Camping Equipment

Lighting Guide for Camping

BassProHD — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:51:02 +0000

Lighting Guide for Camping

BassProHD Fri, 04/14/2023 - 14:51

Category

When it comes to lighting your campsite at night, there are plenty of options. Part pragmatic, part fun, camp lighting not only allows you to see at night but can add to the adventure and create ambience.

There are two main categories of lighting options—sources of ambient light to illuminate the campsite or tent and directed light sources that brighten your path. Setting your camping lighting package likely includes putting together a combination of flashlights, headlamps, lanterns and area lighting accessories. When it all comes together, the results can not only be functional, but quite a bit of fun.

Self-Directed, Handheld, and Head-Mounted Lighting

Flash Lights

Flashlights and headlamps are a critical piece of camping equipment. These days there are a variety of options, with flashlights ranging from around 50 lumens to more than 18,000.

Flashlights fall into a number of categories, but our focus lies largely in the introductory space and those that provide both high performance and good value.

Great, All Purpose Flashlights

The Cabela’s CTL Flashlight delivers high performance and durability. The CTL is a great choice for a go-to all-around flashlight for a variety of outdoor pursuits.

Available in 800, 1,000 and 1,200 lumen outputs, the CTL is rechargeable—rated for over 300 charge cycles. These military grade flashlights are composed of aerospace aluminum with a hard anodized finish and designed for years of performance.

The flashlight is packed with a variety of performance features, including:

Removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a dual charge design.
Shatter-proof polycarbonate lens

IPX-8, submersion-rated waterproof status

The CTL not only makes a great camping flashlight, but is a staple of serious hunters, anglers and hikers across North America. The 1200-lumen model broadcasts its beam out to 700 meters, with run times of 1.5 hours on high and 5 hours on low. The 1,000-lumen CTL broadcasts its beam to 300 meters, with run times of 2 hours on high and 12 hours on low. The 800-lumen CTL broadcasts its beam to 150 meters and has runtimes of 30 minutes on high and 3.25 hours on low.

Introductory Flashlights

Bass Pro Shops offers a number of high -flashlights at great value. The Shops 3-Pack LED Flashlights deliver 400 lumens with adjustable beams. Powered by 3 AAA batteries, which are included, these flashlights come camping ready.

The flashlights are a great option to have in the glove box of your car or backpack, providing a spare in case you misplace your others. If you’re camping with kids, giving each of the youngsters their own light is a great way for them to be part of the adventure.

Headlamps

Headlamps are a great addition to your camping pack. Because you can mount them to your forehead and operate them without holding them, headlamps free up your hands. This feature is not only great for camping, but for fishing, hunting, hiking or generally spending time outdoors at night.

The Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Models headline our headlamp offering. They are available at a variety of price points, with a range of features.

The Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Series RGB Headlamp broadcasts 300 lumens on high and boasts a runtime of 150 hours on flood mode. The RGB has 5 light modes, runs on 3 AAA batteries (which are included), and features white, red, green and blue light. It features water-resistant housing and is mounted onto an adjustable headband.

The Cabela’s Alaskan Guide XP Green Headlamp is the line’s most feature-rich, high performance model. Designed for serious nocturnal outdoor recreation, it is a great addition to your camping pack. Broadcasting 650 lumens for 70 hours on Maxbright LED mode (or 40 lumens for 159 hours (about 6 and a half days) on green LED mode), the XP is equipped with wide beam and spotlight settings.

Ambient Lighting

These days, lanterns are the most popular and versatile method of illuminating campsites. Recent advances in rechargeable technologies—and ever-improving performance of battery powered lighting sources—have revolutionized the lighting landscape.

Once defined by propane and lighted wicks, the lantern market now includes a variety of innovative, feature rich models powered by battery, solar power, and external fuel sources. Inflatable, compactible, color-changing and multiple mode lanterns that can run for tens of hours on a single charge make the prospect of lantern shopping a fun experience.

How to Choose the Right Lantern for Your Situation

When looking for a good campsite lantern, you’ll likely want something that includes a few features:

Different Light Modes—many lanterns come with high, medium and low light outputs. These modes have a number of advantages. If you need to light up a large area, you can opt for the high output (bright) mode. Lower light modes not only allow you to create a different atmosphere in your campsite, but also drastically extend the life of your lantern’s charge.

Different Color Modes—Choosing a lantern with different color modes is a good idea as well. By switching to red light or green light mode, you can illuminate the inside of the tent without waking up those sleeping inside.

Rechargeable—many high-performance lanterns now include a variety of recharging options. If you opt for the battery powered route, be sure to pack a few extra in case you need them. Many solar powered lanterns include quick charge modes that allow you to recharge the lantern with the sun or by plugging in its USB charger.

If you plan to be out for extended periods of time, you can opt for a lantern that includes as power base that will allow you to use it to charge your phone or other device.

