Can someone recommend a good 4-6 person tent that has a high wind rating? My cheap starter Coleman got practically flattened by wind/rain while camping on the beach last year, and this year I'd really like to be able to sleep instead of holding my tent up for 3 hours in the middle of the night.

4/14/2014 8:03:56 AM

do you typically camp at the beach (or other high-wind places)? Is weight an issue, do you need to carry it in a pack?

_______________

what are the best car camping places for a long weekend?

4/14/2014 8:14:09 AM

^
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grayson_Highlands_State_Park

4/14/2014 8:55:09 AM

Quote :

"Got this one for ~100 before dividend http://www.rei.com/product/871716/osprey-exos-46-pack-2013-closeout Should be a little bit bigger than my old Dana Design Bomb Pack and a little lighter"

Nice! Yeah that's the other one I was looking at. A little too much room for me though. The bigger the bag the more it encourages me to take more stuff.

^I love Grayson highlands! I've only ever gone there and backpacked though. There's a lot of awesome loops you can do. Not quite sure on the car camping availability. All the best camping sites are on the loop.

[Edited on April 14, 2014 at 12:57 PM. Reason : s]

4/14/2014 12:56:13 PM

It's a great place, really pretty. There's def a campground. I've stayed there on a bouldering trip.

4/14/2014 1:00:41 PM

Quote :

"do you typically camp at the beach (or other high-wind places)? Is weight an issue, do you need to carry it in a pack?"

Yes. I will use it 4-5 times a year, and at least 50% of that will be on or at the beach. Weight isn't really an issue, I don't need to pack it in. I have a 4x4 for that.

4/15/2014 1:32:24 PM

Chiming in also looking for a good beach tent. I have a great car-camping tent that is just NOT suitable for the beach do to a large vestibule that acts like a kite in the wind.

I was going to go for a cheap dome 2-3 person tent... but I haven't found any I'm in love with. I also don't want to pay $200 for anything camping related (unless it's guaranteed to last me at least 5 years).

4/15/2014 2:36:42 PM

I've read a lot of good reviews about Cabela's Alaskan Guide 4 person: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Alaskan-Guide-Geodesic-Tent-with-Fiberglass-Poles-Person/714588.uts#BVRRWidgetID

$350 doesn't seem outrageous compared to some expedition or 4-season tents I've seen.

Their 6 person comes in an 8x8, 10x10, and 12x12 variety, but it may be overkill for what I'm doing.

4/15/2014 8:59:02 PM

To piggyback off my last post..



4-Person:http://bit.ly/1j6kgYk
$349.99

6-Person:http://bit.ly/1tdOO1d
$449.99

They also sell these tents with aluminum poles instead of fiberglass, but those are about $150 more expensive. Is aluminum vs fiberglass really a thing? I feel like I wouldn't need aluminum poles for anything short of mountaineering or hunting in Alaska.

Practically all the reviews are stellar on these from what I've read. Extremely sturdy in high wind, very durable. All the comparable tents I've found seem way more expensive.

4/17/2014 8:30:25 AM

REI makes good, cheap tents. I've used the hell out of my camp dome 4 for 4 years and haven't had any issues with it yet.

4/17/2014 8:46:24 AM

This is my current tent:

Coleman River Gorge 6 Person

It's easy to set up, and gets the job done in calm weather. However, it doesn't do a very good job of keeping water out in the rain, and even guyed out correctly has a tough time with anything above a light breeze.

4/17/2014 8:54:36 AM

That looks like a solid tent to me! I think the Al poles probably just lower the overall weight of the tent when carrying it. Probably NBD if you aren't planning to pack it anywhere.

I gotta ask though, how well did you stake your current tent out when you were at the beach last time? No tent in this price range is going to withstand high winds all night unless you've got it staked and tight everywhere. If you were in the sand, typical tent stakes aren't going to cut it, those big yellow stakes or probably snow/sand anchors are probably going to be needed.

Just my $0.02. Wouldn't want you to spend that much money if what you got would work with a little more set-up time and a much smaller investment in better stakes.

[Edited on April 17, 2014 at 8:57 AM. Reason : ^read that last sentence after I posted, ignore this post]

4/17/2014 8:55:59 AM

Yeah, when I was on the beach I had it tied down to sand bags I'd buried. Had every guy line tied down tight.

