Under the awning, things end up on the table or the ground: the light, the utensil roll, a damp towel. The Darche Magic Magnets give them somewhere to hang. Each one is a small, strong magnet in an aluminium shell with a hook, and they come in a pack of three.
They’re part of our touring kit, stuck to the side of the Prado or clamped onto the awning and storage bags.
What’s in the box
Three round magnets, 42 mm across and 18 mm thick, each with a neodymium core in an aluminium shell and an iron hook that folds flat against the body. They come in a small drawstring bag, and each weighs about 70 g.
What we like
- Stick to the car or clamp fabric
- No holes, no damage
- Tough aluminium shell
- Hook folds flat
- Pack of three with a bag
What we don’t
- Pick up metal filings
- Bulkier than tent clips
- 2.5 kg rating through fabric
Quick Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Darche |
| Model | 3-pack |
| Material | Aluminium shellNeodymium magnetIron hook |
| Weight | 70 geach |
| Max load | 2.5 kg through fabric |
| Size | 4.2 × 1.8 cm |
| Included | 3 magnetsDrawstring bag |
On the car and the awning
There are two ways to use them. On steel, like the side of the 4WD, a magnet just sticks, and you hang a light or a bag off the hook. On fabric, you put the two halves either side of the awning or a storage bag and they clamp together through it. No screws, no holes, and moving one takes a second.
We hang the Darche Compact Solar Light from one on the side of the Prado, and use the others under the awning for a lantern, the utensil roll or a towel. Darche rates them to 2.5 kg through fabric, which covers all of that, and they stay put when the wind moves the awning.
Build
The aluminium shell feels solid and has smooth, rounded edges, so it won’t snag or wear the awning fabric, and it doesn’t mind rattling around in a box. The iron hook is thick enough not to bend and takes most handles and loops. Keep them away from the tool box, though: like any strong magnet, they pick up metal filings.
Size and weight
At about 70 g each they’re small enough to grab with gloves on, and all three in their bag take up a corner of the storage box. They’re bulkier than a tent clip, but a tent clip can’t hold a light on the side of a car.
How it compares with the magnetic camp hooksMagnet comparison
We also use cheaper magnetic camping hooks with a carabiner on a plastic body. They clip on faster and are rated higher on steel, but the plastic scuffs. The Darche magnets are smaller, tougher and come three to a pack.
This one Darche Magnets | Clip Magnetic Hooks | |
|---|---|---|
| HookMulti-purpose hook: carries a bag or pulls a knot loose. | Folding J-hook | Carabiner |
| Material | Aluminium shell | ABS plastic |
| Size | 42 × 18 mm | About 6 × 4 cm |
| Max load | 2.5 kg through fabric | 5 kg on steel |
| Price | 45 for 3 | $21 |
| Our score | 9.4 | 9.2 |
Conclusion: Darche Magic Magnets (3-Pack)Conclusion
The Darche Magic Magnets are a simple, tough way to tidy up camp. They stick to the car, clamp through awning fabric and hold up to 2.5 kg, with no holes and no damage. They pick up metal filings and they’re bulkier than tent clips. If your camp table is always covered in things that should be hanging up, they’re worth it.
A simple, tough way to tidy up camp.
They stick to the car or clamp through awning fabric, hang lights and gear up to 2.5 kg and leave no holes or marks. They pick up metal filings, and they're bulkier than tent clips.
- 4WD tourers
- Rooftop tents
- Car campers
Yes. Three tough magnets that hang lights and gear anywhere on the car or awning, without holes. About $45 for the pack.