Water Resistance Rating—because you never quite know what the weather is going to do, or where you’ll wind up taking your lantern, you’d be wise to make sure that the water resistance rating on your lantern matches up to where you might take it.

Compactibility—if your version of camping involves packing things in and out in a backpack, you’ll want to consider a collapsible lantern. Models include those that are inflatable and others that fold down on themselves like an accordion. Collapsible lanterns are great for family campers too—they can fit in the console of your truck, your boat’s tackle bag or your hunting gear kit.

Practical Features—you might consider selecting a lantern that can stand up, is hangable, that comes with a shade or the ability to also direct beams of light in a direction.

Fun, Additional Features—Depending on the experience you are after, some lanterns can do much more than just give light. There are Bluetooth enabled lantern speakers that can play music, there are color-changing lanterns that reinforce the adventure of camping with kids and more.

Lantern Picks

Here are a few great, all-around lantern options to keep your campsite lit.

Cabela’s LED Lantern With Remote

The Cabela’s LED lantern provides a great combination of performance and value. It’s LED bulb produces up to 500 lumens, broadcast in a full 360 degrees. Powered by 3 D batteries, the lantern can run for up to 300 hours on low mode. It's rugged housing and IPX-4 water resistance rating make it a good all around choice for lighting your campsite. It has 4 lighting modes—white low, white high, amber low and amber high (amber light is gentle and attracts fewer insects). The lantern’s remote control allows you to control it from a distance…. Meaning that you can climb into your sleeping bag and get situated without needing to turn out the light first.

BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Multicolor USB Lantern

This compact, versatile lantern broadcasts 500 lumens of light. On high mode it runs for 5 hours or 200 hours on low. Light modes include cool white, warm white, single customizable color, multicolored light and a suite of fun and interesting secondary lighting modes. It is rechargeable with a USB plug in and includes a USB out plug to recharge other devices or run BioLite Site lights. It is compact (5.4”x3.8”) and has an IPX-4 water resistance rating.

Streamlight Siege 3D LED Lantern

Powered by 3 D batteries, the Streamlight Siege has 4 LED lights that broadcast 360-degrees of soft, even lighting. Equipped with three lighting modes—high provides 540 lumens for 30 hours, medium offers 275 lumens for 70 hours and low broadcasts 55 lumens for 295 hours—the Streamlight’s glare reducing polycarbonate cover broadcasts light evenly. The Streamlight has an IPX7 water resistance rating and it floats.

Portable, Packable, Rechargeable and Collapsible Lanterns

Goal Zero Crush Light

The Crush Light from Goal Zero is lightweight, collapsible and compacts down to disc that is .6” thick. It is rechargeable in the sun and with a USB power cable. With its three modes—high broadcasts 60 lumens for 3 hours, medium runs for 6 hours and low for 35 hours.

HybridLight Puc Expandable Lantern

The portable, lightweight expandable lantern delivers 150 lumens of light. When expanded it functions as a lantern. When compressed, it doubles as a flashlight. The HybridLight Puc Expandable Lantern is solar powered and chargeable with USB cable. It can deliver up to 40 hours of light on a full charge and is rated to hold a charge for 7 years. It comes with a fold-down hanger, making it a great addition for tent lighting or for your fishing or hunting packs or the console of your truck. When compressed, the puc measures just 2” thick.

Other Great Ambient Lighting Options

Placing a lantern or two around your campsite is a great way to light up the night, but there are a few other fun variety of camping lights as well.

MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights

These solar powered sting lights include 10 individual lights on an 18’ strand that packs 100 lumens. Equipped with high, medium, low and external flashlight settings, the lights can stay lit for up to 20 hours on a full charge. They provide a great way to make your campsite your own, illuminating paths or when strands are connected together, providing lighting for the perimeter of your campsite.

Nite Ize FlashFlight Light-Up Flying Disc

While it may not be a flashlight or a lantern, what type of camping trip would not benefit from a lighted flying disc? Lightweight and durable, powered by replaceable lithium batteries, the disc’s LED illumination broadcasts an array of colors through its patented fiber-optic array. The disc has 4 color modes and a run time of 20 hours.

Funky Colored Flames

Campfires are the original way of lighting campsites. Humans have been having a good time telling stories around fires since before there were tents.

The Funky Colored Flames are crystal kits that are specially formulated to change the flame color of any wood burning fires. They are great fun. After all, making fire turn blue, green and purple is a wonderful way to invite kids to participate in the adventure of camping.

Note: Do not use Funky Color Flame kits on cooking fires or if you plan to make s’mores with the kids.

Campfire: The original camping light.

Guide to Tents

Bass Pro Shops — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:07:00 +0000

Guide to Tents

Bass Pro Shops Fri, 04/14/2023 - 14:07

Category

Camping Equipment

The Bass Shops’ selection of tents is divided into three categories: family camping, hunt camp and adventure camp. The attributes, features, and pricing of the tents in each category largely reflect their function.

