Product reviews: Bin Buddies® , "camp organized"!

Even campers can be organized.

by Molly O'Shea guest writer

[Editor's note - Molly is a freelance writer, versatile country girl, and channel steward at Helium.com]

When I go camping, I'm often surprised at the last minute. "Hey, you want to go camping this weekend?"

"Sure. When are we leaving?"

"In an hour or two. OK?"

So I pile everything into a storage bin, put on the lid and haul it outside, only to have it jostled and rearranged on the road trip.

We reach our campsite and I can't find a thing. We need to start the campfire, but can't find the matches. I know they're in the storage bin, but now they seem to have disappeared. Just like magic… gone.

We dig and dig, but with every piece and parcel moved, something else falls to the bottom. Finally we give up and just dump the entire thing upside down on the ground, only to glimpse the matches as they, again, slide to the bottom of the pile.

Now, there is a solution to that problem! Enter the Bin Buddies® storage bin organizer, made by PacEasy. Yes, this is an actual organizer that fits inside a storage bin. Made of sturdy nylon, it slips over the top of the bin, fits down inside and fastens on the outside. The bin lid still snaps closed, and all of those small, easily lost items can be placed in the pockets, safe from disappearing into the depths of the bin.

Coming in a variety of sizes, Bin Buddies® will fit bins from 3 gallons on up to 25 gallons. Completely washable, they come in the colors of black, hunter green or royal blue. Most of them have open top storage pockets, although some do have elastic around the top. At the reasonable price of $15 to $28, I plan on having a collection.

By keeping my camping supplies in a Bin Buddies® organizer, I can be ready with less fuss and packing next time I am surprised with a weekend in the woods. My closets and storage room are much easier to navigate, now too, since I've exchanged my lack of organization for a few Bin Buddies®. I can walk in and reach right for that small paintbrush or extra flashlight, instead of digging in the bottom of some big bin.

The Bin Buddies® storage bin organizer is one of the best things I've found in a long time. It can be used to store almost anything, without losing any of the valuable space in your bin. I plan on having many, now that I've discovered them.

copyright 2008 - all rights reserved, Molly O'Shea for Just Camping Out
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Gretchen Frankenstein, co-founder of PacEasy, remarks:

"With a BIN BUDDIES® storage bin organizer, you won’t have to share spoons any more because the little stuff won’t get lost in the big stuff. Better yet, you can quickly check to make sure you have everything before you go just by taking the lid off the bin. No more surprises." [~Jim]

NASCAR does Camping: Camping World #33 race car visits Victor NY

NASCAR's #33 race car, piloted by KHI driver Kevin Harvick and sponsored by Camping World, made a pit stop at Eastview Mall in Victor, NY last week. Mall patrons were encouraged to take the hot rod for a test drive around the spacious mall concourses. Unfortunately, the fuel used by race cars is not allowed indoors, so the engine wouldn't start.

Camping World sponsors both #33 race vehicles for KHI: NASCAR Nationwide Series and now the Truck Series, replacing Craftsman as the primary backer. In addition, the firm hosts the Camping World 300 (presented by Chevrolet) Nationwide Series race. Founded in 1966 and hailing from Bowling Green, Kentucky, Camping World now offers RV, camping, and outdoors enthusiasts products and accessories at more than 130 stores around the country. The company also provides RV sales, service, and rentals at more than 85 locations.

Browse Camping World's website for internet-only specials on its extensive selection of RV and outdoors products. RV sales include Fifth Wheel, Classes B and C motorhomes, travel trailers, haulers and cargo trailers. Their outdoor store section offers RV awnings and accessories, camping gear and grills, racing and tailgating gear, and even pet supplies. You can also find RV maintenance items, towing and performance products, electronics and interiors upgrades.

copyright 2008 - all rights reserved. Photos donated to public domain - copy and save as desired
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I receive a couple major mailings each year from Camping World and almost always find something in their flyer that I really must have. Fortunately there are a couple of nearby Camping World locations for my camping products instant gratification!

