Author Topic: Camping equipment  (Read 5328 times)

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Offline Jeffy

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Camping equipment
« on: September 24, 2013, 11:52:37 PM »
Ok, what do you have and what do you recommend?  Tents, stoves, sleeping bags, etc...  Also tell us where you camp, the season and temps since that's important.  I've been out of the look for a long time and need new gear.
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JohnnyO

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Re: Camping equipment
« Reply #1 on: September 25, 2013, 08:45:18 AM »
Two dome tents (one for the wife since I snore), two air mattresses, two cheapo sleeping bags, Coleman propane stove, folding table, canopy for over the table, two canvas folding chairs, Coleman propane lantern, Weber Smokey Joe grill, 5 gal collapsable water carrier, two coolers, and most importantly a French press to make coffee.  Very energy efficient way to make coffee.  Mostly we just camp at the NASCAR and NHRA races at Bristol in a campground.

Offline jfrabat

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Re: Camping equipment
« Reply #2 on: September 25, 2013, 10:03:19 AM »
I have 3 dome tents;

One is a HUGE one (it's supposed to sleep something like 8 or 10, but it's the perfect size for 4 full inflatable mattresses with enough room in the middle for the gear and walking).  That one I bought at Walmart a while back.  It works great for hot weather, but I used it once in cold valley in Costa Rica, and we were FREEZING inside, as the cold air filtered in from the net on top (it got under the rain cover).  I use this one when I go camping with the kids and wife.

The second one is a normal dome tent; this one is a Coleman, and it's for warm weather as well (although it is a bit more sheltered from the cold than the other one).  This one I take in the Jeep when we are going on a more than one day trip.  You can fit to full size mattresses, but it is cramped if you do so (I don't mind cramped when wheeling, as you don't spend much time in the tent anyway).  I THINK it's this one, but not 100% sure on that one (color look about the same, though).

The third one is kind of my emergency tent, which I take on wheeling trips that are not supposed to last more than one day.  This one I bought at Wally World for about $8, and I don't really fit stretched out, and a full size mattress will not fit in it either, but, as I said, this is just to get me off the jeep's seat in case of emergency, and it takes VERY little space.

I also have a camping stove (gas), which works pretty well (bought it in Miami; it is a OEM type, and uses one of those gas cans that look kind of like spray paint cans), and a Coleman Cooking kit (one pan, two plates, two coffee mugs, and one pot).  They are stainless steel, IIRC, and all fit one inside the other, so they take up very little space, so I highly recommend this kit (I looked online, but it seems they don't sell them anymore).

I usually hang a Trasharoo on the back of the Jeep for the trash; this product I am very happy with, as it takes all the nasty stuff and keeps it securely but outside of the Jeep.  I also recommend this one (although a friend made one using mine as a guide and saved about $30; so if you sew, you can make your own).

If the trip is light, and we have the room, a friend of mine gave me a picnic kit, which is a box with plates, glasses and silverware, and enough room for all the food you rather not eat crushed (bread and such), but, to be honest, I have yet to use it (and I would not take it wheeling, as I would probably end up ruining it!).

Of course, the mandatory 4 inflatable air mattresses, two coolers (and Igloo one, and a fabric one I bought in a Miami Boat Show which is PERFECT for the Jeep!), two canvas folding chairs, 2 collapsible water carriers, 4 Wally World sleeping bags (one is a lightning McQueen one, one is a Cinderella one, and two are plain green), and a couple of tarps and some ropes which we typically use to make shelters by hanging them from trees (ropes are also used as clothes hangers to dry wet clothing; simply twist two strands together as tightly as possible, and stick the clothes between, and you don't need any clothes pins!).

As for where I have camped, it has always been in the hills around Panama and Costa Rica, with the exception of a couple of beaches thrown in for good measure (but ussually, I try to avoid beaches, as the sand is a real PITA, and, unless you have fresh water around - like a river or such - you end up all sticky from the salt).
'94 YJ 2.5L with 4" RE lift, Superwinch EPi9.0, FoMoCo e-Fan, SD30 and SD35 w/ARB-5.13, 165A alt., 33" BFG KM2 on 15" AR wheels, Sony sound system, Pavement Ends Hardtop, Hydroboost

Offline FourbangerYJ

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Re: Camping equipment
« Reply #3 on: September 25, 2013, 06:34:59 PM »
Coleman 4 person tent. (Walmart)
I bought some nice sleeping bags. One is a 15* backbacking so it packs up small. The other is a -20 bag for my daughter. It's also pretty small for it's size. I wanted some real cold rated bags since we mostly camp in the high Sierra's in the summer. It gets dang cold at 9000+ feet. It's better to have a bag that is to warm then one that is not warm enough! Spend the money on nice bags! The ones that are back pack friendly are also Jeep friendly.
Stove I use a single burner Coleman. The kind you screw on the propane bottle for it's base. It puts out a ton of heat and it's real small! I use it for boiling water mostly it puts out to much heat for simmering things IMO. Most of the meat cooking is done on the fire. IF I can't do that I bring a very small propane BBQ.
We use air mat's I don't like to sleep on the ground or those self inflating mat's.
Scott~

