Shopping for camping gear? Before you buy, compare. Consider your budget and what you can afford. Review gear descriptions to get ideas about product features. When you decide to make a purchase, shop around for the best price.
Step 1 - get gear descriptions. Visit manufacturer Web sites or online stores.
Step 2 - read gear reviews. User opinions are helpful.
Step 3 - shop for a good price. Use online comparison shopping.
Below are links to manufacturers, reviews, and price comparisons.
Sleeping Bags, Pads, and Pillows
The first thing to consider when buying a sleeping bag is its temperature rating. An adequate bag should exceed the temperature extremes where you camp. You'll find light sleeping bags rated at 40° to 50° for summer camping, heavy mountaineering bags rated at -20° and below, and everything in between. There are mummy, rectangular, and even double sleeping bags.
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Tents
Tents come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. For family camping you'll likely want a large dome tent or a multi-room rectangular tent. Shop around to find the one that offers you the room and privacy to camp in comfort with your family.
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Lanterns
Campgrounds typically don't have lighting available, so you'll need a lantern to see what you're doing after dark. Most are inexpensive and come in 1 mantel or 2 mantel styles; they use propane, white gas, or other fuels; and they use either a match to light or an electronic lighter. Consider these variables before choosing your lantern.
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Camp Stoves
A camp stove is another essential item needed for camping. Cold foods get old after a while, and you can only cook so many dishes over a campfire or on a grill. Like lanterns, there are various styles and different fuels used. Shop around to familiarize yourself with the choices before purchasing.
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Coolers and Ice Chests
If you like cold drinks at the campground or you need to preserve perishable foods, you're going to need a cooler or ice-chest. The size and efficiency of any cooler will be determined by your camping habits. Take a look at the variety of coolers available before deciding on which one is right for you.
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Tent Footprint Tarps
Extend the life of your tent with the added protection of a ground cloth (ground cover, tarp, tent footprint). Consider using a ground cloth with your tent. This footprint tarp protects against abrasion and acts as an added barrier to help keep moisture out of the tent and make it more comfortable for those inside. Most tent manufacturers make footprint tarps cut specifically to the dimension of your tent. Otherwise, use any tarp, but be sure to tuck the edges under the tent.
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