Gear Talk
By David Sweet, About.com Guide to Camping
Gear Talk is about camping gear resources and information, including checklists, online retailer information, gear reviews, buying tips, surveys and more.
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.
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 reviews of camping gear that I consider to be great products at reasonable prices.
- 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 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
- Oregon Scientific WR-8000 Weather Radio
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 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.
- Basics of RVing Books
- Campground Directories
- Camping and RVing with Dogs
- Camping Cookbooks
- Dutch Oven Recipe Books
- Family Camping Guides
- Full-Time RVing Books
- Guides for Beginners
- National Park Guides
- North American Road Atlases
- Outdoor Skills Manuals
- Public Campground Guides
- RV Cookbooks
- S'mores - Gourmet Treats for Every Occasion
- Woodall's Campground Guides
- Woodall's Tenting Directory
Tent FAQ
Suggestions on what to look for when buying a 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 do I repair shock cord tent poles?
- 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?
- Should I tent camp in a thunderstorm?
- 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?
- Why should I stake my tent?
- Will my tent be safe if I leave the campsite?
Sleeping Bag FAQ
Questions commonly asked about sleeping bag materials and types.
- Can you tell me what to look for in a quality sleeping bag?
- Do I need to use a pad under my sleeping bag?
- Is my sleeping bag supposed to sway on my pack?
- Should I get my son an adult sleeping bag to grow into?
- What are the pros and cons of various sleeping bag materials?
- What is the best sleeping bag filling for cold conditions?
- What is the temperature rating of 3 lbs of Qualofill?
- I wear extra clothes, why am I cold in my sleeping bag?
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.
