Getting into camping; need a tent!

[DrPizza]

I've gone camping with the family - since you don't have to carry the tent, bigger = better. You'll appreciate the extra room when you want to stay inside the tent (while it's pouring rain out) and keep your gear, extra clothes, etc., in the tent.

I'd recommend something about this size:
http://www.camping-tents.biz/Tents_sequoia.htm
http://www.camptents.com/SpecPages/Canvas/CanvasTents644.htm
http://www.camping-gear-outlet.com/camping-gear-373449.html

Not necessarily those brands/models. When I go backpacking, I use a tiny tent. All I have to do is fit into it, and barely be able to sit up. But, when the whole family is there, the ability to stand up without being hunched over make SO much difference in your comfort that it's like day and night. Do you sit on the floor at home when you're getting dressed? Or are you standing?

Absolutely put a tarp or something under the tent when you set the tent up. And watch youtube videos or something to learn how to fold a tent back up.

I'd recommend one most like this (with only 5 minutes of looking; more time to look and I'd probably find a better deal.) The size would be perfect though: http://www.campist.com/archives/bass-pro-shops-xps-deluxe-3room-dome-tent.html

Since you're car camping - here's a tip to make it 100 times more comfortable - inflatable mattresses. We have one like this: http://www.cabelas.com/ensemble/Cam...ed-Frame-with-Queen-Air-Bed-and-Pump/6851.uts
That, with a very large tent, for 2 people... incredibly comfortable; like bringing a room from your home to live in. (Plus, if you stay at a place with electric hookup, don't forget the mini-fridge.)

 

[Matthiasa]

I'll second the inflatable mattresses if car camping.
They make it much easier to sleep and you don't wake up feeling like you were hit by a truck.
If the tent leaks on the sides it also keeps you out of the water.

But really the most important and first step after getting any tent is making sure it really is water proof.
If it is not return it.

 

[RedString]

I bought the orange, top rated tent on Amazon. Comfortable for my girlfriend and myself, plus since I live in Texas - I love that you can turn it into a completely mesh tent just by removing the outer-shell. It's pretty light to carry as well. It's top-rated for a reason I suppose.

As for air mattress.. great for camping as long as you're not walking very far. I personally prefer being at least a little secluded so we usually walk a good ways before setting up camp. I've found a cheap foam pad from Walmart to work just fine (it's also relatively light). Also, knowing not to pick a rocky, bumpy, spot for your tent - and clearing the spot of sticks and debris before laying the tent down - helps a lot for keeping it decently comfortable.

 

[Ns1]

some previous research I did on ATOT:

Here's some tents:
Eureka Apex 2 - Tent
Eureka Tetragon 8 - Four Person Tent
Eureka Tetragon 7 - Three Person Tent

Sleeping bags:
Eureka Kotey 35 Degree Sleeping Bag
Eureka Sandstone 30 Degree Sleeping Bag
Sierra Designs Wild Bill 35 Degree Sleeping Bag Regular

You will need to get a sleeping pad, something like this:
Thermarest Trail Scout Self Inflating Sleeping Pad with free stuff sac

Camping isn't cheap, and if you try to do it cheap, odds are you will be miserable. All of this equipment is good and will last you awhile if you care for it properly.

It's well above the $60 range, but REI's Half Dome 2 Plus tent is fantastic. At $199 it's not cheap, but if you're using it often you'll appreciate that it's a solid tent.


What are you using the tent for? Backpacking or car camping? If it's backpacking, you'll want something on the smaller side. For car camping, I'd consider a 4 person tent,even for two people, as the room is a nice luxury and you don't have to worry about weight. I'll also say that you should try to find a tent with a rain fly that goes to the ground on all sides. There's nothing worse than a little wind soaking your tent, and it also provides you with a place to keep your gear dry.

 

[NutBucket]

 

[krunchykrome]

Spending a little extra money on a good/quality tent is a smart idea. I would suggest checking out REI.com as they have many store-brand tents in different sizes. Their tents are nicely made as well. If there's a store near you, go and check it out in person. Their staff is always friendly and knowledgeable.

If you want to be frugal with the price, picking up a Coleman tent on Amazon wouldn't be a bad idea. They made decent tents.

