J-Bird
Hello! We are looking for a good tent for family camping. From the Midwest, so the weather can be pretty unpredictable. Summer camping trips can often go from 100 degrees+ to tornadic weather in a matter of minutes.
However, most extreme weather tents have poor ventilation and are practically stifling in hot weather. We had a North Face one (not sure the model) but ended up returning it after many sweaty, sleepless nights.
I currently have my eye on the REI Base Camp 6 tent and the Cabela's Alaskan Guide Model and XWT model tents (probably the 8 person versions)
Any experience with these or other extreme weather tents for summer camping?
We do car camping, so no, weight is not a consideration.
Also, I realize we should not be camping in tornadic weather. But we have weathered quite a few severe summer thunderstorms, and Coleman tents often do not stand up to the challenge.
Answer
Ok, I'll stick my opinion here too, I have the Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6 Tent.
http://www.rei.com/product/779625
This puppy is not light by any means a whopping 20lbs and we got it on sale a while back so the sticker price was not to bad for us. It holds nicely in heavy winds and we camp a lot in Joshua tree with it. Taking the fly off it breathes well enough for us and I also use a battery powered fan at night to keep cool in it but haven't camped in scorcher weather, Joshua tree is just too dang hot in the summer.
We also have a Coleman tent, had it for years and use that for general camping for long stays. We like to use cots and to be able to stand up in the tent keeps us dry and breathes very well has the built in tarp and we set out tables and stuff for showing info to through hikers along the PCT we have been assisting in resupply for through hikers for many years. The Coleman has been a very reilable tent for us.
Ok, I'll stick my opinion here too, I have the Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6 Tent.
http://www.rei.com/product/779625
This puppy is not light by any means a whopping 20lbs and we got it on sale a while back so the sticker price was not to bad for us. It holds nicely in heavy winds and we camp a lot in Joshua tree with it. Taking the fly off it breathes well enough for us and I also use a battery powered fan at night to keep cool in it but haven't camped in scorcher weather, Joshua tree is just too dang hot in the summer.
We also have a Coleman tent, had it for years and use that for general camping for long stays. We like to use cots and to be able to stand up in the tent keeps us dry and breathes very well has the built in tarp and we set out tables and stuff for showing info to through hikers along the PCT we have been assisting in resupply for through hikers for many years. The Coleman has been a very reilable tent for us.
Cheap camping equipment, where can I find some?
LC
I'd like to take my family of six camping this summer but we have no equipment whatsoever, does anyone know where I could find some reasonably priced, even used camping equipment online or in the detroit metro area?
Answer
I have to agree with all the "yard sale" suggestions, you can get some great buys at them.
If you do decide to purchase a used tent, insist that it be set up before paying for it! Be certain that all of the poles, stakes,and rain fly are there. Check it over very carefully for rips, tears and any defective zippers.
If you go with a new tent, please stay away from "store brands" it at all possible. Most are not bad for the occasional camper but, if you plan on camping quite often, buy a well know brand even if you have to buy a discontinued model. (Older models mean markdowns which mean bargin for the shopper!)
I would never consider buying a used sleeping bag! Store brand sleeping bags start around the $15 mark and are adequate for summer camping on a budget.
Used propane stoves can be found at yard sales, at times. Have the owner show you how it works and that it does indeed work properly. To save a few $$, you could consider cooking over a campfire or hot coals. It is a romantic and rustic notion but it is dirty, time consuming and frustrating at times. Better to stick with a stove for your first camping trip with the family so that all goes smoothly and they will want to do it again!
Coolers can also be located at yard sales, just check to be certain the drain plug is not missing or broken, along with handles and hinges.
Cookware can be simply your older pots and pans from how. Same goes with flashlights for night time trips to the bathhouse.
If you are not positive your family will enjoy camping, have you considered renting some of the gear instead of purchasing? There are two REI stores in the Detroit area that rent tents, stoves, sleeping bags and pads. No idea of the cost but may be something you would want to consider and check into.
I have to agree with all the "yard sale" suggestions, you can get some great buys at them.
If you do decide to purchase a used tent, insist that it be set up before paying for it! Be certain that all of the poles, stakes,and rain fly are there. Check it over very carefully for rips, tears and any defective zippers.
If you go with a new tent, please stay away from "store brands" it at all possible. Most are not bad for the occasional camper but, if you plan on camping quite often, buy a well know brand even if you have to buy a discontinued model. (Older models mean markdowns which mean bargin for the shopper!)
I would never consider buying a used sleeping bag! Store brand sleeping bags start around the $15 mark and are adequate for summer camping on a budget.
Used propane stoves can be found at yard sales, at times. Have the owner show you how it works and that it does indeed work properly. To save a few $$, you could consider cooking over a campfire or hot coals. It is a romantic and rustic notion but it is dirty, time consuming and frustrating at times. Better to stick with a stove for your first camping trip with the family so that all goes smoothly and they will want to do it again!
Coolers can also be located at yard sales, just check to be certain the drain plug is not missing or broken, along with handles and hinges.
Cookware can be simply your older pots and pans from how. Same goes with flashlights for night time trips to the bathhouse.
If you are not positive your family will enjoy camping, have you considered renting some of the gear instead of purchasing? There are two REI stores in the Detroit area that rent tents, stoves, sleeping bags and pads. No idea of the cost but may be something you would want to consider and check into.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
No comments:
Post a Comment