Pairing the right tent with your needs can greatly enhance your camping experience. What follows is our recommendations on choosing the right tent for you.

Tents for Family Camping

Family camp tents are designed to make camping accessible. They are made to be functional, affordable and to combine quality and value to make it easy for families from all walks of life to spend time together outdoors.

The primary point of comparison for family tents is size. To pick the right tent for your family, just match the number of potential campers to the tent’s listed capacity. If your campers are big or like to bring lots of accessories, you might opt for a tent with a larger capacity than you think you might need.

Dome Tents

The Bass Pro 4-Person Dome tent is our most popular family camp model. It is a good, functional tent that assembles quickly, accommodates a queen-sized inflatable mattress, and features a rain cover and waterproof tarp floor.

This tent provides a great value and is a great choice for the family who is venturing into camping for the first time. Its economical price point is intentional.

Pairing the Bass Pro Shops 4-person dome tent with Bass Pro Shops sleeping bags, Cabela’s Polar Cap hard coolers and our line-up of camping chairs, backpacks, and other necessary accessories allows Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s customers to compile what is perhaps the best combination of value and function in camping.

The Bass Pro Shops Dome tent is designed for family camping applications. It’s point of difference lies in its combination of value and function, rather than technical innovation. It ably performs the basic functions of a tent but does not include some of the technical and performance materials of more specialized models.

The Cabela’s West Wind 4-Person Dome tent is a great step up in the family tent category. Designed with a number of performance features— upgraded waterproofing in the rainfly shield and tent walls, a hanging gear loft, and improved nylon mesh screening in the tent’s doors and windows, the West Wind introduces family camping to some of the attributes normally associated with technical tents in the adventure and hunt camp space. The West Wind’s calling card lies in keeping your family dry and comfortable in windy or wet conditions.

Cabin Tents

Cabin tents provide a different take on tent configuration. Designed with high ceilings, more headroom and a footprint that tends to be more rectangular, many cabin tents recall to mind the canvas walled models used by hunting outfitters in the West.

The Bass Pro Shops 10-Person Cabin Tent creates a great space for a weekend getaway. With a 10’x14’ footprint and a ceiling height of 84”, this option provides plenty of space for people and gear. It even includes an internal room divider, hanging gear loft and multiple zippered pockets—creating lots of storage for keeping organized. The tent is sold in its reusable heavy duty, zippered carry bag.

This model features polyester walls and rainfly, waterproof, welded-seamed floor, and mesh panels on the door, windows and ceiling. The Cabin Tent’s combination of size and attributes makes it a great choice that is prepared for family camping in good weather or otherwise.

The Ascend 9 Mile is made to make you feel at home on the trail.

Adventure Camp Tents

Adventure tents are designed for use off of the beaten path. Compactible, lightweight and high performance, adventure tents are made to be taken with you—in your backpack. Many adventure tents are made to accommodate one to two people, though there are models that accommodate three and in a few cases four.

Used for more demanding camping applications, adventure tents are designed to be:

Compactible - compactibility measures the dimensions of a tent’s packaging when not deployed. Because they are meant to be carried in backpacks, the smaller a packed tent’s profile, the better it is.
Light weight - while family tents are often carried to the campsite in a car or truck, an adventure tent will likely be ported to its destination on your back. When you are packing on long trails, in the mountains or hunting in the back country, weight savings are a big deal. An adventure tent’s weight savings will come in the form of design features (everything you need, not much that you don’t) and in technical fabrics and materials.
High Performance - these tents are made for adventure. Adventure often takes place in the middle of wilderness. When you are traversing remote and rugged country, you need a tent that can keep you dry and protected from the elements.
Special Features - because adventure tents are designed for use by demanding hikers, backpackers and hunters, they will include a number of special features and attributes. These often include vestibules (covered areas on the outside of the tent’s interior where you can lay gear, boots, water bottles or excess clothing), reflective guy lines, adjustable ventilation and rain coverage, and tensioners.

The Ascend Nine Mile 1-Person Backpacking Tent (it’s also available in a 2-person tent) is the headliner of our adventure tent offerings. The 9 Mile is made with high performance materials—aluminum poles, polyester rain cover, and compression stuff sack—and designed to provide as much space as possible while keeping it light and compact.

Space and weight become an important consideration when you’re packing your tent on your back.

The 1 person Nine Mile weighs only three pounds and 14 ounces. It is packed with features suited for the demanding backpackers—adjustable air vents, fully seamed rainfly and floor, full-coverage rainfly. The 2-person Nine Mile features two doors (so that each camper can enter or exit without disturbing their tentmate) and two zippered side vestibules.

