If you’re looking for gift ideas for the hiker, camper or gadget enthusiast in your life, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our pick of the best gear we’ve reviewed in 2015 – whether you’re looking for the perfect coffee gadget, a rugged 4×4 solar panel, or just some gift inspiration for adventure-seekers, you’ll find it below.
Please note: although all details were correct at time of publishing, prices and availability are subject to change at each distributor’s discretion.
For camping
1. Tents made for adventure
Whether it’s a sturdy four-man tent that will last for years or a lightweight hiking tent, a great adventure tent should be the first thing in your camping arsenal.
2. Our top camping chairs
Our top bum-holders of 2015 – from cheap-and-cheerful to the kind of padded throne that will make everyone around the campfire jealous.
3. Best coffee gadgets
Great coffee is still a priority in the wilderness: no matter your specifications, the perfect gadget for a coffee addict is in this blog.
4. Best portable braais
A portable braai is perfect for short breaks or roadtrips – here are the ones we’d recommend.
5. Compact coolers
You don’t need a 4×4 to own a travel fridge. We tested seven coolers small enough to fit on the back seat of a VW Polo, to see which ones could take the heat.
Seven of the best compact coolers
6. Zany tents we’d love to camp in
These are the tents that we dream about – from tree tents to the gorgeous watermelon one above, they’re gorgeous enough to justify being a bit impractical.
For hiking
6. Ten of the best daypacks
We tested 10 of the best daypacks for your next sightseeing trip or mountain meander.
7. The best flask you’ll ever buy
If you’re serious about keeping your coffee warm for hours, there really is nothing that compares with the Stanley flask. Read the results of our test if you need more convincing.
8. Best binoculars
From top-of-the-range wishlist items to affordable ones to keep the kids happy, there’s a nice range of binoculars here.
Four great binoculars reviewed
9. Travel mugs and flasks
These are the ultimate multi-taskers: great for taking on a hike, but also useful for transporting coffee in traffic.
For 4×4 trips
10. Rugged solar panels
These rugged solar panels for your 4×4 are the perfect thing for the wildest of wild camping.
11. The best rooftop tents
Don’t even think about splashing out on a rooftop tent until you’ve read this review, where we tested ten of the best.
12. Two-way radios
Want to know why your friends stopped behind you in a national park? Or maybe your kids have charged ahead on a Drakensberg hiking trail? We tested five of the most popular brands of two-way radios.
13. Space savers
Reclaim calm and order from messy road trips with these nifty car organisers and collapsible gizmos.
Gadgets
14. Smartphone gadgets
Want to take your iPhoneography to the next level? These nifty gadgets are universal and supercool for expanding the range of shots you can get with your smartphone.
Great smartphone photo gadgets
15. Adventure watches
Up in arms about wearable tech? We sussed out five of the most durable watches that’ll tell more than the time on your next adventure.
16. Solar chargers
Let there be light! Loadshedding won’t get in your way with these lovely, compact solar chargers.
17. Cool new travel lights and gadgets
From a solar lantern to a ‘smart’ telescope: check out some of the nifty travel lights we’ve discovered.
18. Peak Design camera clips
This little clip has saved Getaway journalists’ cameras (and necks) on more than one occasion. Here’s why it’s a lifesaver for anyone who spends time on the trail with a camera.
Peak Design camera clip review
19. Wine travel gadgets
Best for last! Whether you’re sick of wrestling with the awful wine opener at your self-catering spot, or need a quick fix for cooling white wine, we’ve got you sorted.
Think we’ve left something out? Let us know in the comments!
