Stuff for your sack - camping equipments

Sunset, May, 1997 by Lora J. Finnegan

Water bottles for kids, high-tech gadgets, plus places to shop that are as much fun as a weekend in the woods

A WHAT A CROCK!

Cast-iron "potjie" are a staple of camp kitchens on African safaris. Three iron legs let you stand a pot right in the fire, while the rounded bottom helps distribute heat evenly. Sizes up to 74 1/2 quarts. $29-$280. (800) 293-7855.

B COOL PAD

The advantage of car camping is that you don't have to skimp on creature comforts. The LE Camp Rest mattress is a self-inflating, wide-body version of the original Therm-a-Rest pad. And the new, nonslip covering means no more worries about your sleeping bag sliding off the pad and onto the rocks. $119. (800) 531-9531

C CAMP TOOL

The new BuckTool crams a garageful of gadgets into one handy fold-up thingamabob. In addition to a can opener, it's got pliers that tweeze and pinch, blades that saw and slice, and an assortment of screwdrivers, including two Phillips and three regular. The handles fold laterally for torque, and each tool locks open securely. $79. (800) 326-2825.

D GLOBAL RECKONING

Compasses are fine, but if you want to capture the imagination of your high-tech kids, consider the GPS II by Garmin. Key in your base-camp position and go, while the hand-held global positioning system creates what the manual describes as an electronic bread-crumb trail. $386 list; $250 street. (800) 800-1020, ext. 2, then ext. 3.

E SILENT NIGHT

Leave it to a Canadian utility company to make a clean, silent alternative to exhaust-spewing, noisy generators. The En-R-Pak runs on the sun, powering lights and campground appliances for up to five hours after dark. Solar panels can be mounted on the roof of your camper or simply placed in the sun. Optional wind and water turbines are also available. $1,300. (800) 644-0944.

F [H.sub.2]O FOR TOTS

Your kids won't whine on the trail - at least not about being thirsty - with a Trail Pals Strider. Its 12-ounce flask is encased in an insulated holster; a pouch holds trail mix or rocks and frogs picked up along the way. $29. (800) 426-7229.

G FLAME ON

The NorthStar 2000 is Coleman's most powerful lantern ever. It has dual-fuel versatility, and anyone who has futzed around putting matches to mantle will like the lantern's push-button ignition. $99. (800) 835-3278.

gear meccas

Should your tent have double-needle lap-fell seams? Here's where to find the latest stuff - as well as a few answers.

* Adventure 16. The San Diego branch of this Southern California chain offers classes in wilderness cooking and photography. 4620 Alvarado Canyon Rd.; (619) 283-2374.

* Asplund's. It's been a Wenatchee, Washington, institution since 1969. 1544 N. Wenatchee Ave.; (509) 662-6539.

* Elephant's Perch. Backpacking-equipment specialists in Ketchum, Idaho. 280 East Ave.; (208) 726-3497.

* Kirkham's Outdoor Products. You could call it Tents "R" Us - Kirkham's of Salt Lake City sells more than 60 styles. 3125 S. State St.; (801) 486-4161.

* Mountain Sports. This Boulder, Colorado, store has an extensive selection of backpacks and tents. 821 Pearl St.; (303) 443-6770.

* Oregon Mountain Community. This Portland store specializes in lightweight gear, for those excursions when you leave the car behind. 60 N.W. Davis St.; (503) 227-1038.

* Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI). The Seattle company's flagship is a camping-gear theme park disguised as sporting-goods store. 222 Yale Ave. N.; (206) 223-1944.

* Summit Hut. Tucson's oldest store for backpackers, hikers, and rock climbers. 5045 E Speedway Blvd.; (520) 325-1554.

* Western Mountaineering. Sleeping-bag heaven in San Jose. 840 Town & Country village (Winchester Blvd.): (408) 984-7611.