After a tiring week at work, with the weekend joyfully looming ahead of me, I often find myself fantasizing about a short sweet getaway! Just a few days away from my hectic life, and this hectic world, in a bubble of my own, where all my worries are nowhere to be seen. The pandemic may restrict my actual traveling plans, but it definitely cannot restrict my daydreams about vacations! Jetsetting on a flight may not be a practical option right now, but I do think an outdoor adventure is a plausible plan – camping, hiking, or maybe even some rock climbing if anyone’s feeling a little adventurous! Although the outdoors do have a few downsides too! I mean, you have to get down and dirty, live life on the road and tackle the moodiness of the elements. In such a scenario, having a set of trustworthy and handy products can make a world of difference! Having the right products by your side can make your life much easier during those crucial moments. From a portable lamp that is suitable for camping trips to a camper trailer that expands to sleep 4 people – we’ve curated some fun and functional designs for you!
1. MOGICS
MOGICS is a Nevada-based company that deals with convenience. Portability, functionality, and usability remain the foundational pillars for MOGICS, producing specialty items like universal adapters and wireless light spheres. CARSULE, a pop-up cabin for your car, is one of the latest specialty items to come from the company. Your next best travel companion, CARSULE can attach to a variety of car models to provide a comfortable, spacious tent on camping trips that take you as far as the road goes.
Why is it noteworthy?
Constructed from UV-resistant and waterproof materials, when fully assembled, CARSULE provides up to 2 meters worth of headroom. Unlike most tents, CARSULE is designed to provide space for more than just sleeping. Large enough to function as a sleeping area and a lounge space, the designers behind CARSULE describe, “Unlike most tents that are only meant for sleeping, CARSULE provides you with a living room in the outdoors and offers mobility since the simple installation makes the movement possible and easy.”
What we like
- Provides space for more than just sleeping
- CARSULE can fit a variety of different vehicles with trunks that swing upward
What we dislike
- Rates low on aesthetics
- Unsuitable for extreme weather conditions
2. The Tripster
Dubbed the Tripster, this unique portable chair from Trippy Outdoor is a convenient little piece that you can stash in your garage or the back of your car and pop out whenever you need it!
Why is it noteworthy?
I had to stop myself from calling the Tripster a foldable chair because honestly, it doesn’t really fold. Built with a unique yet incredibly simple assembly mechanism, the Tripster effectively plugs in and out, going between what’s essentially a comfortable high-back outdoor chair, and two easy-to-store pieces of wood.
What we like
- Creates a seating device that travels exceptionally well, and is a breeze to set up
- Lightweight form
What we dislike
No complaints!
3. The Sasquatch Tool
Designed to be compact enough to carry with you in your pocket, on your keychain, or on a carabiner attached to your backpack or belt-loop, the Sasquatch Tool is the ultimate celebration of the outdoors! The handy multitool is the perfect EDC for carrying on hiking trips, cycling expeditions, or even out fishing/kayaking. Just don’t expect it to help you defend yourself against an actual Sasquatch!
Why is it noteworthy?
The handy little ape-shaped gizmo comes made from stainless steel, making it robust and corrosion-resistant. Its unique form factor comes perfectly outfitted with 12 different tools, from wrenches and screwdrivers to bottle and can openers, a cord cutter, and even a nifty 1-inch ruler. Measuring 3.6-inches in length and 2.5-inches wide, the Sasquatch Multitool is perfectly pocket-sized, and weighs just 1.2 ounces (34 grams)… and although Sasquatches have a reputation of being large and dangerous, this compact little guy is perfectly sized to be your everyday outdoor companion; and it’s TSA-friendly too!
What we like
- Perfectly pocket-sized
What we dislike
- Designs seems to focus more on aesthetics than actual functionality
4. Seongju Kim’s Lantern
When preparing for adventures in the outdoors, a flashlight is a must-have EDC camping accessory. But like every other thing you’re packing, you’d want a flashlight that does more than show you the way. This is where a sustainably crafted option you can hang like the lantern in the camp comes in. The eco-friendly camping lantern designed by Seongju Kim is an embodiment of this thought. The camping lantern, as it is referred to, is made completely from reusable materials, which is a good way to help the environment and keep the camping area clean. When camping, multifunctional accessories are a key to thriving in the wild. The flashlight that can be used as a lantern to light up the tent helps campers prepare for the night.
Why is it noteworthy?
Ideal for campers who value multipurpose accessories they can stuff in the backpack, a lantern-like this, ensures you leave no trace in the great outdoors and have a guiding light as and when needed. For the convenience of use, the lantern’s body is made from aluminum, while the insulated handle is made from wood. The most essential strap, which instantly facilitates the accessory to be used as a lantern from a flashlight, is made from pinatex material, which is extracted from pineapple leaves.
What we like
- Sustainable
- Innovative use of Pinatex
- A clean multipurpose design
What we dislike
- Not sturdy enough for the outdoors
- We don’t know how the lantern would generate power
5. The Ford Transit Custom PHEV
The Ford Transit Custom PHEV is the midsize van well suited for camper conversions – as Dethleffs and Wellhouse Leisure have shown in the past. Now Campervan Co, known for its hybrid camper vans, gives outdoorsy people enough reason to explore their world with Ford Transit PHEV Eco Evolution.
