Camping Equipment for Our Trucks

[weejub]

For those who rode/ride Dual Sport bikes, you are familiar with Aerostich.

Aerostich does a good job of finding cool stuff for motorcycle travel, but some of it is good for car camping, too.

Aero Home :: Aerostich Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

I found Wiggy sleeping bags through Aerostich. USA made, machine washable.

Wiggy's – The World's BEST Sleeping Bags, Outdoor Gear & Clothing

The Peak1 Stove is being made by Coleman again, btw:

Amazon.com : Coleman Exponent Multi-Fuel Stove : Camping Stoves : Sports & Outdoors

 

[little_joe]

I hate sleeping bags and won't use one. I use a Thermarest Tech blanket and a synthetic insulation "blanket" from my Nat'l Guard time - these both pack tiny yet provide excellent insulation & temp regulation. And they allow me to sleep with my feet uncovered.

I haven't seen anyone mention this: the MSR Dromedary and D Lite are superb for carrying water! B/c they are soft-sided, they fit most anywhere. And unlike water cans, they take up no space when empty (in the vehicle or at home) - just roll 'em up and stash away. This past weekend, I had a 2 X 2L, one for the dog and the other for us, was able to stuff them in the Engel as we cleared out some food and drink to keep the fridge "full" and enjoy nice cold water.​

 

[lt1fire]

Oh I still do have a few scepter water cans as well. Forgot about those. 3 for water and 3 for fuel

 

[weejub]

I hate sleeping bags and won't use one. I use a Thermarest Tech blanket and a synthetic insulation "blanket" from my Nat'l Guard time - these both pack tiny yet provide excellent insulation & temp regulation. And they allow me to sleep with my feet uncovered.
​

You obviously pick quality weather for your adventures

 

[lt1fire]

I have the exact same problem as Joe... I hate my feet being covered up when I sleep... for that reason I never use a sleeping bag unless it is completely unzipped.

 

[weejub]

For summer camping I typically take a set of twin sheets and just use them - put the fitted over my thermarest. I bring my 40 degree Nautilus Sleeping Bag just in case it turns cold. I use it like a comforter and open it up as it unzips into a square'ish shape.

I use the 40 degree down to about 35 degrees. I have a 15 degree that i use between 20-40 degrees and then a -20 degree for -10 to 30 degrees.

 

[NCFJ]

I have the exact same problem as Joe... I hate my feet being covered up when I sleep... for that reason I never use a sleeping bag unless it is completely unzipped.

We are both over 6' and are in the same boat, we put down a blanket, then a fully opened sleeping bag, second open bag on top. Works pretty well. Heather also made up a 3" foam sectional (4 pieces) to put under our air mattresses. They take up a lot of room in the truck but I sure do love them sleeping.

 

[NCFJ]

Jamie you go buddy! You may see me camping under 45 degrees (doubtful) but the first night on the last trip is about as cold as Heather will go for.

Best trip we ever took was Feb in Harlan KY, one side of the mountain was ice and snow and the other was brown and mostly dry. We camped at the Holiday Inn

 

[lt1fire]

I love cold weather camping.... and when it gets to a certain temperature I do actually use a cold weather sleeping bag. Its never been quite that cold in NC for me though... closest was one of the earlier meet and greets at Greg's farm... that was I believe down to about 11 degrees one night.

 

[little_joe]

You obviously pick quality weather for your adventures

Ha! I have "camped" at -20*, and numerous times at sub-20* weather. I like it. If it's over ~74* overnight, I can't sleep. When frigid, I will wear a pair of wool socks but still my feet have to be uncovered.

 

[Steelman]

We've been using a Camp Fire in a Can for the last few trips out. It works pretty good as long as you don't have too many people trying to gather around it. It's nice not to have to carry wood or scrounge up wood or deal wth wet fire wood, etc. Just hook up the gas line from the propane tank and light it and your done! We've even used it in the snow under the awning and it does a decent job heating if you sit close enough. It packs up nice as well in a tough metal case.

I still like to build a real fire when the weather is nice as there is no replacement for the smell and sound of a campfire.

 

[lumbee1]

This thread will definitely need a bit of @Izzyandsue Cuban Chrome.

