Camping Gear for the Casual Family Campers

[yubert]

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I am thinking these attributes would be desirable (feel free to add more):
- easy to use for the beginner
- compact so it doesn't take up too much space when stored away
- makes camping more enjoyable for family members

<snip>

Besides easy to use and compact, I'd also add inexpensive as an attribute for casual first-timers. So along those line here are some items I think meets those requirements:

1. Collapsible silicone bowls, $1.50/each at Daiso.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=409611492443344&set=a.379895482081612.90236.355376727866821

2. LifeTime 4-ft folding table, ~$32 at Sam's Club. It's easy and quick to set up. Packs well for storing in a vehicle and can be used for more than camping.
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/lifetime-4-adjustable-fold-in-half-table-white/103425.ip?sprodId=103425

3. I also like this compact stainless steel cook set from Stanley. The pot as well as plastic cups are well-made and only $14.88 at Walmart.
http://www.shopstanley-pmi.com/product/7213

4. LED lantern - Works great. Has 2 modes, white light and Disco. $1.50/each at Daiso
http://www.daisojapan.com/popup.aspx?src=images/Product/large/22476.jpg

 

[jeywalk]

Besides easy to use and compact, I'd also add inexpensive as an attribute for casual first-timers.

Good call. You guys are lucky to have a Daiso in LA! Are the silicone bowls sturdy and suitable for hot liquids?

 

[yubert]

Good call. You guys are lucky to have a Daiso in LA! Are the silicone bowls sturdy and suitable for hot liquids?

Yep, the silicone bowls are sturdy and suitable for hot liquids. The base and rim is hard plastic base which makes it sturdy plus the handles on the rim makes it comfortable to hold with hot liquids. Also the silicone section is thick and won't easily collapse. As a point of reference, REI sells a collapsible silicone bowls for $17.95 that is about the same size and quality.

 

[john101477]

I will chime in here a bit myself. I will agree with Mr Woods on just about all of his points on what makes a good family camping trip. If momma is happy, we are all happy!
I personally am not a huge SP fan> I tend to feel than many of their products are a pit over priced even for the great quality they are producing. They are also a bit over the top for a family that is only out 2-3 times a year for a weekend or maybe a week.
I am also a big boy (hoping to drop below the 300 mark next week for the first time in 3 years) so a chair is one vital piece of equipment for myself. I bought a camping chair from Kijaro that is pretty decent but they do not make that model any more.
Honestly for the occasional weekend warrior, almost anything made from (as I cringe slightly) Coleman will work fine. I use 2 all in 1 stoves myself right now because I just do not need a partner steel stove. I do happen to like the Igloo ice chest more than the Coleman because they have a top latch mechanism. Call me stuck on propane as well but I still use a Coleman lantern as well. For tents... I would have to say I like a tent with 2 rooms. One for the kid and one for the wife and I. REI has a great selection as long as it is tall enough for you all to stand in it is fine. Tables is my biggest disagreement here. I stopped using the roll top tables. Mostly because I do not like how easy it is to tip them over, unfortunately I found this out by experience and a lost meal. I now use a 4ft folding table that also folds in the middle. Yes it is a bit bulkier but your car camping. put it on the bottom under the ice chest if you have to. I have never looked back since I made the change.

 

[jeywalk]

I bought a camping chair from Kijaro that is pretty decent but they do not make that model any more.

Thanks for chiming in. Speaking of Kijaro, what do you think of their Versa-Shade? Is it practical?

 

[john101477]

Thanks for chiming in. Speaking of Kijaro, what do you think of their Versa-Shade? Is it practical?

IDK, I think there are a lit of options when it comes to a shade like this. The Kijaro at $100 is ok and it is versatile but so is a $20 tarp and 4 replacement tent poles.
you have options like screen houses, or things like the Trekker Instant Shade. Personally I used a screen room with some friend on a hunting trip a few years ago and it was comfy both for cooking in and for relaxing in. Kept the skeeters out to...
I tend to camp in all sorts of weather and usually between 3-14 days at a time and honestly this setup has worked in everything from primitive camping to having the neighbors RV next to us.
It's not fancy, doesn't have a 5 star rating from REI or SP but it works.

 

[Honu]

We lived under cheap tarps in the islands over expensive ones
One thing we did is run rope from pole to pole so tarp sag is less

 

[jeywalk]

Just came across these products - looks pretty innovative to me, but what do you guys think?

Portable grill that store into a rod: http://www.industrialrev.com/grilliput.html
Lantern + Flashlight + USB Charger in one: http://www.industrialrev.com/arka-led-lantern.html
Collapsible bucket: http://www.dyersonline.com/camco-rv-marine-collapsible-bucket.html

 

[nwoods]

I've held that grille in my hands. Very fragile. Not a good investment in my mind.

 

[Harmgrissom]

Just a few thoughts - I am still working up to the hundreds of mile trips like many on this forum but I do a lot of remote location based camping i.e. 4x4 in - 4x4 out. One element you're going to be competing with is the Wal-Mart campers and not all of it is wrong. Anything you can use for more than one task or role is a win in my book.

