What do you advise for a good four person tent?

bruar02

I don't want anything too heavy or bulky, our apartment is small. We have a two person tent, sierra designs lightning. It's too small for two adults, two smaller dogs and our stuff. I was looking at the mutha hubba 3 person tent, it seems nice but I don't want to outgrow it (what if we have kids) so now I'm thinking about a four person tent.

Answer
Depends on how much you want to spend. You have already mentioned two high priced tents of which are really no better the the colman brands or eureka and kelty brands. All three of these tent makers make quality family size tents that fold up into nice convenient size packages. Of these I recommend the Colman sundome series these are nice three season tents that come with a stay dry guarantee that the other three tent makers don't have. And the prices are a third of those high end tents you mentioned.

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=2000001976&categoryid=11020&brand=

In the high end category where price is no object I recommend the REI base camp 6 it is a really strong three season maybe four season, pending on where your camping, multi pole and full rain fly tent. Room enough to stand up in, yet an aero dynamic design for windy weather. Its highly rated for multi use and great for base camps.

http://www.rei.com/product/777755

Now for the Taj Mahaul of family size tents where room is of the utmost importance and yet the price is still affordable I go back to Colman tents. I prefer the WeatherMaster 10 its their biggest tent and again the stay dry guarantee.

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/detail.asp?CategoryID=11020&product_id=2000001598

Bottom line you can spend a lot and get just as much if not more for a lot less. so shop around

Family of 7 looking wanting to take our first vacation. Kids age 9-17. Cost is a huge factor. Live in MO?

Jem

We really would like to take our kids on a vacation. We live in MO. Cost is a very big factor. As you can guess, 5 kids are expensive and very busy. But in 3 years 3 of our kids will be in college. We want it to be fun, memoriable and something that all the kids can enjoy. We realize we will need to drive. I am open to any ideas or travel agencies or links I can go to that offer great package deals.
would love if anyone knew a link that would give low priced vacation packages. I would love Disney World, but it out or range. The cost to get into the part, food,hotel is so expensive.
Thanks to all of you for your help. I have been given great ideas and making a choice has been hard. All of you deserve a "best answer".

Answer
I would check out camping as an affordable way to spend quality time together. Our family of 5 spent many memorable, fun summers in the Colorado State Parks. You can rent an RV or pop-up camper (if you don't want to "rough it" in a tent) along with all the equipment you will need, and preparing your own simple meals is cheaper than eating out 3 times a day. We pick up equipment and extra clothing like sweatshirts and jeans at garage sales and thrift stores, too. The weather here can be unpredictable, and if you can layer clothing it really helps. You will also have to have sunscreen, waterbottles and hats for everyone, and especially if you are going up in altitude, watch out for dehydration and sun overexposure.
We found activities like fishing, kayak/paddleboat rentals, swim beaches, hiking trails and ranger lead nature programs, and horseback trail rides among the things offered at various parks. Talking and laughing around the campfire while making S'mores or playing board games or cards inside on a rainy afternoon, it's just nice to get out of the regular routine and do something different.

Do get started on doing some research, though, as rentals and campsite reservations at popular spots can fill up fast. Watch out for the amenities, if that's important to you. Some camping is pretty primitive, and some places offer electric hookups and hot showers. (I would avoid the TV's and DVD'S, though. You can do that at home.) Some parks may charge vehicle entrance pass fees in addition to camping fees. So just be sure you understand all the fees involved so you don't have an unpleasant surprise when you arrive. And if you are going to drive out of state, it might be cheaper to pickup the RV closer to the campground than driving it through a couple of states, with the price of gas plus if they charge for extra mileage. Good luck and have fun on your vacation!

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Tips for camping on my honeymoon?

Q. Hi! Originally my fiancee and I were going to get a hotel room on a beach that's about an hour and a half away from where we'll be living for our honeymoon (next march) but my hubby-to-be can't swim and is terrified of the ocean and I don't reallly LOVE it either. So after much thought and consideration I decided I'd like to go camping. I brought the idea up to my fiancee and he LOVED the idea. We both agree that being in the wilderness, just one tent, one sleeping bag, the stars and I will be so nice and romantic. Here's the issue: neither of us has been camping. When I was a kid I used to sleep in a tent in my dad's backyard but that's the extent of my wilderness expereince... and his is when he was kicked out for two days as a teenager and slept in the park... so basically we have NONE. What tips can anyone give us? What type of tent and sleeping bag should we get? What should we bring along? We'll be living in South Texas (McAllen) so where should we GO camping... like a specific camping ground or just where ever the trails take us? ANY help (especially tips that'll save us money!!) are VERY much appreciated.

