Mr. Leary
Glamping Excursionaire
Some of the cheaper gear is absolutely worth buying. Go to Walmart. The vast majority of their camping gear is great for the average car-camper. Stay away from their tents, though. For a quality tent on a budget you might want to look at Alps Mountaineering.
Here is a suggestion:
Put together the following items and go camp for one night at the nearest campground. Stay close to home.
You'll need:
1. Tent (use your Coleman)
2. Bedding (sleeping bag, blankets, whatever you already have at home)
Try to get synthetic materials as much as possible.
3. Sleeping Pad (go buy the cheapest thing at Walmart. I think the little blue foam things are about $12, you can return it the next day if you don't like it)
In this case, the cheap stuff is superior. I have tried everything under the sun, and have yet to find something that does the job as reliably as the blue foam pads.
4. Ice Chest (you have one, right?) Put some cold food in it; sandwiches, cheese & crackers, etc. No need to complicate this by cooking and cleaning. And of course your favorite beverages.
The_Mrs. and I like to pre pack for light camping trips. Then all we have to do is open and eat.
5. Chair ( I imagine you have one of these, too. A folding patio chair works just as well as a "camp" chair)
...or you could find a nice, soft rock to sit on...
6. Book and/or radio. Or whatever you wish to pass the time with.
That's it, except maybe firewood. Camping like this for a night will give you a good idea of how you want to develop your camping lifestyle. And you'll also get an idea about which camping gear you might want to acquire.
Start off simple and add things as you go. Have fun!
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