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Camping gear recommendations

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proZach
Posts: 7163 - Karma: 919
I've been using my family's gear up until now. Looking to invest in my own and don't wanna get stuck with crap that'll break down in a short time. suggestions? Need tent, sleeping bag, etc.
Jun 21 2016 9:03PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
Hammocks with a Bug net
Jun 21 2016 9:56PM
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McNoche
Posts: 1731 - Karma: 3,661
A hot chick you can stick your dick in
Jun 21 2016 9:59PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,191
Invest in a good sleeping pad instead of a sleeping bag. Comfort and insulation will go a long way. You don't need to spend lots of money on sleeping bags unless you start going crazy places where it gets super cold. So yeah sleeping pad>sleeping bag.

Also brand wise I've had great experiences with Kelty and North Face
Jun 21 2016 10:19PM
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1kewldewd
Posts: 796 - Karma: 1,147
I would recommend an rei tent. They are very nice and not too spendy
Jun 21 2016 11:10PM
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wizard_of_aahhhs
Posts: 711 - Karma: 1,769
To save money go to sites like geartrade and MEC gear swap. Find a 3 season tent, or just use a tarp and a hammock, super lightweight and way easy to set up, very comfy to sleep in as well. Dont spend more than $150 on a new sleeping bag unless you are doing winter camping in 5 below. Buy a mummy bag for around $100-150, make sure its down or synthetic down, if its still too cold go buy a liner for the bag, they are like $45 and add about 25 degrees to your sleeping bag. If you need a backpack make sure to go to an REI or other store and try some on, Osprey makes great packs if you are willing to throw that much cash at them.
Jun 21 2016 11:44PM
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soulskier
Posts: 17806 - Karma: 3,841
What kind of camping are you planning on doing?
Jun 21 2016 11:47PM
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proZach
Posts: 7163 - Karma: 919
.lenconInvest in a good sleeping pad instead of a sleeping bag. Comfort and insulation will go a long way. You don't need to spend lots of money on sleeping bags unless you start going crazy places where it gets super cold. So yeah sleeping pad>sleeping bag.

Also brand wise I've had great experiences with Kelty and North Face


thanks


Foxxy-BangTo save money go to sites like geartrade and MEC gear swap. Find a 3 season tent, or just use a tarp and a hammock, super lightweight and way easy to set up, very comfy to sleep in as well. Dont spend more than $150 on a new sleeping bag unless you are doing winter camping in 5 below. Buy a mummy bag for around $100-150, make sure its down or synthetic down, if its still too cold go buy a liner for the bag, they are like $45 and add about 25 degrees to your sleeping bag. If you need a backpack make sure to go to an REI or other store and try some on, Osprey makes great packs if you are willing to throw that much cash at them.


also good info, thanks man

soulskierWhat kind of camping are you planning on doing?


the kind where a bunch of dudes fish all day and slug beers
Jun 22 2016 1:32AM
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profa_212
Posts: 9030 - Karma: 37,817
proZachthanks




also good info, thanks man



the kind where a bunch of dudes fish all day and slug beers


Then you don't need a multiple hundred dollar bag if you aren't hiking a ton. Invest in a good thermarest and an appropriate degree sleeping bag.
Jun 22 2016 1:52AM
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profa_212
Posts: 9030 - Karma: 37,817
Also steepandcheap.Com
Jun 22 2016 1:54AM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,872
People are always dumping high end gear for cheap on bearfoots hiking gear flea market on facebook. I am another promoter of the sleeping hammock, but you need to be a back or possibly a side sleeper to make it work. Try one out and see if it's comfortable for you.
Jun 22 2016 3:23AM
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Static
Posts: 8581 - Karma: 4,053
1kewldewdI would recommend an rei tent. They are very nice and not too spendy


REI tents suck, I bought a kingdom 6 for this summer, really poor quality materials, the zippers snag every single time, it's easy to set up so I'll give it that but honestly it's junk.

Kelty is the best value brand, plus they have a way better warranty than REI which recently went from lifetime to 1 year.
Jun 22 2016 7:09AM
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proZach
Posts: 7163 - Karma: 919
thanks for all the info. And yeah, nothing high tech and no crazy weather conditions. Just don't wanna buy shit gear
Jun 22 2016 10:44PM
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MIHoodlum
Posts: 245 - Karma: 257
Get a Chairbug, it look like a giant.......
Jun 23 2016 2:32AM
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Shoey-Ski
Posts: 1649 - Karma: 6,194
Mountain hard wear lamina bags are really nice, very warm, and pack down super small. Therma rests are also an amazing invention and will save your back
Jun 23 2016 11:48AM
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1kewldewd
Posts: 796 - Karma: 1,147
StaticREI tents suck, I bought a kingdom 6 for this summer, really poor quality materials, the zippers snag every single time, it's easy to set up so I'll give it that but honestly it's junk.

Kelty is the best value brand, plus they have a way better warranty than REI which recently went from lifetime to 1 year.


