You don't need to spend a lot on camping gear, but you can save some money if you do have some essential items. This is especially true of first-time campers that might be missing some modern conveniences. You can start by getting a camping fridge. It will keep your food fresh and allow you to explore the area without worrying about what dinner will be like. A smaller ice chest can be purchased to keep you cool during hot nights.
Mummy sleeping bags will keep you warm even in the cold. These bags feature a hood at top. For shorter trips, or for overnight camping adventures, you can choose between a smaller and larger bag. They're relatively inexpensive, and they're designed to keep you warm even in the most extreme conditions. These are a great option for solo adventurers, but not for heavy campers.
Coleman offers a range of affordable sleeping bags. These sleeping bags come in two sizes. They can accommodate up to 6ft tall people. They are rectangular and filled in with polyester lining. These bags are bulky and difficult to transport. They won't fit in many cars trunks. The Coleman Kids Sleeping Bag is a lighter option if you are looking for something more compact. The bag weighs in at 2.2 pounds and comes equipped with a stuff bag. There are some issues with it, such as broken zippers and ripped seams.
Another essential item is a tent. These tents are available in many styles and can be bought at most camping supply stores. They can be used to accommodate two to six adults and some tents are even suitable for car camping. They are simple to set up and remove, and come in a variety of affordable prices. Walmart has an all-season tent. These tents aren't suitable for cold-weather camping. However, they aren’t too expensive and receive good reviews from customers. These are also easy to assemble.
You might choose a tent made for solo camping if you are a beginner. Walmart sells an all-season tent. Or, you can buy one specifically for car camping. These tents are easily found at camping stores, however they're not always easy to afford. You can spend ten dollars on some models, or more for bells and whistles.
A few owners have reported issues with the fabric of their tents after a few seasons of use. A few tents have ripped or jammed seams and the stuffsack isn't compressed enough. There's also a problem with leakage, especially during rainstorms. To prevent your tent from leaking, you can purchase an optional footprint to fit on the tent base.
Tepui's Baja Series is one of the most popular tents on the market. It gets positive reviews from pros and has a few problems. Its walls are mostly mesh, and it doesn't seem to be made for cold-weather camping. However, it does come with pre-attached poles for tenting.
It isn't the best choice to camp in colder weather, but it is solid for hot-weather camping. Although the Teton Sports Tracker makes a great choice for car camping it lacks the comfort ratings of other bags.