offers a practical solution for campsite hydration and cleaning needs, particularly when space is a consideration.

Refurbished iPod

A refurbished iPod might appear unexpected, but a lack of cellular service during outdoor adventures often reveals insufficient music downloaded on streaming platforms. While possessing a dedicated MP3 player in the current year could seem unnecessary, a focused, single-purpose device can offer a unique sense of tranquility.

Leaving smartphones uncharged and undisturbed allows for a more immersive experience. Furthermore, an iPod, unlike a smartphone, doesn't contain a comprehensive record of your digital life, making it safe to remain unlocked and accessible for shared music selection within a group.

Any MP3 player can fulfill this role, however, a strong sense of nostalgia is often associated with the iPod and its iconic click wheel. If considering an older iPod, assessing the battery's condition is crucial, as replacement may be necessary.

Searching online marketplaces like eBay for a professionally refurbished unit with a new battery is recommended. This ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Should you choose this path, be prepared to rediscover your existing music library and download any desired new tracks. Confirming your camp speaker has an auxiliary cord input is also essential for connectivity.

Considerations

• Ensure your speaker is AUX cord-ready.
• Be prepared to rebuild your music library.
• Check the battery health of older models.

Price: Variable, depending on model and condition.

GoPro Hero10 Black

Despite the prevalence of smartphone cameras, specialized action cameras remain valuable tools for specific situations. It's reasonable to assume a significant number of GoPro users could manage without one.

However, their enhanced resilience and compact size can be instrumental in preserving unforgettable video footage and brief clips during outdoor pursuits.

Furthermore, a GoPro allows users to keep their smartphones safely stored while still documenting experiences.

The newest GoPro Hero10 Black records video in 5.3K resolution, housed within a refined, waterproof casing. This model represents the most potent iteration to date.

For those willing to invest, selecting the most recent version is advisable. Conversely, if usage will be infrequent, previous generations from the manufacturer remain capable alternatives.

Price: $449 from Amazon

Key Features

• 5.3K video recording capability.
• Streamlined and fully waterproof construction.
• Enhanced processing power compared to prior models.

The Hero10 Black’s improved performance makes it a strong contender for anyone seeking a durable and versatile action camera.

Its ability to withstand challenging environments and capture high-resolution footage sets it apart from standard camera options.

Consider the frequency of intended use when deciding between the latest model and older generations.

MPOWERD Color Solar String Lights

The Luci solar string lights were highly recommended to me last year, and they continue to be a favored item for campsite illumination.

I am now contemplating purchasing the multi-colored version of these lights, as they offer an even more vibrant way to brighten a campsite or tent.

Performance and Charging

As previously noted, these lights are best suited for creating a pleasant atmosphere rather than providing extended illumination.

Experiences with solar charging have been somewhat inconsistent, necessitating regular recharging.

It is advisable to recharge the lights every two days, which could present a challenge on trips without access to a car charger.

Cost Information

Price: $45, available through Amazon.

Enhanced Cooling Solutions

The popularity of “rotomolded coolers” has surged, largely driven by the success of brands like Yeti. These coolers are manufactured with a design minimizing seams, which are potential points for cold air leakage. Consequently, they are capable of maintaining lower temperatures for extended durations.

However, a significant drawback is their cost. Compared to more conventional, budget-friendly coolers often found in retail stores, these roto-molded options can represent a substantial investment.

RTIC offers alternatives at a lower price point, but even these remain considerably more expensive than many consumers are accustomed to paying for a cooler.

Considerations Regarding Size and Usable Space

A notable limitation of these coolers is that, due to consistent wall thicknesses across different models, smaller sizes often provide a surprisingly limited amount of internal storage capacity.

In such instances, a traditional cooler might prove to be a more practical choice. Alternatively, for those seeking a premium, albeit potentially over-engineered, solution, a high-quality soft cooler could be considered.

Many individuals favor the YETI Hopper BackFlip 24 Cooler, which, despite its $300 price tag, is recognized for its exceptional build quality and provides a luxurious experience for keeping food and beverages chilled.

Pricing Examples: RTIC ultra-light 52 qt. cooler is available for $220 on Amazon. | The Yeti BackFlip 24 soft-sided cooler can be purchased from Amazon for $300.