Five High-Tech Camping Gadgets You'll Want for A Summer Trip

Who says that camping isn't "true" camping with high tech gadgets? Try one of these five gadgets on your next camping trip to bring a bit of the modern to the wilderness.

With this deluxe portable hammock, you can bring a little luxury to your campsite. More than eight feet long, this hammock folds to a compact size. Setting up quickly, has mesh flow fabric as well as shoulder straps for easy portability. At 22 pounds, this hammock isn't for the backpacker who fits everything on his back, but it would make a great addition to a car or trailer's storage area.

Struggling in an over-heated tent (especially in the rain) is not fun for any camper. This Coleman Tent Fan cools the tent with its soft blades that won't harm fragile tent fabric. Each D-cell battery provides about 16 hours of cooling time. At under $10, this fan is a cool bargain.

These ultra-absorbent towels are great for camping and traveling. Absorbing up to 90% of liquid, these towels are worth their weight. Drying quickly, the towels work wonders for after bathing, drying wet gear, or using after a rainstorm. They're also compact, so they'll fit great into a pack or travel bag. (The towels do become softer after each washing.)

This Coleman Quickpump is a Godsend for inflating air mattresses. Using 4 "DD" batteries, this unit inflates a mattress quickly and efficiently. Its stand-alone battery power also makes it ideal when you're away from an electricity source. (It's advisable to bring along an extra set of batteries, especially if you haven't used the unit for awhile.)

This self-powered radio and flashlight brings a little enjoyment and safety to your camping adventure. Hand crank the level to provide AM/FM sound, as well as flashlight power. (Always be attentive to nature and other travelers when cranking that radio in the wilderness.) A cell phone charging port is also included for alternate power. This unit is great to keep up with the weather, in case of severe conditions. An emergency alarm is also included. Slim and compact, this high-tech gadget is a great addition to any camping pack.

For campers who hike into remote areas, the ACR Electronics Terrafix 406 GPS I/O Personal Locator Beacon offers a degree of high-tech safety in the wilderness. The beacon has both an internal GPS (Global Positioning System) and external optical interface. In case of a dire emergency, the signal from this unit can reach the proper authorities for help. Waterproof and buoyant, this beacon could be a life-saver.