Tents and Sleeping bags?

[Unlimited04]

What kind of tents and sleeping bags do you all have for hiking/backpacking and wheeling? Looking for suggestions on a good 2-person 4-season all purpose tent I can fit in a backpack and a sleeping bag to match. Something that will work wheeling, mountain biking, climbing or hiking, whether it be summer time or winter. Ideas? Anyone have a Cabela's XPG?

[MJs4ever]

I've been using an Ozark Trail dome tent that they claim sleeps two and if the other person is of the opposite sex, thats true but I wouldn't put another guy in there with ME uh uh no way. Its light, sets up fast and easy.

I use a zero-degree mummy from - $#!t I cant remember the maker but it weighs maybe two pounds and has kept me cozy at Slaughterhouse in January many times when I woke up with frost on the inside of the tent.
If you want a great bag, go to the army surplus on Hwy 36 and Pecos [or is it federal?] they got a beauty of a bag. $94, zero-degree but its oversized and huge. Not for hiking. Canvas outer, flannel inside, VERY comfy!

[Steve]

Sleeping bag - don't even think about a down filled one. There are a lot of synthetics out there now that will keep you real warm down to below zero. Hint: if you don't expect to be sleeping in zero degree weather, don't get a zero degree bag; you will get too hot.

Tent - I suspect you mean a 3 season tent, not 4 season. True 4 season tents are much heavier and expensive, and unless you plan on mid-winter backpacking in the snow you don't need it. There are a lot of 3 season backpacking tents out there that are very small and light. The best would be single layer (not a tent and separate rain fly) but they tend to be very expensive.

Somewhere like REI is a good place to look at both tents and bags as they have lots of different kinds and brands.

[gjk5]

I've been really happy with my Kelty stuff, a little less expensive than the real high end stuff but performs well.

I have a jalapeno (or serrano, can't remember which) that's a 15 deg bag and very light and packable and a (i think) streamside backpacking tent, very light, very sturdy and fairly comfy for two, enough room you don't have to snuggle!

[ColoradoXJ]

my buddy has a 3 person Mountain Hardware tent and it is sweet. It opens to a complete mesh 'ceiling' for warm summer nights. decently light, although by no means great for long distance backpacking... my bag is a Mountain Hardware as well, but it's 5 years old, 3 season and down. It's getting replaced, but I really like their stuff.

[Getsome]

I've have a Kelty Solstice 2 that I bought years ago from Garts. It's a 3 season, 2 person tent but you better know that other person real well because it's not that big. For a sleeping bad I have a GI mummy bag for extreme cold and it's been great but for back packing it's way too heavy.
At Gander mountain I saw some single person tents that were in the 5lb range if that's an option for you.

[FORMULA51]

Mountain Hardware

northface

[Gunter]

http://www.hennessyhammock.com/
http://www.junglehammock.com/ultrafeatures.php
http://www.crazycreek.com/interior.cfm?page=products&Category=7
http://www.themaskedmerchant.com/store/product.aspx?prdId=413916
these are great,and take up a vary small space and are fast up and down.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammock_Camping
http://hikinghq.net/hammock/hammock.html

[jdogg4]

I have a two person northface backpacking tent only fits one comfortable or two if you with the right woman.

My bag is a slumberjack mummy bag. I had a 0 and a -15
I have a summer coleman because the other two bags are too hot for summer time.

[mrutledge]

You live in boulder. Stop by Neptune Mountaineering and take a peek at their options. Don't be afraid to speak with the sales staff. They actually know what they're talking about because they use the stuff.

The prices aren't always the best, but I will support them whenever possible because their sales staff is so good.

-Matt

[Jason]

I run a 4 season REI tent. Best 400.00 bucks I have ever spent. After getting a couple people in it in 0 degree weather you don't need much of a sleeping bag.

[crackhead]

I worked in this industry for a bit and them my wife did after me.. Kelty $ for $ is prob the best stuff you can get for tents.. www.campmor.com has tons of their last years stuff for cheap.. 4 season tents are heavy, pricey, and bombproof.. Ive got a The North Face Mountain 25, and its bad ass, but total overkill for about 95% of what I do.. Down bags are fine as long as you can keep em dry, they are more pricey, but weigh quite a bit less.. Here in CO, you really need 2 different bags to cover summer/winter/mountain camping..

