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the_bosco · 05-20-2012, 03:30 PM

So we're headed out on our maiden voyage this next weekend; Medicine Rocks State Park near Ekalaka, MT, no services save picinic tables, fire rings and outhouse. Aside from the usual paraphenalia (food, water and cutlery) what E-devices do you use?

I'm thinking the Nook, laptop and maybe sneaking the GPS off the boat? Can you use a marine GPS on dry land?

Anything else?

valmog · 05-20-2012, 03:40 PM

iPad

It functions as our laptop and E-reader while we travel AND we like it because it's hooked up to AT&T and our cell phones are Verizen...we're almost always connected with one of them.

Have a wonderful time on your maiden voyage!!

AtomicNo13 · 05-20-2012, 03:46 PM

You'll need a quality blender, and ice maker for cocktails!

Phoenix · 05-20-2012, 04:21 PM

Don't forget a small 110 VAC inverter, if your Airstream isn't so equipped. You have probably already thought of this; but if not and you don't take one, you won't be able to use anything that runs on 110v (e.g., television, phone charger, etc.).

Midnightmoon · 05-20-2012, 04:24 PM

The less electronics I bring with us, the more I relax when we travel. Usually my essentials are a GPS and my Blackberry (which I try and keep turned off as much as possible).

Wayne&Sam · 05-20-2012, 04:38 PM

I don't go to the bathroom without a GPS. But that's just me.

the_bosco · 05-20-2012, 07:16 PM

I do have a gps on the cell phone but I don't know if it works in the boonies, or not.

cameront120 · 05-20-2012, 07:43 PM

Is there any such thing as an indispensable electronic device when camping?

t7389sg · 05-20-2012, 08:05 PM

I vote iPad. I have camped where there is 0 cell phone signal but the camp site had free wifi so I made all my phone calls via Skype or FaceTime. My iPad does everything, even use it as my blood glucose meter.

Protagonist · 05-21-2012, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t7389sg

My iPad does everything, even use it as my blood glucose meter.

Really? As a diabetic, that fascinates me. Where can I get more details on this?

Answering the question on the thread, though, I believe there is no such thing as an indispensable electronic device for camping. Would anyone on this thread really say, "Sorry, I can't go. I don't have a _____[insert device here]."

I'd say that about my glucose meter, but that has nothing to do with camping, and everything to do with eating, even at home, and so it's not a valid answer to the question at hand.

xo1rider · 05-21-2012, 06:39 AM

Mobile hotspot, I use the Verizon MiFi takes the frustration out of lousy RV park WiFi and when a park has good WiFi we use their signal.

Another vote for the iPad, makes a great e-reader!

the_bosco · 05-21-2012, 07:01 AM

Darn. Might have to break down and buy Momma a new iPad.

I did think of one more gadget we pack along; our ipods & docking station for music.

Wayne&Sam · 05-21-2012, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_bosco

I do have a gps on the cell phone but I don't know if it works in the boonies, or not.

The GPS will work wherever it has a view of the satellites- that's about everywhere but canyons and deep valleys. The question is whether your phone GPS app needs a cell connection to retrieve maps or you have a map stored on the phone. So you should be able to make way points and navigate to them, it's a question of whether it will all be plotted on a map.

By the way, life is not worth living without an iPad.

Nuvite-F · 05-21-2012, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t7389sg

My iPad does everything, even use it as my blood glucose meter.

Where do you put the blood?!

.

ROBERT CROSS · 05-21-2012, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameront120

Is there any such thing as an indispensable electronic device when camping?

For us only one, the cell phone....interwebing not so much.

DW sez "myface" is enough for her.

Bob

BAAMbi7 · 05-21-2012, 09:23 AM

Not a necessity, but we like a charcoal mini grill, but haven't used fluid in years....the electric charcoal starter is great.

Electric Charcoal Starter

...def iPod (and the like) and aux cord!

cameront120 · 05-21-2012, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

DW sez "myface" is enough for her.

masseyfarm · 05-21-2012, 10:16 AM

Sorry, I can't go. I don't have a DVM. (digital voltage meter that will simplify trouble-shooting everything electrical without blowing the fuse.)

Dave

Quote:

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Answering the question on the thread, though, I believe there is no such thing as an indispensable electronic device for camping. Would anyone on this thread really say, "Sorry, I can't go. I don't have a _____[insert device here]."

**azflycaster** · 05-21-2012, 10:39 AM

Definitely my smartphone, it's like the Swiss Army Knife of electronic communications. It's a phone, a GPS and a compass. But wait there's more, it's a camera, a weather alert system and an internet browser. And that's not all, with the apps I can locate campgrounds, banks, Starbucks and the best gas prices in the area. Plus many other options to list here.

Operators are standing by...

Protagonist · 05-21-2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masseyfarm

Sorry, I can't go. I don't have a DVM. (digital voltage meter that will simplify trouble-shooting everything electrical without blowing the fuse.)

Dave

You know, I thought what I wrote sounded profound, until someone actually filled in the blank, especially since you filled in the blank with something that makes perfect sense. Now, it sounds weird, even if you mean it.

Still, that's how I define "indispensable," as opposed to just "incredibly useful." If you'd honestly postpone a trip until you got one, that's indispensable.