Couple things I have that I really like:

GSI coffee mill and GSI French Press, 'cuz I can put up with a lot of sub-par stuff, but NOT in the coffee department.

Big Ass Tents: I have an REI Kingdom 8 tent with the ConnectTech Garage. It is an awesome tent with Soooo much space, but with its barn sides it does need to be well guyed during any kind of heavy weather. I had intended on a Big Agnes Flying Diamond 8, but it was back ordered so long I went with the REI. Izzy got the BA. It looks more weather stable, and much easier for solo set-up. I'll let him comment further.

We have a REI Kingdom 6. It's perfect for 4 people on queen size air mattresses with two dogs. We also have the garage but rarely put it up. The Kingdom takes some time to put up and can be difficult for one person.

 

[lumbee1]

We've been using a Camp Fire in a Can for the last few trips out. It works pretty good as long as you don't have too many people trying to gather around it. It's nice not to have to carry wood or scrounge up wood or deal wth wet fire wood, etc. Just hook up the gas line from the propane tank and light it and your done! We've even used it in the snow under the awning and it does a decent job heating if you sit close enough. It packs up nice as well in a tough metal case.

I still like to build a real fire when the weather is nice as there is no replacement for the smell and sound of a campfire.

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View attachment 1265329

I've been looking at the wood burning campfire in a can. I still don't know if I can justify the price.

We are outfitted for propane. I have 3 little cans and a spare 20lb that we can use for the stove, lantern, or Buddy heater. My father-in-law has an old Coleman that runs off white gas and I was NOT impressed with it at all.

For storage, we have two Walmart containers (one for kitchen and one for tent accessories) and a Coleman xtreme cooler. This layout is perfect for the floor of the Cruiser and provides pockets on the sides for my tool bags. Pictures to come.

BTW, we have arrived late to campsites several times and had to setup our tent using head lights. No more. I've installed a 25" LED light bar on the rear of the truck to light up the work area. I am already loving this addition for reverse and backing up into dark areas. Pictures to come.

Jamie, love this thread. I've watched Expedition Overland several times and made notes of the gear they carry. I've also searched for said gear on the googles only to find it is WAY outside of my price range. I have very little invested and I can't see purchasing a single aluminum storage container that costs more than all of my gear combined.

 

[izzyandsue]

Sorry I missed this thread earlier, but I am back to terrorize and help you spend your money. The best camping equipment is the best you can afford that will make you happy. That's the secret. I probably buy stuff many others think it's a waste, but it makes me happy. The best thing to do is to share our experience, I will hope to do that without being judgemental, but I am old and crabby. My favorites:

• Big Agnes 8, awesome tent for all seasons and high winds, goes up easy. I like space in a tent when not backpacking. I can stand in center. It's 10ft by Idontcarebig ft, stores easily and compact
• Standing Room 100 tent Amazon.com : Standing Room 100 XL Family Cabin Camping Tent With 8.5 feet of Head Room, 4 Big Screen Doors, All Season Weather Proof Fabric, Fast & Easy Set Up. ... : Sports & Outdoors, it's super easy and light,mperfect summer tent, as tall as your canopy, straight walls make it very roomy. Not great in windy conditions, still I survived the hurricane in it last Expo in Asheville
• Coleman 10x10 canopy with single wall, I use it to hang tent above from. Also the single wall goes up as extra awning for sitting or cooking outside. I bring the fake grass rug for the awning, helps keep dirt from tent.
• Coleman 2 burner stove. I hate cooking but can boil water and make eggs in it, stores in the bottom of REI kitchen bag unit they no longer sell. When camping, look for John Vee and beg him for food. REI unit REI Camp Pack-N-Prep Tote / Table - REI.com
• ARB camp char, it's $50, but your ass will thank you. Coleman aluminum camp chairs fold flat are a second best.
• Amazon.com : Portable Camp Toilet - Camping Commode : Camping Sanitation Supplies : Sports & Outdoors Yes, I did, deal with it.
  