I will be picking a best answer so if you put time into your answer don't worry, I'll take note of it :)

Answer
My first and foremost bit of advice would be to try some shorter camping trips first and gain some personal experience. Then, as Trish suggests, consider a location where you can drive to a site, rather than having to hike long distances. As a newer camper, the extra safety and convenience of having your vehicle nearby will likely be a welcome benefit.

Your basics are tent, sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen gear, food and water storage, bathroom/hygiene, clothing, first aid and comfort. Trying to deal with each of these in sufficient detail to be useful would make a good book or website. I generally try to avoid just posting links without any details, but in this case Yahoo! won't even let me get half way through without telling me my post is too long. So I suggest you spend a few evenings reviewing the wealth of knowledge on REI's "Expert Advice" website:

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/camping#tab_2

I'll forewarn you that gearing-up for your first camping trip can be quite expensive, but try to avoid going out and buying everything you can think of for your first trip. As I said above, take a few shorter trips and build up what you need over time. Don't be tempted to cheap-out on important things like your tent or mattress, as this can lead to a miserable experience. As long as you're not backpacking, don't concern yourself with ultralight (and ultra-expensive) gear. Get a good 4-person dome tent with plenty of ventilation and good storm fly coverage from a quality brand, such as Eureka, NorthFace, Coleman or Kelty. Two sleeping bags that can zip together will be more useful in the long run than one double bag. Watch your temperature ratings on the sleeping bags: unless you expect to camp in very cold weather, 40-degree is a good rating (you can always bring some blankets to extend if necessary, or leave it open or even sleep on top in hot weather). A mattress is important for warmth and comfort. For two people either get a good quality inflatable mattress and pump, or two thick, large self-inflating mattresses (you can buy or make straps to hold them together).

Be prepared for rain and unexpected cold weather. An extra tarp, a dining canopy, easy-up or screen room is recommended. Mosquito coils or bug lanterns help keep the bugs away better than citronella candles and don't stink like oil lanterns. Consider items like food storage, seating, bathroom needs (if no bathroom will be convenient), fresh water storage and purification (if necessary), cutting firewood, etc.

Let me end now before Yahoo cuts me short again. But spend the time on REI's site and then go out on some practice trips. Congratulations on your nuptials and I hope your honeymoon camping experience is every bit as pleasant and romantic as you envision.

What do you advise for a good four person tent?

bruar02

I don't want anything too heavy or bulky, our apartment is small. We have a two person tent, sierra designs lightning. It's too small for two adults, two smaller dogs and our stuff. I was looking at the mutha hubba 3 person tent, it seems nice but I don't want to outgrow it (what if we have kids) so now I'm thinking about a four person tent.

Answer
Depends on how much you want to spend. You have already mentioned two high priced tents of which are really no better the the colman brands or eureka and kelty brands. All three of these tent makers make quality family size tents that fold up into nice convenient size packages. Of these I recommend the Colman sundome series these are nice three season tents that come with a stay dry guarantee that the other three tent makers don't have. And the prices are a third of those high end tents you mentioned.

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=2000001976&categoryid=11020&brand=

In the high end category where price is no object I recommend the REI base camp 6 it is a really strong three season maybe four season, pending on where your camping, multi pole and full rain fly tent. Room enough to stand up in, yet an aero dynamic design for windy weather. Its highly rated for multi use and great for base camps.

http://www.rei.com/product/777755

Now for the Taj Mahaul of family size tents where room is of the utmost importance and yet the price is still affordable I go back to Colman tents. I prefer the WeatherMaster 10 its their biggest tent and again the stay dry guarantee.

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/detail.asp?CategoryID=11020&product_id=2000001598

Bottom line you can spend a lot and get just as much if not more for a lot less. so shop around

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How difficult is it to survive in the Canadian wilderness?

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Mike

I'm looking into spending 3-5 months in Canada, probably late summer to late fall/early winter. I'm 21 and I do have some camping experience. I wouldn't be going alone, I'd have a buddy of mine come with me. Also I would be able to afford top quality gear for this, I would have to upgrade my stuff to higher grade weather resistant materials, tent sleeping bag and such. I would also be bringing a small rifle for hunting small game. We're both quite knowledgeable about nutrition and would bring anything we wouldn't likely find to eat. However both of our camping experiences have always been under 1 week on any given trip.

Does anyone have any experience living outside for over 1 month+ ?
Any words of warning or advice?

Answer
I live in the most-urbanized region of Canada's most-populated Province. (Ontario).
We have freeways that are 24 lanes wide and cities with more skyscrapers than anywhere on the continent except New York City.

