The following article was published originally in September 2023. We are sharing it now for your perusal, but take into account that the following information may be outdated.
Tent for 3 People, Decathlon
We start with a new tent from Decathlon that we tested. This time, it's not a large family tent but a tent for three people, model Ultrafresh.
What's in it:
1 sleeping area1 water-resistant net3 poles10 tent pegs4 support ropes1 cover
The tent is quite easy to set up - it has two poles that connect using the old and familiar method with small ropes linking each segment and the fabric of the tent itself with two opening windows. After connecting the poles at the four corners of the tent, there are clips that attach to the poles, and the tent is ready. There are also pegs for additional stabilization. The sleeping area is 210x210 cm with a height of 120 cm. It also has an outer rain cover. Additionally, there are built-in support ropes that can also be used for hanging small items.
What we liked about the tent is its carrying case, which is spacious and doesn't require a struggle to fit the tent back in. Another positive is the spaciousness: tents labeled for three people are usually comfortable for two. Here, three adults can actually sleep without feeling cramped. However, the stitching of the tent fabric is somewhat weak. Overall, it's a very good product for a small family or three friends camping together.
Where to buy: Decathlon storesPrice: NIS 360 Rating: 4 out of 5
Coffee Kit, Amisragas
There are many coffee kits on the market, all good and containing the same items: a small gas stove, plastic containers for coffee/sugar, cups, a metal coffee pot, and a burner.
The Amisragas kit comes in a small backpack with two compartments: the top one is padded like a cooler (a good place for milk, for example), and the other is a large storage compartment for all other items.
The kit includes:
3 storage containers for sugar, coffee, and tea4 insulated stainless steel cupsA metal pot and spoon230-gram screw-in gas containerFoldable Spider burner
Overall, there's nothing new in this kit. The plastic items are quite simple, and the metal pot is small and not stable enough on the burner, but the backpack gimmick is cute for those who park in nature and want to take a coffee kit for a short walk.
Where to buy: Amisragas websitePrice: NIS 209 Rating: 3 out of 5
Foldable Mattress, Dr. Gav
Field mattresses are usually small, foldable, or inflatable, and their comfort is not great. But Dr. Gav aims to bring a comfortable and foldable mattress to the field, made of PU foam and a memory foam layer. The mattress folds into three parts but is not small and is only suitable for car transport, not carrying. The mattress has a handle for carrying. The top part of the mattress is covered with double Jacquard fabric, providing a pleasant feel, and the bottom part has anti-slip fabric.
Dimensions:
Length: 2 metersThickness: 10 cmWidth: 80 cmLength of each part (3 parts total): approximately 66 cmWeight: 5.5 kg
In testing, the mattress is indeed comfortable and pleasant to sleep on, it is large enough for an adult without having to sleep like a mummy, as other field mattresses require. The drawback is its large size - while it folds into three parts, they are still quite large and will fill almost any average car trunk. It's good to push under the children's bed and pull out when a guest arrives, but for field use, it will only be relevant if you have a car with plenty of space.
Where to buy: Dr. Gav websitePrice: NIS 499 Rating: 3 out of 5
Camping Mat, Outdoor Revolution
A mat is quite necessary for a few days of camping. Not inside the tent, of course, but outside, where you relax, place equipment, and mainly sit by the fire. The Outdoor Revolution mat from "Kal Gav" is woven from synthetic straw in various colors and patterns. The mat comes in several sizes, but we tested their largest size - 4 meters by 4 meters - providing a very large area in the field, with the option to lie down, place equipment, all in a wide environment.
The mat is strong, without loose threads, easy to fold and spread out, and can be cleaned and washed. Excellent price for this size.
Where to buy: Kal Gav websitePrice: NIS 209 Rating: 5 out of 5
Camping Chair-Bed CDO, Trek Market
Comfort is quite essential for a successful camping trip. Beyond a good mattress or hammock, when staying for long hours, it's necessary to have a place to sit, nap, and relax. Camping chairs are crucial for success, but what about a field chair that almost turns into a bed?
