Ever made espresso while camping?

The following article was published originally in April 2023. We are sharing it now for your perusal, but take into account that the following information may be outdated.

Camping Living Room Tent for 6 PeopleThe tent from Decathlon's QUECHUA brand (model Arpenaz Base) is essentially a square living room with an area of 6.25 square meters and a maximum height of 2.15 meters. The door height is 1.70 meters. The tent features fiberglass poles connected by a cord running through them, as per the usual practice, and also includes steel pegs with a diameter of 6 mm. Setup and dismantling are with poles, as is common in regular tents. The tent is large and very difficult to build alone - at least two people are required, but the connection of the poles is easy and convenient. Although it is designed for 6 people, it comfortably accommodates only 4. However, it is spacious enough to stand in. The tent walls have three windows of various sizes, including a zipper for a mosquito net. There is a hanging hook for a lantern at the top, but no storage pockets in the walls. Dismantling is quite easy, following the usual procedure, rolling it into a carry bag, and the tent fits in easily. However, the tent is relatively heavy and suitable for car transportation only. A simple yet ideal product for family camping.

Where to buy: Decathlon stores

Price: NIS 480 

Rating: 4/5

Compact Double TentThe Compact double tent, lightweight and ideal for hiking and camping, is made by Outdoor Revolution from "Kal-Gav." The tent features mesh fabric for ventilation on hot summer days and a full rain cover for rainy days. It provides sleeping space for two people and storage for bags and equipment inside the tent. The tent's structure allows for easy and quick setup without complicated threading. The durable aluminum poles are 8.5 mm thick. In our test, the tent opened easily and connected with the Y-shaped metal poles to the three corners of the tent. Clips attached to the poles gave it volume. However, to achieve a wider spread of the tent, stakes are needed to secure the tent walls - a feature not necessarily present in other tents, which is a drawback. Folding and dismantling are very easy and convenient. Moreover, the tent folds compactly, making it easy to pack into a hiking backpack or tie up, but it comes at a relatively high price.

Where to buy: Hiking stores

Price: NIS 789 

Rating: 4/5

Inflatable Double Mattress with Built-In PillowThe inflatable double mattress with a built-in pillow, 135x188 cm, is made by Outdoor Revolution from "Kal-Gav." The mattress is made of exceptionally strong PVC, with an internal structure providing stability and preventing movement during the night. It has a valve for inflation using a pump and air release. The top of the mattress is padded with a fabric that prevents sweating. In our test, the mattress inflated within a minute with a pump (details below), and it was easy to deflate. It has a valve that prevents air from escaping, and almost no air remains during folding. It is not suitable for tall people and is ideal for an adult and a child, or two children. It would be very difficult for two adults to sleep on it comfortably. A reasonably priced product for its category.

Where to buy: Hiking stores

Price: NIS 169 

Rating: 4/5

Inflatable Double Mattress with Built-In PumpAnother field mattress we tested is from "Trek Market," an inflatable double mattress with a built-in internal pump! Yes, a cool surprise, no need for an external pump - just pump for about 3-4 minutes with light foot presses, and the mattress inflates. The mattress, made in China by Sheng Yuan, is built with horizontal beams providing full stability without a wavy feeling. It is made of nylon combined with fabric, making the mattress rigid and durable against sharp objects. It is 140 cm wide. The mattress is thin enough, not too thick, easy to move, and not cumbersome. It comes with a fabric bag for packing the mattress. It has a valve for releasing air, as well as two internal pumps for both feet for inflation. A cool gimmick, not too cheap, but a good mattress.

Where to buy: Trek Market branches

Price: NIS 295 

Rating: 4/5

Compact Electric Pump for Inflating MattressesA compact electric pump for inflating mattresses, rechargeable via an electric outlet. Specifications: 450 grams, dimensions: 9.5 x 11.5 x 10 cm + carry bag. The pump comes with 3 accessories + socket adapter + car cigarette lighter adapter and is powered by an electric outlet, car cigarette lighter socket, or battery. It fully charges in 6 hours, and battery life (15 minutes) is enough to inflate 3 mattresses. Inflation time - we inflated the double mattress from Outdoor (the gray one mentioned above) in a minute and a half. Deflating the mattress with the pump took a similar time as all the air was sucked out with the valve switch. Very efficient and fast inflation and a reasonable price make the pump a must-have product for every camper.

Where to buy: Decathlon stores

Price: NIS 185 

Rating: 5/5

Nylon HammockA hammock is certainly a luxurious and pleasant item for camping or picnics, as long as there are trees in your area. The hammock from Max Stock is made of nylon and measures 140 x 270 cm, meaning it can be double and enough to accommodate two people of different sizes. Its advantage is that it already comes with attached carabiners and ropes for tying to trees, so there is no need to purchase separately. Add to this the amazing price it is offered at, and you get a highly recommended product.

Where to buy: Max Stock stores

Price: NIS 45 

Rating: 5/5

Large Folding Chair for CampingA camping chair is definitely an upgrade product, and here the folding chair from Decathlon, model Basic XL, is probably the simplest chair to open and close. Just open and close with an accordion motion, and it's ready for sitting (or carrying). Volume: 31 L, dimensions: 87 x 20 x 18 cm, seat height: 43 cm, built-in strap for easy carrying and transport with a total weight of 3.6 kg. According to the manufacturer, it supports up to 150 kg. The chair has a backrest and armrests, with a cup holder on one of them. However, after sitting, you feel the chair's metal bars stuck in your back. Not something very bothersome, but it doesn't provide maximum comfort.