[bsaunder]

For backpacking tent - Mountain hardwear 3 person (2 people, 1 baby, 2 dogs). If its just me then its a REI flashlight tent, Sil tarp, or no tent - depending on the weather outlook and where I'm back packing.
For a well made, sturdy tent that will last time and weather, I have found that Mtn Hardwear is the best with Sierra Designs a second. There are a few 4 season tents out there that are 4 season rated that aren?t too heavy, but most are heavy and $$. My 3 season rated mtn hardwear has been in winter conditions many times (10k+ ft in Colo. Winter conditions can exist any time of the year) though and was able to hold a 3 foot heavy snow load before I got out an knocked it off ? the key for a decent tent in the snow is roof vents ? the standard floor vents that 95% of the 3 season tents use will block with snow quickly and you can asphyxiate easily.

backpacking sleeping bag - Sierra designs 15Fflex bags, probably switching to Mount Bell ultra lights (~1lb 15F bag). I also have a 45F bag and a -5F bag, but rarely pack anything other than the 15F bag - just layer my clothing or open up the bag as needed for warmth or ventilation. I really like the newer hybrid bags coming out with down and synthetic insulation along with weather resistant shells. For weight and compressibility it is still hard to beat down, but you have to keep it dry. I?m finding any way possible to shave weight right now as I?m carrying most of the gear and food for us as my wife has our kid, associated kid gear, and a few other things on her back.

For 4x camping ? I use a cheap and heavy duty Sears tent. I figure I?m much more destructive to camping gear in this environment and weight really isn?t much of an issue. Same for my sleeping bag ? I got a target special rectangular bag and air mattress.

Mtn biking ? sil tarp, minimal ground cloth, and backpacking bag

[jeepish]

Personally I have been very happy with my REI equipment. I have a 1/2 dome tent that is about 10 years old. It has been beat hard and put away wet with no damage. It is too heavy for backpacking, but the current version (10 years newer) would be a great backpacking tent. Same size (2 people comfortable) and easy to setup with 2 poles. Also includes 2 vestibules (1 on each side) and an attic. Great features. They retail for just over $200. Good buy for the money. Not a high wind tent since it is a bit taller so don't camp near cliff edges. My bag has been a good bag, but again 8 years old so the technology has changed. It is synthetic and works wonderfully. I have taken great care of it when using it and storing it. Would recommend one, but make sure it is light enough for backpacking.

On a side note that I can not confirm the validity. I have always been told that the rating is done 1 of 2 ways for bags. They can rate in basically a "comfort" level or a "frozen to death" level. A 0 degree bag may be comfy and warm at 0 where another 0 bag may simply keep you alive at 0. Important to make sure you get the comfy warm one for whatever temps you intend to use it in.

[AMMOtj]

For bags I will not buy anything other than Wiggy's. http://www.wiggys.com

They are by far the best bag I have ever owned. They are also made in Colorado and Jerry is a big supporter of the military (in fact, many of my friends in Spec Ops don't go anywhere without it) :D Check out the letters on his page, might make you a believer.

I have the Super Light with the FTRSS system and have done numerous nights in below 0 temps where I was down to my boxers because it was that warm.

[MonkeyBomb]

I've got a Kelty 2 man tent and 2 0 degree bags. Had them for about 10 years great stuff. Ialso have a Eureka 4 man tent thats great.

[planefixer]

Tent-wise I use Coleman although they're a little bulky for back packing.
Sleeping bag is a Sierra Designs Waylite 0? - absolutely love it.Very light weight and has never failed to keep me warm.

[zillacon]

Kelty all the way! I have the tent and the bags and couldn't be happier!

[Whitey]

I use an REI 1/2 dome 2-person 3-season backpack tent. After three years, (including more than 500 miles backpacking the CO trail this year), I returned it due to the poles bending, the door tearing and the stuff sack ties pulling out.

