Talking Camping » camping gear » camping gear

camping gear

Read and learn more about camping gear. For more, visit the Camping website CampingCamper.com

Q: What is the best website for camping gear?
I am taking a trip up to Canada, going to be in a canoe & roughing it a bit … I don’t have any camping gear in a company form -
Anyone have any suggestions on websites that are great for camping gear? (especially compact/light camping gear)

A: Here are a few places to start looking for light weight camping gear.

http://www.backcountrygear.com/index.cfm
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/index.html
http://www.peak62.com/index.htm
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/commerce/command/ExecMacro/welcome.
http://www.gossamergear.com/

http://www.prolitegear.com/index.html

Q: What hiking and camping gear should I buy?
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.

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 diet right then. I recommend some type of powder flavoring for water… it doesn’t always taste great when used with purification pills.
-Dish soap, eating utensils and backpacking pots. They usually come in a nice kit that doesn’t take up much space. Look on Cabela’s or at a sporting goods store.
-TOILET PAPER
-Permits. You usually have to get permits to camp in public parks/Forest Service land. You go to the closest Forestry office to pick these up. These are important if for no other reason than if you don’t come back when your family expects you, they know where to start looking.
-Bear spray
-Clothes that can be layered, gloves, beanies, good hiking boots and tennis shoes if you dont mind the extra weight (for camp).

Recommended Supplies:

-Cell phone or handheld CB at least
-Camera (for obvious reasons)
-Rope(hang your food away from camp so predators dont get into it).
-Insect repellant/sunblock

There’s probably more that I am missing, but those are the most important. The most important thing to do when going camping is to tell at least two responsible people you know where you’re going, and give them a timeframe for coming back. Also I recommend you both take a First Aid Course… they are usually free and something could go wrong quickly (although unlikely) in the forests… snake bite, broken leg, heat stroke, hyperthermia, bear attack, drinking bad water (always purify or boil for five minutes… & retrieve from running water source. If impossible to purify, find area where water is “falling”… it’s usually cleanest there).

I’m not trying to scare you away and you guys will probably have a blast, but definately be prepared.

Q: What are some catalogs for camping gear that I can go online to order?
We want to buy some camping gear and go tenting at camping resorts all summer. We have absolutely no gear at all and need to start shopping. Thanks!

A: http://www.campmor.com
http://www.backcountry.com/
http://www.backcountrygear.com/index.cfm
http://www.backpackinglight.com/
http://www.gossamergear.com/
http://www.prolitegear.com/index.html
http://www.mgear.com/
http://www.simblissity.net/
http://www.titaniumgoat.com/products.html
http://www.antigravitygear.com/
http://www.thru-hiker.com/
http://www.minibulldesign.com/
http://www.bearvault.com/bearvault_details.php
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/
http://www.ula-equipment.com/
http://www.backpackingdeals.com/
http://www.wildernessdining.com/

http://www.ray-way.com/backpack/index.shtml

I refuse to shop at Sierra Trading Post because I disagree with their philosophy of business.

Q: How to ship camping gear from home when flying?
I’m considering a camping trip in June from the midwest to somewhere in the Rockies. I have considered shipping my gear by UPS etc. to a local office, then flying out there and picking up my gear at the shipping office. Are there other options like renting gear? Should I just drive?

A: Actually, you can rent gear at any REI store – and pretty cheaply. I would think that in the Rockies there would be numerous small mom & pop outfitters that would rent as well. Google the area you’re hoping to head to, find a pinpoint on the Google map, and click on the “Search Nearby” link and look for a store that might be able to help or offer local advice.

Shipping is fine too – I’d find a Kinko’s store (they are part of FedEx now) near your destination airport, and see if they’ll hold a box or two for you. For the $15-20 fee for checked bags, that may be cheaper / easier. The only thing you’d need to ship ground would be fuel canisters – or pick them up when you get to your destination.

Q: What camping gear is recommended in the Boy Scouts Camping Merit Badge Book?
hello all–for boy scout summer camp, i need to pack the “Merit Badge Book recommended camping gear”. What camping gear is recommended from the camping mb booklet? thanks!

A: The list of gear is in the Merit Badge Book, its pretty much the same list that is in your Scout handbook. It`ll help if you get your hands on the Merit Badge Book….a scout is Trustworthy you would be having other ppl do your merit badge for you now would you

Q: Where can I find a good online camping gear store?
Hi everyone.

I am planning to have a bike tour from Chicago to NY this summer. So I need to find few camping light-weight camping gears. Basically I need.

1 pot
1 gasoline stove
1 tent (3 season for 1 person)
1 sleeping bag
all of those around $ 120~160

I figured I can shop them in one spot and save some shipping cost.
I do not care whether they are used or new but I want to keep them cheap yet reliable. Is there any store that offers a reliable bargain?

A: Go to www.sportsmanguide.com they have a lot of stuff at really low prices. I got a really good deal on a treadmill saved almost $50 after comparing prices to other stores. Don’t forget where ever you buy from, always do a google search for coupon codes for discounts. Xbargins always has the most updated codes.

Q: Canadian retailers of camping and hiking gear?
In Canada, are there any national chains that specialize in selling hiking and camping gear?

A: Aside from MEC as the previous poster said, but which only has stores in larger centres, mostly you get ordinary camping stuff in the camping department of stores like Canadian Tire or Wal-mart, sometimes Home Hardware. Lots of places have specialty stores that sell high quality gear, if they’re near popular camping and hiking areas, but they’re usually locally owned.

Q: i want to git some camping gear and start traveling the world but?
i want to git some camping gear and start traveling the world but how do i eat baeth and is thar any thing els i need to know any tips i dont have any family to take care of i will only have whats on my back and i want to see the world

A: Just do it!

