Reviews > Cook Gear > Cooking Accessories > Coleman Exponent Backpacker Table > Jodi Cornelius > Initial Report

Date: October 5, 2005

My Background: I have been backpacking for 3 years now and before that I car camped quite a bit. I consider myself somewhat new to backpacking and am on my way towards becoming a lightweight packer. I tend to use a Hennessey Hammock since my only tent is a bivy tent. I prefer the hammock to a tent as the hammock leaves me swinging gently in the breeze with no hard spot from rocks on the ground. Nor do I need to dig troughs for my hips and shoulders (side sleeper) so I can practice LNT (Leave No Trace) much better.

Initial Impressions: The backpacker table arrived with a lantern and a heater that I was selected to test. This is a pretty neat piece of equipment! I took it outside and got it set up. So far, I like what I see. Below are a couple of pictures showing the contents of the package.

Gear and table system in bag	Gear and table system components

Included in the system is the table measuring at 15 x 11 x .375 in/38 cm x 28 cm x .95 cm, which folds in quarters to a compact 15 x 2.75 x 1.5625 in/38 cm x 7 cm x 4 cm size (see photos below), 4 aluminum gear hooks, 1 lantern hanger, a green webbed belt with a spring loaded buckle, 2 table support cords, 2 table support rods, and 1 storage bag.

Table folded up	Table unfolded

Directions for use: The directions are clear and straightforward. Included in the bag is a single sheet of paper, printed on both sides, folded in half. The instructions say to wrap the strap around the tree, pulling it as tight as possible. This is extremely important when I put anything on the gear hooks. Also, it's important that I thread the strap through the buckle in the proper direction to ensure a secure lock. They have a diagram showing the proper direction. Then, I simply slide the 4 gear hooks wherever I wish. However, I need to have 2 gear hooks somewhat close together for the table.

There is also a lantern hook/hanger that is included. To use that, I simply slide the hanger through a hole on the outer side of the gear hook. It doesn't matter which gear hook I use as they are all designed the same. I could also use the lantern hanger to hang light things to dry if necessary, or a flashlight with a lanyard or strap.

To set up the table, I unfold the table that is held together with shock cord. When I pull the table out of the bag, it automatically wants to open. Then the support rails slide through the slots on each end of the table. The cords that are supplied have knots on each end of the cord. The rails have keyholes on each end where the cord goes in, then slides into the "slot". Then, wrap the cord around the rail twice to make sure the knot doesn't slip out. (See photos below) Then hang the cords from the gear hooks; making sure the table sits flat.

Single knot	Where it's wrapped	All set up

Here are a couple of close-ups showing the buckle and the gear hook:

Close-up of buckle	Gear Hook holding pack	Gear hook holding lantern hanger

Test Plan: I will be using this table and gear system on every trip I go on, regardless of whether it is a day trip or a weekender. I look forward to setting this up at "sit on the ground to eat" height and then moving it up later to hang my pack on along with my lantern in the evening. I will be experimenting to find creative ways to use the gear hooks even though I'm blonde and tend to not be too creative. This test will take place outside - in the cold, in the warmth, in the snow, in the rain, in the sunshine. Temperatures should range anywhere from 80 F/27 C to possible lows of -5 F/-21 C. I will be strapping this table to all size and kinds of trees to see how small a tree can be used safely along with what is the largest tree I can use. I will also be strapping to different kinds of trees - smooth barked and rough barked, including but not limited to, oak, maples, poplar, ironwood, and pines. I will strap the table to trees that are wet with snow/rain to see if that causes the strap to slip, especially on the smooth bark trees.

Reviews > Cook Gear > Cooking Accessories > Coleman Exponent Backpacker Table > Jodi Cornelius > Initial Report