extra large family camping tents image
Adela
I am planing my first camping trip. I want to know how to choose a suitable camping tent. I will go camping with my family. There are four of us altogether.
Answer
I go camping a lot, often with a group, and see most people using tents that are far too large and difficult to setup for their needs. They get a huge cabin tent for eight or more people, tall enough to stand upright and walk around, and then only put 4 people inside.
When they get to camp it takes 2 people almost an hour to get the tent set-up and all their gear arranged inside. Once this is done they spend all their awake time on outdoors activities or sitting around the campfire, and just go inside to sleep. All that space, time and effort is wasted, because you're never inside a tent unless you're ready to sleep. Even if its raining or snowing, I'd rather be outside with my family or friends under a tarp or ez-up gazebo so I can see the outdoors than stare at the blank walls inside a tent.
I prefer to take the smallest size tent I can comfortably use. There's enough room for the appropriate number of sleeping bags with a little space leftover to stack our bags. Headspace isn't a concern, I don't need to pace circles inside my tent. As long as I can sit-up on the ground without hitting my head on the ceiling I'm good.
So priorities for me are a) Weather resistance, including wind and rain; b) ventilation, to avoid a build-up of humidity that leads to condensation and for cooling on hot nights; c) adequate floor space for sleeping bags and minimal gear, with the rest stowed in the vehicle; d) easy setup and pack-up. I prefer a tent with a full rain fly for weather protection and a vestibule to stow muddy boots outside but under shelter.
Determining adequate floor space can be a challenge. Most manufacturers allow 24x78" of floor space per person, which I feel is inadequate. I prefer to use 30"x80" per person, plus allow for one additional person's worth of space for minimal gear storage. By this measure a 10'x9' tent (120"x108") allows four people to sleep side-by-side with enough space at the head of each sleeping space for a bag containing clean clothing and toiletries. According to most manufacturer's specifications, this would indicate a 6-person tent would be the best selection.
On the lower-price end of the scale, the Coleman Sundome 6 fits the bill, though I'm not much impressed with the rain fly and lack of vestibules. But its hard to find fault with its $99 price tag, as long as you're not expecting bad weather.
The Coleman Instant-Tent 6 is a popular model because of it's quick and easy setup. This cabin tent also provides stand-up interior height. Unfortunately it has no rain fly whatsoever, so one would need to bring an extra tarp for rain protection if bad weather was forecast. And, of course, with no rain fly it also has no vestibule. The Instant-Tent 6 can also be a packing nightmare with its 48" long packed size, so make sure it will fit into your vehicle.
The Kelty Buttress 6 looks to me to be the perfect tent, with adequate floor space, a good fly and vestibule setup and reasonable price. If I was going to buy a tent today to sleep a family of 4, this would likely be my top choice.
If money is no object and you want the ultimate family tent that is still weather proof, easy to setup and reasonably compact to pack, look at the REI Kingdom 6 with the optional Connect Tech Vestibule or Garage. But be prepared to spend over $500 on the complete setup.
I go camping a lot, often with a group, and see most people using tents that are far too large and difficult to setup for their needs. They get a huge cabin tent for eight or more people, tall enough to stand upright and walk around, and then only put 4 people inside.
When they get to camp it takes 2 people almost an hour to get the tent set-up and all their gear arranged inside. Once this is done they spend all their awake time on outdoors activities or sitting around the campfire, and just go inside to sleep. All that space, time and effort is wasted, because you're never inside a tent unless you're ready to sleep. Even if its raining or snowing, I'd rather be outside with my family or friends under a tarp or ez-up gazebo so I can see the outdoors than stare at the blank walls inside a tent.
I prefer to take the smallest size tent I can comfortably use. There's enough room for the appropriate number of sleeping bags with a little space leftover to stack our bags. Headspace isn't a concern, I don't need to pace circles inside my tent. As long as I can sit-up on the ground without hitting my head on the ceiling I'm good.
So priorities for me are a) Weather resistance, including wind and rain; b) ventilation, to avoid a build-up of humidity that leads to condensation and for cooling on hot nights; c) adequate floor space for sleeping bags and minimal gear, with the rest stowed in the vehicle; d) easy setup and pack-up. I prefer a tent with a full rain fly for weather protection and a vestibule to stow muddy boots outside but under shelter.
Determining adequate floor space can be a challenge. Most manufacturers allow 24x78" of floor space per person, which I feel is inadequate. I prefer to use 30"x80" per person, plus allow for one additional person's worth of space for minimal gear storage. By this measure a 10'x9' tent (120"x108") allows four people to sleep side-by-side with enough space at the head of each sleeping space for a bag containing clean clothing and toiletries. According to most manufacturer's specifications, this would indicate a 6-person tent would be the best selection.
On the lower-price end of the scale, the Coleman Sundome 6 fits the bill, though I'm not much impressed with the rain fly and lack of vestibules. But its hard to find fault with its $99 price tag, as long as you're not expecting bad weather.
The Coleman Instant-Tent 6 is a popular model because of it's quick and easy setup. This cabin tent also provides stand-up interior height. Unfortunately it has no rain fly whatsoever, so one would need to bring an extra tarp for rain protection if bad weather was forecast. And, of course, with no rain fly it also has no vestibule. The Instant-Tent 6 can also be a packing nightmare with its 48" long packed size, so make sure it will fit into your vehicle.
