Posted by Ashlee Czapla on May 27 2015

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Summer is one of the happiest times of the year. Why? Because it's festival season!

Whether it's Summer Camp Music Festival, Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, or dozens of other camping festivals that go down all season... there are tons of opportunities to enjoy awesome music and unique festival environments from coast to coast.

Three or four days in the sun away from the amenities of the real world can, however, leave you feeling overwhelmed and under-equipped. For these reasons - we put together a quick list of 10 useful camping gadgets / inventions that you might want to check out!

Happy camping!

1. The 'Coolest' Cooler

Literally called the 'Coolest'- this cooler has everything you could ever need from your beverage holder. For the steep price of $180 this cooler will not only keep your drinks cold, but will play your music through an outdoor Bluetooth Speaker and will charge your phone with a USB charger. Other features include a bottle opener, extra storage, rechargable blender and more. It's almost too good to be true. The Coolest just finished it's Kickstarter campaign however, and will not be avaiable to the public again till later in 2015. Sign up to be on the waiting list on the company's website: http://coolest.com/

If you can't wait for The Coolest to come out but you still want a fresh cooler - you can try this similar cooler out.

2. Solar Power Fanny Packs and Backpacks

Solar power energy is the future... and the future is now! Festival-Gear is a really awesome company that has found their niche in the market with their solar powered camping equipment. You can find everything from solar powered fanny packs, backpacks and panels on their website. All of their products ensure that you won't be worrying about where you can plug your phone in while you're out enjoying yourself and catching some rays.

3. Eno Hammock Bug Net

We're going to assume that you know a hammock is one of the all time best things to take camping... Hands down! A hammock is great for a little R&R, and some even prefer sleeping in a hammock than in a tent. There's just one problem with that though: bugs! Hammocks are typically used in forested areas, which means lots of little bugs for your camping pleasure. Luckily, Eno has created a bug net that goes perfectly around you and your hammock so you can hangout bug free. Get it here.

4. Solar Powered Path Light

Dude, where's my campsite? If you have been to a festival before, you probably know that sometimes it gets hard finding your campsite and getting around it is not always easy once it gets dark. The light of a few glow sticks does not always cut it, and if you aren't into totems or flags you might need some other campsite marker. Solar powered path lights (just like the ones you have at home) are perfect for this. They can help lead the way, light up your campsite and no electricity required! Get them here.

5. Propane Grill

Some music festivals are known for their awesome food stands and dope food trucks. While dank festival food is well... dank, You might not always be in the mood to spend $15 on a burger or $8 on some fries. You can't live off of water and good vibes alone though, everyone's got to eat at a festival and sometimes a nice, warm cooked meal is exactly what you need. Open fire is banned at most festivals, but gas powered grills are not. A propane grill will save you money and allow you to cook everything from brats, grilled cheeses, soup, coffee, tacos, you name it. You never know when you're going to be in need of an emergency breakfast burrito. Get em here.

6. The Scorpion

Flashlights are a must. I repeat: Flashlights. Are. A. Must.

There are a million and a half situations while you're camping or at a festival where you could use a little bit of light. This flashlight does it all though. The Scorpion will do just about everything but sting you. This water resistant flashlight charges by cranking it, comes with an AM/FM radio, auxiliary input and a USB smartphone charger.

Get the scorpion here.

7. Multi-Utensil Pocket Knife

Pocket knives have been some of the handiest tools since the dawn of time. This particular pocket knife is perfect to have around the campsite. It comes loaded with a fork, spoon, knife, bottle opener, can opener, mini-saw, compass and more.

8. Sleeping Bag Suit

Again, we all know sleeping bags are a must. But if you're looking for a little added comfort (and humor) they also make sleeping bag suits. Seriously! They aren't just for little kids and they really are super comfortable. Perfect for those who love being the camp clown. Get suited up here.

9. Pocket shower

Long live personal hygiene. Although, it does get hard to stay clean when you're having a ton of fun running around with 40,000+ other campers. Some festivals have showering stations, but the lines are usually long and they shower usually cost around $10. If you like staying clean on the cheap, REI has made a really incredible, low-tech pocket shower. This portable shower doesn't have all the bells and whistles that other portable showers do, but it has everything you need for a nice cool (or warm) 7 minute show. Ahh. Bliss. Stay Fresh.

10. Oversized camping chair with cooler

A good lawn chair will provide you with even more comfort for your festival camping needs. You don't want one that's too big, too small, or too bulky; you want one that's juuuust right. Coleman is a trusted camping gear brand and they have made the ultimate chair for festivals. This oversized camping chair is durable and compact, has a built-in arm rest cooler that can hold up to four cans, has a mesh cup holder for a fifth drink, a storage pocket for personal belongings and has adjustable arm rests. Camping in style and comfort is always a plus. Get it here.

Have a gizmo or gadget that's perfect for summer festivals? Think we missed something on the list?

Give a us a shout at [email protected]