Surviving a Heat Dome: 5 Essential Gadgets That Made My Camping Trip a Breeze

I just got back from a family camping adventure in Cades Cove, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Being from South Carolina, I hoped for a cool escape in mid-July. Sadly, the heat dome left us sweating, with temperatures feeling like they were over 100 degrees.

We camped in our Rockwood Mini Lite RV. While we had some amenities like a fridge and power outlets, the campground didn’t offer electricity or water hook-ups. So, we had to get creative with portable power solutions, especially since camping can be unpredictable.

When we arrived, it was too late to start our generator due to noise restrictions. We planned to run off our RV’s 12-volt batteries, but we quickly discovered an issue with the wiring. With the heat rising, we needed a plan B, and luckily, I had brought some handy gadgets to help.

One tool that made a big difference was the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro X Sound by JBL. This battery-powered lamp not only lighted our space but also provided music via Bluetooth, helping to lift our spirits as we unpacked.

Next up was the Switchbot Smart Circulator Fan. Its oscillation feature created a much-needed breeze inside the RV, which had turned into a sauna after our long drive.

Our fridge was stocked for a week, but without power, it was at risk. Thankfully, I had the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3, a portable power station I was testing. It had enough capacity to keep our essential items running even in these extreme conditions.

At dawn, the EcoFlow was down to 10%, which surprised me. I learned later that using AC power instead of DC increases idle consumption, draining the battery faster than expected.

We used our gas generator to recharge the EcoFlow while exploring the beautiful Cades Cove, biking the loop, and spotting wildlife. This combination of portable gadgets allowed us to stay comfortable and enjoy our family time despite the heat.

While we could have survived without power, these devices helped make our trip memorable for all the right reasons. For anyone camping in similar heat, consider adding a few battery-powered gadgets to your packing list for a smoother experience!

If you want to learn more about camping equipment and outdoor gear, check out this article from Vox on how climate change is affecting outdoor adventures.

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