2021 Camping Gift Guide – JetBoil, Optimus, Gobi Heat, Therm-a-Rest, GRAYL, and BioLite

by Brian Mullin on December 20, 2021

jetboil_stash

Jetboil Stash Stove

Jetboil designed the all-new Stash to be efficient and compact, maximizing your pack space without sacrificing that iconic Jetboil performance. At 7.1 oz, the .8L Stash is 40% lighter than their .8L Zip.

It features their FluxRing cook pot system to maximize cooking efficiency and an innovative nesting system. The gas canister snaps into the lid (with a spot for a lighter) and sits upside down in the cooking pot, while the burner sits in a soft bag at the bottom. It’s perfect, got ultralight backpacking, and seems ideal for bikepacking!

  • Stand-alone stove with titanium burner and .8L FluxRing cook pot is the lightest Jetboil system ever made.
  • FluxRing technology ensures a rapid 2.5 minute boil time
  • Nesting design makes taking anywhere compact and easy
  • Cook pot with lid and attached pour handle makes for easy handling
  • Fuel stabilizer keeps everything stable and steady
  • Storage for 100g JetPower fuel canister makes adventuring anywhere easy
  • Compatible accessories include the Grande Coffee Press, Hanging Kit, and JetSet Utensils
  • Jetpower Fuel sold separately
  • MSRP $129.95

This is the perfect stove for backpacking and bikepacking. It includes a cooking pot, lid, pour handle, tripod, and stove that weighs just 1.15 lb/522 g. The stove, tripod, and fuel canister all nest in the pot, and the innovative lid hold onto the canister upside down. Their FluxRing cooking pot helps to boil water quickly, and it’s the perfect system when just heating water for coffee, tea, and freeze-dried food.

Click here to purchase the Jetboil Stash Stove.

optimus_gemini

OPTIMUS Gemini Double Burner

The OPTIMUS Gemini Double Burner is a clever double burner stove with high performance, minimal weight, and an extremely compact design.

Ideal for simultaneously preparing different meals, rapidly boiling water, or constant simmering for several hours, the OPTIMUS Gemini brings new flexibility to outdoor cooking. Two hand controls allow the flame height to be infinitely varied separately for each burner head, while the integrated pressure control valve stabilizes the flame throughout the cooking process. This allows for precise cooking with efficient energy consumption.

Raised edges protect the flames from wind, and fold-out legs on both sides ensure optimum stability even when using large pots. In combination with a separate adapter, the latest addition to the OPTIMUS family is even compatible with LPG cylinders. Its small footprint and lightweight make the OPTIMUS Gemini the ideal companion for any outdoor adventure where delicious food is a priority.

  •  This stove is ideal for preparing multiple dishes, rapidly boiling water, or constant simmering for several hours; this stove brings new flexibility to outdoor cooking.
  •  Independent burner control allows for multitasking.
  •  An integrated pressure control valve stabilizes the flame throughout the cooking process, allowing precise cooking with efficient energy consumption.
  •  Precision flame control is perfect for simmering.
  •  Fold-out legs on both sides ensure optimum stability even when using large pots, and they fold down to make packing up easy
  •  An integrated wind shield helps you cook on blustery days
  •  Made in the EU with premium materials for a highly compact, lightweight, dual-burner camp stove
  • $169.95

Thoughts => I like this small two-burner stove. It folds up functionally and compactly, making it easy to store in your vehicle, packs, duffel, bins, garage, etc. Its small footprint means it will fit almost anywhere, providing an excellent way to cook your meals outdoors. Its high performance, lightweight construction of durable, high-quality materials, and compact design make for an ideal camping stove.

gobi_heated_chair

Gobi Heat Terrain Heated Camping Chair

The Gobi Heat Terrain Heated Camping Chair is the perfect candidate for any weather, especially when the temperatures drop! Built on an ultra-durable steel frame, their heated camping chair allows you to set your ideal temperature with three heat settings: low (113°F), medium (122°F), and high (131°F). Your chosen heat level is delivered to two heat zones made up of our cutting-edge conductive-thread technology sewn into a durable 600/300 Denier Polyester and located in the seat and lower back of the chair.

Thanks to their efficient 7.4V 6,500 lithium polymer battery (that doubles as a phone charging port, by the way), you’ll enjoy a warm backside for up to 9 hours on low, 6 hours on medium, and 4.5 hours on high. To date, no other heated camping chair can provide the same impressive maximum temperature level or run time on a single, fully charged 7.4V battery as the Gobi Heat® heated camping chair.

gobi_heated_chair_controller_battery

Specs:

  • 2-zone heating – 1 heated panel in the seat and 1 in the lower back area
  • Up to 9-hour battery life with a lightweight, comfortable lithium-polymer battery
  • One-touch LED controller with three heat settings: low, medium, and high
  • Conductive thread heating technology
  • Wind and water-resistant polyester fabric with polyester padding
  • Ultra-durable steel frame
  • Easily folds and stores into the included carrying bag.
  • Wind and water-resistant polyester fabric
  • $199.00

