Every day I bring you an item on Amazon that I personally use or has been purchased by many members of the audience and I have researched enough to recommend.

Today’s TSP Amazon Item of the day is the Red Suricata Camping Table.  There are in fact two models available.

The first is the Small Table with dimensions assembled of 14” by 10” and 5.5” high and weighs only 1.1lbs.  Disassembled and in its carrying bag it has dimensions of 14” by 5.5” by 1.2”.

The second is the Medium Table with dimensions assembled of 16.5” by 14” and 8” high and weighs only 1.8lbs. Disassembled and in its carrying bag it has dimensions of 16.5” by 8” by 1.2”.

While both are very compact in carry mode I would say that for day trip or over night back packers most are going to go with the small version.  I don’t expect hikers who are spending weeks or months on a long trek are going to give up space and weight to a table, but the short multi day to single day hikers will really benefit form something like this.

Lets talk about why I decided to try this item in the first place, it was all about fishing.  I do a lot of bank fishing and a table is a real luxury when you have a spot with a significant walk in.  When I do that I don’t spend an hour on the bank I spend a few hours to a full day and even the occasional over night.  I even at times cook up a bit of the catch and enjoy a meal.

Up till now I have been using the top of a small cooler as a “table”, bluntly it SUCKS.  Stuff slides around and as soon as you put something on it, you need to get into it.  So I considered what was available.  I have used the very common pop up tables like this one.  They are pretty decent but for what they are they are not that light and folded up they are not that compact.  The other thing is the plastic components and cheap pinned leg pins sooner or later break.

The other option is a solid aluminum folding table like this.  These are damn solid but the larger versions are not very compact and the small sized versions have a really tiny top.  These are something I would stick to the larger versions of and they are more for people that car camp then do any walking in.

Now it just so happened that while we were recently in Sanibel I saw a really nice looking Sun Canopy.  So nice that I walked up to the folks using it and asked about it.  It was made by you guessed it, Red Suricata and I was just checking out what they had and found the tables.

On full disclosure, I did get one of each size for free from the manufacturer.  I had already made up my mind to buy one if they said no when I asked and I was clear, free product DOES NOT equal good review.  Based on my research into it and the reviews I was pretty sold on it, but I never recommend a product to you guys unless I get hands on it.

I am really happy with both tables and I love the way they can form a wind screen for a camp stove.  Here is how I see them fitting best for most people.  Again the small table is so compact even mid distance back packers are going to love it.  People like myself that do walk in bank fishing who try it will realize there really isn’t another product as perfect for them.  It is quite a low table and will be great for any camping as well, specifically between two chairs for drinks and a blue tooth speaker and such.

The larger medium will be more for people who are using say a utility cart to bring their gear in, which I do with longer walk in fishing trips.  It will be outstanding for vehicle but somewhat minimalist camping.  Especially for those who don’t have say full sized trucks or SUVs where cargo space is an issue.

Both of them will excel for beach trips big time.  For fisherman a stable surface for cutting bait is a huge benefit as is a place for all the things you don’t want in the damn sand.  And that is the same for anyone, sand to be blunt screws up almost everything but it does not screw up solid aluminum.  Given the nature of this product, I thought it would be best to provide you with a video review, so check out the video if you want more before you make your decision.

In any event after putting both through their paces I have to say I think unless you specifically abuse them, say pounding them with a hammer, or trying to use them as a chair, they will last for damn near ever.  And that is what I am always looking for in outdoor gear.  So whether you choose the small table or the medium table, I think you will be happy with Red Suricata.  Lastly I have to say when I see a small and medium I expect to see a “large”, no such option exists yet but perhaps that one will be coming soon.  I can say if it does I may add it to our gear as well.

Remember you can always find all of our reviews at TspAz.com

P.S. – Here is my video review of this table, I really think it will help you understand the size and packed and set up foot prints and drive home just how well built these are.