By Dave Jensen, W7DGJ

Recently I watched Frank of Tank Radio unpack his “go kit” on one of his YouTube channel videos and was surprised to see him pull out a table from a small package he carried with him. I liked it so much I went out and bought a bigger version of the same thing, and you’ll find a couple of photos of it here. It is a nice looking, truly portable table and I’m going to carry it along with me on my next POTA outing. As you know from my previous POTA reporting, I’m a “Knapsack” kind of ham; because of that, I’m concerned this table will push me in another direction. As you add a table, you’ll need a chair. Pretty soon, if I add a chair, I’m going to want a cushion. Soon after that, you’ll find me in a hammock trying to ham it up from a reclining position.

This table (available from Amazon, Baide Pack item # B0B2P2J69Z) measures 37” by 23” and has two heights, either 21” or 29” high. The major disadvantage as a POTA table is that it is not adjustable to wild terrain, as the legs are not infinitely adjustable. You can only have them in one of two positions, so it must stand on a flat surface. I would rate the build quality of this unit to be a C and the usability factor to be a B. It’s a pleasure to have a flat surface this large for your radio and laptop, and then to be able to dissemble it easily and pack it into a small package to carry back to the car – it weighs about 12 lbs and takes two minutes to put together or take apart. I’m not sure about long term durability yet – let me know if you’ve had any experience with similar products, and I’ll report again from the field on its use. Cost varies by coupon, and ranges from $55 to $65.00.

Next, here’s a bargain that I snagged at my local Home Depot store. This is made by the tool company Husky, and it’s called a Document Bag. They sell a set of four of these 8” x 12” super heavy duty and water “resistant” bags in a package for less than $15, and I am amazed at all that I can fit into them. They’re easy to customize with your call sign, and you’ll have an extra bag or two to pass along to your ham buddies. The same company makes a smaller set of these bags, but for me this one is the perfect for my 2-meter J-pole antenna, or a 20-meter dipole and short coax. It’s just big enough to hold an HT plus accessories but not so big as to be cumbersome.

Click here to Discuss this Article in the Short Takes Forum