Yet even here, people still freeze to death in their own driveways just a few feet from safety.
And drivers still need rescuing, practically spittin' distance from the US border:
Link - http://www.aolnews.com/2010/12/14/military-and-police-rescue-150-canadians-trapped-in-blizzard/

Forget the gun unless you're willing to undergo all the cost and hassle of just getting a firearm over the border.
Some examples of what I mean by this:
Link - http://gssafaris.hubpages.com/hub/gssafaris
Link - http://www.sportsafield.com/content/head-north-without-hassle
Canadian guns laws are far stricter than America's and Canadians generally aren't too thrilled with the notion of armed foreigners running around loose unsupervised.
There's also strictly-enforced hunting seasons:
Link - http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/FW/2ColumnSubPage/291144.html

If you plan to do any fishing, that's licensed & regulated too.
But Canada's Provinces & Territories each regulate that themselves so you'll need to get your licences from the government of whichever one you'll be visiting.

As others pointed out: This is a big place.
Canada is the world's 2nd largest nation in geographical size. Only Russia's bigger.
But our entire population is barely 35 million, one of the 10 lowest population densities on Earth.
What that means is that Canada is mostly wilderness filled with wildlife that has no natural fear of humans.
So instead of a gun, grab yourself some bear bangers.
If you don't know what they are, look it up. Here's a link that explains the basics:
Link - http://kananaskisblog.com/bear-bangers/2009/
Just don't be an idiot and start a forest fire or something.

Like others said, Canada's also comprised of a variety of different terrains and regions.
Unless you have the survival skills specific to whatever region you plan to experience, forget it.

Best advice on that subject is to take a trip before the trip to get the skills you'll need for the specific challenges you'll face in the specific region you plan to visit:
Link - http://canadiansurvival.info/
Link - http://boreal.net/

And make sure each of you has a satellite phone and GPS unit.
That way, if you run into trouble, Canadian authorities can send out a rescue team.
There's no guarantee they'll make it to you in time, but at least they'd be able to recover your bodies to ship home to your next of kin.
Because this is Canada, kid. And it's no place for amateurs.

What is a good cheap tent brand? Greatland,Ozark Trail or Field and stream?

bridget36

Looking to buy a big enough tent for a family of 5. I don't want to spend to much money because I am not sure if I will even like camping.So I will like to buy a store brand. I am not sure what kmarts brand is. Anyway out of the brands I listed above our any of them good?

Answer
All very good advice above. I will give my two-cents worth. I have two, four-man (9'x7') Ozark Trail tents from Wal-Mart. For a family camping trip, these work great, they are easy to set up, pretty good bang for the buck and over-all have been pretty good tents that have lasted several years and are still holding up. Would I climb Everest or go on an extended backpacking or climbing trip with them, absolutely NOT! I have a quality, one-man backpacking tent for my more serious backpacking trips that I bought from REI. As somebody else said, a tent for the kids and a tent for you guys is the way to go, it's what I do. Two smaller tents are cheaper than one large tent and two small tents are easier to set up than one large tent. I tend to be very organized when I camp. My wife and kids scatter their "crap" all over the tent. Having two tents helps this a lot. The other plus to this is if something happens to one of the tents, it gets a tear, catches on fire, whatever, you have a back-up. Everybody has opinions based upon personal experience, and this is my personal experience. I hope your family develops a love of camping and the outdoors, it's a fantastic family experience.

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What is the best place to camp in California with children that is not too far north and not too far south?

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keypsake

My husband and I want to take our 3 young children (ages 7, 5, and 3) camping for the first time over summer vacation (June/July). We live in Stockton, California and to not want to drive more than 2-3 hours. I have been to Yosemite several times and think my children would enjoy it more when thay are a little older. I have also been to Calaveras Big Trees several times and like it, but I want to try someplace new. Any suggestions?

Answer
If you are tent camping or a cabover close to your area is a pretty 10 site campground at kirkwood. A small lake for the kids to fish. hiking is great. I like lake almanor for a big rig. Nice paved bike and walking trails. Deer come to join you for breakfast. Bucks lake and little grass valley are nice for that time of year. both at 5200 feet and cooler than the valley. I am a ritired camp manager and love to see familkies spend quality time together camping. Have a great time where ever you decide.

What do you advise for a good four person tent?

bruar02

I don't want anything too heavy or bulky, our apartment is small. We have a two person tent, sierra designs lightning. It's too small for two adults, two smaller dogs and our stuff. I was looking at the mutha hubba 3 person tent, it seems nice but I don't want to outgrow it (what if we have kids) so now I'm thinking about a four person tent.

