Most campers prepare for camping trips packing tents and sleeping bags. Conversely, my packing habits slightly differ. When preparing for the great outdoors, my camping tech gadgets are first. My friends and I participate in an annual camping trip. While some participants could definitely spend weeks experiencing the wilderness, I certainly cannot. Furthermore, listening to our podcast this week you should have heard me say, “I hate eating outside, bugs, wilderness, and being too far from modern technology”.
Yes, your thoughts are correct; the worst camper on the planet authored this guide. Knowing there are tech campers who share my outdoor sentiments, the following are recommended tech gadgets.
SlingPlayer Software
Consider, who does not like sitting outside, during another nice clear night, watching the stars? Closing your eyes, crickets constantly chirping, becomes a lullaby. I do not particularly like it. The sleeping habits I need require a TV blaring in the background. This need really just runs in the family. I like hearing programming in the background while sleeping. Therefore, when camping, SlingPlayer becomes a necessary item. Since the release of SlingPlayer for Android is still a few weeks away, my HP Mini 210 Netbook became the screen. Thinking further, I could have used my iPod Touch.
Speakers
Furthermore, while relaxing and talking smack, “old school” R&B or Hip Hop blasts fills the background. We needed cheap, good sounding portable speakers. I ordered USB powered HP Portable Speakers. Nevertheless, they sounded great..
Mobile Battery Charger
Now of course having a decent power source is a premium when camping like me. In addition, to help keep my phone charged, I used the Amzer Solar charger. Brent did a great article about mobile battery chargers you can use to give your mobile device extra power. Fortunately, for me, Rod recently ordered this solar charger and I borrowed it for my trip. Not only was it able to charge my phone, but my friend’s phones too. As a bonus, I was able to power my HP speakers as well. While the solar panels can recharge the device it was not that powerful of a method, but enough to make the device last longer
Zune HD
Without doubt, the Zune HD is my favorite portable music player. My Zune was responsible for the music playlists. When watching TV grew tiresome, I could easily watch a movie. Previously, I converted DVD’s for mobile watching. Here are instructions for converting DVD’s.
HP Mini 210 NetBook
Of course, while I am hanging in the woods I started writing this post. In addition, the joy of not lugging my larger Dell laptop around is almost indescribable. My Netbook was perfect for writing posts, connecting to my SlingBox, even watching DVDFab converted movies. Additionally, it closes and has a keyboard. Perhaps the Netbook is singlehandedly the perfect camping gadget.
We used an iPad to start the fire!
Winning camping skill awards probably will not happen. Grilling awards are attainable, However, I love hanging with my friends and drinking beer. Either way, these gadgets will enhance your outdoor experience.
