| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: Yet another hitch thread...
Thanks Barney! No problem AFA availability, I've already seen at least a class I in use with utility and sport trailers on the Prius.
|
tplife
|
04/16/12 04:31pm |
Towing
|
|
RE: Yet another hitch thread...
The capacity is 150#, but having a class II instead of a class I may have dividends later on for towing a utility trailer, etc. My gear is all high end efficiency stuff, having the storage box will allow me to carry firewood and some other gear to make room for more people in the vehicle.
|
tplife
|
04/16/12 02:23pm |
Towing
|
|
Yet another hitch thread...
Well, a long look at storage options (16 cubic foot roof box) for the new Prius left me wanting something more than lower mileage, whistling roof racks and a scratched-up roof after a few outings. The better option looks like the hitch-mounted 13 cubic foot box, meaning it's time to choose a hitch. Rather than buying the first thing that crosses a counter at me at Camping World, I'm here to ask the experts. A particular brand? Any real advantage of Class II vs. Class I for this kind of application? Thanks in advance for your valuable comments on this one, I'm really out of my element for a change.:B
|
tplife
|
04/16/12 11:21am |
Towing
|
|
RE: Please recommend an 8 or 10 person family tent for us?
Tents that are larger than 6-man that weigh less than 25 pounds? Better make sure you stake every tiedown, take along a pole repair kit and don't carry anything sharp in your pockets. I agree about not paying $400 and up for high-end tents, I've bought 3 high end tents 60% off MSRP and new-in-the-box at auction off Ebay, and If I can do it, well...
|
tplife
|
04/16/12 09:18am |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Please recommend an 8 or 10 person family tent for us?
Your best bet is a 6-man and a 4-man, with the two oldest in the 4. Consider one quality tent (REI? Sierra Designs? Big Agnes?) and one cheapie (Eureka Tetragon 8?) and upgrade later. Anything over 6 is difficult to set up, is bigger than most ideal spaces (10X10) at the campsite, usually is under-engineered with poles too thin for the amount of "canvas" they're holding up, have too thin a denier of fabric, large to transport and possibly compromised with steel poles, lack full-coverage rainflys, have screen porches you will almost never use, etc. Those huge tents are great for long-term or seasonal setups but are a real PIA for typical 3-day weekend camping. The advice above regarding Costco Coleman tents is good advice, while they are the bottom-rung in quality, the low Big Box price makes parting less difficult and at least you're out there gaining experience.
|
tplife
|
04/13/12 09:23am |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Air Mattess
+1 with Chuck & Gail...ThermaRest self-inflating sleeping pads come in very comfortable thicknesses, LAST A LIFETIME, don't leak, travel compactly, don't require pumps or repair kits, have lifetime guarantees, and most importantly...don't present the "heat sink" effect that invites lousy sleep or hypothermia due to hollow air pockets inside or empty air space underneath inflatable air mattresses or cots. Cots, hammocks, air mattresses are great in their place: summer camping, heated enclosures, or used with electric blankets.
|
tplife
|
04/12/12 02:40pm |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Please help re: tent poles
Definitely toss it out, or use it to cover your firewood or something. The cost of poles (if they're available, which almost certainly they are not) and shipping would likely be as much as a tent like this bought at discount anyway. These are imported tents contracted out to here today/gone tomorrow manufacturers overseas so replacement parts are almost non-existent. As a seasoned-camper, you might consider a high-end tent (bought at discount)from manufacturers like Big Agnes, Northface, Mountain HardWear, Sierra Designs, Marmot, etc.) They outlast the cheaper models and like a quality down bag save money if you camp often...Otherwise, it's back to the BigBox stores! :)
|
tplife
|
04/10/12 05:32pm |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Purchase a new tent...
I'd stick with REI, Marmot, BigAgnes, Mountain HardWear and Sierra Designs that you're considering as these are all high-end tents and avoid the rest (unlike you like lugging heavy tents around or need a semi-permanent setup, then canvas really shines). While some of these companies (Eureka!)offer good tents, they are few among their model lineup and it's easy to end up with junk. Don't overlook Ebay either, we have bought 3 Sierra Designs tents, the most recent a Bedouin6 (all new-in-the-box with lifetime guarantees) at 60% off MSRP. The other brands can be harder to bargain for due to lower production numbers. Keep in mind that tents larger than 10X10 reduce flexibility in choosing setup areas in campsites and often two tents work better than one large one.
|
tplife
|
03/26/12 01:27pm |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Need a New Motorcycle Camping Tent
Look to Sierra Designs, Big Agnes, Marmot or Mountain HardWear. These companies sell high-quality tents with lifetime warranties that use anodized aluminum poles, make better use or vertical interior space and provide the latest in water-resistant designs. You really do get what you pay for (I get mine new off Ebay for 60% off by buying at auctions).
|
tplife
|
03/21/12 06:13pm |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: GSMNP to charge for back-country camping
Trust me, if you'll pay $4, it'll be $16 in a few years and you'll just keep paying it. Then the original $4 will still go into the fund, and the rest will be transferred in to the "general fund". This is one of the oldest tricks in the playbook, at least here in the People's Republik of Kalifornia.
|
tplife
|
03/21/12 06:10pm |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Any way to fix old leaky tent?
