10 Must-Have Gadgets for the Summer

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Ah, summer. There’s just something about the summer.

It’s the time when possibilities seem endless and memories of summers past drive us to destinations as far as another part of the world, or as close as our backyard to try and create new ones. Summer, in a word, means adventure.

Like any adventure, you’ll need to make sure you have the right tools to not only get the most out of it, but in some cases, survive it. So while items like a cooler and a good e-book might be known necessities, here are some gadgets you might not think of that can help make this summer adventure an instant classic memory.

Turtle Shell Speaker

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One of the most exciting gadgets of the summer, the Turtle Shell from Outdoor Tech might just be the most versatile and complete outdoor speaker available.

Sure, it’s wireless with perfect sound quality, exceptional range (30 feet), battery life (9 hours) and speakerphone capability, but you’ve probably come to expect that in portable speakers. The Turtle Shell is unique, though, in just how good it sounds, and how durable it is, as it can’t be stopped by dirt, rain or shock damage. When you factor in such features as the ability to attach it to a bike, and some undeniably good looks, this is the only outdoor speaker you need.

Price: $129.95

BioLite CampStove

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There’s a variety of gadgets built for camping that are, in one way another, designed to bring you the comforts of home wherever you go. That’s great, of course, but in some way you still want to be able to enjoy the outdoors without feeling like you’ve brought the entire modern world with you.

The BioLite provides a compromise in that department, as it’s an electric campfire that runs off twigs like a usual campfire, but provides a more powerful and sustained flame than you can get out of the old fashioned method. Even better, it takes the energy from that same flame and can convert it to an electrical output through its available USB port should you need it.

Of course, if a better campfire isn’t appealing enough, you can always add the available grill top add-on for a complete outdoor cooking tool.

Price: $129.95

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The Etón FRX3 Radio

With the recent news involving Hurricane Sandy, things like the Etón FRX3 Radio are more than just cool gadgets. They can make coping with the aftermath of a storm, like loss of power, a little easier to manage. This is so much more than just a portable radio that can be charged up by cranking it or by solar power, though that is extremely helpful when you don’t have power. The hand turbine in particular gives you a power source no matter what. It won’t power your heater, but you can use the radio (including NOAA weather alert) and also the LED flashlight that’s built in on the side. You can also use it to power your cell phone or other small gadgets, which can literally be a lifesaver in some situations.

It’s amazing how many features they have crammed into this gadget. You can also use battery power as well so you don’t have to start cranking right away. You can connect it to another power source as well through USB, and of course you can set it in the sunlight to charge up the unit. The top handle also has a glow in the dark locator wrapping around the solar strip.

It’s a great gadget and you’ll love having it the next time you lose power. It’s also great for camping trips and other outdoor activities, so keep it in mind as a stocking stuffer for the holidays.