Camping stuff

[AVAFREAK182]

Looking to do some camping this summer. Just at the lake ~70 miles away so don't want anything too serious.

EDIT: also, stuff only for two people (me and my woman)

I know walmart tent, blah blah but does this look ok?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trai...-Tent/14089865

Also, what are some other handy camping things to have? Thanks guys

 

[Analog]

how many people in that tent?

 

[AVAFREAK182]

2, edited that

 

[IronWing]

That tent will leak. If you're okay with getting wet and just want to keep bugs out it should be fine.

Edit: For summer camping I bring a cotton sheet to place on top of the sleeping bag and pad. Makes it a lot more comfortable.

 

[Crono]

Tarp.

Helps to have under the tent, especially if it's a wet day.
Also standard camping supplies, like emergency first aid kit, sleeping bags, flashlights/lantern, pocket knife and possibly a full sized knife, a portable butane hot plate (if you plan on cooking for yourself and don't want to build a fire).

 

[Scouzer]

That tent will leak. If you're okay with getting wet and just want to keep bugs out it should be fine.

Edit: For summer camping I bring a cotton sheet to place on top of the sleeping bag and pad. Makes it a lot more comfortable.

What do you base the leaking tent on? Ozark stuff has always been OK quality to me. Fine for people like me who camp 4-5 times a summer.

 

[AVAFREAK182]

Good call with the tarp!

And it rarely/never rains where I will be

 

[xanis]

Tarp.

THIS. I've done quite a lot of camping in my life, and the one thing that I ALWAYS make sure to bring along (especially if it's going to rain) is a tarp. They're a cheap way to keep all of your stuff nice and dry.

 

[IronWing]

What do you base the leaking tent on? Ozark stuff has always been OK quality to me. Fine for people like me who camp 4-5 times a summer.

Lack of full coverage fly and strongly out-sloped walls where the fly doesn't reach.

 

[mizzou]

Ozark Trail stuff is fine if you aren't lugging it around, it's usually multiple times heavier then more "quality" camping goods.

Build quality is just fine IMO, it's camping stuff so it's simple =D

EDIT: OP, you MUST get a tent that has a rain fly which goes all down the sides of the tent. That little yamaka of a tent cap will only suffice in a light rain.

Anythign substantial you will get SOAKED

 

[Analog]

Bring some bug spray, lamp, flashlights, lighters, hatchet, sleeping bag, pillow, cooler, food, fishing rods, toilet paper, towels, water, backpack for a day hike, etc.

 

[Gibsons]

need some sort of cushion, an air mattress with an electric pump is serious luxury while camping. It also solves a lot of leaky tent problems (as long as it's not the roof)

Also, if you don't have one, a pretty big ice chest/cooler. Leave it in the trunk of the car, wrap it in blankets and it can keep food cold for 3 days maybe more.

 

[DrPizza]

depends on a lot, in particular, how many feet from your vehicle will you be camping?

 

[AVAFREAK182]

I've got a good cooler, flashlights, backpack, etc.

How about cooking wise? I prefer over fire

 

[xanis]

need some sort of cushion, an air mattress with an electric pump is serious luxury while camping. It also solves a lot of leaky tent problems (as long as it's not the roof)

Good call. I have a Coleman self-inflating air pad that I place beneath my sleeping bag. Rolls up nice and small and keeps me off the ground.

 

[Tweak155]

Tarp.

Helps to have under the tent, especially if it's a wet day.
Also standard camping supplies, like emergency first aid kit, sleeping bags, flashlights/lantern, pocket knife and possibly a full sized knife, a portable butane hot plate (if you plan on cooking for yourself and don't want to build a fire).

This, only it is more for the day after a wet day. The plastic / tarp under your tent will stop the moisture from the ground going up into your tent.

Also face the opening of your tent downhill. If it rains real hard the water will run down the hill and into your tent if it is facing the wrong way.

Pick any bug spray with DEET in it (closer to 99% the better, however its not really good for you - it WILL keep the bugs away). At least some deet at a minimum.

Bring something to put in your car in case your coolers get muddy. You dont want to just put muddy coolers into your car when it starts pouring. Cover an area with plastic / tarp specifically for this in your car for things you want to keep dry in the event of a storm.

Get a double high air mattress. When they lose air you get closer to the ground. Double-high keeps you off the ground longer - and usually long enough to put air in it the next day. All air mattresses lose air regardless of what you buy. Other options are cots.

