Our Summer Camping Contest has come to a close, and we’re impressed with the turnout of over 800 entries. The Printables community really is ready for outdoor adventures!
The submissions demonstrate how 3D printing can improve many types of outdoor equipment. Popular designs included tools for easier camp setup, waterproof containers, creative lighting solutions, improved tent stakes, drink holders, multi-functional carabiners, and other storage solutions. We’d like to thank all participants – your designs have the potential to improve camping trips for many outdoor makers!
Now, it’s time to reveal the designs that captured our judges’ and community’s attention. Let’s take a look at the winners of our Summer Camping Contest.
First place
Heliochronometer – World’s Most Accurate Sundial by yba2cuo3
The winning design brings us back to the basics of timekeeping! This 3D-printed heliochronometer allows campers to tell time with surprising precision using nothing but the sun. It is an ideal tool for campers who want to disconnect from digital devices (and rather have conversations around the campfire about the movements of the Earth and Sun). The level of detail in its documentation is impressive – the author provides a manual that turns the building and using of this heliochronometer into an education. We can tell a lot of thought, research, and passion went into this project. While it might not have racked up the highest download numbers, this heliochronometer certainly didn’t go unnoticed by the Printables community and earned yba2cuo3 a brand-new Original Prusa MK4S kit!
Second place
The “Bottle Wasp Trap” quickly became a popular entry in our Summer Camping Contest, becoming the most downloaded model with the highest number of likes and makes. This practical design was really handy this summer – as many of you probably experienced firsthand – due to the unusually high wasp activity around the campsites. Requiring only two 3D-printed parts to turn a standard PET bottle into a functional wasp trap, Jan’s creation demonstrates how a simple design can effectively address a common camping issue. Its well-deserved second place in the contest proves that sometimes the simplest ideas can have the most significant impact on our outdoor adventures! Jan, we are sending 1050 Prusameters your way!
Third place
Automatic Paracord Clothesline Tensioner by BuildX
Rounding out our top three is the “Automatic Paracord Clothesline Tensioner” by BuildX. This clever little device could be your best camping friend, and its popularity among makers just proves it. The tensioner is a simple gadget with great functionality – whether you’re setting up a clothesline, securing a tarp, or tightening guy lines, this gadget has got you covered! Its optional TPU “spring” for automatic tensioning and a handy quick-release lever make campsite setup a quick and easy task. This tensioner has earned the author 700 Prusameters. Congratulations, BuildX! Your well-deserved prize is on its way to your Printables account!
Honorary mentions
We saw so many clever and creative designs that we just couldn’t stop at the top three. 🙂 That’s why we decided to add another four awarded designs in the “Honorary Mentions” category. These picks caught our eye with their ideas or smart solutions and we want to award them with 500 Prusameters! We value each and every entry, so a big pat on the back to everyone who participated – you (and your printers) are all helping to make camping adventures even better!
Rugged Shoe Clip Hangers by C1RKT
HexDish SignalBoost by 3D KIMBA
Community’s Picks
To show the designs that resonated most with our makers, we’re recognizing the top five models (excluding the main prize winners) with the highest number of makes from the community. Each has been awarded 350 Prusameters!
Results compiled as of September 24th
Bag Clip two-stage |
 |
 |
Mini Trap |
Ice cream handle for kids |
 |
|
|
Emergency Whistle |
Waterproof Capsule |
 |
You must be logged in to post a comment.