 

[Fritzo]

Perfect:

 

[Sheep]

All I know is we had 4 people and got a tent for 4 people, and we were all so cramped we inadvertently had sex with each other.

Listen to this man. My two person tent sleeps one very comfortably or two if you plan to hump each other all night.

Whatever you pick, I'd recommend trying it in person to make sure it's the right size you're looking for and also to see how it gets put up or taken down. I haven't done any tent shopping recently so I don't know if bad design is still prevalent, but I've seen some truly WTF tent design decisions in my time.

 

[DaWhim]

use REI. i just bought a tent from there

 

[Ns1]

All I know is we had 4 people and got a tent for 4 people, and we were all so cramped we inadvertently had sex with each other.

how did I miss this gem of a comment?

 

[xSauronx]

Now that the kids are getting a little bit older, camping has been expressed as something fun for all 5 of us in the family to go do.
Im looking for a decent tent that can hold us all with a little extra elbow room. There are a TON on Amazon.

any recommendations or experiences?

i bought two cheap ones, because i dont camp that often...but i got two smaller ones so my kids could sleep in a different tent than mine.

also huge tents are a pain in the ass to deal with, 2 smaller ones is less of a headache, imo.

 

[natto fire]

Might check Craigslist, I found a MH Light Wedge 2 (retailed over $200 @the time) for $90. I personally would never buy a tent over the internet, as I would want to see how it is constructed and sets up.

 

[ViviTheMage]

are we talking car camping, or real camping?

If it's car camping, just get whatever fits in a duffel bag. Most people I car camp with just do that, shit they put it in a firggin plastic container, haha. Go to REI or some sports/outdoors place and check it out.

 

[rayfieldclement]

Try Campmor below

http://www.campmor.com

 

[GoStumpy]

Lets all go pitch a tent

 

[makaze]

We bought a l.l. bean tent a few years back and its great.

However if you go that route be sure to call them, we did and got the previous years color at a huge discount.

 

[djnsmith7]

IMO, Coleman makes some great products, especially tents. They've been in the business a long time. I have 2 of their 6 person dome tents (6' center height) & they're great. I also use a 10' tarp underneath each tent to increase longevity. If there happens to be moisture just below the surface, the tarp will usually absorb it.

Their portable cooking units have also worked out pretty well & seem to be made of pretty decent quality. I suggest you go check the stuff out for yourself. Target, Walmart & Sports Authority all have camping gear sales periodically.

The one store I don't spend much time at anymore is REI, mainly because their prices are pretty high. They do have a large selection of stakes & tent bags (or at least they used to).

For your tents, I would suggest buying 2 different sets of stakes, because you can't always predict the surface you'll be digging into. Make sure they're thick & well-made. The ones that come with the tents usually suck (I've never used "stock" stakes).

I also recommend the air mattress, as many others have suggested. Makes a huge difference. Don't buy the cheapest one you can find. With air mattresses, you really do get what you pay for.

 

[The_Dude8]

REI stands for Return Every Inc. I would get a tent from REI because of their life time warranty. .lol and their customer services are top notch. Spend a little bit more on a tents that will last you 5- 10 years.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I've gone camping with the family - since you don't have to carry the tent, bigger = better. You'll appreciate the extra room when you want to stay inside the tent (while it's pouring rain out) and keep your gear, extra clothes, etc., in the tent.

I'd recommend something about this size:
http://www.camping-tents.biz/Tents_sequoia.htm
http://www.camptents.com/SpecPages/Canvas/CanvasTents644.htm
http://www.camping-gear-outlet.com/camping-gear-373449.html

Not necessarily those brands/models. When I go backpacking, I use a tiny tent. All I have to do is fit into it, and barely be able to sit up. But, when the whole family is there, the ability to stand up without being hunched over make SO much difference in your comfort that it's like day and night. Do you sit on the floor at home when you're getting dressed? Or are you standing?

Absolutely put a tarp or something under the tent when you set the tent up. And watch youtube videos or something to learn how to fold a tent back up.

