WITH A noticeable spike in tent-testing and sleeping-bag buying, you could be mistaken for thinking the country is in the throes of a jamboree revival. Instead, of course, it’s festival season again, so here are a few home comforts for happy campers.
Brunton Flip-N-Drip Coffee MakerGiven the average mug of coffee can apparently sustain a table of students for an afternoon, how could they possibly go a weekend without a proper caffeine hit? The Flip-N-Drip Coffee Maker from campsite gurus Brunton does what it says on the tin. Or rather on the stainless steel. It's an all-in-one filter coffee maker (or percolator).
You fill the base end with water and stick it on your stove. When the water’s boiling, twist on the reusable mesh filter loaded with your coffee of choice along with the mug for a “brew chamber” if you want to get technical. Flip it over and the hot water drips through to deliver a fine steaming-hot camperccino or two.
The mug is double insulated to keep your coffee hot, yet safe to the touch. And the whole thing is only about the size of a thermos or a little larger than a 500ml tinny. Hmmm, decisions, decisions . . .
CostFrom $35 (€28.50). See brunton.com
Joby GorillatorchBring your own personal lightshow on tour. That may be a little over the top, but the Gorillatorch does generate a halo of justified hype. First thing a torch must do is obvious and Gorillatorch doesnt disappoint. It's bright: 65 lumens from a high-output, low power usage LED by Cree (Cree is to LEDs what Lady Gaga is to hats.) It has an adjustable dimmer, is water-resistant and rubbery-tough.
Now for the Gorilla bit. Three flexible multi-joint, grippy legs let it wrap around anything, from tent poles to branches – and each leg is tipped with a small, powerful neodymium magnet which means it hangs on for dear life almost anywhere. It’s 360º bendable. And although the pitch here is camping, the Gorillatorch is the perfect primate to have on your side in any glove compartment, toolbox or emergency kit.
You’ll get 50 hours from three AA batteries at optimum dim level and 20 hours at maximum. Rechargeables are fine.
CostFrom €29.99. See joby.com
Hotspot Notebook Portable BBQWhether you become the most popular tent on the campsite probably depends on your generosity once you're cooking. You won't have to wait long to find out. This design is simplicity itself. True to its name, the Notebook Portable BBQ starts folded-up flat as a paperback, with a pair of cut-out handles that make it a cinch to carry. When you want to get grilling, just open it out like a camping stool; the chrome cooking tray braces the top. Pile in the charcoal and you're ready to start burning to your heart's content.
The lightweight, heat-resistant, power-coated steel looks minimal and sharp. Folded, it’s slim to the extremes of modesty, yet opens to a sturdy 45cm by 30cm cooking area. There is a larger size for the more ambitious. Let the burgerfest begin.
CostFrom €26. See firebox.com