N!ergy tent powers your gear

Outdoor purists, prepare to be disgusted: Eureka!, maker of camping, military and party tents, has introduced a line of tents wired for electricity. The N!ergy tent is sold with a rechargeable battery power pack that supplies the tent with up to 18 hours of electricity to run fans, lights, DVD players, hair dryers, laptop computers and other gadgets. The greater the wattage, the fewer hours the power pack lasts.

We tested the N!ergy 9 by plugging in a fan, a light and a small DVD player -- everything needed for a comfortable night in the outdoors -- and the pack lasted about eight hours. It can recharge from a cigarette lighter or a home outlet. Inside, the tent is wired with three 12-volt outlets. This is either an ingenious invention or a sign that we really need to reevaluate our priorities. Price: $160 for the 9-foot-by-9-foot,10-inch model, plus $60 for the power pack. Info: www.eurekatent.com.