I still use a set of plastic plates made by Ziploc of all people - picked up a 4 pack when the wife and I first got married, added a couple more 4 packs as the kids came along. Nothing wrong with them, they stack small and disperse heat well.

I'm a big fan of the Light My Fire Sporks from REI as the are incredible light and my kids haven't been able to break them eating yet.

I'm old school in that I like cooking with a Dutch Oven. You have to be careful with it, i.e. the heat, but especially for a larger crew, a Dutch Oven is awesome. We even did Fry Bread camping a few weeks ago and my kids experimented with Fry Bread Smores afterwards. What can't you use a Dutch Oven for? Serious questions lol.

Camp chairs are something that is going to be hard to break into with every store & their dog selling them in all shapes & sizes now. It is what it is.

A table is a great idea & I'm already on google looking at some of the ones mentioned here so far - I'm untrusting of most of the smaller/lighter ones I've seen in stores so reviews & suggestions here are awesome.

I traditionally like the Coleman (gasp) propane lanterns, yes the old school mantle ones. But I just ordered a Weatherrite 610 after a stellar review from Tannermans Trading Co.

But thats just me. I'm a bit of an odd duck.

 

[jeywalk]

Anything you can use for more than one task or role is a win in my book.

Great point. What is the most multifunctional gear that you own?

 

[chromisdesigns]

Great point. What is the most multifunctional gear that you own?

Tossup between canvas ice bags and my wok!

The ice bags can carry stuff, store stuff, serve as an airplane carry-on bag, laundry bag, collapsible sink or bucket in a pinch, grocery getter, organizer, firewood tote, library book bag, tool bag, and if all else fails, you can haul ice in them! I've even carrried my cat in one, from time to time. She was happy to sit in there, peeking her head out and watching the world go by. And if you happen not to be using one, it folds down to almost nothing.

If I was limited to just one cooking pan, it would be a wok, hands down.

 

[jeywalk]

Tossup between canvas ice bags and my wok!

Neat! Are these just generic canvas ice bags and wok? Or are there particular brands you like?

 

[Honu]

For your target of family campers once in a while and easy

Think coleman pop up tents or hub tents you get in push up in the center and poof instant large tent
Think coleman lantern that has those pop out single lights so you lantern becomes individual lights if needed
Nemo while expensive are making some killer tents that use air (a couple other companies also are) instead of poles !
I can see that being a super cool thing for the non camper
Nothing more funny than watching folks put up tents
Nemos new bag design is forward thinking !

I love old fashioned safari camps big tents comfy furniture so try to replicate that myself
Begineer and compact dont come together to much
Often compact means more setup and cost but major space savings and weight savings

Things like the Snow Peak IGT setups are awesome pack super small but expensive
Begineers might tend to camp more in parks which have picnic tables to eat and cook at so the IGT becomes a luxury
When you camp in areas with no tables your camp kitchen needs change

Camp mess kits that nest like MSR and GSI are handy for lots of folks

If you are researching
I would also look at all GSI products MSR products Snow Peak and Nemo for companies that have cool unique items
With snow peak and nemo being higher end msr bridges the gap and GSI is across the range in some ways but lower
Example Snow Peaks titanium cookware is tops GSI is for those that dont buy SP but GSI halulite is awesome !


For fun my one single cook item would be cast iron griddle !
You can do everything on it from breakfast to fajitas can be used over gas or charcoal or wood

Uniflame japan not uniflame USA
Has some cool things one of them being this stainless sink thing with a strainer and cutting board that nests together

 

[FLYFISHEXPERT]

Hi all,

My name is Jerry, and I am working on a project to research camping equipment for modern urban families.

I know a lot of you guys are experienced in camping and outdoor adventures, but for the casual family who goes camping once or twice a year, what gear would you recommend to them?

I am thinking these attributes would be desirable (feel free to add more):
- easy to use for the beginner
- compact so it doesn't take up too much space when stored away
- makes camping more enjoyable for family members

For disclosure, I am a product curator at www.ippinka.com. We are looking for products that would encourage families to go camping this summer. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated!

I will start of by saying, 'You get what you pay for.' For most families who only venture out once in a while I would suggest multi-purpose items that can be used in camp and the home.

In the Kitchen: Pots and pans from home can easily be used in camp, as well as most utensils. Heck, this is how I camped in college. I didn't have much room in the dorm/apartment to store fancy gear so I used what I already owned. I would highly recommend GSI Outdoors and Light My Fire products. I have purchased and reviewed these products over the years and have (almost) always been pleased with the design and quality.

Stoves: I would spend money on a decent stove. I love liquid fuel Coleman stoves but propane stoves are great too. You don't have to buy Snowpeak, but I would avoid the generic department store stoves. Craigslist is a great place to purchase used stoves (all of my stoves were purchased on Craigslist). You want to find a stove with a decent heat output but has a good flame adjustment.

Sleeping: While I do not own one of their tents, I don't believe Alps Mountaineering gets the respect they deserve. They have been great to work with and I really like their chairs, internal frame backpacks, and tables.

If the family are camping in a campground, I wouldn't worry about packing chairs or tables as most campgrounds have picnic tables which work great for cooking on and eating at.

Feel free to send me a tweet if you have any additional questions!