Roughing it gets a new meaning as technology goes camping

Windcatcher Airpad 2. (Photo courtesy REI/TNS)

Windcatcher Airpad 2. (Photo courtesy REI/TNS)

For some, camping means roughing it. But you can also use modern technology to help you take a quick shower and whip up an espresso. These gadgets might encourage you to rethink the whole outdoor experience.

“These items make activities like camping and hiking more accessible to everybody, instead of just to those who want to rough it with only the essentials,” said Stephanie Weiss, spokesman for Uncle Dan’s outdoor store. “Even though they’re spending time in the outdoors, people still want to feel comfortable, look good, share their experience and stay connected with their friends and family.”

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— Nemo Helio Pressure Shower

You'll have no more excuses not to bathe. This portable shower, which doubles as a dishwasher, has a 2.9-gallon capacity. It provides five to seven minutes of water using a foot pump rather than gravity. $99.95 at Nemoequipment.com

— Biolite CookStove

You can use gas canisters or sticks to power this clean-energy stove. It provides 30 hours of smokeless cooking on one charge of the USB-rechargeable airflow system. $99.95 at Bioliteenergy.com

— Handpresso

The Handpresso portable espresso-maker generates pressure like a bicycle pump to help you keep up your morning coffee routine. $129.99 at Brookstone.com

— Big Agnes Krumholtz UL 2 GZ mtnGLO tent

This tent has a built-in solar panel, fan, lantern and a battery that lets you charge your USB and 12V devices. LED lights are integrated into the shell of the tent. $649.95 from Rei.com

— Pizzacraft Pizzeria Pronto Outdoor Pizza Oven

This portable oven connects to a propane tank, heats up to 700 degrees in 10 minutes and cooks a pizza in five. $299.95 at Amazon.com

— Burnie Grill

An ancient Nordic technique for burning wood stumps inspired this grill. It's made from alder wood without chemicals. Once you're done cooking (you can place the food directly onto the Burnie, or use it with a grill grate), it'll burn itself to ashes. And you're done. Starts at $12.95 at Burniegrill.com

— SteriPen

Press the button and use the UV technology to purify your water when you're camping (or even at home). It purifies 50 liters of water on one set of batteries, and its lifespan is about 3,000 liters of water purification. $49.95 at Steripen.com

— Biolite Kettlecharge

Charge your phone when you purify your water using this generator. It is a thermoelectric generator that provides backup power when filled with water and heated. As the water is brought to a boil, it provides 10 watts of USB power. $149.95 at Bioliteenergy.com

— Windcatcher Airpad 2

Just a few breaths of air inflate this in seconds. The airpad, which you can sit or sleep on, amplifies your breath by 10, pulling in the surrounding air to speed inflation. To deflate, open the valve for almost instantaneous deflation. $99.95 for preorder at Rei.com (it is expected to be shipped in mid-May).

— LuminAID

LuminAID co-founder Andrea Sreshta holds up the company's lights. They pack flat but inflate into lightweight, waterproof lanterns. They charge in the sun and provide 12 hours of light on one day's charge. Starts at $22.95 at Luminaid.com

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