They gave me a full credit and I picked another REI 1/2 dome, with all the new improved features. It is light enough for backpacking and you can use the fly with the poles and ground cover for a minamalist shelter. A quick set up in a rain/hail storm.

REI is a good company and the tent is excellent, didn't bother me to take it back after three years, after all, they support the Seirra Club! None the less, they really are a good company and guarantee what they sell for life. :thumbsup:

I use a Big Agnes sleeping bag, +10* and down, with a gortex water proof barrier and a built in chamber for your pad. I like down as it is compressable and light, (7" x 13" and IIRC, less than 2#), easy to stuff in the stuff sack. Also, the grith on mine is 67 in. and I like that, can't stand not being able to toss and turn in a bag. :P

My pad is a Therm-a-Rest IV. Light, self filling and well insulated.

There are so many designs and choices in todays market, that it really comes down to what you want to do and what you prefer/like. :thumbsup:

[j5]

You live in boulder. Stop by Neptune Mountaineering and take a peek at their options. Don't be afraid to speak with the sales staff. They actually know what they're talking about because they use the stuff.

The prices aren't always the best, but I will support them whenever possible because their sales staff is so good.

-Matt

You betcha!

[oleblue]

Green backs from the wallet and DAYS INN work for me. :D

[Colin]

I need to find something else. I went camping in october and the temps got down to about 30 but I was freezing my ass off the whole night...fawking cheap sleeping bag, it said it was rated to 10 deg. I even had blankets on top of it...

For 4x4ing I have a large dome from coleman. I think its a 5 or 6 person tent. Its great to have the extra room to store half doors. But I would never take it on a hike, thats for sure.

Im digging all these links guys..

[Unlimited04]

Anyone have opinions on backpacks? I've been looking at stuff in the 100-200 dollar range online, but don't see any advantages over a Cabela's Sierra or Ridgeline model. What about cheapo ones listed on ebay for 50 bucks? ATI? Prolly made in China. I'd like a backpack in 5000+cu in range. The bigger and more flexible the better, can never have too much space right? Is it really worth it to spend extra money on a bag?

Thanks for all the input guys I need to read over this all a little more closely.

[Steve]

Anyone have opinions on backpacks? I've been looking at stuff in the 100-200 dollar range online, but don't see any advantages over a Cabela's Sierra or Ridgeline model. What about cheapo ones listed on ebay for 50 bucks? ATI? Prolly made in China. I'd like a backpack in 5000+cu in range.
5000+ cu in is a big backpack. You gonna take multi-day backpacking trips? If so, don't cheap out on a pack, your back will regret it. Go to REI downtown, they have about every brand and model of pack made. You can try any or all of them on, including putting weight in it. If you don't like their politics go somewhere else and buy what you find fits you best. All big backpacks are not created equal.

[dkpathy]

all i have is Mountain Hardware great stuff i have 2 bags and i have a tent and my dad has one. they make some pretty sick stuff and from time to time you can get it cheap on ebay. the other company that i have used and was pleased with was marmot. look around see whats one sale at rei, you can even rei's outlet website.

[TerryHowe]

I went through several Sierra Designs tents which were awesome tents and great for hiking and bicycle touring, but right now I have an Ozark Trails tent from Walmart. For the price, you can't beat it for car camping. It is an absolute piece of $h!t, but if you campare a $40 tent with a $200 tent, well it is well worth it.

I have a couple bags and normally bring a couple when I car camp. I have a big fat square Coleman for car camping that is very comfy and a Northface for hiking/bike touring.

If you buy a good tent, I'd recommend a 3 person this style:

http://www.sierradesigns.com/tents.display.php?id=490

Plenty of room for two people, fairly light, big awning.

The tents where you have to enter through the narrow side are harder to get in and out of.

[Scooter]

I need to find something else. I went camping in october and the temps got down to about 30 but I was freezing my ass off the whole night...fawking cheap sleeping bag, it said it was rated to 10 deg. I even had blankets on top of it...

For 4x4ing I have a large dome from coleman. I think its a 5 or 6 person tent. Its great to have the extra room to store half doors. But I would never take it on a hike, thats for sure.