I'd recommend one most like this (with only 5 minutes of looking; more time to look and I'd probably find a better deal.) The size would be perfect though: http://www.campist.com/archives/bass-pro-shops-xps-deluxe-3room-dome-tent.html

Since you're car camping - here's a tip to make it 100 times more comfortable - inflatable mattresses. We have one like this: http://www.cabelas.com/ensemble/Camping/Cots-Pads-Beds/Airbeds|/pc/104795280/c/104712480/sc/104186880/Cabelas-Folding-Air-Bed-Frame-with-Queen-Air-Bed-and-Pump/6851.uts
That, with a very large tent, for 2 people... incredibly comfortable; like bringing a room from your home to live in. (Plus, if you stay at a place with electric hookup, don't forget the mini-fridge.)

Agreed, and get something tall enough that you don't have to get on all fours to crawl into it.

 

[The_Dude8]

get this golite tent:
http://www.golite.com/Shangri-La-5-Tent-P46714.aspx

If you register on their site and write a quick review on one of their product, they will email you a 20% coupon that you can use toward the tent or anything you want.

 

[natto fire]

REI stands for Return Every Inc. I would get a tent from REI because of their life time warranty. .lol and their customer services are top notch. Spend a little bit more on a tents that will last you 5- 10 years.

I wish I would have known REI lets people be the scumbags they are before I became a coop member. I have only taken advantage of their loose return policy once myself, on a $30 hydration bladder. I love hitting up the scratch and dent sales but it sickens me that people just return their boots/clothing after wearing it out just because they can.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

OP, whichever tent you decide to get, the first thing you do is throw away the stakes it comes with and go to the hardware store or local surplus store and get spike nails with washers. Second thing you do is put up your tent before you go camping. While your out getting decent stakes, pick up a tarp or two for keeping wood dry, shade and, emergencies.

Here's a list of things to take. It's a PDF and a little slanted towards the SCA but, it will help keep you from forgetting important things.

 

[DrPizza]

OP, whichever tent you decide to get, the first thing you do is throw away the stakes it comes with and go to the hardware store or local surplus store and get spike nails with washers. Second thing you do is put up your tent before you go camping. While your out getting decent stakes, pick up a tarp or two for keeping wood dry, shade and, emergencies.

Here's a list of things to take. It's a PDF and a little slanted towards the SCA but, it will help keep you from forgetting important things.

Absolutely. The nails made for landscape timbers - about 8-10" long, spiraled, are great. And, a cheap quality hammer to put them in - and keep the hammer stored with your camping stuff so you don't have to run around looking for a rock.

 

[BoomerD]

when the kids are older, i'll get them a tent for themselves. until then, they'll stay with us. who knows, maybe they'll end up hating it!

Agreed. If the kids were older, a separate tent might be fine...but with little ones like you have...keep them with you.

I hate being too crowded in a tent.

While you don't need something like this for weekend camping:

http://www.amazon.com/Wenzel-Kodiak-...5119599&sr=1-5

something along the lines of this:

http://www.amazon.com/Suisse-Sport-P...119599&sr=1-14

will give you all the room you need...and then some. Not much worse than being stuck in a cramped tent while you wait out a surprise rain shower...

Your best bet is to go out, visit a few sporting goods shops and "try on" some tents to see what style you prefer, what size you feel comfortable with, and what the quality of the tents is like.

IMO, avoid the crap sold at Wallyworld. They might be sufficient...but the quality usually isn't very good.

 

[The_Dude8]

Agreed. If the kids were older, a separate tent might be fine...but with little ones like you have...keep them with you.

I hate being too crowded in a tent.

While you don't need something like this for weekend camping:

http://www.amazon.com/Wenzel-Kodiak-...5119599&sr=1-5

something along the lines of this:

http://www.amazon.com/Suisse-Sport-P...119599&sr=1-14

will give you all the room you need...and then some. Not much worse than being stuck in a cramped tent while you wait out a surprise rain shower...

Your best bet is to go out, visit a few sporting goods shops and "try on" some tents to see what style you prefer, what size you feel comfortable with, and what the quality of the tents is like.

IMO, avoid the crap sold at Wallyworld. They might be sufficient...but the quality usually isn't very good.

dam that first tent is like a mcmansion of all tent.