I feel (and I'm talking out of my ass here because I don't know a ton about tents and their structural integrity) that the problem was the poles. They were way too bouncy and flexible. In sustained winds the thing was practically leaning over sideways, and in a gust, the poles would bow so much the tent would practically slide out from under the rain fly and hit the ground. At one point I had to stand up and hold the tent up from the inside to keep it from collapsing (begonias was there and can vouch for me on this).

That's one of the reasons I like the Alaskan Guide model above. The way the poles are designed to support the tent seems more structurally sound, and it sounds like they are of better quality.

[Edited on April 17, 2014 at 9:18 AM. Reason : .]

4/17/2014 9:17:46 AM

Does anyone have tips on waterproofing a tent? I figure my guy could use a little make-over before packpacking season!

4/18/2014 8:55:11 AM

Get a hammock instead!! The only thing that usually leaks are the seals unless you have holes. You can pick up a sealant at most outdoor stores and just brush it on yourself. Just make sure to let it dry before you fold the tent back up.

4/18/2014 9:05:44 AM

I wanted to love hammocking sooo much. Read up on it a ton. Watched youtube videos on getting the right pitch and how to lay on it and using a sleeping pad, etc. I have taken it on two trips and cannot sleep worth a damn on it. I did like the nice packability and how cheap/light it was. I also liked having a nice big area to cook under when it was raining.

For short naps in the backyard and hanging around the campsite, it's awesome. For sleeping through the night... absolute shit (for me). I am a side sleeper though, which probably is the main reason why. I imagine if you sleep on your back or aren't that picky, you would love it. There are alot of advantages.

4/18/2014 10:59:59 AM

From what I understand the majority of people who've tried sleeping in a hammock and don't like it just aren't doing it right. I'm a side sleeper as well and still sleep way better than on the ground.

First off what type of hammock were you trying to sleep in? If it was a cheaper Eno or equivalent those aren't even made for sleeping. You want something with the asymmetrical design (like the Hennessy hammock) so you can sleep with a mostly flat back or curl up on your side. Those are actually designed for sleeping and not just napping.

Secondly I hated using a mat. It's uncomfortable and slides around and it's a pain getting in and out of. I tried the underquilt and it was a completely different story. All you need is a blanket and the underquilt and it's sooooo comfortable. I tried my friends and immediately ordered an over and under quilt.

We still kept our tent for desert camping but every time I have to sleep in it I go back to waking up every so often with a numb shoulder. In the hammock it's just so easy to curl up and pass out and wake up 8 hours later completely refreshed.

4/18/2014 12:35:37 PM

I know that you are supposed to lay diagonally on it, but even then I wasn't a fan. I'm willing to admit the quality of the hammock may factor into it as I got one of the cheaper ones from woot.com, but I'm also not willing to drop bigtime coin on something I have no idea whether I would like it or not. I do fine with tent/sleeping pad anyways and my sons are getting old enough to camp with me anyways so hammocking (for now) is probably less practical at the moment.

4/18/2014 1:37:08 PM

Quote :

" Does anyone have tips on waterproofing a tent? I figure my guy could use a little make-over before packpacking season!"

Seam sealer on all seams down near ground level. This and a good tent set-up have gotten me through some pretty heavy rain. Some also spray it with a waterproofing spray (nikwax or others) near ground level and on the rain fly. It's also supposed to protect the fabric from UV damage. I think there may have been some discussion of spray on waterproofers somewhere else in this thread?

[Edited on April 18, 2014 at 5:56 PM. Reason : Search nikwax]

4/18/2014 5:48:04 PM

^page 32 about 1/3 down the page. I was asking about waterproofing

4/19/2014 7:25:46 AM

I 2nd/3rd/4th the idea of hammocks. I have a tent mostly for other people or beach, but honestly, LOVE my hennassey. Thing is AMAZING, I sleep like a rock, it's light, and I love the comfort.

4/21/2014 12:21:16 PM

Yeah I want to get back to sleeping in the woods just to sleep in my hammock. It's so comfy.

4/21/2014 1:09:26 PM

I would like a hammock tent. Something that is bugproof and rain proof, but is small and sturdy. I've done a lot of online shopping, and I'm either in the $200+ price range or the design doesn't really fit. I'm thinking I'll have to get a hammock with a bug net and just use a tarp to cover over in case it rains... Thoughts or recommendations? I'm a 6' 160lb guy. I've got rachet straps, so that's no concern. I don't want fancy as much as I want simple, light, and compact.


