RIO Adventure One-Piece Camp Table

This is an excellent portable, sturdy table for base camping or canoeing. For the lux adventurer, this little table is perfect for camp's table needs.

From REI's website: Whether you're playing cards or sitting down for dinner, the packable RIO Adventure One-Piece 18 in. camp table comes in handy on all car-camping adventures.

• Aluminum frame and heat-dissipating aluminum tabletop support up to 60 lbs.
• Innovative design allows this table to fold to half the size of many other camp tables for easy transportation
• Includes telescoping legs

(see how the table takes up no appreciable room)

My friend and I used the table on a 150-mile Missouri River Breaks trip this summer. We were looking for a reliable, safe table to use since we knew not all our campsites were going to be fully equipped. And, with the canoe, we wanted to go a little Hollywood with the comfort, just because we could.

This  24 x 18 x 20 inch table is a good size for a group of two or three. It was really convenient to use for cooking, playing games, doing dishes, or eating.  While the table was easy to set up and take down, it did not suffer for stability in its simplicity.

An important caveat is the make sure when using the table if the user needs to apply any pressure, it can be subject to tipping over. On the canoe trip, the table got bumped a couple times when it was holding stemmed glasses, and the table wobbled pretty good. (the glasses were not on the edge of the table the whole time :) And the kippered snacks, gouda cheese, and crackers made a nice supper)

If the table were just holding the stove and pot contents, it did fine. We just had to remember to not lean on it when the legs were on its shorter setting. 

It was really nice to not have to worry about using both the MSR canister stove and BioLite stoves.  The aluminum handled the task perfectly.

We mostly used the table on the short setting since we had the low beach chairs. The table was more stable at the taller height since it widened its stance at the base.  (See the picture at the taller setting)

We even tested the table and chairs to make sure they would fit inside my REI tent in case we had to bivouac in a storm, which we wound up having to do one thundery afternoon.  

A nitpick for game playing is if one wants to play cribbage, use a bandana or something as a "tablecloth" to catch any dropped pegs.  We were very glad that we included that feature on the trip.

Overall, the table genuinely became the center of camp each night.  The table and fire truly made the trip as near luxury as one could hope for in a mostly wilderness experience.  I would buy and use this table all over again.

The table was no worse for wear other than some scuffing from loading and unloading, which did nothing to the performance. At just under 5 pounds and a $35 price tag, it's tough to beat a terrific addition to your camping gear.