Tents, Camping

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LdyyR -> Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 7:06:26 PM)
I haven't camped since, well, um, since I was about 10 years of age. I'm going beach camping and since I haven't the slightest idea about tents and such, any advice would be appreciated. I was looking at those pop up tents anyone ever try one of those? Would these, http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link_6393752_5?ie=UTF8&node=267174011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=auto-sparkle&pf_rd_r=09T7XNC32K2Q79E6Q6FB&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=421464001&pf_rd_i=pop%20up%20camping%20tent stand up for a weekend camping trip? I'm thinking probably not, but I'm hopeful as these are probably as much as I will be able to manage to put together. What am I getting myself into. I can't wait for this adventure to begin. I'm sure its going to be quite a comedy of errors once I get on site. [:D]

daintydimples -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 7:12:02 PM)
The coleman dome tent looks great, the orange/gray one with the fly. If you can afford the next larger size (the blue one), it's only 8 bucks more and would be substantially larger. But you know what your budget is. I would highly recommend an inflatable air mattress so you don' t have to sleep on the ground. I tent camp and always have, but that is my one concession to middle age. Plus they come in handy for overnight guests and such. Enjoy and have a great time !!

littlewonder -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 7:24:03 PM)
I have friends who want me to go camping with them next month. I'm only going if there's a hotel near them! ...already starts to feel itchy from the thought of bugs and no toilet or running water <cringe>.

LdyyR -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 7:38:03 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: daintydimples The coleman dome tent looks great, the orange/gray one with the fly. If you can afford the next larger size (the blue one), it's only 8 bucks more and would be substantially larger. But you know what your budget is. I would highly recommend an inflatable air mattress so you don' t have to sleep on the ground. I tent camp and always have, but that is my one concession to middle age. Plus they come in handy for overnight guests and such. Enjoy and have a great time !! I'm most deffinately will be getting an inflatable mattress, wouldn't leave home without one. [:)] ======================================================= Little wonder wrote: I have friends who want me to go camping with them next month. I'm only going if there's a hotel near them! ...already starts to feel itchy from the thought of bugs and no toilet or running water <cringe>. ======================================================== Believe me, I considered the nearby lodge, At first, I was going to make a reservation at the Inn nearby, but Its been a dream of mine to sleep on a beach before I become ashes to ashes dust to dust. I may end up running to the lodge at the first noise. I plan to be rubbed down in every type of homemade bug repellant imaginable. I'm more of a girly women, so this is going to be interesting. It's only for one to two nights. Oh and there are other facilities nearby for showering and such. I'm not going out into the deep wilderness in this lifetime. Please no one else post about the bad things, I'm trying to turn a blind eye to my future fate.

daintydimples -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 7:45:21 PM)
Some things I always pack with me: my own small flashlight, some hand sanitizer, really good insect repellent, lots of bottled water and a water sling to carry them.

DomMeinCT -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 7:48:18 PM)
If a tent says it's 4-person, it will be comfortable for 2. :) Choose a tent that has a full fly - one that reaches all the way to the ground all around the tent. Shorter flys will drip water onto the sides of the tent in a rainstorm and you can get leaks. Buy a can of seam sealer, set it up in your backyard before you go, and seal all the seams on the fly and tent, especially the seams along the floor of the tent. A cheap plastic tarp folded under your tent (about 2" shorter all around the floor) at your site will help the floor of the tent last a lot longer than one without. Many tents come with cheap metal stakes. Spend $5 and get a set of thick, heavy plastic stakes. While you're tent shopping, buy a cheap rubber mallet (for banging in the stakes) that has a hook at the end of the handle (for pulling stakes out of the ground).

LdyyR -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 7:49:48 PM)
quote: The coleman dome tent looks great, the orange/gray one with the fly. If you can afford the next larger size (the blue one), it's only 8 bucks more and would be substantially larger. But you know what your budget is. Oh gee, saw the words bugs and forgot to respond to what was asking info on. LOL So you think the Coleman dome tent will hold up ok for a camping trip? I don't have to spend $100+ to survive the evening elements and possible rain?

daintydimples -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 7:59:25 PM)
The orange and gray one looks like it has a rain fly. In any case, tents are built to withstand the elements. I wouldn't invest in an expensive tent until you know you like camping. Previous advice about from DominCT is spot on. Don't forget to stake your tent.

PyrotheClown -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 8:04:56 PM)
Tents are for Pussy's the only gear you really need is a coomfy worn coat fit nuff to die in ,a working zippo, some booze and maybe some water for chaser, and a really really large knife

LdyyR -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 8:11:16 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: DomMeinCT If a tent says it's 4-person, it will be comfortable for 2. :) Choose a tent that has a full fly - one that reaches all the way to the ground all around the tent. Shorter flys will drip water onto the sides of the tent in a rainstorm and you can get leaks. Rosa, Scratches head Buy a can of seam sealer, set it up in your backyard before you go, and seal all the seams on the fly and tent, especially the seams along the floor of the tent. A cheap plastic tarp folded under your tent (about 2" shorter all around the floor) at your site will help the floor of the tent last a lot longer than one without. Many tents come with cheap metal stakes. Spend $5 and get a set of thick, heavy plastic stakes. While you're tent shopping, buy a cheap rubber mallet (for banging in the stakes) that has a hook at the end of the handle (for pulling stakes out of the ground). Would a hammer do? I already have two of those. ================================== DomMeinCT, Thank you for the advice, very helpful info. I only became confused with the fly flip, flop thing. I'm sure I'll figure that out.

LdyyR -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 8:13:21 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: daintydimples The orange and gray one looks like it has a rain fly. In any case, tents are built to withstand the elements. I wouldn't invest in an expensive tent until you know you like camping. Previous advice about from DominCT is spot on. Don't forget to stake your tent. You've been very helpful, much appreciated.

daintydimples -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 8:15:42 PM)
Your very welcome, I hope you have a great time in the great outdoors.

LdyyR -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 8:17:29 PM)
[sm=biggrin.gif] In response to: Tents are for Pussy's the only gear you really need is a coomfy worn coat fit nuff to die in ,a working zippo, some booze and maybe some water for chaser, and a really really large knife

lovingpet -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 8:19:23 PM)
Let's see. First of all, you want that rubber mallet because it is lighter and had less liklihood of damaging the spikes. The rain fly is a separate piece to the tent that basically makes a cover over the tent. It usually attaches at the top of the tent in the center and at each corner of the tent (if it is a full sized one). It is there to keep water off the tent as much as possible. As for the worries about bug, tried and true Boy Scout method: Listerine sprayed around the periphery of the campsite. It doesn't work to spray it on you, however. No one knows why. Have fun! lovingpet

DomMeinCT -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 8:20:43 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: LdyyR quote: ORIGINAL: DomMeinCT If a tent says it's 4-person, it will be comfortable for 2. :) Choose a tent that has a full fly - one that reaches all the way to the ground all around the tent. Shorter flys will drip water onto the sides of the tent in a rainstorm and you can get leaks. Rosa, Scratches head Buy a can of seam sealer, set it up in your backyard before you go, and seal all the seams on the fly and tent, especially the seams along the floor of the tent. A cheap plastic tarp folded under your tent (about 2" shorter all around the floor) at your site will help the floor of the tent last a lot longer than one without. Many tents come with cheap metal stakes. Spend $5 and get a set of thick, heavy plastic stakes. While you're tent shopping, buy a cheap rubber mallet (for banging in the stakes) that has a hook at the end of the handle (for pulling stakes out of the ground). Would a hammer do? I already have two of those. ================================== DomMeinCT, Thank you for the advice, very helpful info. I only became confused with the fly flip, flop thing. I'm sure I'll figure that out. The fly is the sheet that is secured over the top of a tent. It helps shed water off of and away from your tent. A hammer is fine for pounding in stakes, but it's best if you have something to hook into and pull out the stakes....doing it with your bare hands is difficult.

FangsNfeet -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 8:26:02 PM)
Is this a weekend ordeal or something to last over a week? Time plays a role in what you should and shouldn't have at a beach camp out. I'm guessing you're leaving with friends who already have cooking supplies, fire/heat source, flash lights/lighting, and a food storage/cooler container. Just about any tent should do for you. Since this is a beach camp out, it'll be important to know how high the water rises during high tide. The location of your tent will be very important. You'll want to aviod sleeping on crab homes. Putting your tent on top of some wooden loading pallots is a good idea. Personal items: Flash Light, first aide kit, broom, baby wipes, sun block, battery powered fan, coconut rum, and minor essentials. I don't know how you plan on eating food. Will you be going out to eat, cooking store goods over a fire, or catching sea food? Whatever your means to eat are, it wouldn't hurt to bring some can goods, bottled water, powdered milk, cereal, beef jerky, and some nuts. This way, you know you're not going to starve to death. A cheap way to prevent clothes from getting unexpectently wet is to pack them in 2.5 gallon zip lock bags. Good luck on this adventure. I'm sure you'll have fun. Remember to give us all the details.

LdyyR -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 8:29:31 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: lovingpet Let's see. First of all, you want that rubber mallet because it is lighter and had less liklihood of damaging the spikes. The rain fly is a separate piece to the tent that basically makes a cover over the tent. It usually attaches at the top of the tent in the center and at each corner of the tent (if it is a full sized one). It is there to keep water off the tent as much as possible. As for the worries about bug, tried and true Boy Scout method: Listerine sprayed around the periphery of the campsite. It doesn't work to spray it on you, however. No one knows why. Have fun! lovingpet Makes good sense. I heard about the listerine and had been spraying it on myself just recently, wasn't sure if its been working on the body or not, but glad you mentioned that it may not work on the bod. No matter really, since I'm going to be buttered down in everything I can think of that I have seen listed and then some. Thank you for the wishes that I have fun. No matter what, I'm going to have fun.

hizgeorgiapeach -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 8:35:47 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: LdyyR I haven't camped since, well, um, since I was about 10 years of age. I'm going beach camping and since I haven't the slightest idea about tents and such, any advice would be appreciated. I was looking at those pop up tents anyone ever try one of those? Would these, http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link_6393752_5?ie=UTF8&node=267174011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=auto-sparkle&pf_rd_r=09T7XNC32K2Q79E6Q6FB&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=421464001&pf_rd_i=pop%20up%20camping%20tent stand up for a weekend camping trip? I'm thinking probably not, but I'm hopeful as these are probably as much as I will be able to manage to put together. What am I getting myself into. I can't wait for this adventure to begin. I'm sure its going to be quite a comedy of errors once I get on site. [:D] I camp FREQUENTLY (like.... every weekend that I can con someone into taking care of my dad for me, since he can't be left by himself), and could honestly recommend any of the tents on that particular page. Properly taken care of (put away in their bag when taken down, not put away wet from rain, set up at the begining of each camping season to be re-sprayed with a good water repellant) any of those can last you for several seasons. Make certain you stake the tent out properly, and check the ground where you plan to set it up Before you lay it out (and if you're smart - take a rake with you, to remove any twigs and large rocks from that specific area, it really comes in handy, and keeps the floor of your tent from death by accidental wooden staking - do NOT ask me how I know this, it was not a pretty death for a faithful tent.) Don't just check for sticks and rocks though - Check For Ants' Nests and Such as well! Whether the photo Shows it or not, I can't think of ANY tents that I've seen sold in the past 5 years that do Not come with a rain-fly, not even single person pup tents. For lighting, I would suggest a Coleman Electric Lantern - costs about $20 at WalMart, it runs on 4 D size batteries, but is rechargable, and comes with both a regular outlet plug and one that can be plugged into a car lighter/outlet - the light lasts for about 8 1/2 hours on High, or 16 hours if you are only using the really dim "night lite" feature that's part of it. As long as you set the tent up properly (read the directions and set the tent up once Prior to going on your camping trip, so you already know which tent pole goes where!) and put the rain-fly in place, you shouldn't have any problems with it holding up to the water. Main thing there is to make sure you do NOT place anything in Direct Contact with the sides of the tent. Things in contact with the tent cloth breaks the tension, which is what allows water to get in more easily. If nothing is in direct contact with the tent material, it maintains it's tension, and should suffer from no leaks as long as you put it up properly. Personally, I camp in all types of weather from sun to pouring rain to snow, and all seasons of the year from the mildest of springs to the deepest portions of winter to the hottest days of summer and the balmiest portions of fall. I Prefer to take a decent air mattress with me if I'm going to be spending a Lot of time camping - but I'm just as prone to simply throwing a couple of blankets, a sleeping bag and pillow, and some spare clothes in the car and heading to the lake. Be smart - take an Extra Blanket with you, and place it on the floor of the tent UNDER your air mattress - it will help prevent heat loss, which means you won't wake up shivering. (Yes, that can and Does happen even in the midst of summer if you're camping in the "right" areas!) (and btw, DMiCT - I figure if a tent says it sleeps 4, then it's barely adequate for 1 - but then, I camp by myself in a 15x17 that claims it sleeps 8 to 10, and it's barely adequate for myself and my gear when I go to SCA events..... that queen size pop up camp cot and air mattress takes up half the friggin floor space, and barely leaves enough room for my folding camp endtable that I use as a dressing table, the stool that I use with it, my clothes trunk, and the cooler that is Specifically for my booze for the event.... the cooler for Food is stored seperately, with my full camp kitchen that typically goes with me, under a 10x10 gazebo that has it's own removable walls.)

PyrotheClown -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 8:38:02 PM)
oh, and be sure to stalk up on plenty of pychotropic hallucingenics, nothing helps you get in touch with nature better then ten hits of acid and fifty milileters of norco............................

Irishknight -> RE: Tents, Camping (8/20/2009 8:43:27 PM)
I have camped in some pretty bad conditions in a dome tent similar to those in the link. You should be fine. I miss camping since its been 2 years since my last camping trip. I may have to break out the tent and get a camp site set up.

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