Bob's Quick Take: The Fiskars X7 14 inch hatchet is a compact campfire prep tool for splitting kindling, trimming small branches, and keeping the campsite wood pile manageable. It is a strong fit for car campers, RV travelers, and weekend campers who want a lightweight tool without hauling a full-size axe. The big caution: this is still a sharp cutting tool, so it belongs in responsible adult hands, stored in its sheath, and used only where camp rules allow.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
June 18, 2026 |
Bob’s Quick Take: The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Straw is a lightweight backup water filter for hiking, camping, travel, and emergency kits. It is best for campers who want a simple way to drink from natural water sources when clean water is not close by. The big reason to consider it is its tiny pack size and no-batteries simplicity; the caution is that it is a personal straw filter, not a group water system or a filter for chemicals, saltwater, or heavy metals.
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
June 18, 2026 |
Bob’s Quick Take: The Sawyer MINI Water Filtration System is a tiny, lightweight personal water filter for hikers, campers, scouts, travelers, and emergency kits. It is best for people who want a compact backup for filtering freshwater on the go without hauling bulky gear. The big reason to consider it is versatility: it can be used with the included pouch, a standard bottle, a hydration setup, or as a straw. The caution is that it is not a full water purifier and is not ideal for filtering large amounts of water for a whole family at camp.
