Buying Guide for Campers
By David Sweet, About.com Guide to Camping
Maybe you or someone you know who loves the outdoors could use some new piece of camping gear. If so, here are some ideas that may help you with your shopping. Click links to compare prices.
Sleeping Bags
The next consideration for all beginning campers is having a warm and cozy place to sleep. What you want to pay attention to when shopping for a sleeping bag is the temperature rating. Choose accordingly and don't skimp on quality. If you're buying for a kid, you might consider buying them an adult bag, because it will probably last them for many years to come and they can grow into it. Click a brand below and then click a model to see specific details and price comparisons.
Sleeping Pads
If they've already got a sleeping bag, or if you can afford to spend a little more on presents, get them another camping item they'll want that will improve the quality of their sleeping outdoors. Click a brand below and then click a model to see specific details and price comparisons.
Tents
First on most camper's checklist will likely be a tent. When shopping for a new tent be sure it is big enough, see that it has the features you want, and shop the Internet to find a good price. Click a brand below and then click a model to see specific details and price comparisons.
- Mountain Hardware
- Paha Que'
- Pine Sports
- Sierra Designs
- Texsport
- The North Face
- Wenzel
- Buying A New Tent? What To Look For
Cookstoves
Food always tastes good when it is cooked outdoors. Every camper can use a camp stove. If buying one for a gift, consider a two burner propane stove. They're easier to use, produce a hotter flame and are more compact than typical fuel stoves. If they've already got the stove, maybe they could use a carrying bag, which also holds spare propane bottles. Click a brand below and then click a model to see specific details and price comparisons.
Portable Grills
Some campgrounds do not provide grills, so have a portable grill can compliment your campground cooking options. There are great charcoal and propane grills. The choice is simply a matter of cooking preference. Both grilling methods can produce excellent results. If there's an outdoor chef on your shopping list, maybe they could use a portable grill.
- Cobb Premier Portable Charcoal Grill
- Weber Portable Q220 Propane Grill
- Coleman RoadTrip Portable Propane
- Arctic Deluxe Portable Gas Grill
- Char-Broil Grill-2-Go Portable Gas Grill
- Broil King Porta-Chef Portable Propane Grill
- Arctic Deluxe Portable Charcoal Grill
- Bayou Classic Fold and Go Charcoal Grill
- Landmann Safari Chef Portable Charcoal Grill
- Weber Baby Q 100 Propane Grill
- Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill
Outdoor Electronics
There are a lot of electronics available for the outdoor gadget freak. Here are a few ideas.
- Luxeon LED Flashlights and Headlamps
- Digital Compasses
- Solar Battery Chargers
- Handheld GPS
- Weather Radios
Coolers and Ice Chests
If you plan to do any cooking at the campground, you'll need a cooler to store perishables and to keep your drinks cold. They come in many sizes. Here are some different cooler sizes by Coleman, Igloo, Rubbermaid and more.
Lanterns
Campgrounds don't provide lighting, so you must bring your own. For practical purposes, you'll want a lantern that puts out enough light to be able to cook by or eat at the picnic table. Don't stumble around your campsite in the dark. Bring a lantern. Click a brand below and then click a model to see specific details and price comparisons.
Outdoor Games and Toys
Looking for a new game to take camping? You won't have to worry when the campground you're visiting lacks outdoor recreation, if you enjoy any of these outdoor games and toys. Bring your own recreation to the campground.
