Camping Connex Rack

Intro

I had seen camping racks for sale in the past. They looked pretty handy, but costly for what they are.

I had some carbon fiber arrow shafts left over from a different project. Very lightweight and strong. Easy to carry.

Thinking back to my childhood days, I remember building things with Tinker toys that used poles and connections for lots of creative designs. I thought this should exist for camping!

Design

I've created two options so far with more to come.

- The Barrel connector - for angled connections, 15 degree offset - The Cookie connector - for standard 90 degree connections The Barrel is the one I've been using to try out various configurations because the offset can be useful for a variety of cases.

Testing

In testing the set up could hold 10 pounds relatively easily. There is some flex to the shafts. I'm using 400/003 shafts because they're stronger. I want to test with 300, but have to order them first.

I used simple S-hooks to test some of the load along with some spare carabiners. Paracord, twist ties, or coat hangers would also be easy to use.

Configurations

So far I've just been using the straight traditional rack in my current testing. I'm taking it camping this weekend to try out.

I'm working on more configurations that could be useful such as rainwater harvesting using a trash bag collector and a simple A-frame shelter with an emergency blanket for keeping gear dry if you don't have a tent.

Printing

I recommend using PETG with 100% infill for the strength. I used 0.2mm z layer height.

NOTE: The connections are quite tight for the diameter of the shafts. You may have to twist the shaft a little to get it into the connector. This is for added strength.

Shafts

I ordered shafts off of AliExpress. Here's the ones I'm using specifically:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806183339697.html

The diameter of the holes must match the shafts. I measured mine at .288" / 7.3mm outer diameter.

The 300 arrows may have a larger OD and I can upload larger diameter holes once I receive mine.