CAMPING GADGETS

Camelbak Hydration System Backpacks

When you're out camping and hiking, it's important to have plenty of fresh water. When there's no water on the way, take your own with Camelbak's hydration system backpacks.

A Camelbak backpack looks like a normal backpack, except it has a reservoir for H2O. It's more than a simple water bottle, as the reservoir is integrated into the body of the backpack itself. You access the water via a bite valve positioned at the end of a delivery tube, which means you can drink while you're hiking, without ever having to stop or to reach for a squeeze bottle.

Obviously, a Camelbak backpack carries more than just water it's also a fully functioning backpack, with lots of traditional storage space. The Camelbak design is such that the weight of the water is equally distributed, so it won't be too much of a load on your back.

Camelbak makes a variety of models in different capacities, capable of carrying from 1 to 3 liters of water. Smaller models are in a fannypack design; larger models use the backpack design. Prices range from $25 to $120, depending on capacity and design.

Model: Various Manufacturer: Camelbak (www.camelbak.com) Capacity: 1 3 liters Price: $25 $120

Flowlab Pack-n-Chair

A good chair is hard to find, especially when you're camping so carry yours with you. Flowlab's unique Pack-n-Chair is a Transformers-like gizmo that morphs from a traditional backpack (with built-in cooler compartment on the bottom) into an aluminum folding chair. The system is designed so that the backpack can stay mounted on the back of the chair, even when you're sitting in it. And the chair is light enough to be barely noticeable when you're hiking along. Neat!

Model: Pack-n-Chair Manufacturer: Flowlab (www.flowlab.com) Price: $29

Kestrel 4000 Weather Tracker

Track the weather conditions while you're camping with the full-featured Kestrel 4000 portable weather tracker. This handheld device lets you track, recall, and graph up to 250 measurements, including temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, altitude, wind speed, wind chill, dew point, heat index, and more. It's small enough to carry in your pocket, and extremely accurate.

Model: Kestrel 4000 Manufacturer: Nielsen Kellerman (www.nkhome.com) Dimensions: 5'' (h) x 1.8'' (w) x 1.1'' (d) Weight: 3.6 oz. Price: $329

REI Camper's Dream Ice Cream Maker

Feel a hankerin' for an ice cream cone at the end of a long hike? Well, the Camper's Dream Ice Cream Maker lets you make your own ice cream wherever you are, even at a remote campsite. Just add ice, rock salt, and the necessary ingredients into the ball-shaped device, then start rolling the thing around. After 20 minutes or so, you'll have a pint of delicious homemade ice cream!

Model: 709077 Manufacturer: REI (www.rei.com) Dimensions: 8'' (diameter) Price: $29.95

GSI Mini-Expresso Maker

Coffee's important to manage those early-morning hikes and why forsake your fancy espresso just because you're out camping? GSI's Mini-Expresso Maker (yes, they spell it expresso, not espresso) serves up your favorite brew in just minutes. Just fill the basket with ground coffee and add water, then screw the unit shut and place it over a low fire. Put your cup under the steam pipe, and you're ready to go.

Model: Mini-Expresso Maker Manufacturer: GSI (www.gsioutdoors.com) Price: $35.50 (1-cup), $44.95 (4-cup)