Camping & biking: 35 tips for camping equipment
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Author: Jörg Lohse
Charging system for bikes, equipment and co.
Off on holiday and camping in your everyday car without drilling, screwing or making any other changes to the vehicle - that is the motto of VanEssa Mobilcamping. For sporty, ambitious campers with bikes, surfboards, etc., the joinery offers the ideal system that allows even bulky sports equipment to be transported safely in the vehicle. However, nothing has to be sacrificed in order to experience the all-round vanlife feeling. The VanEssa Arco system consists of a heavy-duty pull-out for a weight load of up to 250 kg when extended from the rear of a van. A rail system from the vehicle manufacturer is required.
The washing line that doesn't need clips
You always have something to dry: towels, swimwear or the small laundry in between. The five metre long Camping washing line from Decathlon Thanks to the hooks, you can easily attach them anywhere and then stow them away again compactly. And you don't even need clothes pegs, the ball system simply clamps the clothes in place. Price: 4.99 euros.
Rear carrier for panel vans
With the GiroVan, Linnepe has developed a bicycle carrier that has been specially designed for panel vans with a Euro chassis. The carrier can be unlocked with a single-handed operation and swivelled to the side even when loaded so that the rear doors can still be opened. The low loading option at knee height is designed to make it easier to saddle up heavy e-bikes. Prices including assembly depending on model.
Roof tent for the car
If you transport your bike on a rear rack, you have the roof free - perfect space for a roof tent! Quicker to set up and more comfortable than a normal tent, rooftop tents have become a cult among part-time van drivers in recent years and turn every car into a holiday vehicle. The Decathlon Fresh & Black - MH500 roof tent for 2 people impresses with its good insulation, clever features and many options for retrofitting! Price: 1,299 euros >> available here
Outdoor collection from Tchibo
With a volume of 40 litres, the trekking rucksack (49.99 euros >> available here) sufficient storage space for multi-day tours. The hard-wearing, water-repellent material with environmentally friendly "evoPel" waterproofing protects your equipment from getting wet. Numerous compartments, adjustable straps and a ventilated back system ensure comfort and functionality on demanding hikes. The rollable water bottle (8 euros >> available here) with a capacity of 650 ml. The extra-large opening is leak-proof and makes filling and cleaning easier. A carabiner serves as a fastening and carrying aid.
Cooking set with non-stick coating
The compact 15-piece cooking set from Decathlon aims to be a practical solution for chefs on the campsite. It is made of stainless steel and contains all the necessary utensils for cooking and eating for two people. With a cooking pot of 1.6 litres, a pan and various eating utensils, it promises a wide range of uses and is said to be easy to clean thanks to its non-stick coating. Price: 37.99 euros >> available here.
Smarthome for the camper
Revotion offers retrofittable control modules for campers that communicate wirelessly and only require a power connection. Not only can relevant information (e.g. temperature, tank and battery levels) be called up via an app and Bluetooth connection, but lights and devices (e.g. heating, air conditioning) can also be switched on and off, now even remotely via the internet. All prices and equipment variants from the supplier.
Keep insects away and soothe bites
Mosquitoes can quickly make outdoor life a misery. Orthomechanik now promises a remedy with ultrasonic technology, without the use of chemicals or fragrances. The device is designed to significantly reduce the mosquito population within a radius of one metre. In the event that a mosquito bite occurs despite protective measures, the manufacturer also has an insect bite healer. This device is designed to relieve itching and swelling within seconds through the use of heat therapy, without any creams or sprays. Price: currently 49 euros instead of 79 euros >> available here.
Camping light with ambience
Reading in the van, candlelight feeling at the camping table, search spot in the tent: the battery-operated camping light Glow from Silva (29.95 euros >> available here) with powerful 250 lumens and 360-degree illumination (Glow Recharge with 2050 mAh battery and 350 lumens, 44.95 euros >> available hereThanks to the two adjustable light modes, it can be used effortlessly between white work light for tour planning and cosy campfire light.
Cooking in the wild
The name Trangia stands for tradition: the family business has been manufacturing camping cookers in its factory in Trångsviken/Sweden since 1925. To celebrate the anniversary, Trangia is launching a cooker collection in three bright colours: pink (see photo), gold-orange and forest green >> available here. The birthday set from the 25 series costs 104.90 euros each, regardless of colour, and includes two pots with a volume of 1.75 and 1.5 litres, a frying pan, windscreen, burner, handle and strap - all in a birthday look.
Air mattress with comfort
Therm-a-Rest is expanding its outdoor bed programme with the NeoLoft sleeping pad, which combines the comfort of a foam insulation mat with the pack size of an air mattress. The 3D profile and stretch/knit surface are designed to ensure that the mat moulds perfectly to the body. Available in two sizes, Regular Wide and Large, each costing 280 euros.
Mini bike for compact vans
The Tinker2 e-bike from Riese & Müller (from €4649) is a compact companion for particularly compact camping vehicles. The Bosch Performance Line motor, which draws its power from a 545 Wh Bosch Power Pack battery, supports its own acceleration and should be able to achieve a decent range. With its 20-inch wheels and continuously variable Enviolo hub gears, Riese & Müller relies on a clean and low-maintenance belt drive instead of a classic chain for the Tinker2.
