This is somewhat related to the "Creature Comforts" post a while back but I (we) have come accross some gadgets that are indespensible and some that should be used as fire starter. On the Indespensible side we have:

1) The Kitchen Sink by Basic Design: Inflatable, cheap and rugged (4 years on 1). And, when used in conjunction with the sunshower dishes are almost a joy to do. Well, not quite but it's easier than heating water over a fire or fuel.

2) Canoe Anchor: Not real necessary but when you need to stay in one spot (fishing, napping) it's quite useful. Simply, it's a mesh bag filled with lake rocks. (Empty the rocks before the portage. There will be more at the other lake. Trust me.)

3) Tent urinal: Don't laugh. Lets face it, the weather does not always cooperate and getting out of the tent in the middle of the night during a rain storm or mosquito invasion with a full bladder is not my idea of a vacation. Simply, it's 20 feet of 1/2 inch surgical tubing with a funnel on the business end. Reach the end of the tubing outside and downhill of the tent before you retire for the eve. Ahhhh, much better.

And, the Most Useless Awards go to:

1) The Canoe Seat by Coleman: You know, the black colapsable thingy. Cumbersome and uncomfortable. Bought/returned.

2) The Bent Shaft Paddle: Sorry, but it gave me no more power, pull or distance per hour than my straight Sawyer. Bought/returned.

3) The camping esspresso maker: This was a gift. It's still in the box if you want it.

Lastly, I have learned a few things about some of these and other gadgets target marketed to the gullable outdoors person.

1) Waterproof isn't.

2) "Lasting Protection" on your bug dope or sunscreen lable really means 1 hour tops.

and,

3) Limited Warranty = Once it leaves the store, your screwed.

Posted by Fred Bear on July 06, 2001 at 21:39
From IP address 209.191.192.184