Where to buy: Decathlon stores

Price: NIS 140 

Rating: 3/5

Coffee Kit for the OutdoorsThe STOVEKIT coffee kit comes in a fabric bag with a carrying handle from the Outdoor Revolution brand by "Kal Gav." The set includes a pot/pan and a compact stove by KOVEA. The kit includes: a stove, a gas canister, four double-walled stainless steel cups, and two storage boxes. This coffee kit is nearly perfect, considering everything, including a sponge for cleaning after use. The cups are thick and can be held while drinking hot beverages, but they are a bit heavy, adding to the kit's weight. The combination of a pot and a pan lid that detaches definitely allows for cooking beyond just coffee/tea. The powerful, foldable stove and the high-quality carrying bag with two pockets, including a zipper, make this a good product from Outdoor, though it is a bit pricey.

Where to buy: Hiking stores

Price: NIS 465 

Rating: 4/5

Espresso Machine for Outdoor EnthusiastsA coffee kit is nice, but for those who really want to indulge - an espresso machine is now available for the outdoors. Meet the Minipresso NS from the Ricochet network, suitable for Nespresso NS capsules. It operates without electricity, but with hot water that needs to be boiled or poured from a thermos. Using the semi-automatic piston, small amounts of water are injected into the coffee adapter, and you can control the amount of coffee produced. Weight: 350 grams, length: 175 mm. The machine is compact, comes in a matching storage bag, and is easy to operate: pour hot water into a cup that screws into the machine, insert a capsule, turn the button, and with a few simple presses, the coffee starts flowing into the cup. Cool design, easy to clean, and the coffee tastes just like at home.

Where to buy: Rikushet stores

Price: NIS 279 

Rating: 4/5

Flashlight with Lighter and CompassA tactical flashlight that is water-resistant and includes a lighter and compass from the Gentleman network. The flashlight features strong illumination and a plasma lighter that is wind and rain-resistant, keeping the flame lit. The kit is light and easy to use, but the compass is rather unnecessary these days. The flashlight is strong, can also flash, and the wind-resistant plasma lighter is excellent for outdoor use. Additionally, the flashlight comes with a USB cable for charging, including the lighter, so it is not a disposable lighter or a battery that needs to be purchased repeatedly. A reasonable price for a product that may not be necessary.

Where to buy: Gentleman network branches

Price: NIS 99 

Rating: 3/5

45+5 Liter Hiking BackpackYou can pack the coffee kit in a new hiking backpack from Trek Market, which offers the NEVO RHINO brand backpack with a capacity of 45+5 liters. This day pack features a duffel-like body that opens with a drawstring, while the additional closure of the duffel top constitutes the extra 5 liters. The back system includes a metal frame separating the back from the pack and thick (perhaps too thick) shoulder straps connected to the back system. The backpack has an external map pocket, two side pockets for bottles, and the duffel compartment can be separated by a zipper from the bottom third of the pack. It is equipped with numerous buckles. The pack is made of fairly simple nylon fabric and comes with a rain cover stored in a separate pocket. It has a waist belt with a buckle for closure around the stomach, and small pockets on it. Not the backpack you would take on the Israel Trail, but it will do the job for a day hike and at a reasonable price, for both men and women.

Where to buy: Trek Market branches

Price: NIS 369 

Rating: 3/5

Children's Hiking ShoesChildren's hiking shoes from the SALOMON brand, model ALPHACROSS BLAST. The shoes come with a strong sole with protrusions for good grip on various surfaces - from rocks to dirt. The upper part of the shoe is made of polyester with regular laces. The shoes have a sporty look, so they can definitely also be used as sports shoes, and their lightness is reflected in comfort and a feeling of lightness. Available in sizes 31-40 and good value for the price.

Where to buy: Hiking stores

Price: NIS 279 

Rating: 4/5

Fire BowlA fire bowl is a nice solution for those who want a fire, mainly at home in the yard or on a large balcony, without leaving marks or dealing with cleaning the area. The bowl is blackened and comes with a stand that is a metal ring to which three short legs are connected (with screws), separating the bowl from the ground at a height of 20 cm. Diameter: 50 cm. The weight is not heavy and suitable for carrying in a car and also to the intended picnic site. A nice solution for those who do not want to destroy nature and leave marks on the ground or for those who want to sit on a camping chair and "elevate" the fire towards them.

Where to buy: Max Stock stores

Price: NIS 149 

Rating: 3/5

Handheld Fan with Water SprayAnd if you get hot, and summer is already here, here is a cute and refreshing product: a fan from GNT-GADGETS - a compact fan that sprays water. The fan is powered by two AA batteries (not included) and has a water tank that can hold up to 330 ml of refreshing water. It comes with a tiny tap for opening the battery compartment. The water spray is activated by pressing, like on a window cleaner bottle, and comes out as a mist. It will be nice, especially for children, and is very affordable.

Where to buy: Gentleman network branches

Price: NIS 25 

Rating: 3/5