Gear

Undisputed Camp

These Things Making Camping Better

Camping. Nothing wrong with a little camping. Well, except for when you’re freezing, hungry or cornered by a wild animal. So here are a few things to make sure you’re never freezing, hungry or cornered by a wild animal.

FOR WARMTH

The Simplest Way to Start a Fire

When you need: To get cozy. Heat up beans. Tell a ghost story. See things.
You’ll call on: This portable rod-shaped firestarter. Just detach the two pieces, scrape them together and watch the sparks fly. Literally. Figuratively. Literally and figuratively.

FOR MARGARITAS

A Blender You Power with Your Hands

When you need: To turn those fresh berries you just picked into a smoothie. Or make a marshmallow emulsion for your s’mores.
You’ll call on: This hand-cranked blender with two speeds, a pour-through lid and no need for electricity. It’s how the Amish do juice cleanses, we assume.

FOR CUTTING ROPE. OR FIGHTING BEARS.

An Ancient Nepali Knife

When you need: To whittle. Whistle. And whittle.
You’ll call on: This 12-inch curved knife, with a rosewood handle and a buffalo-skin sheath. It’s an exact replica of a 2,500-year-old warrior’s blade from Nepal. So it’s probably really sharp and stuff.

FOR COOKING THINGS

An Ultraportable Wood-Fired Grill

When you need: The ability to perfectly Pittsburgh a chateaubriand in the middle of Yellowstone. Or maybe just to cook some hot dogs.
You’ll call on: This extremely portable wood-fired grill that weighs only 15 pounds, heats up to 1,200 degrees F and is currently 20% off with UD Perks. Which certainly doesn’t hurt.

FOR SITTING ON

A Very Good-Looking Collapsible Chair

When you need: To sit on something that’s not a log.
You’ll call on: This waxed-canvas folding stool from Best Made. Since it’s waxed, it’ll repel moisture like morning dew. And since it’s a stool, you can sit on it. Brilliant.