Answer
Depends on how much you want to spend. You have already mentioned two high priced tents of which are really no better the the colman brands or eureka and kelty brands. All three of these tent makers make quality family size tents that fold up into nice convenient size packages. Of these I recommend the Colman sundome series these are nice three season tents that come with a stay dry guarantee that the other three tent makers don't have. And the prices are a third of those high end tents you mentioned.

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=2000001976&categoryid=11020&brand=

In the high end category where price is no object I recommend the REI base camp 6 it is a really strong three season maybe four season, pending on where your camping, multi pole and full rain fly tent. Room enough to stand up in, yet an aero dynamic design for windy weather. Its highly rated for multi use and great for base camps.

http://www.rei.com/product/777755

Now for the Taj Mahaul of family size tents where room is of the utmost importance and yet the price is still affordable I go back to Colman tents. I prefer the WeatherMaster 10 its their biggest tent and again the stay dry guarantee.

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/detail.asp?CategoryID=11020&product_id=2000001598

Bottom line you can spend a lot and get just as much if not more for a lot less. so shop around

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are knives made in china bad?

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Tanner

I just noticed a buck knife i was looking at, its called that mantis, is made in china. Also the kershaw vapor 2 i noticed is made in china. Does that mean those knives aren't good quality because i heard most Chinese made knives are crappy
so what im asking is are the knives i was looking at any good even though they were made in china?

Answer
Generally their steel and their quality of workmanship is considerably less than most US-made knives, and they certainly won't take the abuse, especially getting put away wet, avoiding rust, abusive treatment, etc.

However, both Buck & Kershaw are good names in the industry, so you're probably getting better quality than some of the no-name Asian knives, or the not-very-good-name knives, like Frost Cutlery.

As in most things, my advice is to spend as much money as you can afford -- or more -- to make sure you get as far away from the Junk category as possible. A good-quality knife is a pleasure to own and use, and you'll never be sorry for spending the money if you actually use the knife rather than having it decorating a drawer somewhere.

I paid 35 bucks for my Case Shark Tooth, about 25 years ago, and cringed as I spent that much money for a one-blade pocket knife. If it hadn't been so damned beautiful I wouldn't have done it.

However, I've carried that thing in six different countries, hiking and camping all over the world, and it's still a fabulous tool that I can always trust to hold an edge and do the job -- cleaning fish, cutting kindling sticks, clearing a campsite, or even hammering in nails to tie my tent flaps to a tree (yeah, it's an awful abuse, but it'll take it).

Best money I ever spent on a knife, and it'll probably still serve my kid well years from now when I'm worm food. Which is a lot more than can be said about some shiny Chinese knockoff.

What is the cheapest way for a family of 10 to go and stay Orlando and go to Walt Disney World?

Hope B

Answer
Stay in tents at Fort Wilderness when at a time of year when your campsite will be under $60 a night. Here is a good price on a well ventilated good quality tent. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/columbia-sportswear-belladome-6-tent-6-person-3-season~p~5558m/?filterString=s~tents-6-person%2F&colorFamily=01. BTW, 10 people per camp site is the max, so don't invite any more people.

Train everyone, even tiny children, to keep walking -- don't slow down, don't turn and look -- when they exit a ride. You see, the rides all conveniently exit via a gift shop/toy store/snack bar area. Nice when you're on a budget with kids, huh?

Get an ice chest and some groceries and eat at the campsite twice a day. This grocery delivery service is very dependable: http://www.gardengrocer.com/?gclid=COmL0YaxpLUCFQyDnQodC0gAVQ. Just a snack at Disney is a big dent in the pocket. A burger at a snack counter is $10. No drink, no fries, just a burger. You can see where this adds up.

Bring your own drinks with you instead of buying in the park. Usually prices at the nearby hotels are are slightly lower than in the theme parks. Especially avoid the ALCOHOLIC beverages if you are on a tight budget.

Stay away from places where spending money IS the attraction, places like Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island. Avoid tempting extras like water parks. Unless you plan on staying more than a week, there will be plenty to see and do even on days when you don't go to a theme park. Just riding around on the monorails, buses, and ferry boats is enough to occupy a day. As Fort Wilderness guests you will have access to fancy swimming pools, hiking paths, playgrounds, sing-alongs, and much more.

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what is a creative idea for a research paper on camping?

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Ashley W

the paper includes why camping is a good summer get a way and then the con's about camping. all the 101 for camping basically for my english class
i need a title, an interesting and eye catching title.