That is too bad. I recently got a quarter dome 2. So far it has been very durable and worked great.
Jun 23 2016 2:02PM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 8,688
suggestions depend greatly on what you're using it for. If you're car camping then just go with the cheapest bag/pad/tent that corresponds to the weather you're anticipating. If you want to use this stuff backpacking, it's an entirely different story. Investing in better gear that cuts weight is well worth it imo. If you think you'll get into more hiking-intensive trips later on I suggest getting good gear. Don't get a down bag with 650 fill or less, at that point it's basically as heavy as synthetic and costs more. MH Lamina bags are pretty much the best synthetic bags, and they're still cheaper than most mediocre down bags. Thermarest pads are fantastic- I recommend Neoair or prolite. From my experience, REI tents are pretty good for the price- the quarter and half dome's are loved by many. Check out outdoorgearlab.com for great reviews on camping gear.
Jun 23 2016 7:46PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
proZachthe kind where a bunch of dudes fish all day and slug beers


Well shit they sell tents at Wal Mart if that's all you need.
Jun 23 2016 8:35PM
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proZach
Posts: 7163 - Karma: 919
TingaWell shit they sell tents at Wal Mart if that's all you need.


that's part of my question, will something like that stand up to a couple years of use in good weather conditions. typically anything and everything from Walmart is shit
Jun 23 2016 8:41PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
proZachthat's part of my question, will something like that stand up to a couple years of use in good weather conditions. typically anything and everything from Walmart is shit


Anything will last for a while if you treat it right.
Jun 23 2016 9:06PM
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.Rybak.
Posts: 9017 - Karma: 9,864
I have no clue how old it is but I've used my friends North Face rock series tent on multiple occasions. It's extremely easy to set up and get in and out of. It's nice to be able to take the fly off when you know that there isn't a chance of raining so it's almost like sleeping under the stars minus the bugs.

Unfortunately the only gear experiences I have are with friends and not my own. I agree with posts from before though. You need to invest in a good sleeping pad otherwise you aren't going to have a good time once it starts to leak.
Jun 23 2016 9:29PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
I'd recommend trying out a hammock and seeing how you like it. When it comes to hiking trips I personally think they are a billion times more comfortable than tents even without a pad and easier to set up. Nothing sucks more than waking up in the morning with a sore back and knowing you have to hike 25 miles. They also work good for camping, however, keep in mind that your stuff will probably have to stay outside over night. Hennessy and eagle nest make good products.
Jun 23 2016 9:37PM
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CabbyArrant
Posts: 780 - Karma: 4,129
StaticREI tents suck, I bought a kingdom 6 for this summer, really poor quality materials, the zippers snag every single time, it's easy to set up so I'll give it that but honestly it's junk.

Kelty is the best value brand, plus they have a way better warranty than REI which recently went from lifetime to 1 year.


Honestly I think MSR, Big Agnes, and North face make better tents and you can sometimes find really good prices on those
Jun 24 2016 9:09AM
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jca
Posts: 4172 - Karma: 6,310
JGWII'd recommend trying out a hammock and seeing how you like it. When it comes to hiking trips I personally think they are a billion times more comfortable than tents even without a pad and easier to set up. Nothing sucks more than waking up in the morning with a sore back and knowing you have to hike 25 miles. They also work good for camping, however, keep in mind that your stuff will probably have to stay outside over night. Hennessy and eagle nest make good products.


I have a Hennessy and it's fantastic but they get pretty cold so having a sleeping pad that fits in it is essential. Also you still need to have good trees/structures to tie on to but if youre below the alpine that's not usually a problem. The best part about it for me is being able to set up your camp on uneven ground where it wouldnt be possible to set up a tent.
Jun 24 2016 1:33PM
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Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,343
proZachthe kind where a bunch of dudes fish all day and slug beers


TingaWell shit they sell tents at Wal Mart if that's all you need.


This. Check out Amazon if you need something cheap. Ozark Trail (essentially the walmart brand of tents) sell for almost nothing. Pretty sure I got mine for less than $20 shipped and I've used it for "fishing and slugging beers" camping maybe two dozen times. When I go on more serious camping trips I use it for my dog to sleep in.
Jun 24 2016 2:17PM
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ggfski42
Posts: 651 - Karma: 700
I spend a lot of cash on camping gear, but most of the time you really get what you pay for, and I know what I want specifically. That being said, my friend has an Ozark Trail tent from Walmart that he has had for over 5 years and it is running strong.

Go cheap on your first set of gear, and get experience in what features or lack of, suits you the best. Then once you really know what you want, you can feel confident in spending the big bucks to get what you need.

