Our gear editors scoured the floor of Summer Outdoor Retailer 2018 for the most interesting camping and hiking products. Here’s what they found.
Backpacker’s Pantry Mountain Standard Carrot Cake Pancakes ($13)
Sure, you could have a bowl of oatmeal every morning while camping. But why not make something that would put a restaurant to shame? This might be the I’ve ever had. Yes, the pancakes really do taste like carrot cake, and unlike a lot of gluten-free products, they don’t come out gritty or crumbly. I can’t wait to have them again.
—Abbey Gingras, social media editorial assistant
Eureka Quick Set Cot ($150)
These days I frequently find myself trading in my lightweight backpacking gear for plusher car-camping stuff. That’s why I’m stoked on the Quick Set cot, which boosts you two feet off the ground and makes sleeping outside far more comfortable than a traditional pad. With a handle activated by a simple pull, the entire thing folds up in seconds.
—Ben Fox, affiliate reviews manager
MSR Pika Teapot ($25)
The classic two-liter camping pot has its place for preparing big meals, but sometimes all you want is a few cups of instant coffee or a bowl of oatmeal. MSR’s Pika aluminum teapot holds a liter of water, just enough for it to serve as your sole fast and light backpacking pot.
—Ariella Gintzler, assistant editor
Ruffwear Trail Runner Bowl ($15)
The Trail Runner is my ultralight dream. The collapsible bowl stuffs into its own pocket and packs down to the size of a walnut. It’s fully seam sealed and holds a liter of water.
—Emily Reed, assistant editor
GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker with SunShade Chair ($70)
I’ve been using GCI’s Freestyle Rocker for about a year now, and it’s hands down the most comfortable camping chair in existence. You could argue that shocks on the back legs are excessive, but I’d reply to the contrary: that they’re not quite enough. The one thing that’d make it better? A sun shade, an addition that GCI conveniently unveiled this week at Outdoor Retailer.
—Will Egensteiner, senior editor