Your crap will get dirty in the tent, just a nature of the beast. Keep this in mind when you pick what you take. Having a place to wipe your feet off is good for the morning when you head to the showers.

Buy a few gallon water holder to use to wash your hands / dishes / whatever at the camp site.

That is about all I can think of. I camp a lot myself, try to make sure I do it once or twice a year. BTW, I have Eureka tents but I haven't bought one in years, they have lasted me forever. As to the current quality of products on the shelves, I couldn't tell you.

 

[Tweak155]

I've got a good cooler, flashlights, backpack, etc.

How about cooking wise? I prefer over fire

Over the fire can't be beat. You will probably want a cheap portable skillet, less than $40 at most department stores, as everything can't be cooked over a fire. You can also buy grills that are designed to go over fire pits at a campsite, these prove to be an enormous hassle most the time, however the quality of the food can't be beat while camping, so that is up to you. You can get thing like hot dogs which you can just put on a skewer / cooking stick and it will probably end up being the best hot dog you ever had even if you burn it to a crisp.

You could also take a portable grill which will be easier to clean, but I would take the larger hassle fire pit grill than lug a gas grill.

EDIT:

And if you buy a wire-frame grill (lighter and easier to clean), let it sit in the fire a while before you put meat on it the first time. I wouldn't recommend one of these as they move very easily in the fire, however are disposable at the end of the trip due to cheap cost, so not a terrible option.

EDIT EDIT:

Also you will want the electric skillet (usually called a griddle) in case it is raining anyway. With that in mind you should make sure you will have a place to cook under, whether you buy it or it is there already. Or have restaurants to go to.

Walmart Griddle: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Presto-BigGriddle-Cool-Touch-Griddle/5969532

 

[clamum]

It really depends on how comfortable you want to be. I'd be fine with a tent like that, a tarp under it, and sleeping bags. Don't go buy a whole shit ton of things you'll never use again.

Use common sense, make sure you're warm and have food and water, and you'll be fine. If you're gonna build a fire, have a hatchet handy and a couple of Bic lighters. Keep it simple.

 

[Bignate603]

Good call. I have a Coleman self-inflating air pad that I place beneath my sleeping bag. Rolls up nice and small and keeps me off the ground.

Coleman tends to be decent quality but heavy. If you're car camping it's great, they can take plenty of abuse. It tends to cost more than the cheapest stuff you can find from walmart but you can hardly call it expensive.

If you're absolutely sure you'll never get rained on or deal with windy weather that tent you linked to will do ok. That tent is just something to keep the bugs off and give you some privacy.

 

[Alone]

Do some real camping.

Two tarps. One on the ground, one folded over a resonably durable piece of string tied between two trees. Should have a nice triangle shape. Tie string to the corners and peg them into the ground.

Dig a 6"+ trench all around in case it rains.

Enjoy camping like a real man.

 

[duragezic]

I learned alot about tents from this video series:

Backpacking Tents by nutnfancy

A lot of stuff to look at and probably geared towards a more hardcore camper, but some of the ideas could be taken to tents at a lower price point.

Backpacking System, Extended Stay by nutnfancy

Another really long series but man there is some awesome info in it. Because it has so much about what works and what doesn't. Rather than spend money on hokey crap that will break after a few uses, it's better to buy stuff that works and will last for years.

 

[Danube]

Bring deet if your in a tick area. Don't go in bushes or sit on downed trees. Ticks anesthetize you when they bite so dont expect to feel anything. Check middle of your back and places like that. I went camping once in Massachusetts and spent the next 12 years sick from ticks.

 

[Bignate603]

Bring deet if your in a tick area. Don't go in bushes or sit on downed trees. Ticks anesthetize you when they bite so dont expect to feel anything. Check middle of your back and places like that. I went camping once in Massachusetts and spent the next 12 years sick from ticks.

I got this stuff called jungle juice from REI. It's 98% DEET.

 

[KillerCharlie]

I got this stuff called jungle juice from REI. It's 98% DEET.

I've been in too many situations where 98% DEET still doesn't cut it.

 

[The_Dude8]

condoms.


For fire starters, I use cotton balls soak in vaseline. For food, top ramen for breakfast, especially when it's cold in the morning. Get some potatoes, wrap it up in seran wrap, and throw it in the camp fire, and let it cooks. Put some butter on it.