The chair from the CDO brand provides both comfort and style. It is made with a strong aluminum frame and 600D Oxford fabric and breathable fabric. The opening and closing are easy, it has a pocket for a cup or phone storage on the armrest, and mainly a detachable footrest that allows for a chair and almost bed position at 180 degrees. In testing, it provides maximum comfort even for tall and large people, and it works well in the office (for those who need a short nap). The chair weighs 4.3 kg and comes with a carrying bag. Not a bad price for what it offers.
Where to buy: Trek Market websitePrice: NIS 179 Rating: 5 out of 5
Fan with Light for Camping, Outdoor Revolution
A lantern is an important item for camping, and in recent years it comes in various forms for camping: in a pen, in lamps, as a headlamp, or as a hanging item. Outdoor Revolution offers a cute gimmick of a portable fan attached to a light, charged by a USB cable, with three lighting modes.
The light includes two lamps: a base lamp and an adjustable lamp at the top of the fan. It can be hung or stood. Maximum lighting time is 24 hours, adjustable lamp power: 80 lumens, main light power: 220 lumens. Maximum fan operation time is 12 hours.
In testing, we liked the light itself, which provides strong light in three intensities - both in the small top lamp and the base lamp. The fan produces relatively strong wind, but you need to bring it close to your face to really feel the air. Besides, the fact that there are no batteries and the light is charged with a USB cable makes it an eco-friendly and economical product, which is, of course, great. The price is a bit high for such a light.
Where to buy: Kal Gav websitePrice: NIS 189 Rating: 3 out of 5
Night Lamp with Bug Zapper and Fan, Rikushet
Night lamps in recent years are no longer "just" lamps for lighting. They combine new gadgets, like the fan in this lamp. But this time, the Cactus company presents a camping lamp, sold under the Ricochet chain, which includes not only a fan but also a bug zapper. A refreshing innovation for those who suffer from mosquitoes and other annoying insects at night.
The lamp, which is also a flashlight, has surrounding light with a fan with three intensities. The lamp can be hung, and when the bug zapper is turned on, a blue light comes on, similar to the dedicated bug zappers you see in restaurants or cafes. The bug zapper is small, but from experience last Rosh Hashanah in the field, it caught dozens of unwanted insects. The problem is that it is difficult to remove them for reuse. And if that's not enough? The lamp also charges your phone.
Where to buy: Rikushet chainPrice: NIS 189 Rating: 4 out of 5
Safety Bag That Turns into a Lifesaving Float
Despite autumn being on the horizon, we still have a few hot weeks ahead of us. Even after that, here’s a product that’s perfect for water hikes and always good to have in the car - a waterproof bag for your phone, keys, wallet, and other gear you want to keep with you during a water trip.
This waterproof bag is designed to store and protect valuable items during water activities, such as crossing a stream or swimming in a river. After placing your belongings inside, you inflate the bag and seal it, turning it into a lifesaving float to help you stay afloat. The bag comes with a body strap for safety and security. We liked the design of the bag, which looks like a balloon once sealed, and the fabric strap attached to it, allowing you to connect the bag to your pants and let it float in the water without worrying about its location, freeing your hands from holding it all the time. This is an item that you generally don’t need often but is very essential when you're in the water and is also affordable.
Where to buy: Trek Market websitePrice: From NIS 35 for 2 liters to NIS 65 for 20 litersRating: 4 out of 5
STOUT 45 Hiking Backpack, Gregory
There are quite a few hiking backpacks in the Israeli market, the best of which come from the USA and Germany (Deuter). The two American brands that dominate the Israeli market are from two competing companies: Osprey and Gregory. Both make excellent trekking backpacks, but in recent years it’s been almost impossible to find a mid-sized Gregory backpack, around 40 liters. Many stores claim it has long been out of stock and no longer imported. Yet, at Trek Market, you can find the STOUT 45 - a backpack for 1-3 day trips, offering the best Gregory has to offer. Trust the company that makes backpacks for the US special forces to know what they’re doing.
