By James J. Weber
photographer: James J. Weber
Chances are good if you've ever spent a few days off-roading on your favorite trail or during a jamboree that you've ended up camping out somewhere. This month, we have assembled some of today's latest and greatest camping accessories that should help to make your stay in the rough that much more enjoyable. Remember that hot shower you wished for? Or your favorite rocking chair? Or what about your own bed? Well, it's all here -- from hot water shower systems to foldable rocking chairs to sleeping bags that feel as if you're home. One way or the other, we've got you covered. Happy camping!
Bass Pro Shops Deluxe Dome Tent
This new take on a classic design allows for fast and efficient set-up thanks to the heavy-duty, shock-corded fiberglass tent poles and quick-clip system with upper pole sleeves for added stability. Clear skylight roof panels and a hoop awning add significant comfort. The large windows feature inside-zippered storm flaps and taped seams with polyurethane-coated taffeta walls to keep you dry in the event of precipitation. A built-in doormat helps keep the interior of the tent clean, while the oversize carrying bag protects the unit when disassembled. These tents are available in green, charcoal, or tan.
For more information, contact: Bass Pro Shops, (800) 976-6344, www.basspro.com.
Bass Pro Shops 0 Mummy Sleeping Bag
Snug and very warm, these mummy bags feature a rugged polyester shell with cotton percale liner and are filled with 56 ounces of nonallergenic Elite polyester insulation to make these bags feel as good as your bed at home. The double-layer, offset quilted construction eliminates drafts, while the oversized fleece-lined foot section with ventilation control provides additional comfort. A sculpted zippered hood and two-way zipper with 3-inch draft tube are also built into these bags. Bass Pro Shops mummy bags are available in green or gray..
For more information, contact: Bass Pro Shops, (800) 976-6344, www.basspro.com.
Jayco Baja Camping Trailer
When you just need to get away, make sure one of these is hitched up behind you. This is the ultimate go-anywhere camping trailer that can sleep a party of six comfortably and still have all of the comforts of home, including seating, a table, kitchenette area with fresh water capabilities (17 gallons), and an outdoor covered shower.
Besides the unit's functionality, the overall appearance is a 10. Designed with the off-road enthusiast in mind, the Baja comes standard with diamond-plate rocker guards, leaf-spring suspension, and off-road rims and tires.
For more information, contact: Jayco, (574) 825-5861, www.jayco.com.
Pelican i1010 Case
Now whenever you're camping or hiking, your iPod can be protected from the elements. Based upon Pelican's dustproof, waterproof, and crushproof 1010 Micro Case, this iPod case contains a custom rubber liner which doubles as an O-ring seal and a weatherproof earphone port. The easily opened latch is secured by stainless steel pins, and a one-way vapor port minimizes any vapor buildup. A special lid liner stores earphones when not in use. Backed by Pelican's unconditional lifetime warranty, you can't go wrong with this ultimate iPod holder.
For more information, contact: Pelican Products, (310) 326-4700, www.pelican.com.
SealLine HP Map Cases
For the ultimate in submersible protection for your maps, these new high-performance map cases are completely watertight. Trimmed with swivel clips and yellow webbing, the cases are available in three sizes to fit most current outdoor maps. The small size fits folded Green Trails maps and 8.5x11 photocopies, while the medium size fits Green Trails and evenly folded USGS maps as well as ISS waterproof charts. The large size fits Canadian Hydrographic and ISS charts.
For more information, contact:Cascade Designs, (800) 531-9531, www.cascadedesigns.com.