Im digging all these links guys..




Maybe you need to consider what was under your bag.
We also went in October and found our big Coleman air mattress was not the best choice. It transferred all the cold up to us as we could not heat it up. Thinner insulating pad would have been much better.

[jdogg4]

www.campmor.com

I've spent alot of money over the years with them. I try out the stuff in the stores and if they can't price match then I go there. Last years clearance stuff is fine by me any day. Best bang for the buck that way.

They have some good sales going on right now even.

My old man worked for Coleman powermate division years back, and I worked over his emp. discount. I don't know how this works out for them but we paid 10% below cost on anything they had. I have coolers and stoves and laterns and cases and and and from there. They are my go to car camping and 4x4 camping gear any day of the week. I have all the backpacking stuff aswell from other suppliers. It's all about what you like most or what works best for you.
I used to camp alot and spent good good money on products. I don't camp/packpack as much as I used to, so the less $$$$ I have to spend the better for the use it gets.


this is the newer model to my tent for 109 but last years model same thing different color was 60 bucks. I like this tent alot. I can set it up on my one from start to finish in around 5 min. I got the footprint extra HD steaks and the gear hamock with it for 60. Great deal. I like the side door tents a bit better but for the price on this tent at the time I couldn't say no to it. I see them in the stores for around 150+.

[Jeff Mason]

Maybe you need to consider what was under your bag.
We also went in October and found our big Coleman air mattress was not the best choice. It transferred all the cold up to us as we could not heat it up. Thinner insulating pad would have been much better.


x2. Air-filled pads are the debil under about 40 degrees. You need something that will act as a vapor barrier and thermal break, be it a closed-cell foam pad or something similar.

The other thing I would throw out is that depending on how much backpacking vs. 'car-camping' you are doing, it just might make sense to invest in more than one set of equipment. I.E - Get the lightweight stuff for backpacking, but go ahead and throw down a little money for the bulkier heavier stuff that you can throw in a car and treat a little rougher.

I have a Kelty gunnison 2-person tent (should work in 3+ seasons, depending on snow load more than anything else) that works great for backpacking, but I get claustrophobic when on Scout weekend trips. For those scout trips and similar adventures, where I don't have to pack things very far, I have a 10x10 dome tent that I bought from Sporstmansguide about 7 years ago. It is still going strong, and for the $60 I spent on it originally, I won't care when it gets ripped. I also have one of those behemoth camp cots that I put inside the tent. I sleep like a baby!

[lilgreenjeepyj]

Somewhere like REI is a good place to look at both tents and bags as they have lots of different kinds and brands.

I thought they were anti-OHV??? At least thats what I keep hearing/being told....

Sierra Designs, Kelty(old school) for me and the family on the tent side

Variety of bags throughout the past. Current is down and nice and warm. Bought the wife a nice synth bag that works too.

We are looking to pick up a new tent this summer.

[Steve]

I thought they were anti-OHV??? At least thats what I keep hearing/being told....
If you don't like their politics, go there, browse, try stuff out, decide what you want and then buy it somewhere else or on line. They do, especially at their "flagship" store downtown, have a huge selection of stuff to look at and try out.

[lilgreenjeepyj]

If you don't like their politics, go there, browse, try stuff out, decide what you want and then buy it somewhere else or on line. They do, especially at their "flagship" store downtown, have a huge selection of stuff to look at and try out.

No, I still shop there and have been for a long time now, just wondering is all. :) Just got a new dog collar for the dogs XMAS present actually. Not really trying to start anything either, sorry... Just asking is all.

[jdogg4]

x2. Air-filled pads are the debil under about 40 degrees. You need something that will act as a vapor barrier and thermal break, be it a closed-cell foam pad or something similar.

The other thing I would throw out is that depending on how much backpacking vs. 'car-camping' you are doing, it just might make sense to invest in more than one set of equipment. I.E - Get the lightweight stuff for backpacking, but go ahead and throw down a little money for the bulkier heavier stuff that you can throw in a car and treat a little rougher.