Vestibules are very useful. Not only do they help keep gear organized, but they function as mudroom for the tent. You can leave wet boots to dry, while not tracking mud into your tent. When it comes to the smaller confines of adventure camp tents, the ability to store gear outside of the tent’s interior also improves comfort.

The Cabela’s Ultimate Alaknak, doing what it does best… elk hunting.

Hunt Camp Tents

Hunt camp tents are largely defined by two styles—put up and leave for a period of time or backpackable tents that combine portability and protection from the elements. Whereas most family camp and adventure camp models are three season tents (spring, summer, and fall), a number of hunt camp options are rated for four season camping—including winter.

The Cabela’s Ultimate Alaknak is a modern take on the classic outfitter style tent. Available in three configurations (12’x12’, 12’x20’ and 13’x27’), the Alaknak delivers a spacious, durable basecamp experience. The Alaknak’s cabin tent design means more headroom and the ability to comfortably spend time in the tent, with room for cots, the wood stove and whatever chairs, tables and accessories you choose to bring into the backcountry.

Composed of high performance materials and packed with such features as condensation vents, adjustable ventilation, a stove jack, and fold down shelves on the side walls, the Alaknak can also be equipped with a vestibule, additional roof protector, and reinforced floor liner.

Everything about the Ultimate Alaknak is conceived to make extended stays in the backcountry as comfortable, dry and warm as possible. The Alaknak’s unique offering lies in not only its ability to comfortably house people and gear, but to do so for extended periods.

The Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic tent uniquely combines the ruggedness and durability you’d need while hunting in the backcountry with the portability you’d need to bring the tent with you. Available in 4, 6, and 8-person configurations, this is another ultra-rugged 4-season tent.

The Alaskan Guide Model is composed of reinforced, heavy-duty materials. Its extra thick waterproof floor is made of 210-denier polyester oxford with a rating of 3,000mm. Its full coverage rainfly is made with 75-denier rip-stop fabric that retains a 2,000mm polyurethane waterproof coating.

Designed to hold up against rain, snow and wind, the Alaskan Guide Model’s design is informed by more than 25 years of field testing in Alaska. All of these features are compactible and relatively lightweight. The 4-person model fits into a pack that is 30”x10”x8” and weighs in at less than 25 pounds.

Guide to Camping Chairs

BassProHD — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 18:56:30 +0000

Guide to Camping Chairs

BassProHD Fri, 04/14/2023 - 13:56

Category

Camping Equipment

The right seating can mean the difference between a comfortable camping experience and one that is not. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s offer a line up camping seating options that cover all the bases.

Finding the right camping chair options is an exercise in balancing what you’d like to spend with the attributes you need. If you plan to backpack into the backcountry, you’ll likely opt for an adventure camp chair that is light weight and compactible (able to be stored and carried in a small package).

The Ascend Rest/Light Camp Chair headlines our adventure camping chairs. Weighing only 2 lbs. and 7oz. and packing down to 15.9”x3.9”x4.9”, the Rest/Light boasts an impressive weight capacity of 250 pounds.

If you need to outfit your family for a camping adventure, you’ll have a few more options. You might want to consider comfort, durability, price point and perhaps even what other outdoor activities your chairs may make possible for you to enjoy. Here is a breakdown.

Family Camping Chairs

When it comes to family camping, chair comfort is the priority. Because you will likely drive to near your campsite and offload your equipment where you plan to stay, weight and compactibility are less of a consideration than seating needed for adventure or hunt camp.

The price points and feature sets of the chairs listed below vary. As a general rule, higher quality chairs will cost more. They will also last longer and likely be more comfortable. That said, incorporating the right features into your camping chairs can improve your experience tremendously.

The Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman Chairs

Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman line up chairs and loungers headline the options for family camp seating. The Big Outdoorsman line is so comfortable and functional, in fact, that they could very well become your go-to outdoor chair—whether you are camping or not.

Made of high-quality material and featuring a great combination of durable fabric and support, the Big Outdoorsman is available in a number of configurations. The line features large seating areas, thick padding, high weight capacity, powder coated steel hardware and hard arms—that are perfect for helping older campers get into and out of the chairs.

The Big Outdoorsman Lounger redefines comfort in the outdoor chair space.

The lounger is a great choice for family camping. Just position the chair in the shade of a tree or pack it down to the riverbank and you’re ready for hours of comfort and relaxation in the outdoors.

The Big Outdoorsman Muskoka Chair is our take on the classic outdoor chair. The chair’s wide back and seating area (22”) are designed for comfort. It’s 600-pound weight capacity makes it one of the highest rated chairs on the market. This capacity is ideal for big outdoorsmen or a pile of little or medium sized ones.

The Big Outdoorsman Muskoka chair.