• I like magnetic base flash lights and lamps, easy to attach to truck unless you have a bondo special body
• Gander Mountain Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner-766354 - Gander Mountain These are great, long and warm. I use 2 and can layer up or use single for summer camping. I have an older pro grade sleeping bag from my days of carousing in the great white north. Slumberjack, great stuff, it's 25 years old and still like new. Great stuff for below freezing.
  
• Rubbermaid 35 gal Action Packer box, sturdy as hell, can sit on, stand on, and carry a lot. Doubles as a table inside my palace tent, has all my sleeping stuff and Tent heater.
• My double size inflatable mattress is good enough, keeps me warm and insulated from the ground. I also have this one, used once only Amazon.com : Coleman Queen Airbed Cot with Side Tables and 4D Battery Pump : Camping Air Mattresses : Sports & Outdoors
• And don't forget the Fzj80, you need one of those of course to carry all the crap.

I may think of more, but his stuff has served me well

 

[izzyandsue]

REI sale, not bad $20 off

REI Camp Kitchen - REI.com

 

[lt1fire]

I try to not shop REI at all. They are a huge proponent of closing trails off to vehicles.

 

[little_joe]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a sleeping pad that packs up smaller than 2-3' wide X 6" round log? I like mine, but would like something that packs up smaller. Of course, I want at least 2" thick when deployed, so this may not be possible.

Disregard, after not having shopped for this since the 90's (?), I see it is possible to get a quality mat that stores small. Picked up an Exped Synmat 7 today.

 

[weejub]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a sleeping pad that packs up smaller than 2-3' wide X 6" round log? I like mine, but would like something that packs up smaller. Of course, I want at least 2" thick when deployed, so this may not be possible.

I really enjoy sleeping on my Thermarest NeoAir. It packs to like 4" x 7", but I have the large size. Sucks blowing it up, but is nice to just let the air out in the AM.

 

[lt1fire]

Did not know that. They do have good crap though when on sale. I avoid Walmart for killing Main Street USA and treating employees and suppliers like disposable diapers. Still buy crap there too when needed, like oil and car care products.

yeah I mean I'm not going to picket it or anything I just try to avoid it. I mostly avoid WalMart also except for oil. I think one of the last non oil purchases I made at walmart was a tent because it was 11pm and someone had forgot to pack the tent. So the $87 tent special worked there.

 

[Fort Knox]

My camping supplies are pretty basic, quality-wise, but they work for me. I have the advantage that most of the time when I go, I tow my 4Runner, so I have tons of room to pack stuff in the 4Runner and in the Tundra. If I'm just in the Cruiser, I pair it down a bit, mostly in the cooking equipment and I just go more basic.

Tent - I've gotta have room to stand up. I've had pretty good luck with Coleman 10x10 dome tents. Inside the tent, I usually put down a couple of old blankets for flooring, then my air mattress, on top of which I have a roll-up egg crate foam pad, then my sleeping bag. I have 2 bags - 1 for cold weather and 1 for the rest of the year. If it's too warm out, I just completely unzip the bag. Due to my sleep apnea, I have to have my CPAP machine in my tent. For power, I use a Sears Diehard portable power station that I recharge, if needed, using an inverter that I can either plug into 12v plugs in the Tundra, or I can hook it directly to the battery on the Cruiser.

Exterior - I have a 10x10 generic EZ-up to cover the front entrance of the tent and the area that I set up to cook in. I have one table that the base folds up like a camp chair and the tabletop is aluminum and rolls up. The whole thing fits into a bag the size of a small camp chair. I have another, longer fold-up table that I think I got at Walmart. I usually bring 2 chairs, 1 Coleman Max (for us bigger fellas) and 1 ARB-style chair that I got at Sam's Club.

Cooking - I have a knock-off 2-burner propane camp stove that kinda sucks at maintaining a constant temperature, but I've learned how to use it with my cast iron skillet. I also have a cheap little propane grill. I have 1 bin for cooking supplies and an Action Packer for food. I have 2 Coleman Max coolers - 1 for food and 1 for beverages for longer trips, or I may just bring 1 for shorter trips.

If I'm in the 40, I usually don't bring the canopy, only 1 cooler, and 1 table, and I'll usually plan my meals so that I only need either the grill or the stove, but not both.