Enjoy Summer Fun With New Gear For Your Getaway!

The following appears in the July issue of California Sportsman:

By Scott Haugen

Summer means camping, and long days lead to more time outside. Whether you’re looking to head to the coast, hit the mountains or just enjoy backyard barbecues, here are some pieces of gear worth considering.

TURTLEBOX RANGER

My first experience with a Turtlebox speaker came last winter when six buddies and I started setting a massive goose decoy spread at 2:30 in the morning in Northern California. It made the experience fun – so fun that I had to have one. I didn’t need the bigger Gen 3 model I’d first heard, so I chose their new Ranger. There are few pieces of outdoor gear I can remember liking this much; I use it almost every day.

I first took it to the duck blind, where I spent three hours doing postseason cleanup. I use it in the shop and during workout sessions, watering plants around the house, and while fishing and camping. Be it music or podcasts, listening is fun thanks to the clarity and portability of the Ranger. The magnetic mounts are ingenious, as are the other connective points and rugged design. It’s replaced several of the nearly half-dozen sound devices that have been plugged in throughout our home for years. Info: turtleboxaudio.com.

THERMACELL E65 RECHARGEABLE MOSQUITO REPELLER

Twenty years have passed since I first used a Thermacell repellent unit. I was one of two outdoor writers who got to test and help in its development, and I did that for two years before it hit the market. Since then, I’ve used units from Alaska to California, and across the country. I’m still using them, and the new E65 has me excited.

It is a rechargeable repeller that’s great for camping or backyard barbecues. It takes only two hours to fully charge and runs for six and a half continuous hours, offering a 20-foot zone of protection. The repellent cartridge burns for 36 hours. The entire unit is airline travel-safe, as there is no butane cartridge like in previous models. It works great for mosquitos, no-see-ums and white socks, also known as black flies. Info: thermacell.com.

BOTE KULA 5, PUFFIN DRINKWARE, TIMBERLAND SUNGLASSES

Some of the big coolers on today’s market are nice, but not practical when it comes to camping trips in parts of California. Enter the Bote Kula 5, which transcends traditional linear coolers – think 5-gallon bucket on steroids. The Kula 5 is extra sturdy and easy to carry. It works great as an extra seat – even for dry storage – and the Magnepod attachment point is great for magnetic accessories like drinkware, and even tools. Info: boteboard.com.

A fun accessory everyone in camp and on the boat seems to enjoy is Puffin Drinkware. I got a couple of their Skiff designs and they keep drinks cool. The Puffin line is extensive, making not only a great addition to your summer outdoor life, but they’re a fun gift idea. Info: puffindrinkware.com.

Sunglasses are a much-needed summer equipment accessory in sunny California. Timberland made their mark in the footwear world in the 1970s. Today, they’ve taken their top-notch reputation to the world of eyewear. When I first tried their pilot-style sunglasses I thought they’d be too big, but the more I wore them, the more I liked them.

The larger-than-normal frame not only blocks headwinds, but also inside glare from behind, plus the sides are greatly reduced compared to other wide-framed shades I’ve tried. They’re also polarized and great for fishing. Info: Timberland Eyewear can be found on Amazon.

HELINOX OUTDOOR FIELD OFFICE AND SPEED STOOL

Being full-time outdoor writers, my wife and I do a lot of work in the field. She instantly fell in love with the Helinox Speed Stool because of its light, compact and sturdy design. It’s easy to toss in a backpack and sit in comfort to jot notes. It’s also handy around the campfire.
Tiffany got much use from the Helinox Outdoor Field Office too. This space-saving, all-inclusive storage and desk system is ingenious and sets up in seconds. The desk supports over 60 pounds and offers enough space for simple field jobs.

I first used it when checking trail cameras on a hot summer day. My tailgate was full of bulky gear and it was too hot to work in the cab. So, I broke out the Field Office, moved it to the shaded side of the truck, downloaded over a dozen trail camera cards to my laptop and backed them up on an external drive. If driving or boating to a camping location this summer and you need to devote a bit of time to work or recreational projects, this could be the answer for a compact, functional space. Info: helinox.com.

