If you’ve always wanted to camp, but found the concept daunting, the new GO range from outdoor equipment specialists Dometic is the dream kit for a mobile life…
When you think of Dometic, you likely think of the Swedish company’s famed portable fridges. Its category -leading range of single and dual-zone fridge-freezers range still stand tall in every reputable outdoor store, but there’s far more to the company than keeping your sangers fresh and your beer cold.
With a history dating back 100 years, Dometic has an exhaustive catalogue of products. Inflatable tents, stoves, batteries, air conditioners, toilets, awnings, shelters… we could go on. Through a series of smart acquisitions, Dometic has built out a vast network of technology and R&D facilities, which they’ve leveraged to set a premium quality bar across their products.
But through the COVID years, the outdoor lifestyle we all love went one pause. Dometic took the opportunity to do a comprehensive survey of consumers. The goal was to listen to the barriers people face in truly embracing camping and outdoor activities, and to create a product range that could solve those issues.The result is the Dometic GO range.
Introducing Dometic GO
The Dometic GO range directly reflects the common threads that were unearthed by conversations with customers. Camping gear is too heavy; it’s too hard to store at home; it’s too awkward to fit in a car; nothing matches. These kinds of things.
Not to mention that using camping equipment is daunting as its hard to set-up and can easily break, leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
It would be inaccurate, however, to suggest the range is only for those new to camping. It’s aware of their worries, but delivers a form and functionality to meet the needs of any outdoor lover.
The Hands-on Review
In October 2022, MAXIM was invited to experience the Dometic GO range first-hand at a multi-day camping event. Yours truly is an experienced camper, with a garage overloaded with an alarming amount of gear. But I was quick to appreciate how the Dometic GO range benefited from looking at camping gear through the lens of a casual camper’s concerns.
Firstly, the build quality is excellent. Everything you put your hands on feels like it will breeze through many drunken nights by the fire. It’s all comparatively light, making it easy to move about. I was particularly impressed by how well it packs together, too. I watched as the entire Dometic GO range, plus extras – including a two-person swag, a stove and a fridge – were stacked like Tetris blocks into the boot of a small SUV. And there was room to spare!
For consumers with limited storage space at home, or a car of limited size, this is a huge win. Even for the rest of us, it minimises the worst part of a quick weekend away – the packing and unpacking.
Also impressive is the little design quirks on each product. The one-percenters. You’d easily miss them at a glance, but their existence shows a passion for designing with useability in mind that you have to respect. It’s innovative in many respects. Not just the GO range, but the inflatable tents and the fridges, too.
Life doesn’t get better than finding a little corner of this great country, putting your feet up and sinking some beers while the wind whistles through the trees. Don’t miss out! The Dometic GO range delivers a runway for anyone to get amongst it.
Dometic GO – Hydration
If you’re getting off the grid, water is a critical consideration. The 11L Hydration Water Jug solves that issue. It’s got a tough outer exterior and strong carry straps. You can easily put it on its side, and use the flow speed dial to get out the H2O – or wine, we’re not judging – but you can also pimp it out with the Hydration Water Faucet. This allows you to stow the jug on the ground, and have just a tap on your table that pumps out water with a touch.
Also do yourself a favour and get the Insulated Beverage Cooler. It’s the best stubby holder in existence.
Dometic GO – Storage
A good storage box that’s roomy, and indestructible, is critical. The Hard Storage 50L delivers on both fronts. The concave upwards lid maximises space, and you can sit on it, it’s so sturdy. The rubber clip design makes getting in and out a breeze, and It’s awesome that you can tie it down and open it simultaneously. Elsewhere, there’s a 20L or a 10L soft storage bags that squish flat when empty. They can also double as a cooler, with a thick, removable inner insulation option that does an incredible job of keeping contents cool.
Dometic GO – Furniture
You’ll use the Dometic GO Compact Camp Chair a lot. Despite being a good-sized camp chair, its aluminium frame makes it incredibly lightweight. It’s very sturdy, too, with a leg design and tough 600D fabric that holds a 127kg bloke, while still being easy to pack. There’s a Compact Camp Bench option, too. This provides additional seating for two, with a minimal footprint.
You’ll also find a 2m x 1.4m Camp Blanket. One side is an all-terrain, waterproof protection layer, while the other offers a soft padded luxury feel. Good for sitting, warmth or a windbreak. It’s machine washable, too. While the Compact Camp Table sits four adults around its 1000mm x 650mm form. The bamboo top and height adjustable aluminium legs keep it under 10kg.
By Chris Stead
For the full article grab the December 2022 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