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Offline neale_rs

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Re: Camping equipment
« Reply #4 on: September 25, 2013, 08:18:05 PM »
X2 on getting good sleeping bags (down to between 5 and 15 at least).  Single burner Coleman stove works well.  Cheap tents seem to work plenty well.  Have had a few and you only might need to seal some seams a bit.  It's good to have big 5 gallon water containers for dry camps. 
'95 YJ, 33 x 12.5 mud tires, RE 4.5 ED lift, Atlas 4 speed, rear D44, ARBs front and rear, 4.56 gears, 8000# winch

Offline VA_YJ

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Re: Camping equipment
« Reply #5 on: September 26, 2013, 01:29:42 PM »
I am a Scout leader and have done a lot of car camping, backpacking, canoe camping, etc.  I have tons of gear.  The best gear really depends on the type of camping and the climates that you'll be camping in.  It also depends on how much you want to spend - Atlas II or Terralow vs. camping gear????  Can you provide a little detail on what your plans are?  That would help with recommendations.
95 YJ, 31 BFG ATs, 4.0 TB & spacer, Banks header, DynoMax CAT back, 19# inj, AEM CAI, 20 gal mod, Optima yellow
98 TJ, 35 BFG Krawlers, 4.0 liter, ax15, atlas 5:1, armor, Super 88 (under construction)
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Offline Jeffy

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Re: Camping equipment
« Reply #6 on: September 26, 2013, 02:25:44 PM »
I think I'll probably only need 3-season gear.  I don't think we'll be camping in the snow.  I have an old synthetic mummy bag from my scouting days but I'm sure there are better now.  I forget what it is actually.

I'd also like to get a stove.  When I was at Yosemite, they didn't allow camp fires because of the extreme fire level.  So you're stuck with propane or gas.  I know the old multi-fuel Colmans were popular and still are but are there better?

Tent.  There's two of us.  I hate small tents though.  I think a 3-4 man tent is a lot better.  Means you can store your gear inside.  Though I will have a vehicle near by.  I've actually looked into roof top tents.  I'd like to eventually get an ARB tent though.  A good 4-person tent isn't that much less.  Although there are some tents that are inexpensive yet still pretty good, too.  Might be a stopgap.

I don't mind spending more if it's good gear.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZNlr60GXH5OlKIFrT7P6mg
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"If the motor car were invented today, there is absolutely no way that any government in the world would let normal members of the public drive one."

Offline jfrabat

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Re: Camping equipment
« Reply #7 on: September 26, 2013, 02:46:05 PM »
I think I'll probably only need 3-season gear.  I don't think we'll be camping in the snow.  I have an old synthetic mummy bag from my scouting days but I'm sure there are better now.  I forget what it is actually.

I'd also like to get a stove.  When I was at Yosemite, they didn't allow camp fires because of the extreme fire level.  So you're stuck with propane or gas.  I know the old multi-fuel Colmans were popular and still are but are there better?

Tent.  There's two of us.  I hate small tents though.  I think a 3-4 man tent is a lot better.  Means you can store your gear inside.  Though I will have a vehicle near by.  I've actually looked into roof top tents.  I'd like to eventually get an ARB tent though.  A good 4-person tent isn't that much less.  Although there are some tents that are inexpensive yet still pretty good, too.  Might be a stopgap.

I don't mind spending more if it's good gear.


If you don't mind spending the dough, go for the ARB tent.  I have seen them on other rigs in the trail, and they are just wicked, and you can set them and close them really fast.  not to mention there is much less chance of getting leaks from the bottom of the tent, and that you will be in dry ground regardless where you camp!
'94 YJ 2.5L with 4" RE lift, Superwinch EPi9.0, FoMoCo e-Fan, SD30 and SD35 w/ARB-5.13, 165A alt., 33" BFG KM2 on 15" AR wheels, Sony sound system, Pavement Ends Hardtop, Hydroboost

Offline Jeffy

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Re: Camping equipment
« Reply #8 on: September 26, 2013, 05:13:38 PM »
If you don't mind spending the dough, go for the ARB tent.  I have seen them on other rigs in the trail, and they are just wicked, and you can set them and close them really fast.  not to mention there is much less chance of getting leaks from the bottom of the tent, and that you will be in dry ground regardless where you camp!
I'll still probably get a regular 4-person tent though.  The ARB would require some savings.  Strange thing is that there are more expensive roof top tents.  I was shocked to see a $3k tent.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZNlr60GXH5OlKIFrT7P6mg
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"If the motor car were invented today, there is absolutely no way that any government in the world would let normal members of the public drive one."