Features:
Made of strong, durable fabric with an advanced VersaFit back system, allowing adjustable fit for different back lengths (S-L) and promoting airflow to prevent sweating and back pain.Comes with an advanced strap system for maximum support and proper weight distribution.Two access points to gear (top and bottom) and a variety of additional compartments and pockets.Front panel made of polyester fabric for enhanced durability.Side pocket suitable for a water bottle or trash collection.Straps for carrying a field mattress, built-in pockets on the hip harness for carrying a mobile phone, energy bars, and more.Includes a rain cover.Interior compartment for a hydration bladder with an exit port for the tube, external attachment points for walking sticks.Weighs 1.34 kg and can carry up to 20 kg.What we liked about this backpack is primarily its comfortable back system that fits well on the back and the ability to adjust the torso size from small to large. The hip belts, which have small pockets, add stability. Compared to most Osprey backpacks, Gregory’s side pockets for bottles are deep, keeping the bottle stable and not swaying with every step. Another nice gimmick is the chest clip, which also serves as a whistle for rescue situations. The backpack’s design is attractive, similar to other Gregory backpacks, with many accessible pockets, including a bottom compartment for a sleeping bag. The price isn’t cheap, but for this quality, it’s definitely worth it.
Where to buy: Trek Market websitePrice: NIS 835 Rating: 5 out of 5
Kids' Hydration System, Kal Gav
Not only adults deserve a hiking backpack. For children, Kal Gav offers the Kids hydration system, produced by Outdoor Revolution, for sports and hiking activities.
This backpack is essentially a hydration pack with a 1.5-liter bladder - a capacity well-suited for young children. It has a dedicated rear compartment for the hydration bladder, two zippered compartments, a chest strap, a waist strap, reflective elements, and loops for external attachment of items. The bladder tube is connected with a quick-release connector, and it has a bite valve with a seal, plus a wide opening for easy water filling.
In testing, the backpack is very cute and truly functional for children aged 4 to 10. It is lightweight, has compartments for snacks or sandwiches, and is comfortable to carry. However, the price is quite high for a child’s hydration pack, especially considering there hasn’t been an innovation in kids’ hydration systems from the company for years, which is unfortunate. Still, it’s a good product for children who want to be like their parents and carry something on their own back, and it also gets them used to hiking with a backpack.
Where to buy: Kal Gav websitePrice: NIS 189 Rating: 3 out of 5
Quick-Drying T-Shirt, Transporter
Dri-Fit shirts have long become not only a necessary item for hiking but also fashionable wear. The Transporter T-shirt is lightweight and comfortable on the body and, most importantly, dries quickly.
The shirt is made of 100% polyester and weighs 160 grams. It is elastic enough not to be tight on the body and snug enough to still look like a regular T-shirt. Its seams are part of what makes it high quality, whether you’re carrying a backpack or not, as they are smooth and comfortable. Most importantly, it dries quickly whether you’re sweating or washing it. We really liked its feel - soft and smooth on the body, and it truly looks like a cotton T-shirt unless you look very closely. The price isn’t cheap, but it’s definitely a high-quality product.
Where to buy: Lametayel storesPrice: NIS 229 Rating: 4 out of 5
Trek Sock Shoes, Lametayel
The trend of trekking shoes, which are also somewhat like sports shoes, gained awareness primarily through Hoka shoes, which introduced a running shoe design with a sole adapted for outdoor terrain. The new shoe from San Marco, an Italian footwear company, is a soft walking shoe called Trek Sock. To wear it, you slide your foot into the sock-shoe and then tighten it with the laces.
The black shoe has a nice design and does not particularly look like a hiking shoe, making it suitable for everyday use as well. The sole comes with lugs adapted for grip on rocky and uneven terrain, making it suitable for easy hikes without difficult climbs. It definitely does the job for day hikes with the family. The price is a bit high, but it’s a quality shoe as the Italians know how to make.
Where to buy: Lametayel storesPrice: NIS 819 Rating: 4 out of 5
