Favorite Camping Accessories: Beyond the tent
Active Junky’s out to make the most of every minute beyond the sidewalk. And even beyond the tent. These field-proven picks carry their weight in civilized and backcountry situations.
Advanced Elements Summer Shower 3 Gallon: Scrubbed by the sun
Actually, there’s solar heated water for the splashing, streaming and hand-washing inside this portable bag from the engineering braintrust at Advanced Elements.No one knows air, water, laminates and valves better than this team, and Sun Shower is clear evidence. Key here is the four-layer construction and the proper surface area-to-volume ratio, all hung up to heat on a wide handle that puts over 20lbs of water front and center for accelerated heating. Active Junky testers appreciated the amenities that include Velcro straps, temp gauge, lightweight mirror and pocket for a biodegradable soap (a little message here from Active Junky). The fill spout permits rapid filling with a sure-seal cap as the rubber handle suits wet hands. Not limited to paddle outings, Summer Show rains down cleaning goodness at picnics, campground gatherings and along the way during road trips. No need to stink if you give it a moment’s think. So much is going on, it’s better to own one than keep reading.
Best For: Three-season clean-up, multi-person use when flow is managed well
Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini USB Rechargeable Lantern: Go with the glow
There are times when the goal is to create a homegrown, Burning Man-esque event. Blinding light and searing heat are on the list. Lighthouse Mini is for the rest of us. And the realities of at-home entertaining, campground gatherings and backcountry outings (including paddling and rafting expeditions). With nearly-eternal runtimes at low power – 400+ hours with both sides activated – this light is for getting around a smaller area, reading, and providing a sense of nurture even if it’s rainy or windy. Active Junky favors the larger version for bigger groups, RV travel and hut applications, putting this device-charging model to work everywhere else. Notable GZ points of genius include hook-tripod-screw mount-magnet mounting options, a removable 18650 battery and the provision for solar panel charging. The Nomad 7 Plus is a suitable match for this and a wide range of Goal Zero products.
Best For: Frequent outdoor, vacation and travel scenarios to complete on-trail, navigational lighting
NiteIze BetterBand Adjustable Stretch Band 12”: Overtakes tying
Waterproof. Usable in fresh or salt water. Resistant to UVs to handle blistering beams without failing. Adjustable using NiteIze’s exclusive Knot Bone locking system to maintain tension. What’s not to like with yet another real-world wonder from our Boulder, Colorado mad scientist friends. Testers marveled at the 2x stretching capability that turned the 12” model into meaningful containment of foam pads (yoga, anyone?), La Sportiva running shoes inside a travel duffel and a bulky tripod strapped to a Thule backpack. Notch up to a 19” or 25” to manage tarps, secure items in an open pick-up bed or on the deck of a downriver raft. The smaller, 5” size is pure fun for cord and electronics management inside a messenger bag. Flat TPU material combines with a mechanism-free tensioning method to secure whatever matters. Whenever the job needs doing.
Best For: Life in general and specific (not an overstatement)
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