Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Gear worth getting for getting started with family car camping

I like to read reviews and analyze customer ratings before I buy.  The following products were carefully selected for the ideal combination of form, function, and value as perceived by me during research.  I use various sites on the web to gather information.  Some of my favorites are Amazon, Google, and wirecutter.  I also find Consumer Reports to be helpful for some types of products.  When I spend I prefer to know I'm putting in for something valuable or to at least know it is disposable.   I'm that guy that has a spreadsheet built for buying and researching stuff.

Here is how we geared up for the recent camping trip and what I thought of the stuff:

Coleman Red Canyon tent purchased from Blain's for $99

-pros: BIG tent 17x10 floor, dividers and rain fly removable, well ventilated with four windows, one ankle high vent and mesh roof, setup by myself with preferred help to pull rain fly over, keeps mosquitos out, packable bag with handles that I managed to repack everything into, price, stayed dry inside during some decent rains when tested in backyard

-cons: I'd expect rain fly to not hold much heat in during cool weather, lacks magical anti-bug forcefield, stakes could be longer to help with dry soil crumbling, would prefer a vestibule cover extending from door (you get what you pay for), windows in tent ends don't offer zip-up covers for privacy when rain fly isn't pulled down

Coleman LED Quad lantern purchased from Amazon for $57

-pros: more than bright enough for any need including giving medical care with syringes at midnight, backup battery system built-in, removable quadrants offer all walking family members individual, lightweight lights

-cons: none


YETI Tundra 65 cooler borrowed from generous brother-in-law (model to be verified) valued at $389

-pros: YETI claims it's bear proof and holds stuff cool for super long times, rugged design held up well and seals at drain and lid kept out a troop of ants found on top of it one morning

-cons: ice melts when exposed (we were so disappointed ;), not cheap to buy

Intex Classic Downy Queen Air bed with hand pump from Amazon for $27
-pros: great price with hand pump included, much more comfortable than the ground (I slept well using my own pillow), pumping not terribly hard with a two year willing and able to help, held air for three days + with use, feel of top material comfy

-cons: ribs don't offer level feel of 'home' bed (preferred sleeping on side), pump and bed didn't easily repack into original box (pet peeve)

Huge Double Sleeping Bag from Amazon for $42


-pros: good size with space for two adults, stuff sack included, materials seem reasonable for cost

-cons: too hot to sleep inside at temperatures above approx 72F, once slightly cooler it was better

Disney princess sleeping bag from Target for $18

-pros: priceless enjoyment

-cons: there is a model somebody sells with an airbed built-in that looked better

Lasko 3520 20" Cyclone Pivoting Floor Fan from Amazon for $40

-pros: see this review from wirecutter.com's sister-site sweethome and read the 'other options' section about CFM ratings, we were more than satisfied with the circulation provided at night by this single fan on less than it's highest setting cooling us off from days with highs in the 90s (F), can be mounted in a garage setting

-cons: there are some battery operated fans out there which would free up your car camping options, this fan is large


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