Why is it noteworthy?
While on the outside the camper van looks like any the Ford Transit, on the inside it has all that’s required for a comfy life on the road. The customized camper gets powerful solar panels installed on the roof, generating around 1,000 watts of zero-emission power on a good sunny day. The fold-out solar panels can charge the Eco Evolution’s 3,000-watt Clayton Power leisure battery while it’s rolling on the road. This onboard battery is employed to power the modular kitchen, lighting system, and induction stovetop for living comfortably off the grid.
What we like
- Solar-powered automotive
- A couple of extra seats can be installed to get a six-seater configuration
What we dislike
- Heavy price tag
6. The Conic
Designed primarily for use in outdoor activities; the Conic is a helpful extension of a flashlight, which should come in handy to light up the entire camp or make those two-handed tasks easier to carry out. It will be a great help thus while cooking or maybe when playing board games at the camp.
Why is it noteworthy?
The gap between outdoor flashlights and lanterns is narrowing with transformation in design. This inventive approach has given birth to a new domain i.e., an outdoor lamp, which double duties and makes sure you’re never found wanting while camping or traveling. Conic is an embodiment of such a design, which is a nice transition from the traditional, boring light sources you’ve been accustomed to packing in your backpack.
What we like?
- A far cry from the traditional flashlights
- Portable
- Multipurpose design – can be used indoors and outdoors
What we dislike?
No complaints!
7. Travel Box outdoor bag concept
Designing a bag that caters to different wear styles is definitely no easy feat. Especially when you’re trying to hit other targets like comfort, style, and even modularity. Those are the lofty goals that this Travel Box outdoor bag concept tries to address. As with any good product design, the idea went through various iterations and prototypes before arriving at a final, workable version.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Travel Box is notable in a few ways, and the most immediate is its minimalist design that almost has a tinge of futuristic appeal with its sharp angles, straight edges, and hard shell. This design brings both protection as well as room for all the items you’d want to bring with you on a trip outdoors. The colored straps provide a nice chromatic contrast to the bag’s all-black motif, creating visual points of interest that bring a bit of life to the product. The bag also makes use of reflective stickers that not only provide safety but also break the monotony of that black surface.
What we like
- The top portion of the bag can actually be detached and be used as an independent diamond-shaped box you can carry around by hand
What we dislike
No complaints!
8. The Campo
The Campo, inspired by the curves of an Apple Watch and the concept of a portable EV battery, is made in nature-friendly colors. Its helmet-like design, where the visor (the lid in this case) can be rolled up with a handle. Inside you have a magnetically fastened plate, over which you can keep the item you want to cook or heat and set the timer (which is displayed on the handle you can roll back down to start the microwave). The ease of portability is ensured by a locking mechanism on the side of the unit, which locks in place when the handle is rolled up or pushed down flat.
Why is it noteworthy?
Before you plug your microwave into the vehicle’s battery and end up draining it down to the point where your vehicle refuses to start; spare a thought for the Campo microwave oven. This is microwave powered by a rechargeable battery to let you do the heating and cooking without requiring continuous juice up from your car. It would be a good idea to just carry your microwave like a helmet and place it on a flat surface to begin preparing the meal instantly.
What we like
- Portable design
- Powered by a rechargeable battery
What we dislike
It’s still a concept!
9. GO Camper
The GO Camper is a towable, lightweight camper that can attach to vehicles of any size, even a Mini Coop.
Why is it noteworthy?
SylvanSport, a USA-based, outdoor adventure goods company, developed their GO Camper to brace all elements while also providing an accessible and versatile living space while getting off the grid for a bit. Described by National Geographic Adventure as the “Coolest. Camper. Ever,” the GO Camper is a super lightweight, towable pop-up tent camper that can accommodate up to four people.
What we like
- Can be attached to vehicles of all sizes, even the tiny Mini Cooper
- An equipment rack provides extra space to keep all the accessory equipment that will make maximize any camping trip adventure
What we dislike
No complaints!
10. Shelf
Developed in the design language of DHL, PDF Haus aimed to give Shelf a simple box silhouette with a freewheeling attitude, taking inspiration from the color scheme, materials and finishes often chosen by DHL for their vehicles and brand aesthetic. The grill even comes with DHL decals and tags that can be adhered to the metallic grill’s front case that turns into its table extension. While most gas stoves come with a separate carrying case, Shelf’s entire grill has been turned into one that can be consolidated and carried away.
Why is it noteworthy?
Shaped and carried like a slim briefcase, two metal clasps open and slide out to reveal the Shelf’s grill and supplementary table space. Just beneath the grill, Shelf includes two retractable shelves that create more space for whoever’s cooking to place their spices, utensils, or tools. Blooming from Shelf’s underside like an awning, the shelves, and the sliding tables nearly double Shelf’s overall area.
What we like
- Unique briefcase form
- An intuitive, recognizable control panel that allows users to adjust temperature and flame settings
- DHL-inspired aesthetics
What we dislike
- The grill is given more weight once propane gas containers are inserted into its underside to activate it
- The briefcase-inspired stove could easily be scratched or damaged in the outdoors