The Big Gear Show 2022 – LavaBox, LifeStraw, Trailform, and Crud Cloth

LavaBox

LavaBox is a patent-pending propane campfire inside battle-tested military ammo can (11″long x 5.5″ x 7″ high). No smoke. No embers. No wood to collect. Passes fire restrictions. Built to last a lifetime, LavaBoxes are full steel construction with no moving parts to break. The clean design is what makes the LavaBox smart and unique. A one-piece burner creates the largest propane fire in the industry. Closed sides protect the flame from wind gusts while providing generous heat. Paired with the ultra-light ceramic-weave “Hades Stones,” the LavaBox creates ambient, radiant warmth suitable for huddling around or cooking. The closed sides also provide protection and buoyancy. Yes, the LavaBox floats! LavaBox set the standard for all propane-based campfires in the Fall of 2020 and continues to innovate.

It comes in several versions: Naked Tabletop, Tabletop, The Tacoma Tabletop, Pompeii Party Pack, the Aso Super Pack, and the monster, Krakatoa FireBreather (17″ long x 7″ wide x 15″ tall).

Thoughts => We’ve been testing one for several months and love the design, simplicity, and ruggedness. It’s great to have a warm fire around the campsite without having to deal with a campfire or ban issues. 

LifeStraw

LifeStraw new Peak Series features five models engineered to offer premium durability and versatility in lightweight and compact carrying options: the Personal Water Filter Straw (re-designed after 17 years!), the 650 ml and 1L Collapsible Squeeze Bottle Water Filter System, the 3L, and 8L Gravity Water Filter System, and the 8L Gravity Water Filter + Water Storage Bag.

The Peak Series directly addresses product challenges encountered by the water filtration category in the past and incorporates innovative designs and upgraded materials to offer a safer, more reliable water solution in the backcountry. The new Peak Series attributes include:

• Extreme durability: The materials are thick and tough to withstand wear and tear.
• Leak-proof storage capabilities: Filtration and storage work seamlessly together for no leakage.
• Enhanced microfilter performance: The products remove bacteria and parasites and include a customized backwash accessory that helps maintain flow rate and remove sand and silt.
• Highly versatile: Designed with quick connects and universal threading, the products are interchangeable with other pieces of gear.
• Ultra-compact and no extra parts: The filters are removable and reconfigurable for ultimate packing flexibility.

Trailform

Trailform has a lineup of backpacks, coolers, camera bags, and stuff sacks. Their claim to fame is a multi-use backpacks ‘Transform from backpack to cooler, to chair— without emptying your pack.’ Pretty nifty idea.

22-28L Frost Backpack Cooler Chair

The FROST does triple duty. With built-in insulated cooler pockets, an expandable storage capacity, and an ultra-lite chair, you get maximum versatility, luxury, and comfort, packed into three pounds.

36L Chameleon Lite Backpack Chair

The Chameleon Lite stands alone—literally. No other bag gives you more versatility, accessibility, and overall utility… WITH the convenience and comfort of an ultra-light chair.

The Chameleon Backpack/ Sit System is a fully functional backpack that quickly transforms into an ultra-light chair without emptying any contents.

22-28L Micra Backpack Chair

The MICRA is the lightest transforming backpack chair to date, weighing 2.7 pounds, including the chair frame. With an expandable 22-28 liter storage capacity, it makes a perfect daypack AND chair for any adventure.

Crud Cloth

Crud Cloth Shower In A Bag

Life can get dirty. And sweaty. And smelly. No shower? No water? No problem! Try their instant shower in a bag. Use it anytime you would have killed for a shower or sink, but none were available.

Ever used an instant ice pack before? If so, you can handle this. Smack!, Squish, Tear, and Scrub. Their patent-pending Crud Cloth is activated by popping the inner soap pod filled with 100% natural ingredients and therapeutic-grade essential oils. Tired of wimpy baby wipes? Their rugged 100% cotton terrycloth washcloth (12″ x 12″) will power through the crud and then some.

Separating the wet soap pod from the dry washcloth + vacuum sealing keeps Crud Cloth extra fresh and vibrant for when you need it. There are no artificial chemicals, no smelly artificial fragrances, or thin wipes that fall apart or push the crud around.

When you are done, stuff the dirty Crud Cloth back into its reclosable bag so you can store it in your bag or purse to wash it at home. Their cotton washcloths are washable, reusable, and biodegradable.

Crud Cloths don’t take up much room and are TSA carry-on friendly (80ml of liquid only).