Tent manufacturer NEMO has been developing their air-supported backpacking tents for several years now, and they’ve recently released the Morpho AR. Although a bit on the pricey side (MSRP $395 USD), the Morpho AR is supported by a technology they call “airbeams” which are capable of withstanding twice as much force as standard aluminum poles. It’s a cinch to setup, too. An included foot pedal will get you a fully erected tent in under 45 seconds. But if you’re conserving space, the integrated pump will do the job in under 90 seconds. Check out a video of the tent after the jump. [via]
Urban Camping: Tents in the Big City?
Prices of metropolitan hotels got you down? No worries. Michael Rakowitz’ P(Lot) project has the answer for cheap stays in the city: car cover tents! Plop one down in a parking space, feed the meter, and you’ve got yourself a campsite. Break out the s’mores! Sure, vagrancy laws might cut your stay a little short, but the memories would last a lifetime. [via]
Check out more urban camping photos after the jump.
Here’s a view inside the car cover tent. Looks cosy, but I’d worry about pesky city roaches and rodents popping in for a visit.
I think I’d pick this urban camping tent. I’m not a racing fan; the tent just reminds me of my old racecar bed. Vroom vroom.
Here’s one for the high-rollers. It’s a Porsche-shaped car cover tent. I’d love to see the look on the face of a confused thief who pulls back the car cover only to find a sleeping bag and Therm-a-rest.
People watching would probably be a lot of fun during an urban camping trip. I’d sit in the empty shell with the tent flap open waving to people and snacking on granola bars.
Animated Knots
As a Boy Scout, I learned a great deal about getting by in the outdoors. I can make an excellent fire (though I have discovered that it is always easier to start one with white gas and a match than with two sticks). I can pitch a tent and put together a kick ass camping breakfast. I also know a few knots. Need a granny done to bind those two pieces of rope. Hey, I’m your man.
But seriously, I know a couple of knots and used to know more. But when I took a look at this site, I realized that not only do I know fewer knots that I thought, I realized I anted to know more. And so I clicked around on this excellent site that not only animates the tying of numerous knots, but also allows you to click through the frames of the sequence one by one to build your own knot tying prowess. From the Rolling Hitch to the Double Overhead Stopper, the knots here will keep you busy for hours and can make for a fine way to pass the time if, say, you’re roommate or significant other is watching your least favorite TV show right now.
Cutlery on the Go
UncommonGoods.com has a lot of interesting travel gear for sale, including this Cutlery on the Go silverware set.
“Handy for travel, camping, and ‘on the go’ activities, the nomad is a fork, a knife, a spoon and a bottle opener in one – that folds neatly into a plastic compact cover when not in use.” The cover is attached to a 34″ nylon strap so you can wear it around your neck for easy access. Then you can punch some holes in ketchup packets and wear them as earings, duct tape some hot dogs to your chest, and fashion a shirt out of napkins.
You’ll be set for lunch. [via]
BioToi: For Conveniently Pooping in the Woods
Does a bear sh*t in the woods? Of course he does. Do campers? Yes. What’s the difference? Campers know to pack out their poop. Moreover, because campers have opposable thumbs, they can operate a BioToi.
BioToi is a sturdy, portable toilet developed in cooperation with the Norwegian Armed Forces, and used by NATO forces in many countries. Now available to the public, BioToi is ideal for camping, boating, hiking, hunting, RV-ing and other related outdoor activities.
Hygienic and environmentally friendly, each BioToi system comes with a roll of Bio-Bag waste bags, which are 100% biodegradable and 100% compostable. To use the system, simply thread the bags around the rim of the toilet seat, and do your business. When you’re finished, tie off the bag and pack it out. Each bag is certified to decompose to a humus state within 40 days when placed in a controlled compost environment.