How to Choose Basic Camping Gear
When it comes to choosing camping gear and equipment use the same basic advice as when buying a canoe. Don't be cheap. Budgeting on camping gear could mean the difference between being comfortable or miserable while in the outdoors. You don't have to buy the most expensive camping gear on the market, but certainly don't settle for the cheapest. When choosing camping gear you first need to know the type of weather you will be camping in. Below is a list of basic camping gear you'll need to get started. Check out our camping and canoeing gear coupons.
Sleeping bags start out at 60$ and can range up to several hundred dollars for extreme condition usage. When shopping for a sleeping bag you need to consider what type of climate you'll be exposed to. Temperature ratings are a consideration when choosing your sleeping bag and range from -40 to 40 degrees. Purchasing a sleeping bag with the wrong temperature rating could mean an uncomfortable camping experience or even a dangerous situation. And if you try buy cheap you may only get a one or two seasons of use because cheap zippers and seams can tear easily even under normal usage. Look for solid stitching and a heavy duty zipper. Discounted camping and canoeing gear coupons.
Tents begin pricing at around 100$ and range up to 600$. There are many sizes and types to choose from but the one major consideration is to purchase something that is easy to set-up after a long day of paddling. Some canoe campers use smaller dome style tents for the quick assembly and efficient packing while other make the extra effort to use multi-room family sized tents for the added space. Be sure to look for a tent with sealed seams, double stitching, roof ventilation, and with a waterproof fly that covers the entire tent. The dome tent is an essential piece of camping gear. Discounted camping and canoeing gear coupons.
Stoves range in price from 20$ on up. You have the choice of a single, double or multi burners and cast iron griddles. And you have the choice of propane or white gas burning models. If cooking only for one or two people the double burner offers more flexibility. If you are cooking for a group you definitely want at least a double or triple burner. Fuel type is a consideration. White gas, or Coleman fuel, burns hotter but can take longer to get started. Propane is very easy and reliable but you may have to carry along an extra propane tank. Discounted camping and canoeing gear coupons.
Cookware and utensils are probably the only category of camping gear where going cheap isn't such a bad idea. For several hundred dollars you can buy complete cookware kits that include the kitchen sink. But when canoe camping your need to pack light - so the sink is out. You can avoid the expense of cookware by going to the local discount store and purchasing cheap pot and pans. By going cheap you will not mind so much when you lose or ruin a pot or pan. Discounted camping and canoeing gear coupons.
Dry bags are camping gear worth the extra expense. If you are doing an extended paddling trip keeping your clothes dry is mandatory. Dry bags begin at a few dollars and can cost up to 150$. You don't need to spend 150$ on a dry bag but certainly don't settle for the cheapest. The last thing you want is for your dry bag to puncture on a trip. A quality bag will last many times longer and keep your clothes dry in almost any situation. Discounted camping and canoeing gear coupons.
Coolers come in plastic and steel. There is no real right or wrong in choosing type except that you should buy something sturdy. Make sure the latches, handles and hinges are heavy duty construction and make sure the cooler is the hard type because it'll most certainly be used as a table or bench. Discounted camping and canoeing gear coupons.