PELICAN 1535 AIR CARRY-ON CASE

I’ve been a fan of Pelican cases for years, as the durability and functionality of their storage cases and coolers are top-notch. Enter their 1535 Air Carry-On Case. In an effort to find a more reliable travel case for my camera gear, I chose this one. On my first trip the case held over $20,000 in camera gear, and everything traveled well and was fully protected.

The case is nearly half the weight of my previous one, meaning more gear can be carried. It’s dustproof and watertight, thanks to an efficient O-ring seal. It has a pullout handle, durable wheel system and an easy- carry handle for the field. I recently customized the 1535 Air Case with Pelican’s foam padding. My video editor traveled flawlessly with camera and computer gear through five countries. Info: pelican.com.

SEA TO SUMMIT ACCESSORIES

Sea to Summit’s extensive line of lightweight travel accessories have been proven for years. On a number of outings my wife and I have enjoyed the performance of their Airlite and Drylite Towels, both of which are very absorbent, take up minimal space and are quick to dry.

Sea to Summit’s Aeros Ultralight Travel Pillow is comfortable and very compact. I’ve highlighted their dry bags in this column before, and they’re a great tool for a range of summer outings. Info: seatosummit.com.

YETI CAST-IRON SKILLETS

Yeti is known in the outdoor community for many great cooler and drinking container products, but did you know they have a line of cast-iron skillets? For 15 years a big part of my wife’s career as a full-time outdoor cook and recipe developer was traveling around the country delivering cooking seminars. She did a lot of cooking with cast iron. This winter she tested Yeti’s new line and has been using it ever since. From big game to fish, game birds to hearty breakfasts, she’s loved the even heat distribution of these skillets.

These cooking sources come preseasoned, are smoother than other cast iron she’s cooked with and easy to clean and maintain. The skillets work great over an open-fire gas stove, and Tiffany uses them a lot on both our home glass top and portable induction cooktops. Info: yeti.com.

There you have it: Some great items that can make your summer outings fun and efficient. All you have to do now is make time to get out and enjoy the outdoors! CS

Editor’s note: For signed copies of Scott Haugen’s popular books, visit scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott on Instagram.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH: SOUTH AFRICAN-INSPIRED FLAVOR TO BIG GAME

By Tiffany Haugen

Iknow it’s summer, which means you’re more likely to be putting fish in the freezer – and pushing that big game meat already in there to the back, where it sometimes gets forgotten about. But now is when you need to be cooking that meat up, making room for upcoming fall hunts.

This recipe first came to my attention while on safari in South Africa. It’s called shakshouka, and there seems to be as many spellings for this dish as there are ways to prepare it.

The camp cook took an impala I’d shot earlier that morning, chopped some roast meat and simmered it in tomatoes, onions and garlic. She added local spices and topped it with a poached egg. It was delicious. On a recent trip to Europe, I tried it again, but in a restaurant. This time the meat was pork and green olives were added to it. It was even better than I remembered.

I’ve made this flavorful dish many times with a range of game meat. First up was venison, and everyone loved it. Then duck was used in the shakshouka, which also tasted great. I’ve made it with bear meat, wild boar and pronghorn, and every time it’s turned out wonderful.

1 pound chopped game meat 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped

2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 cup tomatoes, diced
1 cup green olives, chopped 1?2 cup fresh parsley, chopped Four eggs

In a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic over medium heat until translucent. Add curry powder, salt and red pepper flakes and sauté for one minute. Push onion mixture to the edges of the pan; add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed.

Add chopped game meat and spread out in a single layer. Increase to medium- high heat. Once meat begins to brown, turn over and brown the other side. Mix the meat and onion mixture together and add diced tomatoes. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly for two to three minutes. Add olives and parsley. Decrease heat to medium-low.

Make four indentations in the meat mixture and crack an egg into each indentation. Cover and cook for three to four minutes or until eggs have set to desired doneness. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Editor’s note: For signed copies of Tiffany’s popular book, Cooking Big Game, and other best-selling titles, visit scotthaugen.com.