From mobile phones to GPS receivers and mp3 players, electronic gadgets entertain us and keep us safe when we hit the backcountry. The problem, of course, is that the backcountry doesn’t come with power strips, and electronic gadgets can quickly become paperweights if we don’t figure out some way to recharge their batteries. For all electronic devices, there are basically four options:

1. Replace the discharged battery with a fresh one
2. Use an external battery pack to recharge the battery
3. Use solar power to recharge the battery
4. Use wind power to recharge the battery

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Bag chairs are inexpensive and much more confortable than the cold, hard ground

I have previously discussed (see Renting Gear makes Sense for New Campers) how prospective new camping families can save money by renting gear, or buying used gear. In addition to the lower initial cash outlay, a big advantage to renting is that your family gets to find out what kind of gear you like, without getting stuck with something that doesn’t work for you. Whichever route you decide to take, there are a few items to round-out your camping kit that you should consider buying new.

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PrimoVolta and PrimaVolta gloves

Outdoor Research, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is recalling about 900 sets of gloves sold between November of 2008 and January of 2009 due to a potential burn hazard. The problem stems from a potential short circuit in the glove’s electric heating pad.

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A 5-pack of Action Wipes vs. a 15-pack of baby wipes

Thanks to Martha Van Inwegen (@MarthaVan on Twitter) we got to tryout a pack of Action Wipes on last weekend’s camping trip to the beach. Action Wipes are reusable, and made with a woven construction that is much thicker and tougher than traditional baby wipes. I used a single Action Wipe all weekend long, and it still looks like it just came out of the package.

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Our contenders; the $8 superstore chair vs. the $20 premium chair

The ubiquitous bag chair is as much a part of camping as roasting marshmallows over a fire. These chairs are inexpensive and sufficiently durable to withstand a season, or two, of family camping. The two chairs pictured here represent the spectrum of bag chairs. On the left is the typical $8-$10 bag chair that you’ll find in your favorite super store and, on the right, is a much higher-end $20 chair. So how do these chairs stack-up, after two years of constant use?

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