Trekology seems to have changed the name of this table from the Tao to the Talu. As far as we can tell, there have been no updates to the design. We're now linking to the Talu above.
April 2020 This Product
Trekology TAO | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  | |||
| Price | $42 List $29.99 at Amazon | $70 List | $80 List $79.95 at REI | $50 List $45.99 at Amazon | $50 List $39.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Easy to set up, sturdy, metal top isn't susceptible to sparks or flames, cool colors | Solid plastic table top, quick set up, durable, large but portable, steel legs and base | Stout, well-built, lightweight for its size, convenient | Lightweight, relatively strong, metal | Inexpensive, lightweight for size |
| Cons | Small, heavy for backpacking, colored table top shows scratches | A little heavy, more difficult to carry than collapsible aluminum tables, difficult for one person to adjust leg height | Protective grommets prone to detach, base of table difficult to expand, tight to pack into carrying case, limited leg space | A little wobbly, can't place knees underneath | A little wobbly, extra steps to set up, can't place knees underneath |
| Bottom Line | A fine end table for any camping chair, its aluminum table top also makes it one of the smallest tables you can cook on | This is a sturdy and spacious folding table that can provide years of use at everything from BBQs and camping to tailgating, birthday parties, and bake sales | This is a square, stout table that that comes in handy for a camping trip, tailgate party, day at the beach, and more | Rigorous daily use isn't this table's gig, but it can hold its own in basic situations and compares well against similar lightweight models | This table is offers decent quality and basic function, and there's a place for that, especially at the price point |
| Rating Categories | Trekology TAO | Lifetime 4428 Heigh... | REI Co-op Camp Roll... | Portal Outdoor Ligh... | Coleman Compact |
| Stability and Strength (30%) | |||||
| Portability (30%) | |||||
| Durability (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Setup (20%) | |||||
| Specs | Trekology TAO | Lifetime 4428 Heigh... | REI Co-op Camp Roll... | Portal Outdoor Ligh... | Coleman Compact |
| Measured Weight | 2.7 lbs | 18.1 lbs | 8.0 lbs | 8.9 lbs | 9.0 lbs |
| Unfolded Dimensions | 15.6 x 13.6 x 15 in | 48 x 24 x 24/29/36 in | 27.5 x 27.5 x 27.5 in | 27. 5 x 27. 5 x 26 in | 27.6 x 27.6 x 27.6 in |
| Folded Dimensions | 23 x 4 x 4 in | 24 x 23.5 x 3 in | 27.5 x 7 x 4.5 in | 28 x 7. 5 x 2. 2 in | 28 x 6 x 5 in |
| Table Height | 16 in | 24, 29, or 36 in | 27.5 in | 26 in | 27.5 in |
| Table Top Material | Aluminium | Injection molded plastic | Aluminium | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Claimed Max Support Weight | 50 lbs | Not stated | 100 lbs | 60 lbs | Not stated |
Right out of the box, there's somewhat of a wow factor with the TAO camping table. The first thing we noticed was the flashy aqua blue aluminum tabletop. It's just cool. Most camp table manufacturers stick to more standard color schemes, so the TAO stands out in front of the rest. It's trendy, fun and stylish, but is it practical? It's a bit too heavy to take on a backpacking trip, and most car campers prefer a more substantial tabletop.
The TAO offers limited strength and stability. The corners of this table handled 40+ lbs of weight without tipping over, which is pretty substantial for a table of its size. If centered in the middle of the table, this model can support even more weight. Additionally, the TAO has minor natural wobble.
The cross braces for the legs tend to slip out of place when moving the table and during setup. When out of place, the stability of the table is completely compromised. The slippage always happened for us when the table wasn't in its stationary position. This concerns us most when using this table as a cooking surface. We wonder could occur if the table is bumped while cooking campground fajitas.
Stability and strength aren't great reasons to purchase this model. It can support a tabletop camping stove and full pans, but we wouldn't push it much further.
As with the all of the smaller camp tables we studied, the Trekology table received its highest scores in the portability area. This table is fairly compact and light, making it easy to transport to your campsite. It also hides in the trunk of your car easier than the larger tables.
The TAO scored the lowest out of the lightweight models we tested in portability because, at 2.7 pounds, it weighs almost twice as much. It also has a packed size that is quite a bit larger. The size and weight would make many backpackers think twice. We also thought the stuff sack should have a shoulder or hand strap.
When compared to the larger tables, we were critical of the TAO's practicality versus cost. With a packed weight of nearly 3 pounds, it stands only 16 inches high and has a table surface area of 396 square inches. The TAO is more portable than the larger models tested, but it's too heavy for any backpacking purposes and less useful than a taller, bigger table.
Our tests showed this table to be adequately durable for its intended use. However, we do have concerns about the size and weight of the table in relation to its inherent durability risks. These risks include being accidentally stepped on, sat on, kicked, blown or crunched in a tailgate. In our opinion, the size and construction of this table won't recover as well to these types of situations. The chances of accidentally stepping into or onto a 16-inch table are greater in our opinion because it's lower to the ground. This is a concern with all of the small side tables tested.
After a diligent search effort, we were unable to find any warranty information offered by Trekology. The TAO is well-built, and with adequate care, it could last for many years. However, part of our durability score included how willing the manufacturer is to back up in writing what they build, which was lacking with this one.
If treated kindly, we expect the first component to go south in this model to be the bungee cords that connect the tabletop slats. Elasticity tends to fade over time and use. Just consult your old headlamp or ski goggle straps that lost their snap long ago. We couldn't find any information about replacement bungee cords on the Trekology website.
Fully assembled in far less than a minute, the TAO is one of the easiest tables to set up. Expand the base, flip over the two support bars, and clip the tabletop into place. This table can be set up by one person and even with one hand. The only thing we didn't like: Often the crossbars would slip out of their grooves, causing the tabletop to snap on a little cockeyed. In our experience, this happened too often.
With sharp looks and an all-aluminum design, we feel this table has a relatively high price tag. If you're in the market for a simple camp table that can also serve as a small cooking surface, this table is perhaps worth it, though.
There are many things we liked about this table: It's sturdy, steady, brightly colored, easy to set up or carry, and adequately priced. In the end, the only looming reservation we had was its use. It's too small to be practical for general campground use and too heavy and large for backcountry use.
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