Answer
Why I LOVE to Camp (Ok that's your title for your con's on camping) Here are your reasons in no particular order:

*Bugs- Kids can take butterfly nets, chase lightning bugs and learn about the environment

*No indoor plumbing= The wonderful feeling of washing your hair in a clear running stream with biodegradable soap. Soaking in a natural hotspring, and lying in the hot sun until you're dry.

*sleeping on the ground on top of your Thermarest pad, cozy in a warm sleeping bag with the crisp night air, cicadas and coyotes singing off in the distance , and gazing at shooting stars until you drift off to sleep. What could be better?

*Bears or racoons getting in your food - Knowing that your food needs to be put away at night, because you keep your campsite clean just like you do your home kitchen. Animal proofing your kitchen supplies is a simple thing, and it protects future campers by preventing animals from associating campers with a food source. It's our responsibility.

*Big hairy wolf spiders - gazing at the amazing dew-covered architecture of spiderwebs in the crook of a tree, or between blades of tall grass as you take an early morning walk with a cup of hot cocoa.

* Rain creates mud and puts out camp fires - Listening to the rain pitter patter on the roof of your tent or tarp, as it sets the rhythm to your day: the rhythm of nature. All while you are dry and comfortable, relaxing to the sound and noticing the fresh smell of the rain on the ground. Best aromatherapy there is!

* No place to plug in a curling iron/Hard to apply makeup - What freedom! There is no expectation of false beauty. Only true beauty of clean, anadorned skin and hair. And you can treat your hair and pores to a much needed relief -- time free of harsh chemicals and laboratory created scents from makeup and hairspray! Great way to detox your body!

*Cooking over a fire (ever try that?) - Once you try it, you'll love it! There's something so right about cooking this way - the way our ancestors cooked. The beautiful flavor of oak absorbing into the citrus marinaded salmon filet, the popcorn you cook over the open fire, eggs & bacon sizzling in an old cast iron pan, the hot water you heat to make a cup of coffee. The best food comes off a campfire!

*Setting up/putting a way a tent - Setting up the tent is a joy. Putting it away is a struggle, only because it signifies the end of your time away, and your return to a civilization that is overrun with unhappy people who rush towards the graveyard without ever experiencing the real world they ought to live in. They only experience the concrete one we've created and imposed upon each other. Most of those people would greatly benefit from a camping trip like you just had!

*Lugging all your gear way into the woods & hauling it all back is a small price to pay for an amazing experience!

*Cleaning/sanitizing dishes and utensils (especially those with egg on them). Prompt cleaning/ washing dishes while camping is no different from doing the dishes at home. Oh wait, yeah, no dishwashers in the woods. Gee, I wonder how the pioneers in the westward expansion tackled this one?? (scratchng head). lol

*Too much work to "live" with nature. Watch Animal planet instead and you will be just as satisfied. MMM... Animal planet is a great channel, as are Discovery and PBS. It's painful to watch most mainstream TV channels. Stick to Survivorman, Nature and Meerkat Manor for quality TV. But any amount of "work" to get outside beats TV any day of the week.

are knives made in china bad?

Tanner

I just noticed a buck knife i was looking at, its called that mantis, is made in china. Also the kershaw vapor 2 i noticed is made in china. Does that mean those knives aren't good quality because i heard most Chinese made knives are crappy
so what im asking is are the knives i was looking at any good even though they were made in china?

Answer
Generally their steel and their quality of workmanship is considerably less than most US-made knives, and they certainly won't take the abuse, especially getting put away wet, avoiding rust, abusive treatment, etc.

However, both Buck & Kershaw are good names in the industry, so you're probably getting better quality than some of the no-name Asian knives, or the not-very-good-name knives, like Frost Cutlery.

As in most things, my advice is to spend as much money as you can afford -- or more -- to make sure you get as far away from the Junk category as possible. A good-quality knife is a pleasure to own and use, and you'll never be sorry for spending the money if you actually use the knife rather than having it decorating a drawer somewhere.

I paid 35 bucks for my Case Shark Tooth, about 25 years ago, and cringed as I spent that much money for a one-blade pocket knife. If it hadn't been so damned beautiful I wouldn't have done it.

However, I've carried that thing in six different countries, hiking and camping all over the world, and it's still a fabulous tool that I can always trust to hold an edge and do the job -- cleaning fish, cutting kindling sticks, clearing a campsite, or even hammering in nails to tie my tent flaps to a tree (yeah, it's an awful abuse, but it'll take it).

Best money I ever spent on a knife, and it'll probably still serve my kid well years from now when I'm worm food. Which is a lot more than can be said about some shiny Chinese knockoff.

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