STRATUS Outdoors is an adventure/camping company that produces quality gear while being environmentally conscious. When the boxes arrived for the “Big D” camp table, I was pleasantly surprised not to find any single-use plastics, only 100% recycled cardboard.
The “Big D” camp table is 900mm high, perfect for a workbench. The “Derek” model is set lower at 710mm for a seated table size. I went for the “Big D” option for its versatility in the fishing field.
Both tables are made with 3mm Brushed Aluminium with stainless steel fixings. Its solid construction and rust-resistant properties mean that this piece of kit is built to last. Steering away from cheap alternatives destined for landfill.
Stratus Outdoors probably didn’t realise the need that the “Big D” camp table fulfilled within the fishing community. This is already a camp table that ticks all of the boxes, lightweight, sturdy, with a capacity of 100kg and one of my favourite features being that you can place hot cooking pots and pans directly on the surface.
The “Big D” is being used by beach fishos to keep their gear off the sand, even allowing the wash of the salt water to lap the legs of the table to keep their equipment within proximity of the casting zone. Beach fishing can be harsh on your gear. Keeping them elevated and clean will give longevity. I took the table to the beach without fishing just to test it out. The feet hold firm in the sand. I was able to hose the table down for an easy clean.
I believe that filleting your catch at the boat ramp immediately after returning from a session is poor practice. I allow the flesh to set in an ice slurry for up to 48 hours, depending on the size of the fish. Having the “Big D” means that I do all of my filleting at home and don’t have to make another run down to the ramp to complete the job. I cut directly on the bench surface and have had enough room to work with a reasonably sized Spanish mackerel. I even used the table to complete a Gyotaku print, which the dried ink scrubbed off after supporting the process beautifully.
There are a number of attachments that you can add to the table to customise your setup. I used the table extension sink that was awesome for placing the clean fillets in, throwing offcuts or rubbish from the gyotaku printing and even holding Bunya Nut kernels after a serious processing session with the family. Although, I guess its main use camping would be washing up, I have not used it for this purpose and have still loved this accessory. The extension is lower than the main table, which helps keep the sections separate.
I also tested the hammock that is made from RPET. It doubles the capacity of the table giving an added level of storage. I place my knives, paper towels and vacuum sealing bags/machine on here whilst I do the filleting on top.
The “Big D” flat packs into an RPET bag, which is made of 125 post-consumer plastic recycled bottles. The material feels like a strong canvas and makes carrying this 8kg table a breeze.
The table is not cheap, but it is a multipurpose investment.
Hammock – $159
Table extension sink – $129
Big D – $569
I highly recommend this product for the camping enthusiast, home fish processor or beach fisho looking to organise their setup.
For more information, visit: www.stratusoutdoors.com.au