We’ve all been hanging out at camp when it gets chilly, and you have to toss on a bunch of clothes to try and stay warm before heading to bed way too early. The Terrain Heated Chair allows you to hang outside for a more extended period of time, enjoying more time with friends, family, and the great outdoors. Now that campfires are getting banned around the west, you don’t get to sit around an open flame enjoying the additional warmth, and this chair makes an ideal companion for those crisp evenings. As I was sitting in the chair at the show, I also realized it is a great recovery tool, since at the end of a long day of biking, running, or hiking, your butt, and lower back are sore and tired, and the chair acts as a mini heating blanket!

thermarest_mondo_king

Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Sleeping Pad

The MondoKing 3D provides their highest level of comfort and support. Boasting 4.25 inches (11cm) of premium foam, the ultra-cozy pad combines a plush next-to-skin feel with a 7.0 R-value to keep you warm and comfy in any condition or season. StrataCore construction provides a lofty three-dimensional shape and compresses easily to save room in your trunk or closet. The extra-comfy self-inflating pad features the easy-to-use TwinLock valve, allowing the pad to inflate three times faster and deflate five times faster. Like all Therm-a-Rest pads, the MondoKing 3D is made in the market to ensure quality and minimize environmental impact. The pad includes a go-anywhere stuff sack with a built-in pump sack.
  • Stable Comfort: 4 inches (10 cm) of stabilized loft provides the comfort of home anywhere.
  • StrataCore™ Construction: Yielding an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, StrataCore uses a continuous layer of thermal foam nestled between alternating ridges of air and foam.
  • Comfortable Fabric: Supple stretch knit fabric provides deluxe breathability and plush surface.
  • Giant Sleep Surface: Vertical sidewalls maximize useable sleep surface.
  • Incredibly Warm: Foam core delivers all-season warmth to assure a great night’s rest anytime.
  • Easy to Pack: StrataCore construction allows the pad to easily compress and pack away.
  • Mateable: Mates perfectly with other 3D mattresses.
  • TwinLock™ Valve: Utilizing two one-way valves, one for inflation and one for deflation, the TwinLock valve system makes setting up and breaking camp a breeze.
  • Pump stuff sack included
  • $209.95 – $229.95

The MondoKing 3D is the ultimate pad for car camping and offers an amazingly comfortable 4 1/4 inches of thickness and a toasty warm 7 R-value. The top knit fabric feels lovely against the skin, and the internal foam layering and top alternating ridges provide the perfect combination of plushness, firmness, and anti-slip. It feels like you’re sleeping at home on your bed! Their new TwinLock valves make inflating, adjusting firmness, and deflating easy and quick.

Click here to purchase the MondoKing 3D pad

thermarest_questar_32

Therm-a-Rest Questar 32 Sleeping Bag

The Questar 32 As the lightest bag in their award-winning Questar line, this bag makes the perfect partner for experiencing the joy of the backcountry. They’ve loaded this bag with the comfort features that Therm-a-Rest bags are known for. Their SynergyLink™ Connectors integrate the bag with your sleeping pad while allowing their Zoned Insulation to keep filling where you need it most. The fit of the bag has been perfected in their onsite cold chamber to create their W.A.R.M. fit and allow room for multiple sleep positions without compromising thermal efficiency. Stuffed with water-resistant 650 fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down certified by the Responsible Down Standard, the three-season Questar is ready for your next backcountry adventure. The Questar is offered in three sizes and is designed to fit both men and women. Compression sack and storage sack included.

  • 650 Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™: Absorbs 90% less water and dries three times faster without using dangerous PFCs.
  • W.A.R.M. Fit: With Additional Room for Multiple positions (W.A.R.M.) fit means this bag allows for various natural sleep positions while maintaining thermal efficiency.
  • SynergyLink™ Connectors: Integrate the bag with a pad for optimal comfort and thermal efficiency; removable for versatility.
  • Zoned Insulation: Maximizes warmth and saves weight by intentionally placing down where you need it most.
  • Box Baffled Construction: Uses mesh walls to maximize loft and minimize cold spots.
  • Toe-asis™ Foot Warmer Pocket: Baffled pocket of insulation rapidly warms cold feet.
  • Quilt and Blanket Loops: Customize your sleep system by layering our quilts or tech blankets for increased warmth.
  • Responsible Down Standard Certified: Certification that ensures that the waterfowl in the down supply chain are treated humanely.
  • Additional features: Heat-trapping draft collar, full-length zipper draft tube, snag-free zipper, cinchable hood, and external zip pocket.
  • Compression sack and storage sack included
  • Sizes – Small, Regular, and Long
  • $219.95 – $259.95

The Quester 32 is warm and cozy and has plenty of room, especially down on the toebox. It works if you are a back or side sleeper and doesn’t feel claustrophobic. Their baffling system kept the down in the proper places, without any bunching or loss of loft. If needed, you could wrap the hood up around your head for maximum warmth.