My personal faves: M.S.R., Arc'teryx, Marmot, Osprey, Mountain Hardwear

If I was to suggest one brand for your current situation, Kelty would be my pick hands down. Their products sell for about 1/2 of what the above listed brands go for, and Kelty is pretty decent stuff IMO.
Jun 27 2016 3:49PM
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proZach
Posts: 7163 - Karma: 919
so I ended up gettting a tent off steepandcheap, as well as some sleeping pads that should fit the bill. Got some cheap sleepings for now as well. Like what was recommended, I'll use this for now and hopefully do some more "advanced" camping in the future, grabbing gear then.

on a slightly related note, trying to buy my girlfriend a kayak. Also, have 0 idea how to look around for these. Just as she can sit in it and paddle in a call body of water. Cup holder preferred
Jun 28 2016 5:04AM
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Baja_Blaster
Posts: 32 - Karma: 21
the Sun Dolphin Aruba SS have some good reviews but i suggest you just go to a boating store and fine one that's comfortable for you
Jun 28 2016 9:15AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
I just want to give the broad recommendation of a well-breathing synthetic fill sleeping bag if you're a sweaty sleeper.
Jun 28 2016 10:03AM
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1337
Posts: 31064 - Karma: 29,404
I personally enjoy having a good stove, and a grill grate. You can make a fire just about anywhere and set up a grill grate to cook meat and shit on. A nice stove is awesome for boiling water, making coffee, cooking ramen or other snacks, or any morning food when you dont want to make another fire. My JetBoil is sweet and really light when I want to backpack with it, doesn't take up a TON of space in the end.
Jun 28 2016 10:33AM
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.Rybak.
Posts: 9017 - Karma: 9,864
1337I personally enjoy having a good stove, and a grill grate. You can make a fire just about anywhere and set up a grill grate to cook meat and shit on. A nice stove is awesome for boiling water, making coffee, cooking ramen or other snacks, or any morning food when you dont want to make another fire. My JetBoil is sweet and really light when I want to backpack with it, doesn't take up a TON of space in the end.


If you're gonna be camping long enough a dutch oven is awesome to have if you aren't gonna be backpacking.
Jun 28 2016 10:43AM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,492
.Rybak.If you're gonna be camping long enough a dutch oven is awesome to have if you aren't gonna be backpacking.


Ill give you a dutch oven
Jun 28 2016 11:06AM
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1337
Posts: 31064 - Karma: 29,404
.Rybak.If you're gonna be camping long enough a dutch oven is awesome to have if you aren't gonna be backpacking.


It's so easy to make a dutch oven while camping. Just have to hop in my sleeping bag, seal 'er up, and let one rip ;)
Jun 28 2016 11:13AM
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.Rybak.
Posts: 9017 - Karma: 9,864
.Hugo.Ill give you a dutch oven


1337It's so easy to make a dutch oven while camping. Just have to hop in my sleeping bag, seal 'er up, and let one rip ;)


I hate both of you
Jun 28 2016 12:59PM
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Scotty_B
Posts: 287 - Karma: 423
Portable USB battery pack. I carry it everywhere and I never have a dead phone. Get one with like 10,000-16,000 mAh. Most of them come with a built in flashlight.
Jun 29 2016 11:09AM
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Shoey-Ski
Posts: 1649 - Karma: 6,194
Scotty_BPortable USB battery pack. I carry it everywhere and I never have a dead phone. Get one with like 10,000-16,000 mAh. Most of them come with a built in flashlight.


Go on Amazon and look up ex technology, they hold a massive amount of batter over 20000mah a dare only around 30 bucks, I took mine on a 2 week hiking trip and it charger my phone (iphone6s plus) 7 times
Jun 29 2016 4:25PM
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Deepskier
Posts: 3267 - Karma: 4,832
I just got a Osprey Atmos Ag 65 pack best thing ever.
Jun 29 2016 5:29PM
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CTD
Posts: 6301 - Karma: 355
TingaWell shit they sell tents at Wal Mart if that's all you need.


I've got the 30 dollar ozark trail tent from walmart and I love it. Used it for 3 years so far. Its a tent. Its really lightweight (seriously, lighter than some much pricier tents) and is reasonably waterproof. the zipper likes to snag, but thats the only thing I can fault it for. Tents are ridiculously overpriced, the only reason IMO to spend mega coin on a tent is if you plan on going out in adverse conditions, as there the higher quality fabrics will keep you more dry, but who likes to camp in the rain?

Wal mart actually has some decent outdoors stuff, you should be able to get alot of shit for cheap there. another good site i'd check out is http://www.gofastandlight.com, lots of handy stuff on that site.
Jun 29 2016 6:03PM
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Baja_Blaster
Posts: 32 - Karma: 21
CTDI've got the 30 dollar ozark trail tent from walmart and I love it. Used it for 3 years so far. Its a tent. Its really lightweight (seriously, lighter than some much pricier tents) and is reasonably waterproof. the zipper likes to snag, but thats the only thing I can fault it for. Tents are ridiculously overpriced, the only reason IMO to spend mega coin on a tent is if you plan on going out in adverse conditions, as there the higher quality fabrics will keep you more dry, but who likes to camp in the rain?

Wal mart actually has some decent outdoors stuff, you should be able to get alot of shit for cheap there. another good site i'd check out is http://www.gofastandlight.com, lots of handy stuff on that site.


Yeah ive used an ozark trail sleeping bag for 2 years and it keeps me warm and is pretty good quality except for the zipper
Jun 29 2016 7:27PM
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