Product reviews: Automatic Chef "better grilling"

What's cookin' on the campfire tonight?

by Kimberlee Ferrell guest writer

[Editor's note - Kimberlee is a freelance writer, outdoors enthusiast and author of Freedomwriting]

While camping, at family gatherings, or on a warm summer night, we will fire up the grill and make delicious steaks, hamburgers, and hot dogs. There is nothing like the taste of fresh grilled food, combined with the companionship of close friends and family. From the moment the fire is lit, I know that a memorable evening is about to begin.

As any griller knows, being the cook for the evening does have its disadvantages. Uneven grilling temperature can cause your meat to be either under- or over-cooked, which will ruin your steak. Hovering over the grill constantly as your food is cooking can greatly cut into your family bonding time. Once your food is cooked, you then have the perilous job of retrieving your steaks while avoiding burns from the grill and the fire.

With the Automatic Chef, you will have a far more relaxing and enjoyable grilling experience. The hanging grill will slowly rotate, ensuring even grilling temperatures. Once your food is done, you can then rotate the grill away from the fire, to remove your food with ease.

Setup is fairly simple, especially for anyone who has set up a tent single-handed before. If you are new to the outdoors lifestyle, it may take a little getting used to. The anchoring pin fits easily into the ground, supporting a large, L-shaped pole. From the pole hangs the battery powered mechanism, which will rotate the grill suspended below it. In addition, there are hooks along the pole, to hang your cooking utensils within easy reach.

Everything is adjustable on the Automatic Chef, to suit your grilling style. Raise or lower the height of the grill, depending on how hot the fire is. You can turn off the rotating action, when you need a moment to adjust the food personally. Once finished, you rotate the pole so your grill is not hanging over the fire.

The concept of the Automatic Chef is so simple; I cannot believe no one had thought of anything like it sooner. The pole is durable enough to be a permanent fixture over your home fire pit, or you can easily disassemble it and keep it stored in its accompanying carrying case [barbecue tools shown not included]. Since you do not have to stand over the food constantly, you can step away briefly to help set up camp or to have a quick conversation. Those who prefer more hands-on grilling methods may not like how simple the Automatic Chef makes the cooking process, you will have to decide if it is right for you.

As always, practice good fire safety habits when using your Automatic Chef. This little marvel will take a lot of the sting out of grilling, and deliver quality steaks consistently. Normally available at $149.95, the Automatic Chef is temporarily priced at $127.46 for a limited time. Try it out the next time those succulent steaks start calling your name!

copyright 2008 - all rights reserved, Kimberlee Ferrell for Just Camping Out
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Brian Begotka, owner JnB Enterprises LLC, created Automatic Chef. He explained:

"My wife Joni and I started camping three years ago with our two small children. It only took a few camping trips for us to realize a need for a product such as the Automatic Chef. Over the course of several outings we took note of all of the different camp grill designs out there... After much thought and input from family and friends we decided to combine some of the homemade design ideas out there and take them to the next level.

Although this open fire grill does not do all the work for you, it eliminates the hot and monotonous job of trying to keep your food from burning...Although we thoroughly enjoy cooking over a hot open fire, we do not enjoy sweating over one, especially when a product like the Automatic Chef can do the work for you. " [~Jim]

Of Tents and Men

by Grace Alexander guest columnist

[Editor's note - Grace is a full-time freelance author and editor.
This is her third installment, and is exclusive to Just Camping Out]

Hi! Yeah, it's me… back with yet another reason that I (you guessed it) hate camping.

We can send a man to the moon. We build bread makers that mix, proof and bake at the touch of a button. We have computers so advanced they make even a techno cripple like myself look like I actually know what I am doing.

We can't, apparently, produce a tent that anyone short of an astrophysicist can assemble in less than four hours. We also, or so it would seem, are incapable of manufacturing a waterproof shelter.

It's not just the tent, really, when you get down to it. It's the idea that the man has to be the one to put up the tent. Unfortunately, tents come with instructions, and we all know what that means. Instructions are like maps, good for stuffing in the glove-box or using as kindling to start the fire.

These are barely intelligible, anyway; as if the originals were written by a (what else) astrophysicist, translated into Japanese for no discernable reason, then translated into Russian for greater ease of translating back into fourth grade English.

