For outdoor adventurers and campers, having a sturdy, portable table is essential. The classic PECOS table has been a staple for decades, but newer, lighter options have come onto the market to challenge its dominance.
This article will explore the key alternatives to the PECOS table and help you choose the right option for your next camping trip or outdoor adventure.
Key Alternatives To PECOS Tables
- Lightweight Portable Camping Tables
Several companies like GCI Outdoor, Coleman, and REI Co-op now offer portable camping tables that prioritize lightweight design over absolute stability.
These tables slim down the bulky aluminum framing of the classic PECOS table, using materials like aluminum alloy or composite polymers.
They often have a lower maximum weight capacity around 50-100 lbs compared to the 200+ lbs of a PECOS table.
However, the significant weight reduction makes them a compelling option for backpackers and others concerned about bulk and weight.
They still provide ample space for meals and activities at a campsite, while packing down smaller.
For example, the GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station folds up to just 2 inches thick and weighs under 10 lbs, while providing ample tabletop space. Other designs like the REI Co-op Camp Roll Table use innovative origami-style folding patterns to create a highly portable table.
- Plastic Folding Tables
Folding tables made of molded polymers like polyethylene are another lightweight PECOS table alternative. Brands like Lifetime offer folding plastic tables in various shapes and sizes, from narrow end tables to wide 8 ft banquet tables.
These plastic folding tables are much lighter than the classic aluminum PECOS design, making them easier to transport and setup. However, they do sacrifice some stability. Plastic legs are prone to sinking into soft ground, so these tables are best suited for picnic shelters and level campsites.
But for car camping and base camp, plastic folding tables offer an affordable and lightweight dining and prep surface.
- Campsite Cooking Tables
For specifically food prep and cooking, specialized campsite cooking tables provide features tailored to culinary needs. Brands like Camp Chef sell tables with built-in storage, shelves, hooks, paper towel holders and other tools for cooking epicurean meals outdoors.
Some tables like the Coleman Pack-Away Deluxe Kitchen have a sink basin, drain board, and storage area for a propane stove. Others like the Treasures Of The Outdoors Chuck Wagon Table include a windscreen and hinged legs that convert the table into a backcountry kitchen.
These camp cooking tables provide ample prepping space and storage for kitchen tools. However, they are bulkier than basic picnic-style tables. So backpackers or minimalist campers may want a second compact eating table.
- Bamboo Folding Tables
For an eco-friendly alternative, bamboo folding tables have become popular options. Bamboo is fast growing, sustainable, and naturally antimicrobial.
Bamboo folding tables provide a smooth surface for playing cards, dining, or creative projects.
Bamboo is also lightweight, although not quite as compact as aluminum when folded up.
Brands like Bambootech and Bamboo Worx offer bamboo folding tables similar in size to a PECOS table but around half the weight.
Keep in mind that bamboo is prone to splitting if overloaded, so these tables work best for lightweight items.
- Micro Camp Tables
At just 18 x 18 inches, micro camp tables provide a minimalist lightweight option for hikers and backpackers concerned about every ounce. Smaller than a classic PECOS table, they seat 2-3 people or provide space for a camping stove and prep.
Brands like Helinox offer micro tables like the Helinox Table One that pack down tiny and weigh only 2 lbs. Just don’t expect a big feast!
- Portable Camping Cots with Tables
Multipurpose furniture like camping cots with built-in side tables allow smart use of space at a campsite. Brands like Coleman offer folding cots with detachable side tables, providing seating plus table space while minimizing items to pack.
However, these tend to be bulkier and best for car camping. Cots with tables range from around 15 – 30 lbs.
- Plastic folding stools with cupholders
For minimal, lightweight portable seating, plastic folding stools with built in cupholders offer easy transport and storage. Usually weighing 5 lbs or less, these provide compact seating around a communal camp dining table.
Brands like Stylish Camping and Trekology make these stools, which often have mesh or canvas seat fabric. The cupholder gives campers an easy place to rest drinks.
- Attached table grills
For serious campsite cooking, a grill with an attached fold-out table provides integrated cooking space. Brands like Blackstone and Camp Chef make grills with sturdy steel tables that fold down from the side of the grill.