Offline FourbangerYJ

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Re: Camping equipment
« Reply #9 on: September 26, 2013, 09:11:39 PM »
I think I'll probably only need 3-season gear.  I don't think we'll be camping in the snow.  I have an old synthetic mummy bag from my scouting days but I'm sure there are better now.  I forget what it is actually.

I'd also like to get a stove.  When I was at Yosemite, they didn't allow camp fires because of the extreme fire level.  So you're stuck with propane or gas.  I know the old multi-fuel Colmans were popular and still are but are there better?

Tent.  There's two of us.  I hate small tents though.  I think a 3-4 man tent is a lot better.  Means you can store your gear inside.  Though I will have a vehicle near by.  I've actually looked into roof top tents.  I'd like to eventually get an ARB tent though.  A good 4-person tent isn't that much less.  Although there are some tents that are inexpensive yet still pretty good, too.  Might be a stopgap.

I don't mind spending more if it's good gear.


I have a Coleman dual fuel 2 burner. Burns the Coleman fuel or unleaded. I have not used it in many years. It's kind of bulky and it does not put out near as much heat as the propane single burner I use. Plus the single takes up way less room and is a snap to put up and take down. Plus a bottle of propane lasts a real long time.
I like my 4 man tent. Plenty of room for air mats, plus room for some gear. Not quite tall enough to stand up in, but it's not like we are dancing in there. Plus it has the right size to find a good level site.
Scott~

Using tools you have not used in a while is like shaking hands with old friends. :nod:

Offline Jeffy

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Re: Camping equipment
« Reply #10 on: September 26, 2013, 10:42:43 PM »
I have a Coleman dual fuel 2 burner. Burns the Coleman fuel or unleaded. I have not used it in many years. It's kind of bulky and it does not put out near as much heat as the propane single burner I use. Plus the single takes up way less room and is a snap to put up and take down. Plus a bottle of propane lasts a real long time.
I like my 4 man tent. Plenty of room for air mats, plus room for some gear. Not quite tall enough to stand up in, but it's not like we are dancing in there. Plus it has the right size to find a good level site.
Yeah, those colman 2 burners don't make that much heat.  Two 7000 btu burners.  The PerfectFlow makes 2x 10,000 btu's.  Not sure what other companies are out there.  I don't really want to carry a huge propane tank though.  They also have a dual-fuel single burner that's 10,000 btu.  As muck as I'd like a Jetboil, I think they're too small.
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"If the motor car were invented today, there is absolutely no way that any government in the world would let normal members of the public drive one."

Offline Mozman68

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Re: Camping equipment
« Reply #11 on: September 27, 2013, 06:50:15 AM »
While I hate shopping there, I have bought all my camping gear at Walmart. My tent is a "cabin" that sleeps 6-8?  I love having a swinging door and the ability to stand up and change.
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Offline FourbangerYJ

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Re: Camping equipment
« Reply #12 on: September 27, 2013, 08:32:06 AM »
Yeah, those colman 2 burners don't make that much heat.  Two 7000 btu burners.  The PerfectFlow makes 2x 10,000 btu's.  Not sure what other companies are out there.  I don't really want to carry a huge propane tank though.  They also have a dual-fuel single burner that's 10,000 btu.  As muck as I'd like a Jetboil, I think they're too small.
I use the 1 pound bottles. That's what makes the base for my stove. Lasts a long time. Nothing to prime or worry about fuel left over in the tank when your trip is done.
http://www.coleman.com/product/perfectflow-1-burner-propane-stove/2000010642?contextCategory=2010#.UkWWsNK08zI

Looks like the price has gone way up. I got mine at Walmart for $20.00
Scott~

Using tools you have not used in a while is like shaking hands with old friends. :nod:

Offline neale_rs

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Re: Camping equipment
« Reply #13 on: September 27, 2013, 08:57:35 AM »
I use the 1 pound bottles. That's what makes the base for my stove. Lasts a long time. Nothing to prime or worry about fuel left over in the tank when your trip is done.
http://www.coleman.com/product/perfectflow-1-burner-propane-stove/2000010642?contextCategory=2010#.UkWWsNK08zI

Looks like the price has gone way up. I got mine at Walmart for $20.00

Also have one of those, works very well.
'95 YJ, 33 x 12.5 mud tires, RE 4.5 ED lift, Atlas 4 speed, rear D44, ARBs front and rear, 4.56 gears, 8000# winch

Offline jfrabat

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Re: Camping equipment
« Reply #14 on: September 27, 2013, 10:08:50 AM »
The one I use is one of these (not the same brand or color,, but you get the idea):



As I mentioned, gas bottles are about the size of a spray paint can, so they are easy to carry, and last at least a couple of days camping.
'94 YJ 2.5L with 4" RE lift, Superwinch EPi9.0, FoMoCo e-Fan, SD30 and SD35 w/ARB-5.13, 165A alt., 33" BFG KM2 on 15" AR wheels, Sony sound system, Pavement Ends Hardtop, Hydroboost