LC
I'd like to take my family of six camping this summer but we have no equipment whatsoever, does anyone know where I could find some reasonably priced, even used camping equipment online or in the detroit metro area?
Answer
I have to agree with all the "yard sale" suggestions, you can get some great buys at them.
If you do decide to purchase a used tent, insist that it be set up before paying for it! Be certain that all of the poles, stakes,and rain fly are there. Check it over very carefully for rips, tears and any defective zippers.
If you go with a new tent, please stay away from "store brands" it at all possible. Most are not bad for the occasional camper but, if you plan on camping quite often, buy a well know brand even if you have to buy a discontinued model. (Older models mean markdowns which mean bargin for the shopper!)
I would never consider buying a used sleeping bag! Store brand sleeping bags start around the $15 mark and are adequate for summer camping on a budget.
Used propane stoves can be found at yard sales, at times. Have the owner show you how it works and that it does indeed work properly. To save a few $$, you could consider cooking over a campfire or hot coals. It is a romantic and rustic notion but it is dirty, time consuming and frustrating at times. Better to stick with a stove for your first camping trip with the family so that all goes smoothly and they will want to do it again!
Coolers can also be located at yard sales, just check to be certain the drain plug is not missing or broken, along with handles and hinges.
Cookware can be simply your older pots and pans from how. Same goes with flashlights for night time trips to the bathhouse.
If you are not positive your family will enjoy camping, have you considered renting some of the gear instead of purchasing? There are two REI stores in the Detroit area that rent tents, stoves, sleeping bags and pads. No idea of the cost but may be something you would want to consider and check into.
I have to agree with all the "yard sale" suggestions, you can get some great buys at them.
If you do decide to purchase a used tent, insist that it be set up before paying for it! Be certain that all of the poles, stakes,and rain fly are there. Check it over very carefully for rips, tears and any defective zippers.
If you go with a new tent, please stay away from "store brands" it at all possible. Most are not bad for the occasional camper but, if you plan on camping quite often, buy a well know brand even if you have to buy a discontinued model. (Older models mean markdowns which mean bargin for the shopper!)
I would never consider buying a used sleeping bag! Store brand sleeping bags start around the $15 mark and are adequate for summer camping on a budget.
Used propane stoves can be found at yard sales, at times. Have the owner show you how it works and that it does indeed work properly. To save a few $$, you could consider cooking over a campfire or hot coals. It is a romantic and rustic notion but it is dirty, time consuming and frustrating at times. Better to stick with a stove for your first camping trip with the family so that all goes smoothly and they will want to do it again!
Coolers can also be located at yard sales, just check to be certain the drain plug is not missing or broken, along with handles and hinges.
Cookware can be simply your older pots and pans from how. Same goes with flashlights for night time trips to the bathhouse.
If you are not positive your family will enjoy camping, have you considered renting some of the gear instead of purchasing? There are two REI stores in the Detroit area that rent tents, stoves, sleeping bags and pads. No idea of the cost but may be something you would want to consider and check into.
What can you recommend for camping equipment?
knightro19
My husband recently went on a camping trip and came back raving about how great it was. Ever since that trip, he's been begging me to go with him. The problem is, neither of us really knows much about camping (he, of course, knows more than I do, but neither of us are what you would call "outdoorsy"). I have read many, many reviews on camping tents, and think I have finally found one that seems worth the price for our modest budget (Mountain Trails Grand Pass Family Dome Tent). I'm hoping to invest in some decent equipment so that it can last and accommodate a growing family, but without spending more than necessary. Although I'm feeling decent about the tent I've found, I would love advice about what other equipment is necessary, as well as brand recommendations if possible. Do most people cook on an open fire when camping, or are portable stoves/burners essential? My husband went with several other guys and they cooked on the fire, but I'd like to have more cooking options than hot dogs or sausages. Also, how necessary is seam sealer and waterproofing spray? I have seen them for sale, but am unsure about whether these should be used as preventative measures or are meant as repair tools when needed. Thoughts on air mattresses vs. sleeping bags would also be appreciated - I see many people say they use air mattresses, but I'm wondering how bad sleeping bags really are. Trying to limit costs to just the necessities for now. We'd like to be comfortable and have everything we NEED, but aren't in a position to buy lots of "extras" right now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, especially since I am hoping to buy most of the necessities for Christmas presents.
Answer
Hello, Happy to hear that your husband has caught the camping bug. Its always a fantastic adventure to explore the great outdoors. I take it that you'll be car camping. If you're going to a camp ground you won't need to bring any water purification methods.
You did say that you already have a tent so to go along with that you should have a ground sheet. You can use a tarp that is a little bigger than the footprint of the tent or make one from heavy plastic. This is a moisture barrier that will keep your tent dry should it rain as well as adding a little layer of warmth. Since you are buying a new tent I don't feel you will need to invest in seam sealer and waterproofing spray at this time. Over time you may notice when it rains that your tent has a tendency to leak on the seams or other areas. But with a new tent that shouldn't be an issue. Where I do use waterproofing spray is on my hiking and snow boots, as well as rain/windproof jacket & pants and gaiters.
As for cooking its a matter of personal preferences. If you cook over a fire it takes longer before you're ready to eat as you will have to let the fire burn down and get some good coals going for your grill. You can literally cook anything over a fire. Just like you use a barbeque grill at home. You can also put pots on the grill and cook just like you would your stove at home. So if you're wanting to save some money in the beginning, you really don't have to invest in a stove and stove equipment at this time.