Haha. just noticed the previous posts about hammocks...

Looked up Hennessy Hammocks and found the Expedition Asym Zip Hammock for $169.99 at REI. I guess that's gonna be my best option?

Also looking at drysacks... Found this one and it looks like it's big enough to carry all my gear.

http://www.amazon.com/Aquapac-Noatak-60L-Drybag-750/dp/B0044LXA1W/ref=sr_1_1?s=boating-water-sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1398908450&sr=1-1&keywords=Noatak+Wet+%26+Drybag+-+60L


[Edited on April 30, 2014 at 9:29 PM. Reason : .]

[Edited on April 30, 2014 at 9:40 PM. Reason : .]

4/30/2014 9:11:22 PM

The deal I got with my Hennessy was the asym hammock, a free scout hammock (for shorties), and two snake skins. :-)

4/30/2014 10:23:14 PM

^^That's an awesome hammock if you're not as concerned about weight. They offer a backpacker ultralite and hyperlite but the material is much thinner. But yeah that's your best option.

You'll need either a camping pad or under quilt for the hammock (unless it's like 75+ degrees at night). Even at 60-70 degrees at night you'll get cold without some type of pad or under quilt due to convection.

For the drysack...to put in your backpack? Typically I just stuff everything in my backpack then I get a backpack waterproof cover for when it rains. It's lighter and stuffing into a backpack is easier then trying to stuff everything into a bag then into a backpack. A lot of backpacks actually come with built in rain covers.

4/30/2014 11:26:16 PM

Im actually going to just throw the sack on the back of a motorcycle. I have two REI sacks that are pretty good, but they are water resistant and not water proof. They do well in drizzles, but a good enough downpour will eventually penetrate the zipper and usually whatever is on top is wet. I need an actual sack that's waterproof.

I likely won't be hiking with the sack (though the straps make it super convinient to carry), but I need it to transport the things my waterproof hardcases can't hold when I do go on a camping trip.

I do have a dry cover for a backpack I use regularly when riding at night (high viz yellow and orange) and when it rains. But my backpack is like 5L.

[Edited on May 1, 2014 at 1:16 AM. Reason : ..]

5/1/2014 1:13:56 AM

The picture has the 90L blue water resistant duffle and a 4 person tent.

I returned the 90L duffle for two 45L duffles as they are easier to manage on the bike. But I'm looking to downsize a little more. A 70L sack and a hammock should do the trick

5/1/2014 2:03:47 AM

Should i really invest in a few pairs of ExOficio travel boxers? Trying to keep my pack as light as possible for a two week trip to Spain later this year.

At $26 bucks a pair i'm wondering if it's really worth it instead of just packing my regular underwear and doing a load of laundry halfway through.

5/1/2014 1:57:41 PM

I love my ExOfficio boxers. They're awesome and easy to wash. Rinse the in the sink and they dry within a few hours (depends on humidity and temp obviously). They're really comfortable. It's pretty much all I hike in and it's way better than cotton.

5/1/2014 2:07:50 PM

^^I have one pair but I wish I had gotten two when they were on sale on Amazon a few months ago. Anytime I wear/sweat in them I just keep them on when I get in the shower then take them off halfway through. All I have to do is wring them out afterwards and they are dry a few hours later. Of course you'd wanna wash them in a machine when you are doing a load of laundry but otherwise they are very easy to wash.

5/1/2014 2:20:24 PM

Got my hammock gear under and over quilt in the mail today! Can't wait to try them out.

5/2/2014 4:20:28 PM

I am embarrassed to admit this, but does anyone have any good videos or sites as to how to go about hanging up a Hennessy hammock? I have always just used my tent and had my hammocks in waiting.

5/2/2014 5:39:15 PM

The owner/founder has a few videos on youtube. Check those out. It takes a few times to get it perfect but once you have it down it's quick. A nice mod you can do to your hammock is the whoopie slings:

http://www.whoopieslings.com/

5/2/2014 6:51:57 PM

I've got a set of all-in-one whoopie slings on my Hennessy. Sooooooo much better than the stock hanging system. Unfortunately, I've decided that hammocks just aren't my thing, and I've switched to a UL tent that weighs the same.

5/3/2014 11:39:10 AM

That's a shame. I still use my tent for desert camping. We still need to figure out what we're going to do with our dog now that my girlfriend and I both have hammocks.

