O
bviously, all the work you’ve put into establishing a well-thought-out (and equipped) campsite doesn’t mean beans if you can’t enjoy the fruit of your labors. Everyone has their own ideas as to what constitutes comfort while on the road, from chairs around a fire to what you’ll use to cook your next meal outside and how you’ll set up your outdoor dining table. Here are a few products we’ve found that make the camping experience more comfortable, whether you’re at an RV park or boondocking. Will you add to them? Of course you will — that’s part of what makes camping so much fun.
Carefree Dura-Mat ground cover made of lightweight, fast-drying material. This 8- x 12-foot, brown mat filters dirt and water and is easy to handle. Brass grommets allows staking to the ground; five-year warranty. Other colors and sizes are available. $206.80 from Carefree (carefreeofcolorado.com).
Bi-Fold Bamboo Adjustable Table has a pleasant finish and can be folded for storage. Set up size, 39 ½ x 28 ½ x 27 ½, is perfect for eating meals; legs adjust for terrain and height; it even works well as an outdoor coffee table. This nicely built table has an 80-pound capacity and weighs 19 pounds. Carry handle makes it easy to move around and fold. Must keep out of rain to prevent warping. From Lippert RV Store, $169.95 (store.lci1.com).
Roll-up aluminum camping table that measures 45 x 28 x 27 inches and has been around for many years. Lightweight and strong enough to handle a portable barbecue. Stores in nylon bag with two compartments. Prices and sizes vary, but aluminum slats on elastic fasteners are commonly used in this segment of the outdoor industry; we found several at amazon starting less than $36.
Camco Olympian 5500 Stainless Steel RV grill. Believe it or not, the pictured grill has been in service for 18 years — before it was under the Camco banner — and is still going strong. Stores in nylon case specific to grill. Made of 304 stainless steel, this quality grill offers 180 square inches of cooking area, is 26 pounds and has two burners for 12,000 Btu of cooking flame. Uses 1-pound throwaway LP-gas cylinder or can be hooked to larger cylinders with optional hose. Provides even heat and is super durable; $300 from Camping World (campingworld.com).
Solera Upright and Folding Chair has a multiple-position reclining backrest and a good amount of tush room. Wide plastic armrests are comfortable and non-slip head/neck rest offers good support. Aluminum frame and breathable, padded 3D mesh fabric is quick drying; weighs 12 pounds and can handle up to 250 pounds. Wide feet add additional support (and resistance to punching through patio mat); available only in navy. Folded dimensions of 43.5 x 25 x 4.5 inches make it storable in larger compartments. From Lippert RV Store; $99.95 at presstime (store.lci1.com).
Stargazer Outdoor Folding Chair has a wider girth for tush comfort with metal armrests. Bungee-type, zero-gravity design is modern and durable. Fabric is breathable mesh for quick drying and is available in black or navy. Steel tubing frame is a little heavier, but this chair feels strong; rated for 300 pounds. Folded dimensions of 37 x 27.6 x 4.9 inches require a roomy storage compartment, but the chairs fold flat. Sells for $64.99 from Lippert RV Store (store.lci1.com).
Thetford StorMate Garbage Bag Holder solves the age-old trash-can issue. Unique lightweight folding frame can be fitted with a 13-gallon and larger tall kitchen bags. Lid opens to throw in trash and takes up only 14 ½ x 11 ½ x 18 ½ inches of space on your patio. Beats an open garbage bag on the ground where Fido can have a field day. Available from Amazon for $13.82 (thetford.com).
Solid Stance Step Stabilizer Kit is designed to add support to most two- or three-rung folding steps used on fifth wheels and travel trailers. Easy installation requires drilling four holes and installing four bolts and Nyloc nuts. Lowest rung must have 5-14 inches of clearance. Folding legs swing down after releasing pins and can be adjusted for terrain and angle. Rock solid, adding a big dose of strength to all the steps that traditionally flex when under foot. Offered by Lippert RV Store for $45.95 (store.lci1.com).