Sprays are only for use in repairing the coating on canvas duck tents, whose coatings are broken down over time by the sun. Nylon/polyester tents are waterproof by nature, and only need annual seam sealing, which is done with a small paintbrush and the liquid seam sealer. Using sprays on nylon/polyester tents will only soon result in delaminating (think small snowstorm and ugly appearance afterward)due to UV exposure. Factory coatings on outer tent flys (the inner tent body is breathable and should never be treated) stay on because they're bonded directly to the material itself in the factory, which the sprays don't do. If you have a non-canvas tent that needs more than seam sealing, throw it away and buy a new (and if possible better quality) tent.
|
tplife
|
03/21/12 06:06pm |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Best cot?
These folks are right - I should know, I own a Genuine USGI Nylon/Aluminum Cot straight from the Bloody Sands of Iraq. Having relatives up there even now, These make comfortable beds in the Air-Conditioned Huts (it's 130-degrees F outside). Otherwise, unless you only camp in July & August, you're a jackass to throw your money away on cots or air mattresses (based on proven science of course, not anything I came up with on my own). Maria, if you're into comfort, there are hugely thick comfortable self-inflating air mattresses from commercial companies available for not much more than what you'll spend for a less-than good night's sleep...
|
tplife
|
02/24/12 03:37am |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Hammock Tents - tent hammocks
2 trees and a frame (or your own property) as here out west you can't attach anything to a tree, bush, etc. Ain't it grand?!?
Yes there are places where trees are not available or you can't attach anything to them. Then unless you have something else to hang from you may be grounded.
Some people use a pad for bottom insulation, so if worse comes to worse they have the pad when they go to the ground. The tarp still works for rain cover if needed. Some of the hammocks can be rigged for ground service to help keep the critters at bay.
I primarily use the hammock for backpacking, and usually hike in areas that have trees available. I plan my hikes with that in mind.
But some great places to hike like the Grand Canyon, will limit the use of trees because they are not available or it is not permitted.
However, where hammocks can be used they provide a great nights sleep.
If you are car or truck camping with a family with young children, then the tent provides some advantages that may be necessary.
I have even hung my hammock between fifth wheel campers when space was limited. Here in California they warn you the first time and take your stuff down. The second time they cite you with a ticket. You cannot attach anything (lanterns, hammocks, tarps, nails, ropes etc.) to a tree or a bush. You would have to bring your own frame. :(
|
tplife
|
01/27/12 12:30pm |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Hammock Tents - tent hammocks
2 trees and a frame (or your own property) as here out west you can't attach anything to a tree, bush, etc. Ain't it grand?!?
|
tplife
|
01/26/12 05:16pm |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Hammock Tents - tent hammocks
Quality tents are waterproof - welded seams with high "bathtub" fooors. why you would ever worry about surface water is mind-boggling. I have several models from $100 to $550 and none of them have allowed water to enter and we camp year 'round. I think I might invest down the road in a thicker sleeping pad, not that I need one but you have to spend your money somewhere. We have four ThermaRest models, expensive but comfortable and will outlast our lifetimes. Still, there's something pretty cool about chillin' off Jacks Beach in St. Croix, just lounging around the grapetrees in a hammock sleeping off the rum punch!
|
tplife
|
01/25/12 06:33pm |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Tent that looks like a VW microbus!!
We need more novelty stuff like this in camp!!!
|
tplife
|
01/24/12 04:52pm |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Camping Storage Units?
Large soft duffels by companies like Jansport and many others. They are as big as the plastic bins, but don't scratch the inside of your vehicle and fold flat when not in use. Oh yeah, and some like the Jansport brand carry lifetime guarantees.
|
tplife
|
01/19/12 01:52pm |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Light weight tents
Campmoor is not a bad place to start your search, but consider that due to large production volumes, you can buy tents by Sierra Designs, Northface, REI, (some) Eureka!, Mountain HardWear, Big Agnes,MSR, Marmot (possibly in that order) from Ebay for 60% off MSRP. I've bought three, so it can be done. This is high-end gear with lifetime manufacturer's warranties honored with fairness (in my experience anyway). Go quality or go disposeable, that's my motto!
|
tplife
|
01/16/12 10:19pm |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Hammock Tents - tent hammocks
Perhaps if I were camping in a swamp...
I saw a program (Discovery Channel, I think) about two dudes who spent a week in the bayous of La. They went from pirout to hammock to pirout. Meals cooked on a board laid between the two boats. So, yes, a hammock was a must-have.
Teach
Well yeah, in the bayous it's totally cool as they're doing summer camping in 100 degree/100% humidity (I know the drill as I was raised in a similar cedar-swamp forest). But when summer's over you ditch the hammocks and cots unless you break out the big canvas tents, 20# propane bottle and gas heaters. Otherwise it's fat synthetic bags (or a fine goose-down bag) over self-inflating sleeping pads
with lights out! :)
|
tplife
|
01/13/12 12:18am |
Tent Camping
|
|
RE: Tent that looks like a VW microbus!!
If it makes you laugh, isn't it worth the cost of admission???
|
tplife
|
01/13/12 12:11am |
Tent Camping
|
|