This allows moving cooked food seamlessly from grill to table. The tables also provide prep space. Just note these are heavy, 30 lbs or more – so best for car camping.
- Picnic Blanket with Built-In Table
A clever space-saving design for minimalist adventurers is a picnic blanket with a built-in portable table. This 2-in-1 design provides a seating area plus a raised surface for eating and activities.
The raised table inserts upright into pockets on the blanket to create a stable surface about a foot off the ground. Some designs like the Wacool Foldable Picnic Blanket Table even include cup holders and pockets for utensils.
This combo is super lightweight and packs down small. However, the mini table has limited capacity compared to a full-size table. But it’s a great portable option for quick day trips into nature or the park.
- Roll-Up Camp Tables
Roll-up camp tables provide a super portable option that collapses down smaller than rigid folding tables.
They have a soft fabric tabletop that rolls up around an aluminum frame.
This allows them to pack down very small, under 3 inches thick when rolled up.
Popular options like the Trekology Yizi Go Portable Roll Up Table weigh around 5 lbs.
The main downside is they sacrifice some stability vs. a hardtop table.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Table
When choosing which PECOS table alternative is right for your outdoor adventure, keep these key factors in mind:
- Weight – Light options under 10 lbs are ideal for backpacking, while heavier tables around 20+ lbs are best for car camping
- Capacity – Consider the max weight capacity based on your intended uses (dining, cooking, etc.). Most alternatives max out around 100 lbs or less.
- Packed Size – Look at how compact it folds down for storage and transport. Low-profile options will pack better.
- Durability – Make sure the materials and construction can withstand frequent use and the elements. Aluminum or aluminum alloy offers the best durability.
- Stability – Check if the design provides a wide, solid base when set-up so the table won’t easily tip or sway on uneven terrain.
- Extras – Tables with built-in extras like side shelves, sinks, bottle openers, etc. are bonus features for convenient camp cooking and dining.
Recommendations
Here are our top 3 recommendations for PECOS table alternatives for different uses:
- Backpacking: GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station
This cook table weighs just 8 lbs but provides ample prep space at 19 x 28 inches. It folds up slim to 2 inches for packing and has adjustable legs to adapt to terrain. The aluminum frame is rust-resistant and can hold up to 100 lbs. Great for backcountry cooking.
- Car Camping: Lifetime Folding Picnic Table
For car camping with weight limits, this plastic folding table weighs just 9 lbs but can support up to 500 lbs! It folds down to less than 5 inches thick for compact storage and has molded handles to make transport easy. The high-density polyethylene tabletop can handle all kinds of campsite activities.
- Base Camp: Portal Outdoor Fold N Go Bamboo Table
Made of sustainable bamboo, this foldable table weighs just 12 lbs but offers a substantial tabletop at 31 x 31 inches. Despite the light weight, it can hold up to 110 lbs. An expandable frame allows it to convert from coffee table height up to dining table height. Perfect for a roomy, sturdy table at the camp base.
Also Read: Great Substitutes of Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
PECOS stands for Portable Expanding Campers Outdoor Shelter. It’s a classic camping table design made of rust-resistant, lightweight aluminum with adjustable legs and a foldable frame. PECOS tables have been a trusted camping staple since the 1960s.
Original PECOS table brands like Joines and CVF Outdoors manufacture their tables in the USA. Other major camping and outdoor equipment brands like Coleman also make PECOS-style aluminum camping tables, typically in China.
PECOS tables are tried and true. But for some specific uses, the newer alternatives have advantages. Portable plastic and polymer tables are great for weekends and short trips where low weight is key. Bamboo tables provide sustainability. Camp cooking tables add helpful features for food prep. But for durability over years of heavy use, PECOS tables are hard to beat.
Conclusion
While the classic PECOS table has its merits, newer designs offer compelling alternatives for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Depending on your priorities – low weight, small packed size, or bonus features – alternatives like portable folding tables, bamboo tables, and camp cooking tables provide viable options.
Just be sure to evaluate capacity, stability, and durability to choose the right table for your next adventure away from home.
