InventorSpot

With summer officially here, people are enjoying the great outdoors while they can. Friends are going on road trips, families are going to different destinations on the weekends and even pets are enjoying the sunny weather. This time of year is perfect for camping trips, but the old activity is being shadowed by new developments.

We first saw “new camping equipment” in movies. Most films that revolved around camping had two characters: one with an old-fashioned tent, the other with a shiny, gigantic RV. One character liked the idea of camping without cool gadgets and equipment. They packed food in containers, slept in sleeping bags and if they felt dirty, they went for a swim in a nearby lake.

The other character revolved around modern technology. They barbecued their food, slept in the RV and preferred their vehicle’s “shower” instead of the lake. Some may point out that people that do these things don’t like the rugged outdoors, but it doesn’t come down to a matter of preference.

More and more inventions are that take away the essence of camping are being created. Some items are okay, because they don’t take away the aspect of being outdoors entirely. Others, like the following, do. It may be because they’re either similar to what we have at our homes or just plain unnecessary.

Newest in Camping: Just Asking For Attention

When you go camping, you’re supposed to get away from modern civilization. That includes home-cooked meals and your local pizza delivery boy. Packing food ahead of time gives families more time to enjoy the great outdoors because they’re not tied down with cooking.

However, more and more companies are coming out with outdoor kitchen supplies. The Guide Gear Camp Kitchen is just one of the latest products that allows individuals to cook and be organized. The collapsible “kitchen” has three different-sized table areas, an upper shelf for spices, condiments and cooking tools as well as hooks for utensils. It also features a mesh basket beneath the main prep area for drying dishes. But when did campers ever need a collapsible kitchen?

Cooking outdoors is a great idea, but when you start getting pots and sets, like the GSI Outdoors Dualist camping cookware , it’s a bit too much. Plus, when you’re actually cooking in the outdoors and not just roasting hotdogs over a fire, there’s a greater chance you’ll attract unwanted wildlife to your campsite.

Newest in Camping: Washing Away That Rugged Feeling

The main point that should be made about camp showers like the Stinky Pete Shower Toilet Tent is they’re a bit too much. Choosing to shower in a tent-like structure instead of swimming in a cool brisk lake is an unnecessary choice.

Sure a portable camp shower like this one has a self-draining floor, but what’s stopping an individual from cannon-balling into a lake?

Not only do you get to have more fun, but you get to save yourself some money at the same time.

Newest in Camping: Lounging Around While On An Adventure

While camping, there are tons of activities a family can do. If fishing isn’t exciting for everyone, there’s the option of going hiking in the woods and doing some exploring. But if you’re tired when you come back from your trip, where are you supposed to rest? Coleman has the answer with their Inflatable Adult Loveseat .

Seeing the only furniture I’ve seen on camping trips are lawn chairs, tents and unoccupied logs, could this invention be a bit too much?

Newest in Camping: I Just Feel Like Playing Checkers

Probably one of the most unusual piece of camping equipment I’ve ever laid my eyes on, the Coleman Tent Nightstand (aka. Checkerboard).

The manufacturers claim it’s the perfect companion to your inflatable mattress, folding chair and portable table. It’s also a great nightstand that can be used as a checkerboard.

Do you think Coleman has ever heard of the folding chairs with cup holders?

I know pointing out the negative aspects of some camping equipment isn’t a great thing to do, but inventions like these are hurting the true aspect of camping. When you go away on a camping trip, you’re suppose to get away from everything you’re used to, or else it doesn’t seem like an adventure.

Going out for swim in a lake and cooking hotdogs over an open fire is definitely more of an adventure than huddling in a camp shower and washing dishes outside your tent.