Click here to purchase Questar 32 Sleeping Bag

thermarest_xl_pillow

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

Their Compressible Pillow is perfect for everyone from international travelers to car campers. The pillow foam is sourced from upcycled foam from our pad manufacturing, and the cover is made from ultra-soft polyester made from primarily recycled materials. Its soft foam filling packs small and expands big, with the XL size measuring a generous 16.5 x 27 in. (42 x 67 cm) for home-like comfort wherever you are.

  • Ultra-soft Recycled Fabric: Rest easy knowing the gentle cover is made from 60% recycled polyester.
  • Upcycled Foam: Using excess foam from sleeping pad production makes this product both green and comfy.
  • Compressible: Packs down so you can take it on the go.
  • Size – S, M, L, and XL
  • $24.95 – $34.95

The Compressible Pillow offers comfort and space, especially in the XL size. When needed, the pillow compresses down to a compact size, making it easy to bring on any adventure. 

grayl_ultrapress

GRAYL 16.9oz UltraPress Purifier

Compact, fun, and ridiculously easy to use — the GRAYL 16.9oz UltraPress Purifier Bottle fits into any pack pocket (or cup holder), requires zero setup, and makes safe, great-tasting drinking water in a mere 10 seconds (3L/min). On-the-go filtration and purification for the hiker, backpacker, camper, emergency prepper, or a global traveler seeking fast-flow purified water for chugging, filling hydration reservoirs, or cooking. Simply—Fill. Press. Drink.™

  • Compact and ridiculously easy-to-use, the UltraPress fits into any pack pocket (or cup holder), requires zero setup, and makes clean purified drinking water in 10 seconds (3L/min).
  • Award-winning OnePress™ global protection is effective on all seven continents and empowers adventurers and travelers to drink from the world’s sketchiest water sources. Simply — Fill. Press. Drink.™
  • Removes all waterborne pathogens, including virus (e.g., Rotavirus, SARS, Hepatitis A, Norovirus), bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Cholera, Salmonella, Dysentery), and Protozoa (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Amoebae).
  • Ultra-powdered activated carbon filters particulates (sediment, microplastics) and adsorbs many chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, VOCs, flavors, and odors.
  • Replaceable purifier cartridge rated for 300 cycles (40 gal. / 150L).
  • RiverFlow™ spout delivers a fast flow of clean drinking water for chugging, filling hydration reservoirs and other bottles.
  • FlipCarry™ handle rotates 90° for effortless separation (Inner Press from Outer ReFill) and easy carrying; it provides a sizeable pressing surface when flat.
  • Multi-functional SimpleVent™ drink cap vents air (by twisting cap ½ turn) during purification and filtration; protects the spout from cross-contamination.
  • SoftPress™ ergonomic comfort pad (on drink cap) provides non-slip, anti-fatigue pressing.
  • TPE TopoGrip™ is placed on all heavy-use surfaces for tactile, non-slip performance, and durability.
  • $89.95

The new slimmed-down UltraPress is 3″ wide, 9.75″ tall, and weighs 12.5 oz. The tacky TopoGrip material offers a secure hold when gripping the sides and while pressing on the top, and the 16.9-ounce capacity is perfect for any outing where you’ll need water. The UltraPress is a phenomenal portable water purifier that will be at home on backpack trips, hiking, and traveling. Its highly functional capabilities provide safe and clean drinking water. Fill, Press, and Drink. 

Click here to purchase the UltraPress

biolite_alpenglow

BioLite AlpenGlow

The BioLite AlpenGlow 250 and AlpenGlow 500 rechargeable lantern delivers a dusk or daylight feel inspired by nature. Featuring high-efficiency ChromaReal LED technology, accurately render the colors in your environment with the glow of warm natural light. Feeling more aurora borealis? Shake the lantern for an instant rotation of mesmerizing color. The AlpenGlow 250 or 500 is ready for the backyard or the backcountry, offering both ambient and task-based light.

biolite_aspenglow_mulit

  • AlpenGlow 250
    • 250 lumens, runs for 5h HI & 200h LO
    • 3200 mAh rechargeable battery
    • $59.95
  • AlpenGlow 500
    • 500 lumens, runs for 5h HI & 200h LO
    • 6400 mAh rechargeable battery
    • $79.95
  • IPX4 rating can withstand rain and splashing
  • Shake to access special lighting modes
  • ChromaReal LEDs create true tones at night
  • USB-out charges devices or runs BioLite SiteLights
  • Single or blended color modes
  • Modes: Cool & Warm White (Dimmable), Candle Flicker, Single Color, Multicolor, and Cycling Color
  • Available in AlpenGlow 250,  AlpenGlow 500, and Multipack versions

The AspenGlow offers the perfect amount of lantern light for the backyard or camping. It’s useful for the tent, a vehicle, or eating dinner at dusk. The innovative light design offers multiple colors, and with a shake (via an accelerometer), you can get unique lighting modes. The small loop on the bottom of the AspenGlow is nice when you want to hang it from the tent roof or a tree. The top push button allows you to alter the light level and the colors.

{ 0 comments… add one now }

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: