Tent camping essentials

[jethreauxdawg]

My kids have really been wanting to tent camp. I got a large Coleman tent based off Amazon reviews, and waterproofing spray, and a taro to lay in the ground under the tent. What else do I need besides extreme levels of patience? I will be camping in campgrounds this fall where I can park right next to the tent, so weight is not a concern. What kind of sleeping bag should I get? I’m expecting to camp when overnight lows are in the 50’s. Are those sleeping pads good enough for under the bag, or should I stick with an air mattress. What other gear do y’all consider essential?

 

[aTotal360]

First of all, what kind of camping are you doing? Are you pulling up the truck and dumping 2 tons of gear next to some flat ground OR are you hiking a handful of miles and making your own campsite? That dictates this conversation. Based on the fact you said kids are involved, I'm going with "B".

First things first, take care of yourself. The kids will be fine. What I mean by that is buy yourself a high quality inflatable mattress/pad or even a cot. Especially if you are doing 3+ nights. Youngans can sleep on a folding table and be fine. Adults think they can, but they can't.

Here's my list of things I can't live with when I hike (this list changes depending on if I'm casual or spike camping):
1) my titanium flash Jetboil for cooking
2) Sea to Summit cookware and utensils
3) Petzl headlamp
4) Big Agnes sleeping bag
5) Big Agnes or Alps Mountaineering air mattress
6) Backpackers Pantry beef strokingoff and beef shepards stew
7) Zippo AxeSaw

Hilleberg the Tentmaker was a client of mine for years so I had the advantage of getting super high quality tents for free. My take on on tents is a simple one, if you are truck camping, its doesn't matter what you use. If you are doing expedition style stuff, it matters.

 

[MtPigsmore]

Once you use an air mattress you will never go back to pads. It's actually a gateway drug making the switch. After using an air mattress I swore to never go back to ground. Then we bought a pop up which made the air mattress seem awful. Finally we switched to an Airstream because not having an onsite bathroom was a pain. Tread lightly...

Bring firewood as well. It can be fun to scavenge your own near the campsite, but the unknown is how wet the wood is and the available supply.

If your camping at a state park or somewhere where there is more campers bring your kids bikes. They always manage to form a bike gang with nearby kids.

 

[woozman]

The thermarest pads are great if you’re hiking or canoe camping and have limited storage space. But if you’re going to be truck camping go with the air mattress. If you are going to buy new sleeping bags, I’d go with 30 degree ones to give you some versatility (when you use them when it’s warmer, you can take a sheet to cover up).

Other essentials off the top of my head: flashlights, stove, cast iron skillet, hatchet, bug spray, sun screen, cooler for food and water, some sort of fire starter, lighter or matches, trash bags, and if you’re truck camping - pillows. And if you’re going to be at a state or national campground take some red solo cups to put your beer in.

Since your kids are going, I’d also get stuff for s’mores and my kid’s like to run around with glow sticks at night. Have fun!

ETA: Pigsmore has some good advice on the firewood and bikes. Get the stuff on 360’s list if you plan to take your kids to the summit of K2, lol...

 

[Maroonbulldog]

Hammock> tent

Get a hammock for yourself and let kids have the tent. Your back will thank you.



Been involved scouting As an adult since my son was in cub scouts- A $40 Coleman Cot from Walmart works as well. But.... once I tried a hammock- I haven’t gone back. Zero pressure on your back and an incredible sleep

 

[BlueRidgeMtns]

Eno hammock ... and you can A frame a tarp over it if it's raining. You'll love it, your kids will love it.

 

[mstateglfr]

The camping you will do is great with kids and is close enough to reality to make overpacking easy, so watch out.

I use inflatable sleep pads from Thermarest and ALPS, but there are tons more quality brands- REI, Sea to Summit, etc. These are great for rolling down to a small cylinder and not weighing too much.
If its straight car camping, buy some cheap $20 single size air mattresses for each of you as there is no need to spend money to save weight/space.

Bring some fire starter to easily start camp fires. The little bricks of wood shavings in sap or whatever are great since they break off easily and simply arent lighter fluid.

Sleeping bags are a shitshow. First, the temp listed is basically the lowest the temp outside can be for you to not be so uncomfortably cold that you sleep in the car. If its a 40deg bag, it isnt comfortable at 40 or even 50. Its probably chilly at 60 even. This also depends on if you sleep cool or warm as everyone is different. I prefer layers. I have a thin summer bag and a cheap thin fleece bag too that can be added if needed. The mummy style bag is great for hiking. For you, get some large rectangle bags as they are more comfortable. Or save money and just bring some blankets since there isnt a weight or space issue.