5/3/2014 2:35:31 PM

Quote :

"Should i really invest in a few pairs of ExOficio travel boxers? Trying to keep my pack as light as possible for a two week trip to Spain later this year. At $26 bucks a pair i'm wondering if it's really worth it instead of just packing my regular underwear and doing a load of laundry halfway through."

do quality synthetic boxer briefs make a difference? yep.

do you need to spend $26 per pair to get the performance and convenience? not at all.

the C9 performance boxer briefs from target work just as well and they're only $20 for 2: http://www.target.com/p/c9-by-champion-men-s-2-pk-boxer-briefs-grey/-/A-14551740

i got rid of all my "regular" boxers almost a year ago and wear these exclusively...they frequently go on sale for $15 for 2, too

5/11/2014 9:51:45 PM

REI has some of their house brand boxers and boxer briefs on sale for $13 right now. I bought a couple pair last week and they feel really good.
http://www.rei.com/product/795067/rei-boxers-mens
http://www.rei.com/product/795068/rei-boxer-briefs-mens

[Edited on May 12, 2014 at 9:24 AM. Reason : l]

5/12/2014 9:23:31 AM

^Good stuff. I can never justify paying what the msrp is for Exofficios unless they're heavily discounted.

5/12/2014 11:54:08 PM

Can't wait to do this hike again! July can't come soon enough!!!

5/13/2014 12:36:13 AM

Does anyone else here ever make it out to Trail Days?

5/13/2014 8:10:08 AM

Hiking the Lost Creek Wilderness Area again next weekend. Coworker googled it and this is the first image he brought up:



More pics:

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1731198

5/13/2014 6:56:08 PM

New under quilt for the hammock was AWESOME. It was like having a heat blanket surrounding me. I was down to my boxers and it was below freezing at night with just the under quilt and a down over quilt. No cold spots anywhere.



Ended up snowing 2-3 inches over Saturday night:



Had some awesome weather on Saturday. Overall great trip. We didn't do the entire loop we wanted to because of the snow but still a good trip.

5/26/2014 4:28:36 PM

that's a penis.

but yeah, I recently got in to hiking and went out on a 7 mile hike. All went well, except I did way too much of a climb in the first mile for what I could reasonably handle. I made it, but it took a good bit of time. Thankfully it was literally all downhill after the first mile.

5/28/2014 12:15:37 AM

Quote :

"that's a penis."

Haha that was the joke.

5/28/2014 11:08:20 AM

Can anyone recommend a good sleeping pad that doesn't require I mortgage a house to pay for it? Comfort is also important, but it doesn't need to be for cold weather.

Also what's the best way to make non-instant coffee in the wilderness?

[Edited on June 18, 2014 at 8:44 AM. Reason : coffee so I don't kill my fellow campers]

6/18/2014 8:42:45 AM

I got 2 different used thermarest pads off Craigslist. One is a 3/4 length 1" thick pad and the other a full length 2" thick full length. Paid like $10 for both and they are very comfortable. I remember seeing tons of used camping equipment available on CL back when I was looking.

6/18/2014 8:51:37 AM

that's a really good idea, didn't even think about that... I'll go look.

Meh, nothing really caught my eye. I need it for this weekend, so I'm not sure CL will be able to help me out this time.

[Edited on June 18, 2014 at 9:02 AM. Reason : update]

6/18/2014 8:52:25 AM

Quote :

"non-instant coffee in the wilderness?"

French Press. All you need is boiling water.

Alternatively, DesignBox in downtown Raleigh invented this little gadget that's very similar to a french press, but it filters much better.
http://shop.designbox.us/beverage/impress-coffee-brewer/

6/18/2014 9:23:44 AM

^^Not sure how much you are looking to spend but this is the one I have. Probably not the best one out there but it gets the job done.

http://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lightweight-Series-Self-Inflating/dp/B001LF3FQO

6/18/2014 9:26:32 AM

I need to replace my tent, I've been using a 3 person coleman that I bought from Walmart 10 years ago and its finally falling apart.

Here are my criteria:
weight is not an issue, car camping only
quick setup and take down
comfortable in hot weather and rain
budget is flexible but not unlimited

Would you guys recommend the tents posted above on this page or would you recommend something else if you are only using it for car camping only?

6/18/2014 9:35:37 AM