Photo: actual assembly instructions for a Columbia camping tent

The directions seem straightforward at first, such as 'put the end of pole A in the end of pole B' and 'thread pole C through pocket D.' Problem is, they invariably have sticky circles with the letters affixed to help you determine these slots and tabs, and the inspector who works in the miserable warehouse where they pack these miserable things invariably mis-stickies a few of the poles, causing more confusion.

This is the point at which the man becomes frustrated, and starts striking the ends of the poles with a hammer in order to force them to fit according to the little adhesive green circles stamped with letters of the alphabet. The woman must dig the charred remains of the instruction manual out of the fire and take the hammer away from the enraged male, giving him a beer and encouraging him to go take a load off.

Four hours later, the tent is assembled, and everything is moved inside just as it begins to rain. Everything placed in the tent to keep dry is promptly soaked, and the weight of the waterlogged material bends one of the flimsy aluminium tubes abruptly in the middle, collapsing said tent on top of its occupants.

From the wreckage the head of the household speaks - "I knew I should have done it myself! Women have no place putting up tents…."

Copyright 2008, all rights reserved - Grace Alexander for Just Camping Out

Read Grace's Profile on Helium.com
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All I can say, honestly, is "I can relate - been there!" Good thing I have two smart kids who don't even need to read those instructions (see photo, above: it's real!) ~Jim

Product reviews: Fitpacking "Camping for fitness"

Oh, go take a hike!

by Kimberlee Ferrell guest writer

[Editor's note - Kimberlee is a freelance writer, outdoors enthusiast and author of Freedomwriting]

I have gone down the weight loss path a number of times in my life. Not satisfied with my current weight or fitness level, I tried just about everything in the book. The one challenge that I faced with each exercise regimen I tried was that they just weren’t fun. Counting out the proper number of push-ups or walking on a treadmill for hours can bore a person to tears.

Had I found Fitpacking sooner, I would not have had that problem.

Offering their clients a wilderness experience they won’t soon forget, Fitpacking is the ultimate weight loss adventure for those who want to add a bit of spice to their workout routine. Sign up for either a one or two week hike in some gorgeous locations, and get ready to have some fun. Ranging from $950 at the Ocala National Forest in Florida to $1650 at the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, there are hikes available for nearly any budget.

Each wilderness guide leads a handful of weight loss adventurers on their trek through the wilderness. This is the real deal, with no plumbing, and often camping out underneath the stars. There are no safety nets either, and having a sprained ankle when you are miles from civilization could put a real damper on your trip. While the guides do their best to provide you with the safest hike possible, it is best to be prepared for any eventuality.

These hikes are not for everyone, though. If you are clinically obese, and become winded walking up the stairs, then you would not enjoy your time Fitpacking. It is more suited for those who have a good level of physical strength, and could endure walking with a 50 pound backpack for hours at a time on rocky terrain. Be sure to consult your doctor before signing up.

The price might be a little inhibiting to some, although it is a good deal for the amount of time spent on your fitness trip, and for the incredible results. While losing pounds and inches, you get to explore some of nature’s most beautiful sights, and go on an adventure you may never have dreamed of. You also will come away with new friends who endured the same journey, and these relationships could continue on for years down the road.

If you are ready to revitalize your workout routine, then give Fitpacking a try. Give yourself the weight loss vacation that you deserve, and enjoy the fresh air while building muscle. Exercise has never looked so good.

copyright 2008 - all rights reserved, Kimberlee Ferrell for Just Camping Out
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Steve Silberberg of Fitpacking notes:

"Fitpacking provides participants a supportive environment in which slower hikers can feel comfortable and enjoy themselves. If you love the outdoors, but are a little overweight or older and prefer not to feel rushed by super-fit athletes or obsessive hi-mileage hikers, Fitpacking could work for you." [~Jim]

Upcoming Fitpacking Trips:

Florida Trail - Ocala National Forest, FL [easier]
One week ~ Jan 10-18, 2009 Cost $950

Cumberland Island National Seashore, GA [easier]
One week ~ Jan 24-31, 2009 Cost $975

Joshua Tree National Park, CA [moderate]
One week ~ Feb 28 - Mar 8, 2009 Cost $1075