Travel Gear: Cool Gear for Your Next Adventure

Whether you like taking a trailer or motorhome or prefer a tent, there are thousands of products out there ready to make your next camping trip more convenient and fun. When it comes to tents, generators, and sleeping bags, you probably have your favorite gear ready to go on that special shelf in your garage. Here are some items you may not know about that you'll want the minute you see them.   |   163 0710 01z Gorilla Tape Gorilla My Dreams
We hate to admit it, but duct tape isn't a magical fix-all. That's why there's Gorilla Tape. It uses a combination of double-sticky adhesive and two layers of offset cloth to create a tape that's said to be more than twice as strong as regular duct tape. This tape adheres to plaster, wood, masonry, stucco, and brick, and works at temperatures up to 200 degrees F. Gorilla Tape; 800/966-8209;3458.
www.gorillatape.com   |   163 0710 02z Arb The Simpsons Go Camping
ARB has come up with a new line of vehicle-mounted tents. Stow the Simpson II on the back or side of your vehicle while headed to your destination, then unfold it on the roof when you're ready to snooze. It's made from waterproof, breathable, mold-resistant polyester/cotton fabric and comes with a high-density foam mattress with removable cover. ARB; 425/264-1391.
www.arbusa.com   |   163 0710 03z Global Spidey Spidy Sense
The Spidy Gear Bed Web is another way to ensure your cargo stays put, whether in the bed or on a roof rack. Each Bed Web is made from 6.0mm stretching cord that forms a weblike shape that starts at a stainless-steel ring in the center. There are molded hooks around the perimeter. Four colors are available. Global Accessories; 877/427-8166.
www.global-accessories.com   |   163 0710 04z Eno Nest Sweet Dreams
ENO's SingleNest is a full-size hammock that packs down to the size of a softball when not in use. It's made from high-strength breathable woven nylon and uses nautical-grade line, weighs 18 ounces, and can hold up to 400 pounds. Two-person models also are available; both come in a variety of colors. Eagles Nest Outfitters; 828/252-7808.
www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com   |   163 0710 21z Portabote ULTRA-THIN Boat
This may look like a typical boat, but the Porta-Bote is different from metal-hulled or inflatable boats - this 14-foot, four-seater folds down to four inches tall. Its composite resin hull weighs half that of an aluminum hull, needs only four inches of water to float, and can accommodate a 9.8-horsepower engine. Eight-, 10-, and 12-foot models also are available. Porta-Bote; 800/227-8882.
www.porta-bote.com   |   163 0710 05z Napier For SPORTZ Fans
Sportz truck tents are made for use with trucks (in bed), minivans, and sport/utilities. The tents used in SUVs attach to the open cargo area and are set up on the ground. Most tents provide about six feet of height inside the tent and sleep four with an extra-large seven-foot SUV tent that can sleep six. Tents come with rainfly and storage bag. Napier Enterprises; 800/567-2434.   |   163 0710 06z Gearwagon Get in Gear
Haul bikes, ATVs, and camping gear to your site with the GearWagon 125, then sleep in it once you get there. With the optional cover it measures 93x60x51 inches. An inner C-channel works with cargo tie-downs, bicycle mounts, and a spare tire carriers. It's compatible with all of Nissan's Utili-track system accessories. Let's Go Aero; 877/464-2376.
www.letsgoaero.com   |   163 0710 07z Kershaw Kershaw Camp Tool Trader
Kershaw Knives makes tools for hunters, fishermen, and outdoorsmen, with the Trader line featuring interchangeable blades into a single handle. Seen here is the Camp Tool Trader, which combines stainless-steel blades and camping utensils in one small, rugged container. Also offered are the Alaska Blade Trader for fishing and the Hunter's Blade Trader. Kershaw Knives; 503/682-1966.
www.kershawknives.com   |   163 0710 08z Leatherman Power Surge
You never know when you're going to need tools while camping or in the RV. The 4.5-inch-long Surge has stainless-steel needlenose pliers, serrated and clip-point knives, scissors, wire cutters, bottle/can opener, and a blade exchanger with saw and diamond/wood file blades. You may not have to use it, but you'll never regret bringing it along. Leatherman; 800/847-8665.
www.leatherman.com   |   163 0710 09z Kooleraire Blanket Statement
The RoadPro 12-volt heated blanket is a convenient way to solve disputes about how high the truck's heater should be. Plug this 58x41-inch electric blanket into one of your truck's power ports, and chilly passengers will quickly be toasty -- and quiet. It includes a six-foot power cord. KoolerAire; 845/425-8800.
www.kooleraire.com   |   163 0710 23z Campausa Ultimate Adventurer
Campa USA's trailers are built to make any ourdoorsman self-sufficient. The stainless-steel trailers have heavy-duty axles and suspension, two Hi-lift jack points, and a surge brake system with auto reverse and a parking brake. They come with a fully equipped kitchen (including icebox, pots and pans, and dishes), water tanks, shower, table, shower, tent and foam mattress, and lights, and some have a water heater as well. Options include water purifier, generator, fridge/freezer, solar power, and portable toilet. Campa USA; 440/353-1917.
