Camping

[Robbie]

Looking to buy some camping gear (tents and sleeping bags)

I need a 2-3 person tent and id like a coffin type sleeping bags. Any recommendations ? This is kind of a test run on camping to see if we really enjoy it so Id prefer to spend as least as possible..

[domromer]

big agnes makes great sleeping bags.
I really like MSR Tents. Hubba hubba for 2 people and the Mutha Hubba for 3.

[Solty]

Looking to buy some camping gear (tents and sleeping bags)

I need a 2-3 person tent and id like a coffin type sleeping bags. Any recommendations ? This is kind of a test run on camping to see if we really enjoy it so Id prefer to spend as least as possible..

walmart has ozark trail stuff...real cheap.....good for buying new stuff year after year....so yea...pretty cheap

[Robbie]

Is the Dicks Quest line better than the Ozark ? or same quality not too much more expensive.

[pure_evil]

Is the Dicks Quest line better than the Ozark ? or same quality not too much more expensive.

I have a Quest three season mummy bag (rated to 10 degrees I think)...great for the recreational camper. I think I paid $25 for it on sale...materials are cheap (low cost) but not bad...its a good starter bag. Not for the hardcore camper, but a good general sleeping bag, good if your new to camping.

As for tents, you can finds some really good deals on clearance at Walmart/Target, esp at end of season.
I got a 4 person (which is really only comfortable for 2 people) Coleman tent at Walmart for $30 on clearance. It has a nice deep tub and sealed seams. Kept me dry and happy many times. (Of course, I bought a Honda Element and sleep in that now when camping...I highly recommend it).

You really only need top-of-the-line gear if you are doing some long-term back country camping. If your a weekend camper like me, almost anything will do.

[some call me...tim?]

After having worked at an outdoors store for a little while, I guess I'm kind of a snob as far as gear is concerned. If you want the GOOD tents, then you'll be paying a lot for them, however there are still some brands that are relatively affordable that are extremely reliable and will last you a long time. Sierra Designs is my top choice, but also brands like Kelty, Marmot, and as Dom mentioned, MSR are good "bang for the buck" brands. Also, if you're looking at doing car camping instead of backpacking or something, Eureka makes pretty decent big tents. I've had a couple Wal-Mart variety tents before and had pretty good luck with them for the most part. Though, one camping trip I went on, I had my Sierra Designs tent (one of their bottom of the line models BTW) and another guy had a Wal-Mart special. During the night a huge rain/wind storm blew up. I made it through the night just fine, not a drop of water inside. The other guy...well, at some point during the night I heard a lot of commotion outside, was silently glad that it wasn't me, and went back to sleep. In the morning, I went out and saw that his tent had been completely rolled over (with him and a cooler (previously) full of ice water inside. His rainfly was nowhere to be seen, until we found it about 100 yds. away in a tree. He stayed in good spirits, but his tent was trashed and all his gear was soaked. Like I said, I've had decent luck with cheap tents before, but after seeing that fiasco, I'm sold on the higher quality ones. Just shop around for sales...the brands I mentioned are frequently marked down in lots of stores.

[Robbie]

Thanks for all ya'lls advice. I probably will end up with the quest bags and whatever tent I can find on sale for now. I have no problem spending the extra money if I know this is something we will enjoy and do more than once.

[steezo]

Check out www.backcountry.com Outlet*

[deaddisc]

Thanks for all ya'lls advice. I probably will end up with the quest bags and whatever tent I can find on sale for now. I have no problem spending the extra money if I know this is something we will enjoy and do more than once.

I hope you guys have a great time. I know for me that Im so happy that I got my gf into camping because now we go at least 3-5 times a year, she even checks out new camping gear by herself! Also, I usually set up our camping trips so that we are near a disc golf course so we can get a round in. Ive found that campgrounds with lakes are especially good with the gf because if it gets too hot she can just go take a dip and cool off, besides the romantic effect of the moonlit lake.

[Luckyg71]

try steapandcheep.com. it sells camping and outdoors stuff one item at time for 60-70% off. Its hit or miss though, no telling what hey will have.

[J2]

www.campmor.com
have some pretty good deals.

[plastic_fondler]

www.campmor.com
have some pretty good deals.

has anyone ever visited campmor? Incredible to see everything popped up....and even worth the trip to paramus.