Make a firm rule that foot coverings(shoes, sandals, flip flops, etc) stay out of the tent. Take em off before entering the tent every time. It keeps the tent cleaner and dry.

Make another firm rule that the doors stay zipped at all times. Bugs find their way into a tent even in the best of circumstances and its super annoying to hear mosquitoes flying into your ear canal as you try to lay quietly with kids next to you.




Pack snacks and whatnot in a big cooler. A big production meal is great and should be done for dinner, but it takes time and can be tough to store leftovers. Snacks dont have that issue.
Your comment about patience is spot on. If its all new to them, the experience influences how they perceive the activity, so keeping it positive and accomplishable gives them good memories and increases the odds that they want to do it in the future.

 

[EngDawg]

One thing to keep in the front of your mind when buying sleeping bags, the temperature advertised is, in most cases, the survival temperature not the comfort temperature. My understanding is that you should figure a comfort temperature of 20-30 degrees higher than the temperature listed on the bag.

 

[Hugh's Burner Phone]

 

[EagleDawg97]

Do not try and sleep on the ground, either get an air mattress or a hammock period.

Smaller single air mattress work best, as if you are on a queen air mattress every time the other person moves you will feel it and move with them.

My wife wants the security of a tent, so me and her normally do a tent with individual air mattresses. Kids sleep in Enos hanging in the trees around the campsite.

Jetboil is a very cool little stove, and mine will make a cup of coffee in less than 3 minutes.

With kids a favorite dinner is Hobo packets. Basically cut up potatoes, sausage, other veggies, onions, peppers and other meats. Let each person build their own tin foil packet with what they want in it, and their own spices. Lay them in the edge of the fire or on a hot grill and in 30 minutes you have the camping equivalent of a TV dinner with almost no cleanup.

 

[Bulldog Bruce]

Air mattress is fine but I prefer the folding cot.
View attachment 17324
If you are at a site with electricity outlets, bring a fan and we got to were we bring a small dorm room fridge instead of having to deal with the ice.

 

[Dawg1979]

Eno hammock ... and you can A frame a tarp over it if it's raining. You'll love it, your kids will love it.

Best advice. Tents suck. you will get wet if it rains. sleep in an Eno one night, if set up correctly, and you may get rid of your bed at home. you don't need the fancy rain fly they sell, get a tarp and A frame it above you. Get the double nest, but you will be the only one in it. big and roomy, but not for sleeping two people.

another option if using a tent, go buy a few $5 inflatable pool floats. each kid gets one, blow them up, sleeping bag on top, let air out when done camping, throw away if you want, or save. there cheap, its ok.

 

[aTotal360]

Cots are severely underrated if you are truck camping. I actually have a TentCot that is the balls. It’s heavy as hell, but if you are driving in all you stuff, it’s awesome. They make a big boy version too.

 

[Shamoan]

Food: heat source (electric eye, jetboil, coleman propane) with sturdy cooking platform (clean thoroughly after EVERY use)
Bedding: Careful with temp ratings on sleeping bags. if you plan on a 50 degree night, get at least a 32 degree bag. I prefer a cot, but there are lots of back support options.
Lighting: flashlights (at least 2) of good quality and maybe a headlamp. some flashlights convert into lanterns, which can be very helpful.
Misc: a couple of fire starting options (matches AND lighters), a reliable knive and a sturdy axe (if you plan on making a fire), playing cards and blue tooth speaker for entertainment.


Tip: make sure your tent is dew free before you pack it back up.

 

[o_LandDawg]

Im assuming your truck camping...meaning you will pull into your designated, numbered site and unload right there. You should have a flat-ish area to set up tent. Most campgrounds also have a designated fire ring and picnic table, maybe even a grill.

Adults: 1) fire starter sticks
2) a small butane or propane burner to easily heat water, coffee or a small pot/pan. when i truck camp and weight isnt a concern, I take a 2 burner coleman that weighs about 4-5 lbs. 1 small propane bottle lasts 2-3 days unless cooking every meal on it
3) some sort of air mattress or sleeping pad (the biggest you can get away with in your tent and everybody else still has room).
4) adult beverages
5) check the campground regs on firewood. Most make you have heat treated wood. Most have it for purchase on site and some even have it free, especially if a storm has come through and they had to cut up lots of trees.
6) The initial investment can be expensive for everything you need. For your style of camping, you dont have to have the highest quality products. Academy Sports has a great selection and good prices.

For the kids: 1) bikes.
2) appropriate clothing for all possible weather scenarios
3) snacks. snacks/fruits/sandwiches will be breakfast and lunch and everything in between. We usually do big dinner.
4) hammock
Camping is an excellent time to teach kids about lots of things. Enjoy it. Its my fondest memory growing up. My wife and i have recently gotten back into it and are venturing a more into the backcountry/backwoods hiking and camping.

 

[SirBarksalot]

Borrow as much as you can until you know how much you’ll actually be going.

REI garage sales are good places to find gear at a bargain, but they aren’t doing them right now.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

You definitely want to have tables. Probably two of them if you have a family. Two fold out tables will work. I can't tell you how important tables are to put stuff on. You can never have too many tables.

Also:
-Multiple coolers and make sure they work
-Lots of blankets so ground isn't so hard
-Chairs
-Burner stove top with propane attachments
-Pots and Pans
-Hammocks are nice if you're camping in the woods
-Flashlights/Lamps
-Store your food in a big plastic container with a lid
-Pop up tent/Easy Up
-Twine
-Knife
-Plates and utentcils
-FIRE WOOD
-Lighter
-Grill
-Inflatable couch is a nice touch
-Towels
-Cleaning supplies
-First Aid kit

 

[woozman]

Best advice. Tents suck. you will get wet if it rains. sleep in an Eno one night.

My $189 tent doesn’t leak ever because the rain fly goes all the way to the ground. I’ve paid much more for tents in the past and this is the best one I’ve ever owned: https://www.alpsbrands.com/alpsmountaineering/products/tents/zephyr-3

I have 3 Enos and love them to lounge around during the day, but if the mosquitoes are bad - give me the tent all day...

My son and I went to a Cub Scout camp at Camp Tiak last year and it absolutely poured down all night. It was a 2-night camp out and several people left after the first night because all their gear was soaked. One guy next to me was literally wringing out his sleeping bags and throwing them in his truck. We didn’t have one drop of water in our tent. His tent was a $50 Wal Mart special with just a small rain fly to cover the mesh on the top...

 

[Shmuley]

You can survive 2 days of about anything.

 

[johnson86-1]

Best advice. Tents suck. you will get wet if it rains. sleep in an Eno one night, if set up correctly, and you may get rid of your bed at home. you don't need the fancy rain fly they sell, get a tarp and A frame it above you. Get the double nest, but you will be the only one in it. big and roomy, but not for sleeping two people.

another option if using a tent, go buy a few $5 inflatable pool floats. each kid gets one, blow them up, sleeping bag on top, let air out when done camping, throw away if you want, or save. there cheap, its ok.

Where do y ou camp where you don't get eaten up by bugs sleeping outside of a tent?

 

[Shamoan]

i got this one not too long ago. middle aged, id just rather have something i can stand up in.

 

[Jeffreauxdawg]

Some of you camp better than I house.

View attachment 17325

 

[woozman]

You definitely want to have tables. Probably two of them if you have a family. Two fold out tables will work. I can't tell you how important tables are to put stuff on. You can never have too many tables.

Also:
-Multiple coolers and make sure they work
-Lots of blankets so ground isn't so hard
-Chairs
-Burner stove top with propane attachments
-Pots and Pans
-Hammocks are nice if you're camping in the woods
-Flashlights/Lamps
-Store your food in a big plastic container with a lid
-Pop up tent/Easy Up
-Twine
-Knife
-Plates and utentcils
-FIRE WOOD
-Lighter
-Grill
-Inflatable couch is a nice touch
-Towels
-Cleaning supplies
-First Aid kit

This is a great list, but I disagree on the multiple tables unless he has some on hand already and the room to take them. It sounds like he’ll be going to an improved camp site so there will be a concrete picnic style table for prepping food and eating...

 

[Mjoelner]

Will you have cell service where you are camping? If not, a radio may be a good idea.

As far as sleeping bags, I ditched them years ago. Way too constraining for me. I use a cot or air mattress with a sheet, quilt and wool blanket depending on the temperature. No problem hibernating comfortably with sleet on the ground and a low of 22. But, I keep my bedroom like a freezer anyway so I'm used to that.

If your campground has electrical hookups, I'd bring an extension cord and box fan if camping in the summer. If not, I'd get a couple of the battery powered fans. But, as I said above, the colder the better for me. You may not want or need a fan at 50 degrees.

