Roadshower – simple portable hot water The Roadshower mounts to the car’s roof rack and uses solar power to heat the water inside up to above 40°C. It’s pressurised and can be easily pumped with a tyre pump or compressor. The Roadshower features a clip-on nozzle for hands-free washing, a clear, food-grade hose, and rugged matte black aluminium housing. Use the Roadshower as a shower or use it to rinse the surfboard, wash the sand off your feet, clean the fish, or take the mud off your mountain bike – it’s super functional and very handy. RRP $395. Buy online at www.roadshower.com.au
New Ironman 4X4 Foam Cell Pro Shock Absorbers The new Ironman 4x4 Foam Cell Pro range is designed to meet all the demands and challenges faced both on- and off-road, loaded or unloaded while producing a superb ride. It includes a range of features to deliver a larger, stronger and more robust shock absorber that minimises heat build-up and delivers ideal performance. For more information visit www.ironman4X4.com
Cool SunShades Brand new to FieldCandy is a fun-filled collection of SunShades with UV rated protection up to UPF50+ and three easy set-up options. There is a wide range of fabulous designs and colours and the UV fade resistant technology will guarantee the design will not fade in the sun. Available to purchase at www.lussostore.com.au, prices start at just $195 with FREE shipping!
TESTED
HeatPal – My Best Friend I went camping in June … Despite living in South-East Queensland, June is winter and winter is not camping weather for this hot-house flower. I hate being cold. Cold paralyses me into inactivity and misery. However, I was determined to take the new van on a camping trip to celebrate my birthday and it was freezing – particularly during the night. Back at home it was time to search for a van-heating solution. But the only thing I could find that was safe and legal seemed to be a built-in diesel heater worth upwards of $2000. Then, as fate would have it, an email arrived from the marketing people at Dometic about the Origo 5100 HeatPal – the all-in-one, electricity-free solution for heating and cooking without power. This I had to test. The HeatPal is an alcohol stove that operates on methylated spirits. At full capacity, 1.2 L is poured into the unit and absorbed by the non-flammable material inside and then lit. The flame can be adjusted and is protected by a cover. It will burn for about four hours. Even if it’s tipped over, it won’t leak. It’s about the size of a small bucket and weighs 3.2 kg when full. My concern was that it would smell, but there is practically no odour and the heating is extremely effective – even inside the house. And it looks really cosy too. Methylated spirits when burned forms carbon dioxide and water, as opposed to when you use an un-flued gas heater in an enclosed space where the result is carbon monoxide, which is deadly. While breathing too much carbon dioxide is not great for you, it’s completely safe if there is some ventilation. However, it’s still not wise to leave it on when you go to bed. Because the heat rises, the unit needs to be put on the floor of the van (or boat or tent), otherwise it may damage the roof lining. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend using one in a confined space with small children running around where it could be knocked over or little fingers (or other things) poked into the holes. But that’s the only criticism, if it is one. The HeatPal, which can also be used as a stove with the lid off, is going to transform my winter camping experience all for $269.00 (RRP). I was so impressed I bought the test unit! www.dometic.com.au
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GO CA MPING AUSTR A LI A