The Big Outdoorsman line up is comprised of a variety of well-built, comfortable models. A few of our other favorites include the XL fold-up chair, the Big Outdoorsman rocker, the Big Outdoorsman Director’s Chair (with side table), and the Hard Arm Recliner Fold Up chair. These chairs are great for not just camping, but seating for any outdoor occasion--- picnics, concerts, kids’ sports practice… you name it. They are built to last and be comfortable for years of outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Bass Pro Shops Line Up of Family Camping Chairs

Bass Pro Shops features a variety of great camping chair options. From the tried and true foldable camp chair to more feature rich chairs, including the XL Padded Club Chair and the Mesh Back Canopy Chair (a foldable chair with a built, adjustable height sun awning), the Bass Pro Shops line of camp chairs is specially curated to provide value and comfort.

The Eclipse Camp Chair for Kids is a great addition for the junior camper. Not only are these seats sized to make kids more comfortable, but they are accessibly priced. Kids love accessories. Buying a kid his or her own special camping chair is a great way to invite them to be part of the adventure.

Hammocks

Part chair, part bed, part tree swing, perhaps nothing says camping fun quite like a hammock. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s offer a number of great hammock options.

To hang your hammock, just find two trees that are substantial enough to withstand the weight of suspending a napper or two. You can pick up a section of rope or opt for one of our easy and versatile hammock hanging kits.

One Person Hammock—Grand Trunk Ultralight
Two Person Hammock—Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock

Matching Chairs with Accessories

With its diversity of sizes, features, capacities and price points, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s line up of family camping chairs allows you to precisely outfit your situation for the needs of your family. You can then pair your seating arrangements with other great campsite gear.

Wagons are great for helping trek your equipment to and from the campsite. We carry a variety of tables—from roll top dining tables and compact trifold tables to folding aluminum picnic tables and camp chair end tables. The Cabela’s Deluxe Camp Kitchen can bring some of the comforts and organization of your kitchen to your campsite ( or tailgate).

While there are more options than we can list here, the takeaway is simple. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s carries everything you need for camping and outdoor recreation. By offering the widest selection of outdoor products in the industry, sold by the most knowledgeable outfitters that you’ll find anywhere, we’ve been helping families spend time together in the outdoors for 50 years.

Tent Buyer's Guide

Mathew Brost — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 16:10:54 +0000

Tent Buyer's Guide

Mathew Brost Thu, 06/11/2020 - 11:10

Category

Camping Equipment

No matter if you're staying at your favorite campground or deep in the backcountry, your tent is your home away from home. And the right tent can make your stay more enjoyable. Whether this is your first tent or you're looking to upgrade, there are a few things to consider when choosing which tent to buy. Let's take a look at some things to consider.

First, decide what kind of camping you’ll be doing. Will you be camping on the trail? Are you camping with friends and family, or staying in the backcountry for a while? Or are you headed up the mountain? This will affect what kind of tent you’ll get.

Tip: Buying a tent? Just ask the right questions. Learn how to make sure you find exactly the tent you need for years of fun with your family and friends.

Types of Tents Used for Outdoor & Camping Adventures

Backpacking Tents - The Light Weight Shelter

Ascend Orion Two-Person Tent

These minimalist tents prioritize portability, making them lightweight and easy to fit in a pack. Ultralight tents are even lighter, and some models allow you to use your hiking poles to pitch the tent. Since these tents are both 1 or 2 man size, there isn’t much elbow room.

Tip: The Ascend Orion 2-Person Backpacking Tent is easy to carry, easy to setup and gives light packing hikers 3-season protection for the trail. this lightweight tent offers great ventilation, gear storage and protection from ground-level moisture. Carry Weight: 5 lbs. 9 oz. About $119.99

Shop all backpacking tents at Cabelas.com

Family or Cabin Tents - For Comfort and Space

Accommodate a larger number of people with plenty of space for gear and family-friendly features are integrated. This design is great for families of all sizes as well as large groups of friends. They’re well-suited for car camping, but not a good choice for extreme conditions.

Tip: 6 Crazy Delicious Hot Dog Recipes Camping Kids LOVE

Bass Pro Shops 10-Person Cabin Tent

Tip: The Bass Pro Shops 10-Person Cabin Tent is an easy to setup design, thanks to a strong fiberglass and steel pole frame, the 10-Person Cabin tent goes up in just minutes so you can get to enjoying your weekend faster. Have some separation and us the built-in room divider. You've got room to move in the 14' x 10' with a 7' center height plus an interior gear loft, and hanging storage pockets. About $249.99

Tip: A 12-person tent worth mentioning is the Core Equipment 12-Person 3-Room tent. This tent gives you the room to handle big groups on long extended camping trips. The body features 68 denier polyester mesh. The Core Equipment tent has 2 doors, with a hinged door design on the front. This Cabin-style, 3 room tent has a center height: 80''. Carry weight: 48.58 lbs.

Tip: Which is Right for You: Air Mattress, Sleeping Pad or Cot? Learn more.