You'll be much warmer and drier in a sleeping bag with a sleeping pad underneath you than blankets on an air mattress. If you want extra cush or your snow camping use two sleeping pads underneath you. Besides your tent, your sleeping bag is the most important piece of camping equipment. If you spend a sleepless night shivering away, your trip is going to be miserable. Check out 3-season-sleeping-bags.com for information on all different types of sleeping bags. Click on any of the pictures to learn more about that particular sleeping bag.
You probably already have a lot of stuff that you can use for camping in your house.
Here's a short list of camping equipment:
Shelter - Tent, poles, stakes, ground sheet
Sleeping - Sleeping bag, sleeping pad
Essentials - Water bottles, waterproof matches/lighter, map & compass, basic first aid kit, whistle and/or signal mirror, nylon cord-50', pocket knife, emergency blanket, extra food, extra clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, water purification, headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries. Keep these items in your day pack when you go hiking and exploring.
Cooking - Cook set, spoon/knife/fork set, biodegradable soap, scrub pad, food
Base camp accessories - Cooler/ice chest, water bag or large jug, dish pan, paper towels, lantern, storage containers for food, Ziploc bags, large spoon, knife, spatula, can opener, small whisk, small grater, hot pad holders, plate/bowl, cup, cutting board, aluminum foil, spice kit.
Miscellaneous - bandana, camera, binoculars, repair/sewing kit, fishing gear, journal/pen or pencil, reading material, nature guides, trail games, trowel, toilet paper, personal toiletries, lip balm, bug repellant, towel, day pack.
Make sure you take clothing appropriate for the climate you expect to encounter.
Inner Layer - wicking layer: long underwear top & bottom, liner socks, outer socks, t-shirt, shorts
Insulation Layer - Wool, synthetic or fleece shirt/sweater down/fiberfill jacket, wool or fleece pants, gloves, wool or fleece hat.
Protective layer - Rain/windproof jacket & pants, gaiters, hiking boots waterproofed, camp shoes, sun hat.
Happy Trails to you!
Hello, Happy to hear that your husband has caught the camping bug. Its always a fantastic adventure to explore the great outdoors. I take it that you'll be car camping. If you're going to a camp ground you won't need to bring any water purification methods.
You did say that you already have a tent so to go along with that you should have a ground sheet. You can use a tarp that is a little bigger than the footprint of the tent or make one from heavy plastic. This is a moisture barrier that will keep your tent dry should it rain as well as adding a little layer of warmth. Since you are buying a new tent I don't feel you will need to invest in seam sealer and waterproofing spray at this time. Over time you may notice when it rains that your tent has a tendency to leak on the seams or other areas. But with a new tent that shouldn't be an issue. Where I do use waterproofing spray is on my hiking and snow boots, as well as rain/windproof jacket & pants and gaiters.
As for cooking its a matter of personal preferences. If you cook over a fire it takes longer before you're ready to eat as you will have to let the fire burn down and get some good coals going for your grill. You can literally cook anything over a fire. Just like you use a barbeque grill at home. You can also put pots on the grill and cook just like you would your stove at home. So if you're wanting to save some money in the beginning, you really don't have to invest in a stove and stove equipment at this time.
You'll be much warmer and drier in a sleeping bag with a sleeping pad underneath you than blankets on an air mattress. If you want extra cush or your snow camping use two sleeping pads underneath you. Besides your tent, your sleeping bag is the most important piece of camping equipment. If you spend a sleepless night shivering away, your trip is going to be miserable. Check out 3-season-sleeping-bags.com for information on all different types of sleeping bags. Click on any of the pictures to learn more about that particular sleeping bag.
You probably already have a lot of stuff that you can use for camping in your house.
Here's a short list of camping equipment:
Shelter - Tent, poles, stakes, ground sheet
Sleeping - Sleeping bag, sleeping pad
Essentials - Water bottles, waterproof matches/lighter, map & compass, basic first aid kit, whistle and/or signal mirror, nylon cord-50', pocket knife, emergency blanket, extra food, extra clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, water purification, headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries. Keep these items in your day pack when you go hiking and exploring.
Cooking - Cook set, spoon/knife/fork set, biodegradable soap, scrub pad, food
Base camp accessories - Cooler/ice chest, water bag or large jug, dish pan, paper towels, lantern, storage containers for food, Ziploc bags, large spoon, knife, spatula, can opener, small whisk, small grater, hot pad holders, plate/bowl, cup, cutting board, aluminum foil, spice kit.
Miscellaneous - bandana, camera, binoculars, repair/sewing kit, fishing gear, journal/pen or pencil, reading material, nature guides, trail games, trowel, toilet paper, personal toiletries, lip balm, bug repellant, towel, day pack.
Make sure you take clothing appropriate for the climate you expect to encounter.
Inner Layer - wicking layer: long underwear top & bottom, liner socks, outer socks, t-shirt, shorts
Insulation Layer - Wool, synthetic or fleece shirt/sweater down/fiberfill jacket, wool or fleece pants, gloves, wool or fleece hat.
Protective layer - Rain/windproof jacket & pants, gaiters, hiking boots waterproofed, camp shoes, sun hat.
Happy Trails to you!
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
No comments:
Post a Comment