Getting good camping gear can be more difficult than finding a needle in a haystack. Everyone who sells sports equipment has the basics, but few have people on staff who can help you find what you need at a price you can afford. Searching online can be just as tricky: you can’t see what you’re getting until it’s too late. The best way to get what you need is to know exactly what it is BEFORE you start your search.
TENTS
There is a tent for all seasons, but not all tents are suitable for all seasons. In other words, you need to know when you’ll be camping before you buy your tent. You should purchase a tent in preparation for the worst weather you may face.
Summer tents are usually lightweight and have good ventilation. It is specifically for warm weather camping.
3-season tents are more open with zippered mesh panels for ventilation in warmer weather. They are designed for use in spring, summer and fall in temperate areas. Although they can do a good job of protecting against wind and rain, they are not designed to withstand the weight of snow.
4 season tents are for serious winter campers. They are stronger and can withstand strong winds and the weight of snow. They don’t offer as much mesh for ventilation (a HUGE factor when it comes to hot weather camping) and are usually the more expensive varieties of tents.
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
How you’re going to cook will probably depend on whether you’re walking to your camp destination or driving to it. A camp stove can be rough if you go hiking. Cooking over an open fire doesn’t have to be that difficult if you have the right cookware for the job.
Open flame cooking is usually done with a rack or grill (to give you a surface to place your cookware on). The best cookware is cast iron. It’s not lightweight, so if you have to walk to the site, you should carry as few pieces as possible. This kitchen gadget can take whatever you throw at it. Be sure to season it properly before using it.
SLEEPING BAGS
When it comes to a warm and comfortable night’s sleep, down offers the best weight to weight ratio. The downside is that if it gets wet it will take forever to dry and will weigh a ton when dry. Synthetic fill (or waterproof down) is the best choice if you think you might encounter water (condensation or dew). Get a bag rated for 10 degrees COOLER than you expect to find.
This is just the beginning, but it will get you started. The more you camp, the more time you’ll want to spend finding the best gear for your trip (and probably the more money, too). Keep in mind that you’ll probably use your equipment more if it’s comfortable and easy to use.