Add to the Experience with Accessories that Amp Up the Fun Factor
Accessories Galore
Though Jeep long has been a go-to vehicle platform for off-road hobbyists, it’s arguably never commanded stronger mass consumer appeal than it does right now. The advent of a four-door JKU lifted the brand from top-down-cool but cramped and rather inconvenient to a ridiculously capable 4×4 that can comfortably accommodate an entire family. If you’re sniffin’ around for a custom stamp of approval then look no further than the Jeep badge, as a seemingly endless number of aftermarket accessories are available to turn a ride from “tired” to anything but ordinary. And if you can’t find something that rings your bell, well, then you just ain’t looking hard enough.
Got a hardtop? Get a Bestop Sunrider. Looking for innovation in a soft top? Snag a Rampage TrailView or a Bestop Trektop NX Glide. Need new tires? Name brands like Mickey Thompson and Pitbull offer mild-to-wild choices for any consumer. And if by chance the quintessential Jeep grille doesn’t scream mean enough for you, swap in a Fab Fours Grumper or Rugged Ridge Spartan.
But let’s not forget that it’s just as important to customize the e-x-p-e-r-i-e-n-c-e. In lieu of a formal auto industry news post this weekend, we thought it would be a welcome change of events to list a few quirky, fun, and/or useful products to accompany that Jeep and its family on the next outdoor adventure.
YETI
In a short time, YETI has reached a Mt. Everest of success that all young companies dream of yet toil for years to actually achieve, if ever. Like Patagonia, Yakima, Thule, and Jeep, YETI doesn’t just sell a product; rather, it’s created a very powerful brand that personifies adventurous spirit and welcomes the freedom of an open road, the adrenaline of fishing or hunting in the great outdoors, the future nostalgia of camping trips with close friends, and, honestly, anything else you want it to signify. Because YETI is a lifestyle. But a cooler, is a cooler, is a cooler, right? Wrong. YETI’s line of “over-engineered” products combines unassuming simplicity with the highest quality, delivering the kind of authenticity consumers demand of such premium brands. You get what you pay for, and satisfaction is guaranteed with YETI on board. Check out their full line here.
Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock
Bass Pro Shops describes the Eagles Nest as a “get close to each other and nature” kind of experience. The DoubleNest is an all-access pass to relaxation. Though big enough for two and palatial for one, the DoubleNest somehow manages to stuff easily into its attached compression sack. Combined with a breathable, quick-drying nylon and heavy duty, triple-stitched seams, it’s easy peasy to take along those 4×4 trips. Set it up in seconds, lay back, and enjoy birds chirping… or your partner snoring. Whichever you prefer.
RinseKit
Yep, Jeeps were designed to handle dirt, mud, grime, and anything else thrown its way. But that doesn’t mean it has to… Get acquainted with the RinseKit, an award winning, handy, and compact portable shower system. “RinseKit quickly attaches to an outside water spigot via the included quick-connect coupler, filling the 2 gallon pressure chamber in just 20 seconds and storing it at 65 psi (standard home pressure) for up to a full month! When needed, simply flip open the lever, squeeze the attached 7-setting nozzle, and shoot a high pressure spray. There’s even some room under the lid to store wet swimsuits and sunscreen. Patented, durable design can be refilled endlessly to keep salt, sand, and dirt off you and your gear wherever your adventures take you!” said the company.
RinseKit includes a hose nozzle, 6′ hose, sink adaptor, hose bib adapter, on/off valve, and a quick-connect coupler. It’s BPA free and therefore safe to drink from and use to clean dishes. “RinseKit is the only portable shower to have the pressure of a garden hose without pumping or batteries,” said the company. I watched a child operate this thing beachside and can attest that it’s compact, lightweight, and truly idiot proof.
Outdoor Tech Buckshot Pro
Did Father’s Day go right over your head? There’s still time to snag Pops a nifty gift for under a hundred bucks. The Outdoor Tech Buckshot Pro is a 3-in-1 gadget that features a Bluetooth speaker ideal for pumping out great tunes at the campsite, a portable charging pack (because God forbid people leave the house without their electronics), and a bright flashlight for stumbling back to the tent after a long evening of booze and s’mores. The Buckshot even comes in a rugged, water-resistant design with six handsome colors as choices. If you’re just in the market for a snazzy speaker, then we suggest you check out this post by Popular Mechanics, listing seven wireless speakers to take the beats outdoors.
Enhanced iPhone Photos
Really, what good is Dad getting all wild at the campsite with his Buckshot Pro in hand if you can’t capture the entire incident on camera? Now, let’s be honest. Hauling the big expensive Nikon isn’t always an option. And for all those other times, which is actually most of the time, our iPhones suffice. But now “spend less time editing iPhone pictures by capturing better images. SANDMARC offers two filters it claims will improve photos on your phone by controlling light, adding motion blur, and removing reflections. The $49 drama filter with mount brings out more vibrant colors, while the $79 set of Scape filters reduce glare and create crisper images.”