I have a Kelty gunnison 2-person tent (should work in 3+ seasons, depending on snow load more than anything else) that works great for backpacking, but I get claustrophobic when on Scout weekend trips. For those scout trips and similar adventures, where I don't have to pack things very far, I have a 10x10 dome tent that I bought from Sporstmansguide about 7 years ago. It is still going strong, and for the $60 I spent on it originally, I won't care when it gets ripped. I also have one of those behemoth camp cots that I put inside the tent. I sleep like a baby!

It's the only way to do it. What is made for backpacking and car camping are like apples and oranges. It's worth the money to have two sets of stuff.

As for sleeping on stuff ya a air blow up mattris is bad. I have two thermarest. one for camping and one smaller lighter weight for pack packing. I love that thing. I only use it when camping, but the GF found the smaller backpacking one and uses it to work out on?????

[bsaunder]

No, I still shop there and have been for a long time now, just wondering is all. :)
Other than sometimes paying their employees while they volenteer on outdoor projects that may be sierra club sponsored, the co-op it self hasn't directly sponsored the SC for many years. Their sister travel company does advertise in sc publications though, so I guess you could say the overall corperation does contribute to the sc. Then again, so most all of the outdoors equipment manufacturers in that capacity (ads in publications).

[lilgreenjeepyj]

Other than sometimes paying their employees while they volenteer on outdoor projects that may be sierra club sponsored, the co-op it self hasn't directly sponsored the SC for many years. Their sister travel company does advertise in sc publications though, so I guess you could say the overall corperation does contribute to the sc. Then again, so most all of the outdoors equipment manufacturers in that capacity (ads in publications).

Thank you for the clarification on that. :thumbsup:

[MJs4ever]

Maybe you need to consider what was under your bag.
We also went in October and found our big Coleman air mattress was not the best choice. It transferred all the cold up to us as we could not heat it up. Thinner insulating pad would have been much better.
Agreed. Air mattresses and winter camping is a mistake I made only once.

[82'CJ7]

REI is expensive but they guarantee their stuff. Had to take a sleeping bag back b/c we burned it and they didn't ask any questions...just let us exchange it for a new one.
Marmot 0 degree for myself and Matt got the 15-degree. Love them and we stay super warm. They are down. I wouldn't have it any other way. Plus you can zip the 2 sleeping bags together for those that want to be close with the one you are camping with. The big thing two is to get a mat for underneath you sleeping back. Thermarest is the way to go.
Tent wise we got the North Face 2 man tent. Really easy to set up and tear down. Poles are guaranteed as well.

[Jeff Mason]

As for sleeping on stuff ya a air blow up mattris is bad.


I have to admit, I actully own a big agnes air core mattress.

http://www.rei.com/product/47828402.htm

Full-length, 2 1/2 inches of pure sleeping comfort that weighs only 24 ounces and packs down to the size of a nalgene bottle. I sleep like a baby on that thing.

They say it is insulated (it is), and good down to 15 degrees, but I got cold with it under me at 35 this summer. Maybe if I had a real thin, lightweight closed cell pad for the top of it, that would help.

I Wasgoing to take the agnes mattress to Philmonth last summer, but I did not want to risk getting cold at night. I ended up getting a thermarest 1.75" trail light pad. Almost as light as the Agnes pad, but a little bulkier and definitely a little too thin for my fat @ss, but I stayed warm!

[Chop Top]

Try these guys. www.kifaru.net Spendy, but ultra lightweight. I have the 8 man tipi. Very happy. I can fit three queen size air mattres inside and with the stove we stay toasty all night long. It was once Mountainshith.

[Jeff Mason]

Spendy, but ultra lightweight.

Yikes, those are super pricey for a tipi... but then again, factor in the weight and the pole system, the cost seems a lot more reasonable. Especially when you factor in the weight of the material for our troop's 20-foot tipi and see how long the 24-foot pole trailer really is :D

[jdogg4]

I have to admit, I actully own a big agnes air core mattress.

http://www.rei.com/product/47828402.htm

Full-length, 2 1/2 inches of pure sleeping comfort that weighs only 24 ounces and packs down to the size of a nalgene bottle. I sleep like a baby on that thing.