Also, if the campgrounds you are in have bath houses, bring soap, towels and shower shoes (flipflops/watershoes). And, bring cordage to hang your towels on for drying.

 

[CreekFishin]

If there is a chance of rain, try a screened shelter if the state parks in your area have them. Usually about double the cost of a tent spot but worth it at times. Unlike a cabin you still feel like you're camping. Those things have saved a few weekends from total washouts for me.

 

[Bulldog Bruce]

I forgot an important one. get a screen house to go over the picnic table. It is so nice if you don't like to have flies and mosquitoes bother you while you eat.

View attachment 17326

 

[MarkDallas]

Here's my list of things I can't live with when I hike (this list changes depending on if I'm casual or spike camping):
1) my titanium flash Jetboil for cooking
2) Sea to Summit cookware and utensils
3) Petzl headlamp
4) Big Agnes sleeping bag
5) Big Agnes or Alps Mountaineering air mattress
6) Backpackers Pantry beef strokingoff and beef shepards stew
7) Zippo AxeSaw

Say what now? I think we are talking about different campgrounds.

 

[fishwater99]

You definitely want to have tables. Probably two of them if you have a family. Two fold out tables will work. I can't tell you how important tables are to put stuff on. You can never have too many tables.

Also:
-Multiple coolers and make sure they work (One for raw meats and food, one for ice and drinks)
-Lots of blankets so ground isn't so hard
-Chairs
-Burner stove top with propane attachments https://www.rei.com/product/883483/coleman-triton-propane-2-burner-stove
-Pots and Pans
-Hammocks are nice if you're camping in the woods https://www.rei.com/product/754773/eno-doublenest-hammock
-Flashlights/Lamps
-Store your food in a big plastic container with a lid
-Pop up tent/Easy Up - (Get a good tent - if it rains you will be glad you did)
-Twine
-Knife
-Plates and utentcils
-FIRE WOOD
-Lighter
-Grill
-Inflatable couch is a nice touch
-Towels
-Cleaning supplies
-First Aid kit

Good list for car camping.

I will add these.

Landing or Pacco Pad https://www.outdoorplay.com/AIRE-Landing-Pad?custcol_size=3

Roll-a-cot or a good cot https://www.camptime.com/collections/cots/products/wide-roll-a-cot

If you have money to spend get a roof top tent. https://www.rei.com/product/174367/thule-tepui-explorer-autana-3-tent

Folding table https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstay...ld-in-Half-Folding-Table-Rich-Black/332542372

Power supply to charge electronics https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Port...ocphy=9028784&hvtargid=pla-473476596395&psc=1

 

[woozman]

Based on all of our advice in this thread, OP would spend less money taking the kids to a condo for the weekend...

 

[mstateglfr]

Some of you camp better than I house.

Truth. The word 'camping' is quite ranging and its used quite liberally so far in this thread. But it gets families together and kids outside so 17 it- whatever works is cool.

 

[mstateglfr]

Best advice. Tents suck. you will get wet if it rains.

? what tents have you used in the past? Ive been thru at least a couple dozen nights of rain inside a tent and havent gotten wet. Everything from a pretty basic 4 person Eureka with only a partial rain fly to a nicer ALPS 2 person with full rail fly to a great REI quarter dome.

Are you getting wet because seams arent sealed or because you put your tent at the bottom of a hill and its pooling from underneath?

 

[dorndawg]

Exactly how I've always felt about camping. It sounds great... for other people.

 

[hdogg]

Right, you don't need tables. I've been taking the kids camping for almost 10 years and never bring extra tables - just use the picnic table that comes w/ the site and you just need one.
Speaking of overpacking : inflatable couch. Too much setup time, takes away from relaxation or outdoor time. I've seen some camp setups where it looks like they brought the whole kitchen, which looks cool to some people, but makes me wonder whey they didn't just stay home.
Also, overpacking makes it worse because you have to pack it all out the next day.

As for air mattress vs sleeping pads, I think pads are fine. Air mattress classifies as overpacking for me, and every time somebody moves on an air mattress, the whole family moves.
We did add a cot to our supplies a few years ago, and i do get the appeal to that. However since I'm fine w/ a sleeping pad and not overpacking, the cot is for wife and I just sleep on a pad. You can sleep under the cot, to make more space in the tent, like a bunk-bed situation.
Disclaimer : I also do 5-7 day backpacking trips every year, so sleeping on a pad has become familiar enough to where I'm comfortable.

Aside from that I'd say this is a great list.
Maybe add something to cook SMores on.

 

[Mjoelner]

I go from full-on comfort to bare necessities. When camping for leisure, my truck is packed with all the luxuries I can carry. When camping for my hobby of shooting civil war artillery, I have a 9' X 7' white canvas A-frame tent, a candle lantern and a wooden chair. I still use the air mattress though. But, we have a couple of brothers (both in their 60's) in our group who still go hardcore period. They sleep on quilts on the ground in dog tents.

When we went to Gettysburg for the 155th reenactment, we slept under a tarp for a night at a KOA in Virginia on the way up. At Gettysburg, we stayed in a modern campground (Little Roundtop) since we were there for over a week. We still had a couple of guys in their A-frames but the rest of us stayed in the white tent and my 10X20 tailgating pop-up with M-State sides up. For a week's stay of wearing wool everyday during the summer it was worth it for the hot showers, flushing toilets and ice cream sold at the camp store. By the end of the week, I'm sure there was some tired, sore, stinking people period-camping at that battlefield site.
View attachment 17327View attachment 17328

 

[fishwater99]

Based on all of our advice in this thread, OP would spend less money taking the kids to a condo for the weekend...

If it's just one weekend, then maybe so. Camping is a lifestyle, you have to go multiple times each year to get your money's worth.
Trust me, Rafting is more expensive to get into.
If you enjoy the outdoors, nothing is better than to spend time with your children in the great outdoors.
You can not put a price on the life experiences they will have.

 

[hdogg]

Yeah exactly.
I have 4 boxes of camp stuff in the garage - but one is for camel-backs and old-stuff in case I ever need it again, and another is back-country overnight specific.
So basically I have 2 boxes of stuff, not counting the tent, coolers, and food. Well then the wife and kids bring pillows and blankets, but those aren't mine!
And like somebody else posted - worst case, you can survive for 2 days without anything.

 

[stateu1]

nothing is better than to spend time with your children in the great outdoors.

What about teaching them to dunk?**

 

[Dawg1979]

Air mattress is fine but I prefer the folding cot.
View attachment 17324
If you are at a site with electricity outlets, bring a fan and we got to were we bring a small dorm room fridge instead of having to deal with the ice.

a dorm room fridge?? he's camping, not quilting. come on. be a man and struggle with keeping stuff cold. part of the fun of camping is figuring things out and relying on what little bit of knowledge you've learned unknowingly along the way.

 

[MSUCE99]

I know the OP said he just bought a big tent, so I'd recommend a folding cot for the grownups to sleep on. I have tried them all. Foam pad, Big Agnes inflatable pad, queen sized air mattress shared with wife, and XL cot. I listed them in increasing order of comfort.

If you hadn't already bought a tent, the most comfortable camping sleep I have found is an 11' camping hammock. (not an Eno, but a cottage vendor like Warbonnet Outdoors or Dutchware). These come with integrated bugnets. You are up off the ground so if it rains, water isn't trying to run through your tent. You can sit up and you're at sitting level getting out of your hammock, not lying on the ground which for me feels extremely vulnerable. Throw a tarp or rainfly over you if there is a chance of rain, or watch the stars if it's clear. No hotspots or pressure points from lying on the ground, a hammock will support you with equal pressure from your head to your feet. Watch some "shugemery" hammock videos on Youtube. Advice I would give would be, if you are hammocking in the summer in MS, spray your hammock with permethrin to keep mosquitos from biting you through the fabric as you sleep.

Depending on the season you are camping, you might consider a Thermacell or screenhouse as mentioned above.

Cookware, utensils, plates, drinks. A comfortable camp chair or bag chair to sit in. (if you have a hammock, this could double as your lounge chair during the day).

My kids have come up through scouts so I've spent a lot of time with them camping. You can bring whatever you think they'll want to play with, but they might just start playing with a stick. Or building a fort out of sticks and leaves. Who knows.

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

Don't go over board on gear initially. Check FB market place, Craigslist and yard sales and slowly add gear. As you're getting the hang of it, make your first few excursions close and near a Walmart. Figure out what you need as you go, unless you're going deep off grid, over planing can ruin it and make you spend too much money before you figure out how often you will camp and what type of camping you will do. Hammocks sounds great, but they are not comfortable for some. A cheap blow up air mattress or cot is likely best for most. Copious amounts of bug spray is essential, also treat your clothing, gear, shoes, etc., with permethrin (tick borne diseases are becoming more prevalent).