Top Ten Electronics You Don't Want to Go Camping Without

Not everyone is capable of spending their weekend in the woods with only a knife; most of us need at least some of the comforts of home and some of us would love it if our television could go with us. For those who like their gadgets or just like to look like they've climbed Mount Everest, here is a top ten list of electronics you shouldn't go camping without whether you like to sleep on the ground under the stars or your tent comes equipped with a butler.

A GPS locator combined with a two-way radio is important for even the most experienced camper. Not only will it help you if you become lost but the two-way radio can become priceless if you become separated from you group or if you send children off on their own to explore nearby.

For those of you who tend to get lost more than others, or who like to look like you really can read that map, then grab a watch with an altimeter, barometer and a compass all in one. It will help you look cool in front of your girlfriend's work friends and you may have to use it to get back from the bathroom.

Another gadget that is as unattractive as it is useful is the headlamp. It may make you look like your third eye will send beams of energy into the universe but it is very helpful when you need to use your hands and you need to see at the same time. Camping often involves stumbling around in the dark searching for items that you cannot seem to remember where you placed them and having your hands free to help in that search can be invaluable at times.

Most people cannot leave home without their cell phones and that even includes at the campsite. A cell phone that has signal can be used not only in emergencies but also to check in with babysitters or work.

A portable game player, such as a PSP, and an mp3 player are two items that many frown upon taking to the campsite but these two items can be very worthwhile when children and weather are involved. Camping can be interrupted by rainstorms that send you and your family running to your tent. A portable game player that plays movies can help keep everyone occupied while they wait out the rain. Children can at times become unruly and sitting them down with an mp3 player can give parents some peace of mind while they prepare a meal over a burning flame while still keeping them in sight.

While not an electronic it is important to get a waterproof and crushproof case to hold all of your small electronic items. Nothing can ruin a camping trip more than dropping your two hundred dollar cell phone in the river.

A solar charger is also a great item to take along with you to help charge all those electronic items. After all, what good is your cell phone in an emergency if it ran out of power two days earlier? A solar charger will help everything continue to run smoothly.

The last two electronic items do not even use batteries or solar power but are instead run on human power, your ability to crank keeps these items going. A wind up lantern is great if your headlamp runs out of batteries. The light is not very strong but it will get you to the trees and back in the middle of the night without tripping over anything.

The final item is a wind up radio and flashlight combo. Not only does this give you an extra light source but it also gives you access to weather reports so you know if you can stay another day or if you need to throw everything in the back of your SUV and make for home.

These electronic items will help make your camping experience more fun and much safer for the most experienced and the most inexperienced campers.