www.campausa.com   |   163 0710 10z Puphut Tail O' the Pup
Keep your pets cool while taking them on your next adventure. The PupHut provides shade and, when using proper restraints, helps prevent your dog from being thrown from the bed. The PupHut has a powdercoated steel frame and UV-protective coating, fits most full-size trucks, and can be removed quickly when not needed. It'll accommodate large dogs and most pet crates. M4 Products; 866/478-7488.
www.puphut.com   |   163 0710 11z Cuisinart Not Your Average Joe
Gotta have your caffeine fix before hitting the trail? Cuisinart's got two ways to get your morning cup of joe while away from civilization. The 12-volt portable four- and 12-cup coffeemakers serve coffee in a steel thermal carafe. And if you need a mug before the pot's ready, you can pour a cupful while the pot's brewing. It includes a scoop and charcoal filter. Cuisinart; 800/726-8209;0190.
www.cuisinart.com   |   163 0710 12z Truck Bedz Air APPARENT
For those times when you want to sleep under the stars, there's Truck-Bedz. Built to fit the application-specific dimensions of pickup beds and sport/utility cargo areas, these eight-inch-thick Truck-Bedz are made from extra-heavy-duty nylon backpack cloth. They come with two-stage Boston boat valves to ensure the mattress remains leak-free, plus a high-flow 12-volt air pump that plugs into the vehicle to inflate the bed in 60 seconds. Truck-Bedz; 866/303-2339.
www.truck-bedz.com   |   163 0710 13z Lvm Pumped Up
LVM's air pumps are some of the fastest, most powerful on the market. Operating on a 12-volt battery, this unit is said to flow more than 145 gallons per minute--that would fill a four-man inflatable boat in less than two minutes. It also will deflate a boat flat, making it easier to pack up. And it comes with an adapter that'll fit most air valves. Cabela's; 800/237-4444.
www.cabelas.com   |   163 0710 22z Coleman Cot in the Act
Coleman's eXponent Outfitter cot measures 30x80x17 inches when unfolded, providing plenty of stretch-out space for someone up to 6 feet, 5 inches tall. It comes with a four-pocket hanging organizer where you can stow your flashlight and other gear and even has a place to stow a rifle. It only weighs 13 pounds. Coleman; 800/835-3278.
www.coleman.com   |   163 0710 15z Zodi Quick Clean-Up
No need to stay grungy during your trip to the backcountry. Zodi's Hot Camp Shower can give you warm water (100 degrees) in this portable shower in less than a minute. You provide the water source; the battery-operated high-pressure pump does the rest. It uses four D-cells and a 16-ounce propane bottle good for 25 hot showers lasting five minutes. It comes with a shower hose and a four-gallon carrying case. Shower shelter sold separately - but it's worth the money. Zodi Outback Gear; 800/589-2849.
www.zodi.com   |   163 0710 16z Boone Dine By Cargo Light
While originally designed for tailgate parties, this table also can provide a shaded eating area while camping or on the trail. Boone's Sports Fan Tailgate Table mounts to a two- or 13/4-inch receiver and can support up to 50 pounds of food and drinks. The table weighs less than 23 pounds. Boone Outdoor Hardware; 573/814-0966.
www.booneoutdoorhardware.com   |   163 0710 17z Covercraft Hot Pockets
Storage can be at a premium in smaller or regular-cab trucks. Pocket Pods are made from durable material and have pre-formed pockets that attach to metal surfaces. Don't have a spot to attach those? There's a universal size (seen here) that mounts to the back of any bucket seat with a headrest. No drilling necessary. Covercraft Industries; 800/426-8209;8377.
www.covercraft.com   |   163 0710 18z Freedomgrill Boy Meets Grill
Celebrate your inner caveman! The FG-50 Freedom Grill mounts on the back of a truck, SUV, or RV and swings away when you're ready to char some kill. It has a 12,000 BTU stainless-steel burner, electronic igniter, foldout side tables and condiment tray, and accepts a one- or 20-pound propane tank. It even has license-plate brackets. Freedom Grill; 866/964-7455.
www.freedomgrill.com   |   163 0710 19z Engel Cold as Ice
This is one of the best refrigerator/freezers for use in the back of an SUV. Engel's 12-volt models can be used for long-term storage when you're away from suburban life. And, under normal conditions, it'll hold the interior temperature steady within one to two degrees of where you set it. Smaller and larger freezers also are available. Cabela's; 800/237-4444.
www.cabelas.com
www.engelaustralia.com.au   |   163 0710 20z Diamondback Cover-Up
The DiamondBack HD diamond-plate truck cover can keep gear secure, but is strong enough to hold a 1600-pound load. It's made from 0.1-inch-thick 3003 alloy aluminum, with stainless-steel external hardware, aluminum box channel supports, and tie-down cleats and has folding panels that open up space in the bed. ATV storage is available for short- and longbeds. DiamondBack Truck Covers; 800/935-4002.
www.diamondbackcovers.com