Thanks for the response. The antenna you mentioned is likely exactly what I had in mind (Saw it on ebay). I was just thinking of replacing the active element with a helical antenna. My reasoning is that, from what I've heard, all the possible little pathways between me and the access point can...
If you hate to read, please skip down to the short version.
The long version: I like camping, but enjoy it best when I have Internet access. Most campgrounds I frequent have Wi-Fi, but of course I usually get horrible to no reception, as I'm surrounded by a bunch of beautiful green RF...