Family Camping on a Budget - By: Jared Rowe

Family Camping on a Budget
As the long, hot days of summer are slowly fading into memory, most people are probably not thinking about their next camping trip. But autumn is actually the perfect time to think about your next trip. It's a great time to find good deals on camping equipment and to book early reservations for next year's outings at popular camping sites. Many brick-and-mortar and online sporting goods retailers put their camping equipment on clearance at the end of summer and beginning of fall to make room for hunting and other winter sports gear. That makes fall potentially the best time of the year to buy camping equipment online.

Essential Gear for Family Camping
What is it we should really consider essential camping gear? We think it is anything you need and anything that makes the experience easier and more comfortable without causing a major burden to pack in and out. The following is a basic list of camping equipment essentials.

Tents — Your tent should be large enough for your family to sleep comfortably, easy to set up and take down, but compact enough for transport. A tent that is rated to sleep four people is usually not actually big enough for four people including air mattresses and gear. When buying a tent keep in mind what you like to sleep on and whether you will keep your clothes or equipment in your tent with you. Also pay attention to the rain fly—will it protect from rain that is blown in from the sides? If you will be camping in a wet, humid or moist area, look for tents with a ‘bathtub’ floor. This indicates that the floor of the tent is designed to repel moisture seeping up through the ground.

Sleeping Bags — There are two main types of sleeping bags. Traditional sleeping bags are rectangular in shape and come in a variety of materials. ‘Mummy’ type sleeping bags get their name from their shape as they are contoured to your body, and there are fewer gaps where cold air can get in. All sleeping bags have a temperature rating. If you are camping in the mountains (even during summer!), you may need a sleeping bag rated for freezing temperatures.

Cooking Equipment—Granola bars and potato chips can only get you so far. If you're camping for more than one night, you'll need at least a basic set of cooking equipment. This includes a cooler for perishable food, a camp stove, a skillet, a small stock pot, a coffee pot or French press, a cutting board and utensils (including at least one sharp knife, can opener, bottle opener and corkscrew). And don't forget dish soap, a sponge and a basin for washing dishes.

Lanterns & Flashlights — Propane or battery-powered hanging lanterns & flashlights are extremely useful when the sun sets. Headlamps are super handy to wear when doing tasks that require two hands, such as setting up a tent or washing dishes.

Fuel & Power — Propane canisters for your stove and/or lantern, batteries for flashlights, a lighter for your stove/lantern or a fire are absolute necessities. If you're camping somewhere they allow campfires you will definitely need firewood additionally.

There is plenty of additional camping equipment you may want to buy to make your excursions better and comfortable including solar showers, camp kitchens, screen tents and more. One good place to buy camping gear online at unbeatable prices is Recreation Outlet, which has been in business for 23 years. They have been serving customers online for the past 10 years. They are well-known in the outdoor industry for unbeatable prices & discounts on top-quality outdoor equipment and clothing.

About the Author

Recreation Outlet provides great prices on camping, hiking, and outdoor clothing, gear and equipment year round at their physical locations and online. You won't find better prices on great brands of recreational equipment - and that makes our customers happy!

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