Just grab a tent, some other camping stuff and head out of the normal life!

I mean you can of course plan for years and years… or you can just book a plane somewhere and start hitch hikeing etc

That way you will get an adventure and not just a holiday! lifes for living, so thats a tip!!!

you can also go for working holiday visas and get a job while you travel. Money can be a problem if you are fussy with jobs, but if you do not mind working in farms etc then you will be grand!

good luck!

Q: Where in Staten Island can I find some camping gear?
The GF and I are going camping anyone know where on staten island I can get some good camping gear?

A: I looked it up.

couldnt find anywhere

Q: Where can I get affordable yet reliable camping gear?
My boyfriend and I want to go camping next month and are trying to find somewhat cheap camping gear. We need pretty much everything: a tent, sleeping bags…you know all of the basics!! Anyone have any suggestions?

A: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/
Take a look I’ve been using them for years.

Q: Where’s a good place to get reasonably priced outdoor camping gear?
I recently was at REI and noticed how expensive everything was. Just wondering where I can get cheap camping gear (stoves, tents, rain jackets, hiking boots etc.) Thanks.

A: I order from Campmor a lot for specialty gear. There are a lot of things that you don’t need specialty gear though, so that is a way to save some money and keep from becoming a slave to the gear.

You don’t need camping cookware or table service for example. You can get a melamine plate from Target or dollar store to eat on, or use a pie pan. You can use a grease keeper to cook in…etc. You also don’t need specialty clothing for camping or travelling. Often just your grubbies will do nicely, or any type of high performing wick wear to keep you comfortable, especially good wicking underwear but not necessarily underwear from a camping place. Right?

The thing about REI and it is notable…is that it is a membership store. The membership entitles you to special invitation to scratch and dent sales, and other exclusive deals at their place. PLUS everything you buy there has an unconditional exchange policy. You don’t like it? Take it back. Doesn’t matter why. With that in mind, you can feel confident about your purchases and experiment with different items until you have the right set up for your needs.

Q: Where are places to get good looking hiking/camping gear?
I am going on a hike with my mum and it isn’t the sort of thing we usually do. I want to get some cute hiking/camping gear like boots, pants or packs. What are some good places where i can find these?
thanks

A: Academy
Wal-Mart
Target
K-Mart
REI
Cabella’s
Bass ProShop
Campmor.com

Really though, even though there are plenty of designs and colors, you don’t usually pick gear this way, that is, based on looks. You want the item that meets your needs and fits your budget. Usually if you are hiking you want your items to be as lightweight as possible so your backpack isn’t too heavy. But the weather will always affect your major choices. In summer you need less clothing, less bulky sleeping gear, can use a lighter weight tent…etc…it all fits in a smaller pack.

For a winter hike, your clothing absolutely must be suitable for the weather, no matter what, this is for safety. You need to stay warm but you don’t want to sweat. Dress in layers so you can add and shed pieces depending on your needs. You want 4 distinct layers: a thermal layer like long johns or under armor, a light layer like a long sleeve T-shirt, at least one warm layer like wool or fleece, and a waterproof layer like a rain jacket or poncho. Also avoid COTTON except for undies. Your layers described above must be synthetic (polyester), wool, or silk. If you get cotton wet in the cold, it will not keep you warm. Vests are handy because they keep your core warm…which is your chest and abdominal area…where all your organs are.

For what it is worth…

Jansport makes pretty bookbags, and they are very durable. These would be suitable for a day hike but not backpacking.

Kelty has bright colored sleeping bags, tents, and packs. This is “real” gear, and it is relatively affordable. It is on the lowbudget of the real deal.

Slumberjack makes pretty sleeping bags. This is another low-end outfitter but they make camping gear as opposed to sleepover gear.

Another piece with a lot of choices in pattern are travel hammocks. Look for parachute nylon. They are pretty reasonable price, and they ball up in your hand. You can hang them between two trees for a very restful nap or afternoon with a book.

You can also express yourself with your water bottle. Try a Nalgene bottle, it is almost indestructible. They come in lots of colors.

I suggest really…that you borrow your tent and sleeping bags, etc. And spend your money on good boots and raingear, gloves, skiband and beanie hats.

Q: What helpful camping gear do you recommend?
We are heading out soon with a large group, and I was hoping to hunt for some bargains on camping misc in the next couple of weeks. Not so much for hiking, but more for cooking, games, kids (all ages) etc. Thanks!

A: Keep in mind the available features of where you are going camping. Then head out to walmart and get cheap outdoor toys, water toys, things like that.

If there is a good stream where you are going, you can even get the kids into a bit of “gold panning”. A plastic gold pan, cheap black plastic but works well, is only about $8. Doesn’t matter if there is gold or not just the “treasure hunting” idea will get the kids fired up for it.

Q: What is the best website to buy camping gear?
Does anyone know who the best online retailer is for camping equipment (Sierra Designs and Mountain Hardware)? I am going to purchase a new tent, sleeping bag, and backpack.

A: For top quality gear and exceptional customer service check out:
www.rei.com or www.ems.com

For great gear and great prices check out:
www.llbean.com = amazing deals on gortex
or
www.sierratradingpost.com = great outlet prices on name brands.

Q: Is there anywhere i can rent camping gear in southern california?
I want to go camping but not buy all the equipment is there anywhere that does that?

A: Two thoughts on that.
#1 is REI (www.REI.com) they are basically the #1 supplier of high grade camping/backpacking/climbing equipment and they rent most of it at almost any of their stores. Check their website for one near you.
# 2 some Military surplus stores also have rental equipment.

Related Posts

Write a comment