Cold Weather Mountaineering or Expedition Tents for Nature's Most Extreme Conditions

These 4-season tents withstand harsh conditions, such as high winds, snow and cold, so they’re ideal for camping at high altitudes and during the winter. However, they’ll most likely be too warm in warmer weather and condensation will build up inside.

Tip: The Kodiak Canvas 8-Person Cabin Lodge Tent is sturdy enough to take on extreme weather conditions.

Engineered for serious outdoor comfort, the Kodiak Canvas® 8-Person Cabin Lodge Tent delivers rugged protection and refined design for larger groups. Its vertical wall construction and towering 7.5' ceiling create a spacious interior that’s easy to move around in—no crouching required. A large, D-shaped front door offers simple entry and exit, even when geared up.

Six oversized windows feature no-see-um mesh for ventilated views and bug-free airflow, while a covered storm window and roof vents help maintain circulation—even in rain. The tent’s legendary Hydra-Shield™ 100% cotton duck canvas shell blocks water while breathing naturally to prevent mugginess and condensation. A tough 13.5 oz. reinforced vinyl floor with welded seams keeps ground moisture out, no matter the weather.

A stout 1" galvanized steel frame ensures stability in wind and snow, and the integrated 5" stove jack with weather flap supports safe use of a wood-burning stove (not included).
Includes 12" heavy-duty steel rod stakes, YKK® zippers throughout, and a rugged zippered storage bag.
Footprint: 12'L x 12'W x 7.5'H | Weight: 97 lbs.

Lodge and Outfitter Tents - Rugged, Spacious, Wilderness Refuge

These tents serve as base camps, hunting camps or summer camps for extended stays in the backcountry, which makes them an excellent choice for hunting or fishing trips or even family getaways. Outfitter tents also know as "wall tents" provide more headroom than traditional camping tents. They are made for long-term outings and are equipped for cold weather using tent stoves. However, their size also makes them heavier.

Cabela's Outback Lodge 6-Person Tent

Lodge tents combine the structure of a Dome tent with the near-vertical walls of a Cabin tent.

Tip: How to Build Your Own Rocket Stove (video)

Tip: the Cabela's Outback Lodge 8-Person Tent is an easy-to-setup, single wall tent offering storm-ready protection. The Outback features a convenient zippered power port and 3 storage pockets for gear and includes steel stakes, guy lines, fabric sticker, and bottle of seam sealer. Dimensions: 12'L x 12'W x 9'H. Carry Weight: 28 lbs. About $399.99

How Tent Size and Weight Play Into Your Buying Decision

Tent Size Matters

Tents are sized by person capacity (i.e., two-person tent, six-person tent). There is no industry standard for determining capacity, but manufacturers typically allow 20 to 25 sq. ft. per person. This means you’ll most likely be lying right next to your tent mates with your sleeping bags touching or even overlapping. If you want more room, upsize “one person”. Also, look at the floor plan. Some models only allow room for campers, while others have nooks and crannies for storing gear and clothes.

Also Read: More Tent Buying Tips

The Tent's Weight Matters

If you are car camping or have additional help hauling your tent such as an ATV, horse, or eager friends and family, weight is not a large factor. However, if you are carrying it on your back with a week’s worth of gear, every ounce counts, so look for a lightweight tent.

Also Read: Which is Right for You: Air Mattress, Sleeping Bag or Cot?

The Tent's Shape Matters Too

Tent shape makes a huge impact on square footage and overall space. The interior volume of a tent is gauged by floor dimension, floor area and peak height (only at the top point, not consistent throughout). In addition, the more vertical the walls, the more livable space you'll get.

A-Framed Tents

The original A-frame tents, based on pup tents, were lightweight, simple to set up and fairly inexpensive. They had rectangular floors with sloping sides and ridgepoles. However, they had low headroom and little elbow room due to the sloping sides. The modified A-frame improved upon the original by adding a center hoop pole or diagonal center poles. This causes the sidewalls to curve outward, increasing space. Lateral stability also increases to help the tent hold up better in the wind

Bass Pro Shops Hiker/Biker 1-Person
Backpacking A-frame Tent

Tip: The Bass Pro Shops Hiker/Biker 1-Person Backpacking Tent is a basic A-frame tent utilizing walls, rainfly, and floor all made of a lightweight 190T polyester taffeta with 1,200mm PU coating for a lightweight and effective shield from the elements. It has an easy access door and great ventilation plus it's a quick and easy setup for a 1-person backpacking tent. Tent measures 6'11"L x 4'W x 2'11"H (3'1"W x 2'H in rear). Carry weight: 3 lbs. 8 oz. with a protected front vestibule area. About $29.99

Cabin / Outfitter Tents

Near-vertical walls maximize interior space. This means plenty of room for cots or air beds as well as everyone's personal belongings – and you'll still have room left over to stretch out. Some models even feature room dividers or space for a wood-burning stove. However, Cabin tents are bulky so they're not well-suited for on-the-go campers. Plus, they rely on stakes and guy lines in order to maintain their shape.

Dome / Geodesic Tents

Cabela's Alaskan Geodesic 4-person Tent

While starting out as true domes, these tents, with up to 50% more room than A-frame tents, now come in numerous shapes slightly resembling curved domes. Curved sidewalls shed rain and snow before it can accumulate. They’re also very strong in windy conditions or inclement weather. They often have good peak height for headroom, but sloped walls reduce interior space.

Tip: The Cabela's Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic 4-Person Tent offers true 4-season protection. The full-coverage rainfly creates an integrated vestibule for protected storage space for gear and protected entry into the tent's D-style door. Comes with 24 aluminum stakes, 16 tie downs, 2 oz. seam sealer, and repair kit. Designed to shed rain and snow and built to withstand extreme conditions and field tested in Alaska. Dimensions: 8'6"Lx8'6"Wx4'8"H. Pack size: 30"x10" with a 8". center height. Carry weight: 24 lbs. 11 oz. About $349.99

Tip: The Bass Pro Shops 6-Person Dome Tent

Designed for hassle-free setup and all-around comfort, the Bass Pro Shops® 6-Person Dome Tent is a solid choice for families or groups looking to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the budget. Its durable 68D polyester taffeta walls and seam-taped rainfly come coated with an 800mm polyurethane layer to block light rain and damp conditions, while large no-see-um mesh panels on the roof, windows, and door keep air flowing on warmer days.

The tough polyethylene tarp floor is built to handle rugged ground while sealing out moisture at the base. Setup is quick and easy thanks to heavy-duty shock-corded fiberglass poles and continuous pole sleeves that simplify the process—even for first-time campers. The included rainfly extends over the door to form a small awning, adding extra weather protection and shade.

Practical features like an E-port for electrical access, an interior gear loft, and two storage pockets help keep things organized. Includes 7 tent stakes, 3 guy ropes, and a heavy-duty zippered duffel bag for transport.

About $89.99

Types of Tent Construction

Free-Standing vs. Non-Free-Standing Tents

Free-standing tents can stand on their own without the use of stakes or guy lines. As such, you can easily move them around once you've set them up, and you can always stake them down for added stability. Dome tents are the most common examples. Non-free-standing tents rely entirely on guy lines and stakes for support. Cabin tents often use this structure to ensure near-vertical walls.

Three Season vs. Four Season Tents

Three-season tents are designed for camping in moderate conditions spring through fall. They often feature mesh windows or panels to maximize breathability and air circulation. Four-season tents are built to withstand high winds and heavy snow loads. This is the type you need if you’re camping in winter or scaling mountains. They’re less breathable but retain heat really well.

Single Wall vs. Double Wall Tents

Double-wall tents feature a main tent body (waterproof floor, breathable roof) plus a rain fly. Single-wall tents are designed to shed snow rather than rain and are constructed of breathable fabrics that allow water vapor to escape.

Tents With Perimeter Floor vs. Bathtub Floor

With a perimeter floor, the waterproof floor sections and sidewalls are stitched together at the perimeter. This creates straight, taut edges along the tent’s borders, which maximizes floor space. A bathtub-style (or seamless) floor features rounded perimeter edges with no stitch marks that could possibly leak. However, edges may curl up on all sides in a loose manner, resulting in less floor space.

Tents That Use Pole Clips vs. Pole Sleeves

Pole clips and sleeves are used to set up a tent. Pole sleeves distribute tension across a larger area, resulting in less stress and a stronger pitch. However, it can be tough to thread poles through the sleeves in wet or low-light conditions. Pole clips are easy to attach and create larger gaps between the tent body and the rain fly, which improves ventilation and minimizes condensation. If you want a tent that is truly easy to setup, be sure to look for models that say only one person is needed to set up.

Types of Supporting Tent Poles

Poles are the foundation and frame holding up your tent. There are three important characteristics to consider when choosing tents poles: weight, strength and durability. Of course, you'll want to consider price as well. The pole material that is best suited for you will depend on what kind of camping you'll be doing.

Fiberglass Tent Poles

The biggest benefit of fiberglass is the price point. Tents with fiberglass poles are more affordable and will still serve you well for seasons to come. They won't rot or corrode, but they are heavier and weaker than aluminum.

Aluminum Tent Poles

Aluminum poles are lightweight, durable and strong. However, aluminum is subject to corrosion over time. If you are going to get aluminum poles, be sure to look for anodized aluminum, which makes the poles more resistant to corrosion.

DAC Aluminum Tent Poles

There are many different types of DAC poles, but they are all incredibly lightweight. Featherlite SL (Sleeve) poles are 15% lighter than comparable aluminum poles and have a high strength-to-weight ratio. DAC NFL poles are the lightest aluminum poles on the market but are limited to high-end backpacking tents.

