Camping Gear Resources and Information
By Monica Prelle, About.com Guide
Camping Gear Buying Advice
Determine what gear suits your camping style, learn what features to look for when buying a tent or sleeping bag, found out where to shop online for outdoor gear, and gear up a family of four for under $600.
Camping Gear Reviews
I do most of my shopping online. I find it convenient that I can get full product details, browse product reviews, and comparison shop all in a matter of minutes. I field test camping and outdoor gear whenever possible, and I then write product reviews that include my personal opinions, product specs, and a shopping link to where you can buy the product. Here are my reviews.
- Springbar Campsite Canvas Tent
- AirZone Osprey 4-Person Tent
- Springbar Compact 2000 Tent
- Kelty Trail Dome 4 Tent
- Eureka Zeus 4EXO Tent
- Eureka Freedom Tent For Disabled Campers
- Slumberjack Bonnie and Clyde Double Sleeping Bag
- Eureka Sandstone Rectangular Sleeping Bag
- eGear XT-130 Polymer K2 Tactical Torch
- eGear 15 LED Dynamo Lantern
- Photon Micro-Lights
- Cactus Juice Sun & Skin Outdoor Protectant
- Silva Cobalt Digital Compass
- Kirkham Oversize Covered Foam Pad
- more gear reviews ...
- Link Hydro Pack
- Coghlan's LED Headlights
- Coghlan's Micro Lantern
- Selk 'bag - Sleep Wear System
- Kodiak Canvas Tent
Camping Checklists
Don't wait until you've arrived at the campground to find out that you've left something behind. Instead make a checklist. Use my examples as a reference from which to create your own camping checklist.
Books for Campers
I have compiled a variety of books related to camping. If you're looking for atlases, campground directories, cookbooks or guidebooks, check out my lists of guide picks.
- North American Road Atlases
- Campground Directories
- Camping Cookbooks
- Public Campground Guides
- National Park Guides
- Guides for Beginners
- Family Camping Guides
- Woodall's Campground Guides
- Dutch Oven Recipe Books
- Basics of RVing Books
- Full-Time RVing Books
- RV Cookbooks
- Outdoor Skills Manuals
- S'mores - Gourmet Treats for Every Occasion
- Camping and RVing with Dogs
- Woodall's Tenting Directory
- Woodall's Campsite Cookbook
Camping Tent FAQ
Suggestions on what to look for when buying a camping tent, how to prepare it for the first time camping, tips on maintaining your tent, and what purpose the various components play in keeping you dry and comfortable.
- Can I cook in my tent?
- Do I need to ventilate the tent?
- How big of a tent do I need?
- How heavy should my tent be?
- How should I clean my tent?
- Should I seal the tent seams?
- Should I set my tent up under a tree?
- Why should I stake my tent?
- Should I use a ground cloth?
- What's the best way to store my tent?
- What are single and double wall tents?
- What is a footprint tarp?
- What is a gear loft?
- What is a tub floor?
- What should I look for in a new tent?
- Why is my tent fly tacky?
Campsite Cooking Tools
There are cooking utensils to suit the style of any campground chef. If you have something to turn hamburgers and hotdogs on a grill, then you're all set. If you're interested in trying other campground cooking gadgets, then check out some of the gear that I use.
- Camp Chef Charcoal Starter
- Grill Thing Hot Dog Holder
- GSI Waffle Iron
- Play & Freeze Ice Cream Maker
- Rome Pie Iron
- Rome Popcorn Popper
- Stainless Steel Grill Tools
- Swiss Spice Spice Dispenser
- Top 10 Portable Grills
- Vortex Hand Crank Blender
- Weber Baby Q Gas Grill
- Cobb Premiere Grill
- Grilliput
- S'mores Cookbook
- Spork
- WoodGas Camp Stove XL
Sleeping Bag FAQ
Questions commonly asked about sleeping bag materials and types.