4 Camping Gadgets With More Than One Function

Q: There’s a lot of really cool camping gear out there. What have you used recently?
– Rowan, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

A: I love camping gadgets with more than one use — like Swiss Army knives, which come with several tools. Recently, I tested the Outdoor Element Firebiner ($16.95, outdoorelement.com) and the Keyport Pivot 2.0 Essential Plus Kit ($64, mykeyport.com).

The Firebiner is a carabiner that has a built-in EverSpark wheel and ferro rod that act like flint and steel and produce hot sparks. Spin the wheel and you get a spark for igniting a fire. It also includes a tiny blade to cut fishing line or string. The Firebiner is rated to hold up to only 100 pounds, so it’s not for climbing. But it’s great for hanging extra gear from your backpack.

The Keyport kit takes the idea of key chains to the next level. It bundles your keys with tools such as a stainless steel multitool and a 90-lumen flashlight. You can also customize your Keyport by getting other tools, knives and faceplates. My favorite is the glow-in-the-dark faceplate with a topographic line design.

You can also find some pretty cool stuff at your local Scout Shop, like the Nite Ize DoohicKey Key Tool ($6.99, scoutshop.org) and the Coghlan’s Six-Function Whistle ($16.99, scoutshop.org). The key tool features edges that can twist flathead screws and open cardboard boxes and bottles. The whistle includes a built-in LED light, compass, magnifier, thermometer and signal mirror.