The Kelty Buttress 6 looks to me to be the perfect tent, with adequate floor space, a good fly and vestibule setup and reasonable price. If I was going to buy a tent today to sleep a family of 4, this would likely be my top choice.
If money is no object and you want the ultimate family tent that is still weather proof, easy to setup and reasonably compact to pack, look at the REI Kingdom 6 with the optional Connect Tech Vestibule or Garage. But be prepared to spend over $500 on the complete setup.
What hiking and camping gear should I buy?
djinvincea
Ok here's the scoop...
I want to get into hiking and camping with my wife. I currently have no gear. What should I buy? I have about $800 to work with. I am planning on camping through 3 seasons, spring, summer, and fall (a little in the winter perhaps). I am going to need a two person tent, his and hers sleeping bags, and his and hers backpacks. I am looking for gear that would take me on 2-4 day hikes. Should go with internal or external backpacks. What's the difference? Is there a good rain resistant tent within my price range? I'm thinking I would want a mummy type sleeping bag. Again, not sure though. Brand names with reasons for purchasing would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Answer
Go to www.cabelas.com and browse around, or better yet request a catalog. It's the best outdoors outfitter I've ever used. First off, since you're talking about backpacking, you need to think lightweight. Interior/Exterior just has to do with whether the frame is inside or outside the "pack" on a backpack. To decide on which type is better fo you, go to a good sporting goods store in your area and look at them/try them on. Sleeping backs should definately be the "mummy" style bags. They are around $100 each, but are very lightweight and can handle moderately cold weather (sleeping bags will have a rating in degrees to how cold it can get and you can still rely on the sleeping bag). They can also be compacted better than classic sleeping bags. Any brand in Cabela's would be a good brand, including its own brand. Also buy you and your wife sleeping pads... they are light, compact, and your back is worth it. I like the self-inflating type, but you can also get foam ones. Again any brand in Cabela's (this goes for all their products) is usually a good brand.
Tents are usually rated by seasons they can be used in (summer, 3-season, or all weather are popular ratings). Definately go for a dome-style tent rather than the boxier tents. Dome style tents are usually more sturdy, deflect water better, and are usually lighter. Also you'll want one with a good rain cover that goes close to the base of the tent, and a high waterproof rating (in mms)... 1,500mm waterproof ratings are pretty good. Also, pay attention to weight. Aluminum weighs less than fiberglass, but costs more also. A two person tent probably weighs around 15 lbs, and you and your wife can split this weight (she takes tent, you poles) or you can pack it yourself, but weight is the largest factor (besides neccesities) when hiking.
Alright, now that we have the major equipment out of the way, here are some neccessities.
-First Aid Kit and maps or knowledge of area, or GPs
-Flashlight w/extra batteries and lantern would be nice
-Good all-purpose knife/survival knife
-water purification pump AND purification pills... start out with at least 1/2 gallon of water each
-Waterproof matches AND waterproof lighter (just in case)
-Lightweight stove. Sporting good store can recommend good ones for backpacking.
-Food: lightweight, non-perishables, such as top ramen, energy bars, canned food, chocolate. Fatty foods are good to have in the woods since you will be burning a lot of calaries. They say one of the best things you can eat if your lost is butter. You may burn 3,000 or more calaries a day, so don't try to go on a
Go to www.cabelas.com and browse around, or better yet request a catalog. It's the best outdoors outfitter I've ever used. First off, since you're talking about backpacking, you need to think lightweight. Interior/Exterior just has to do with whether the frame is inside or outside the "pack" on a backpack. To decide on which type is better fo you, go to a good sporting goods store in your area and look at them/try them on. Sleeping backs should definately be the "mummy" style bags. They are around $100 each, but are very lightweight and can handle moderately cold weather (sleeping bags will have a rating in degrees to how cold it can get and you can still rely on the sleeping bag). They can also be compacted better than classic sleeping bags. Any brand in Cabela's would be a good brand, including its own brand. Also buy you and your wife sleeping pads... they are light, compact, and your back is worth it. I like the self-inflating type, but you can also get foam ones. Again any brand in Cabela's (this goes for all their products) is usually a good brand.
Tents are usually rated by seasons they can be used in (summer, 3-season, or all weather are popular ratings). Definately go for a dome-style tent rather than the boxier tents. Dome style tents are usually more sturdy, deflect water better, and are usually lighter. Also you'll want one with a good rain cover that goes close to the base of the tent, and a high waterproof rating (in mms)... 1,500mm waterproof ratings are pretty good. Also, pay attention to weight. Aluminum weighs less than fiberglass, but costs more also. A two person tent probably weighs around 15 lbs, and you and your wife can split this weight (she takes tent, you poles) or you can pack it yourself, but weight is the largest factor (besides neccesities) when hiking.
Alright, now that we have the major equipment out of the way, here are some neccessities.
-First Aid Kit and maps or knowledge of area, or GPs
-Flashlight w/extra batteries and lantern would be nice
-Good all-purpose knife/survival knife
-water purification pump AND purification pills... start out with at least 1/2 gallon of water each
-Waterproof matches AND waterproof lighter (just in case)
-Lightweight stove. Sporting good store can recommend good ones for backpacking.
-Food: lightweight, non-perishables, such as top ramen, energy bars, canned food, chocolate. Fatty foods are good to have in the woods since you will be burning a lot of calaries. They say one of the best things you can eat if your lost is butter. You may burn 3,000 or more calaries a day, so don't try to go on a
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