They say it is insulated (it is), and good down to 15 degrees, but I got cold with it under me at 35 this summer. Maybe if I had a real thin, lightweight closed cell pad for the top of it, that would help.

I Wasgoing to take the agnes mattress to Philmonth last summer, but I did not want to risk getting cold at night. I ended up getting a thermarest 1.75" trail light pad. Almost as light as the Agnes pad, but a little bulkier and definitely a little too thin for my fat @ss, but I stayed warm!

I have a buddy that has that same one and he says the same thing pretty much. He said more comfy than the TR but he said he got cold with it. When back packing and camping running around all day and top off the night with a few drinks I could sleep with a bent fork stuck in my back with no problems. When I go car camping I take both of my TR with me. That tends to do the trick.

[bender]

i`ve got a kelty orb 3, best 4 season tent i`ve ever owned, i`ve also got a kelty cache hauler and an illusion, my -30 bag is an unknown manufacturer I actually got it from work for free, my others a mountain hardware bag.

[MonkeyBomb]

REI don't know about anti OHV but very pro human powered sports. I kayak alot and it is the only game in town here.

I have a few smaller REI backpacks that are great for the price. They have a ton of packs and some of the sales staff know there stuff about fitting and what is best for what you are planning. As for to much pack. Yes, you don't want to break your back on a long hike.

[AMMOtj]

If you want some dirt cheap stuff from REI, become a member (like $30 lifetime), and check out when they have "Garage Sales" Make sure and get there bright and early and try to be one of the first ones in. Just start grabbing stuff and try it on later. I got my $200 Mtn. Hardwear soft-shell for $30 brand new. In addition, last year I picked up a Sierra Designs 4 person tent ($300 or so new) for $45. They basically sell all the returned merchandise. Some still with the tags on, some old and worn out.

[Unlimited04]

figured i'd resurrect this thread while the weather is getting nicer.

So I picked up 2 sleeping bags, 2 backpacks and 1 tent. Got a -20* mummy bag for 40 bucks at Cabela's when I was home for X-mas, it was stained and nobody wanted it, smelled moldy and funky. I washed it with good detergent and tumble dried it on low, smell is gone and it looks like new. $300 bag for 40 bucks + 4 bucks in quarters for the laundromat. Also got a Kelty RedCloud 6500 bag on sale for long hikes. And recently at the GoLite liquidation sale in Boulder, I picked up an 3-season tent, a 2500 backpack and +40* summer bag.

Now my question is...what do yall do for food while camping? What are yall cooking with? boiling water? fire starters? Looking for small stuff for backpacking/hiking but big enough to work for minimalist Jeep camping.

[MonkeyBomb]

I do alot of freeze dried foods and have an MSR stove just boil water and pour it in the pouch. The Mountain House beef stroganoff is pretty good for freeze dried stuff. The lasagna is just plain nasty. Get a good small water filter and it will make your life easier.

[bsaunder]

for backpacking I generally cook with white gas, but also usually tote along a canister or two also. My main stove is a multifuel - will run on gasoline, white gas, kerosene, propane, butane, ng, etc. and I have an ultra small canister only stove too as a secondary.
Have a nice titanium cooking set and fold up dinner ware. Generally bring up cereal, jerky, dried fruits, tail mix, mini chocolates, nuts, deviled ham, dried meals (some bought, some made), powdered soups, hot coco, cider, granola bars (not the traditional ones, but stuff like cliff bars etc). If 4x camping - that when the eggs, bacon, steaks etc get brought.

[starbreaker666]

MRE's when backpacking, but mostly just truck camp.. Will take the truck as far as it will allow then plop down on the nearest flat spot. So gear is all in the pickup...

[rubbersidedown]

Damn it. . .now the camping bug has really hit!!!:D

Eureka, (comfy) 2 man,three season tent (4lbs)
Slumberjack 15* mummy bag
Jan Sport Pak (never used :( )

So whos down to do a little back country campin this year, so I can break in my pak!!??:cool: