Looking for sources for camping gear

[firetruck41]

I did a couple searches and couldn't find specific info on this.

I am looking for some websites/stores that have gear for "car camping". Generic camping equipment links would be fine, but I am not looking for titanium lightweight backpacking type gear. I am looking for durable equipment to pack in a grub box in the 80 series, to take to state/national park campgrounds, and tent camp with the family.

Any suggestions of equipment would be great, as would any links to smokin' deals.

 

[Corey]

Both REI and Cabelas sell car camping gear.
I got a lot of my stuff the last two years from Cabelas.

REI

Cabelas

REI also carries the light weight backpacking stuff, but they do carry a lot of car camping stuff.

 

[B-RAD]

In addition to REI, Cabela's, you can add Bass Pro Shops, Gander Mtn. Sports, also check out Target and Wal-Mart for kitchen stuff like plastic plates, cheap silverware, plastic containers etc, and your local Commercial Kitchen Supply Warehouses like Cresco -which is national chain I think.

 

[96r50]

Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is a Canadian source of good products, and I believe they will ship to the US

 

[bogus one]

Sportsman's Guide

 

[Cruiserdrew]

For camp pots and pans, silverware, knives etc, the local thrift store is unbeatable.

I have slowly upgraded over the years, but my original kit was almost 100% thrift store.

Plus, for camping it is required you have a cast iron skillet-even a new Lodge one will be under $20.

For tents and sleeping bags-Cabelas is your friend.

 

[Offroads4x4]

Check here for some links to car camping.
Car Camping Tips: Links & Resources

 

[sirenmoses]

Family type, size, skill and current equipment; a camping history as it were.... ?

Unfortunately, there are a billion theories out there about how much/little to have, but w/yr EMS exp we can take that off the list, yes? Remember, you'll need more/diff stuff for family than you pack for wheeln buddies: meds, hygiene, etc.



Army/Navy surplus for general camping items, and E-flee.

A search plus reading through the threads here will help: everybody has a method - as w/fire, the trick is to find yrs. A method I feel works great is adapted from float trips: 1 storage duffel (extra clothing, hygiene, etc) + 1 small carry bag per person (toys, snack, games, etc). Doesn't work for everybody, but it's a start.

personally I buy* shade cloth* for plants at the HD/Lws type stores: great to cover windows n make rigs more habitable (clamp* to raingutter/roofrack). also buy sections of astroturf* to put underneath dog xpens/crates and to make a 'porch' for the rig. grommets* and 10p nails* to keep turf from flying away. that's for true car camping (and dog shows at which I car camp: same dif, 'cept for the privacy angle).

look forward to hearing more....

 

[sirenmoses]

Check here for some links to car camping.
Car Camping Tips: Links & Resources

Really??

did you get paid to post that?


I get half for catching ya! reported.



Nevermind. All folks gotta start somewhere, better you answer the 'how do I s*** in the woods' question than I. Carry on.

 

[rusty_tlc]

In addition to thrift stores hit up garage sales.
Garage sales are an endless source of almost new equipment that may be a few years old. People gear up, do one or two summers of camping, lose interest and sell their stuff after a couple of years storing it in the garage or basement. Just look at the brands before you buy.

In general stick with Coleman for stoves and lanterns, stay away from Stansport and Ozarktrails (aka Walmart).

Eureka, Coleman, Sierra Designs, and MSR are all great brands of tents.

 

[firetruck41]

Thanks for the ideas/info, guys! As for more details, I plan on mainly going camping late spring to early fall in the Pacific NW, it's me and the wife with 5yr old, 3 yr old and 1 yr old kiddos. For now we will stick to developed campgrounds with nearby bathrooms, and fire pits...Maybe a few years down the road we will begin to range further out. We've got a cheap, usable, decent weather tent, a stove, lantern, sleeping bags, camp chairs and a few more of the basics.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Sounds like all you need is a PET toilet (or Lug a Loo) and a couple of camp tables to complete your kit.

 

[sirenmoses]

awning.

based on what you've got, stakeable awnings will increase your usable space x enuf to enjoy it w/littles underfoot.

which brings us back to astro-turf, so now I'm done.

oops, forgot the smoking deals part: sacattack and rei.outlet. cabelas clearance and bargin barn, rei scratch n dent, + the previously mentioned thrift stores and garages sales. in order of newness/price.

hth, keep us posted on yr progress...

 

[alia176]

I highly suggest using a simple tarp, two poles and guy ropes for a quick/dirty awning to hang out under. They're great for sun or rain shelter at the campground or an impromptu lunch. I have two sizes: smaller tarp awning out the back and a larger one that attaches to the side.