Camping guide plus discount card
In 1965, Dutchman Ed van Reine published his first camping guide under the name Auto Camper Service International (ACSI) with 25 inspected campsites on the way to Spain. Today, the "ACSI bible" lists over 7500 campsites throughout Europe, which are inspected by 400 inspectors every year. Of course, all the information is available digitally, just like the discount card for the off-season. Available in various versions from 24.95 euros >> e.g. available here.
LED light plus mosquito killer
We've all been there: the light is switched on to read a little before falling asleep in the great outdoors... And then mosquitoes buzz in and disturb your sleep. With the Platinet fly lamp (29.99 euros >> available here) is supposed to be different. In addition to the "normal" light mode (with two-watt LED), it also has a so-called three-watt mosquito killer mode, which puts an end to annoying insects without spreading noise or odour. Thanks to the IP44 standard, it can also be used outdoors on damp days. The integrated rechargeable battery can be recharged via a USB port.
Water filter to go
Outdoor cracks know it: a refreshing sip of water from even the clearest mountain stream is a no-go! If you want to be on the safe side, take a compact water filter with you. Like the TrailShot MicroFilter from MSR, which is equipped with a hand pump and inlet hose. The purified water can then be pumped into a cup, bottle or directly into the mouth for drinking. The filter is designed to remove protozones, bacteria and dirt particles from the water and can be cleaned on the go with a quick shake. Price: 79,95 Euro >> available here.
A whole oven in your luggage
Lasagne, casserole, freshly baked bread or even chips in the deepest outback? The Omnia camping oven (52.50 euros >> e.g. available here) leaves nothing to be desired! The way the Swedish original works is as simple as it is ingenious: the Omnia is constructed from the centre ring with a hole in the middle, the bowl-shaped lower section, which also has a hole in the middle, and the red lid. The lower bowl conducts hot air from the heat source to the underside of the centre ring, thus providing bottom heat. The hot air rises through the holes in the lower tray and the Omnia mould inside the construction, providing top heat. The Omnia camping oven can be used to prepare anything you would bake, cook or gratinate in a normal oven. A cooker or camping cooker can be used as a heat source.
The multitool from Switzerland
The Victorinox Huntsman combines the functions of the legendary Swiss Army Knife with a wood saw and scissors. The handyman camping enthusiast thus has 15 functions in his hand, including a reamer, multi-purpose hook, wire stripper, large blade, can opener and two screwdrivers. The classic is currently available at a special offer price of 34.99 euros (instead of 45 euros) z. e.g. available here.
Vanlife solutions from the DIY store
DIY fans can now also find an extensive range of DIY products for campervan conversions in DIY stores. Hornbach offers the Bob rear bed (€629) from its in-house "Buildify" range as a flexible sleeping system with a 180 x 110 centimetre sleeping surface. Made from 15-millimetre-thick birch multiplex, the element can be combined with other Buildify parts. The DIY giant also offers a manual for download, which explains step by step how to build a van yourself.
Multifunctional cutlery set
The AlphaLight Cutlery Set from Sea to Summit is made from lightweight aluminium and consists of a knife and a spork that can be used as both a spoon and a fork. Another special feature: the ends of the cutlery contain various hexagonal spanners, which can be used to carry out minor repairs to the cooker, for example. The carabiner supplied keeps the knife and spork together so that they don't get lost in your rucksack. Price: currently at Bergzeit for 6.12 euros instead of 16.95 euros.
Microfibre towel with quick-drying function
The Tek Towel microfibre towel from Sea to Summit not only absorbs six times its own weight in water (size M, for example, weighs just 200 grams), but also dries quickly. It also aims to provide an ultra-soft towelling feeling in the outdoor bathroom, just like at home. Available e.g. from Bergfreunde in five sizes and five colours for 11.66 euros including pack sack.
Mosquito net for a good night's sleep without buzzing and humming
With the mosquito net from Sea to Summit (in two sizes, from 34.95 euros >> available here) is designed to provide outdoor enthusiasts with effective protection against mosquitoes and other scary insects. According to the manufacturer, the mosquito net is particularly suitable for travelling to endangered areas, where it aims to ensure undisturbed and safe sleep at night. The net is characterised by its low weight and compact pack size and should be easy to stow in rucksacks or luggage bags.
Other nice-to-have camping accessories and gadgets
- Fire steel - such as the Ignition Steel fire steel from Primus
- Picnic blanket - such as the Quechua picnic blanket comfort
- Solar camping shower - such as the Outwell Solar Shower
- Mini espresso machine - such as the Bialetti Venus Induction
- Fairy lights - such as the Macchiatto 40 LED Solar
- Hammock - such as the Camino single travel hammock
- Inflatable cushion - such as the Forclaz trekking cushion MT500
- Camping stools - such as the Tchibo telescopic stool
- Music Box - like the Bluetooth speaker JBL Flip 7
- Games - A large selection is available here, for example
- Foldable bowl - such as the Razatik folding bowl
- Camping toasters - such as the Coughlan's Toaster
