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HELP!!! Tent recommendations for the Gathering at Uncle E's place

S

Silverthorn

Joined
Apr 24, 2011
Messages
3,910
Ok guys and Gals, I need input for a full camping set.

I will need,

1: a new tent

2: a new sleeping bag (Military surplus sleep system is on the list)

3: probably a lantern or 2

4: self inflating floor mats (So far Therm-a-rest is on the list)

5: a list of things that I need but am forgetting

Help me please! I am putting together a set of camping gear for the gathering, but also so me and the family can get out and about.
I would also like it to be capable of a shtf get out of dodge shelter for all 4 seasons.
I haven't been proper camping in a long time and I know that many of you have full camp kits including stoves and things of that nature.
I currently have around 500 bucks that I have saved from my Tax check just for this. Can it be done on 500 bucks and still get a good set up ?
If not then how much do I need to get a full camping kit that's quality stuff ? I dont care at all about brand or if its trendy, I just want a really reliable and quality set up.
Thanks for the help!
 
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Everything military surplus is a good bet except for the mat; Therm-a-rest is the best I've tried.
 
Yep you can pic of the modular sleep systems pretty cheap at auction, best bang for the buck sleeping bag you can get unless your into ultra light gear. Tents, I picked up one of cabelas outback lodges on a fire sale they had, Should get to try it out over spring break. When it is just me I use a eno hammock though. Thermarest for mats, really with the MSS you don't need them.
 
+1 on the MSS! Just got one of the newer RFI versions and it's awesome! Will still use a mat with it though to sleep better.
 
You haven't slept until you have a hammock its the only way to camp. Hennesy, Eno, Clark, Warbonnet lots of choices.
 
Agreed Psy but I need a family size tent and sleep options, Hammock wont work as well for the family camping option, at least not until the little one is older.
 
I don't know if you have a BJ's in Virginia, but when I lived in Connecticut, my dad went to BJ's and bought a, I kid you not, 12 man tent, for about $150. Now, this was 12 years ago, I don't know if they have anything similar for a good price, but it has lasted.

Other features of the tent include a built in room divider, so it's 2 rooms, and additional dividers to make it 3 or 4 rooms, and it's 7 ft tall in the center, 6 1/2 around the sides, and a closet rod for hanging clothes. It's not a 'real camping' tent by my definition, but if you want to go front country (aka: car) camping with the family, then it doesn't get better without a trailer or RV.
 
150 ish for a new one is you shop around is about right. I wouldn't pay that for a used one though. Many times it is cheaper to piece the 4 parts together and alot easier to find new.
 
I have one I can get NEW for 149, but there are a few Used in good condition for much cheaper, any experience with getting the used ones ?
Also Any recommendations on tents ? ..lol
 
Eh, no used sleeping bags for me thanks. Ick. Tents, just depends on what you need, how big how heavy that sort of stuff. Good tents cost a bit. Cheap tents fall apart quick.
 
If you want a real camping tent, Eureka makes some nice ones, Alps Mountaineering has some REALLY nice ones, but they aren't cheap. (if your involved with scouts you can get a 45% discount on the alps tents, send me an email if you want the link)
 
I want a solid reliable tent that will hold up, be damn near weather proof and comfortably hold a minimum of 4 people.
The Coleman weathermaster tents actually look pretty good.
Not sure if they are worth a crap though
 
I haven't personally used them, but (yes, I am gonna say it again) Alps has the style of tent you are looking for and from talking to people that have, they are great, pricey but not going to fall down. I don't know how many good 4 person tents you can find for $150, which I would cap a tent for myself at.

I don't know of any great brands for tents other than the big names.
 
Do you have a REI in your area? If so they hold monthly sales on used gear. I buy almost all my gear used at these sales. Yard sales and Craigslist are also good places to look.
 
Cabelas almost always has good tents on sale if you have one local, the other + to them is if you try it and don't like it for whatever reason you can just take it back no questions asked. Pretty helpful on things like tents. I have my favorites but generally I only camp with other adults so things like guy lines and what not don't bother us whereas kids might be tripping over them all day or something.
Kind of need to decide on a budget first for a tent then the style you are looking for. Cabin, dome, lodge. Nearly as bad as shopping for tires really. Too many options.
 
I used a Coleman Sundome for years - it was great.
currently I have a 10x10 from Bass Pro (72" center height).
Was at Cabela's the other day and they were having a pretty decent sale on self inflating mats -- but they were not thermarest. (for 1/3 the price, I would be willing to take that chance, though)
Mall Wart sells Coleman 40 degree sleeping bags for a decent price.
Occasionally the big sporting goods stores will sell a "Family camping kit" (tent, cooler, sleeping bags, battery lantern, & propane stove plus giant storage tub) for less than $200.
 
double tap.
anyway, gear list:
tent (or 2 -- a larger one for you and the MRS & a smaller for the kids.) :D
4 sleeping bags rated to 40. (plus some spare blankets)
air mattress or self inflating pads
good cooler (5 or 7 day rated)
propane stove - or enclosed wood powered cooking system
graniteware camping set (cheap & works well - includes pots, pans, plates, bowls, mugs)
water containers (collapsable 5 gallon jugs)
cleaning kit (dishpan, soap, scrubby sponge)
heavy duty tin foil
bug rough tote (or 2) -- keeps stuff dry in case tent leaks)
spare change of clothing for everyone in the car
100 pack of diphenhydramine (cheaper than dramamine for the drive - and the same ingredient, plus good for allergy attacks)
first aid kit
 
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Tent: Eureka Timberline Outfitter 4

Lantern: Rayovac SE3DLN Sportsman Xtreme 300-Lumen LED Lantern
 
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