You can also find combination-pole tents where large- and small-diameter poles are used together to maximize strength and minimize weight.

Types of Tent Fabrics

Tents come in a range of fabrics. Understanding the differences between them will help you choose the right tent.

Nylon Tents

Nylon is very light yet strong and has a natural resistance to abrasion, chemicals and mildew. However, it has the capacity to absorb moisture and colors tend to fade when exposed to UV rays over time.

Polyester Tents

Polyester is commonly found in rain flys. It resists wrinkles, water and UV rays – giving it superb durability

Canvas Tents

Canvas tents are usually made of cotton or linen. It’s heavy and strong. Plain-woven canvas features increased flexibility with use, while cotton-duck canvas is exceptionally tear- and abrasion-resistant.

Mesh Tents

Mesh is typically made of nylon or polyester and used for increasing ventilation in a tent. No-See-Um mesh, which is often used, is finer mesh than screens in homes to keep out small insects.

Ripstop Tents

This fabric weave pattern resists tears very well.

Taffeta Fabric in Tents

This fabric weave pattern resists abrasion but doesn’t handle tears well.

Denier Fabric in Tents

Denier is not a fabric. It’s a measurement and is used to determine fiber thickness. Lower deniers result in sheer, soft and lightweight fabrics. High deniers result in thick, sturdy and durable fabrics.

Waterproofing Fabrics in Tents

Tent fabrics can be waterproofed with either polyurethane or silicon coatings. Silicon is often used on low-denier fabrics to boost tear resistance. Polyurethane is cheaper and considered to be slightly better than silicon. Both of these methods are measured with millimeter (mm) ratings. This simply denotes the amount of water in a column for one minute before a single drop of water will appear through the fabric (1,500mm rating means 5” of water in the column).

Region

International

Sleeping Bag Buyer's Guide

Mathew Brost — Sat, 11 Apr 2020 21:19:37 +0000

Sleeping Bag Buyer's Guide

Mathew Brost Sat, 04/11/2020 - 16:19

Category

Camping Equipment

Sleeping in the backcountry is supposed to be roughing it, but the difference between roughing it and being miserable and roughing it and loving it is as simple as a comfortable sleeping bag.

Sleeping Bag Styles

The difference in sleeping bags is readily apparent. Two main styles are on the market, mummy and rectangular.

Rectangular

Cabela's Mountain Trapper 0° Sleeping Bag

Rectangular bags allow you to move around more, and are great for those "toss-and-turn" sleepers. However, this additional room comes at the price of additional weight and potential heat loss. The rectangular design does not pack well and is better suited for a car camper, or if you have additional pack equipment such as horses or ATVs to get your gear to camp.

Double

Double bags are actually a combination of two rectangular bags that zip together, or designed as one large, two-person bag. Truly a car camper, these bags are not designed for packability but more for family camping comfort. A nice benefit of double bags is that they often have different insulation levels in the top and bottom layers, giving you two different bags when used separately.

Ascend Hoodoo 20º Mummy Sleeping Bag

Mummy Bag

Mummy bags received their name because of their tapered shape, looking much like mummies from an Egyptian tomb. While they are not as roomy, mummy sleeping bags weigh 1% to 20% less than rectangular bags of the same temperature rating. They also pack much smaller. Mummy bags are favored among backpackers who have to carry their camp on their back, and need to make every ounce count. In addition to being small and lightweight, Mummy bags are also more efficient at insulating you from the cold. They have less dead air space to heat, and most bags incorporate an insulated hood and neck collar that can be drawn snug as the temperature drops, preventing heat loss through the largest source, your head.

Insulation Types

Many different insulation types are on the market. However, the two main types are synthetic (manmade) fibers and down (primarily goose feathers). They each have their benefits, and at times, a combination of the two creates the best option.

Down

Made from the undercoating feathers of geese, this soft material is an exceptional natural insulator. The secret to its warmth is the loft it provides, trapping air as an insulator. This is also how it is measured — with a number indicating a volume of air that is displaced by one ounce of down. For quality down, look for fill-power values of 600 and greater. This higher loft number indicates a higher purity down that will loft greater when unpacked and provide more warmth.

Down is also a very light material for the warmth it provides, and is extremely compressible - allowing you to pack a large, warm bag in a very little space. The drawback with down is that it loses its insulation value once it becomes wet. Since it takes a long time to dry in the field, this is a concern if you use the bag in wet conditions. With a down bag, also look for construction that prevents the down from shifting and bunching up, possibly forming cold spots.

Synthetic Materials

Most synthetic insulations are constructed of a long hollow-core fiber that is layered to trap air and provide insulation. The hollow-core fibers are lightweight and have numerous air pockets for better insulating capability. With a synthetic bag, it is a good idea to look for multiple layers that are offset or overlapping. This prevents cold spots and blocks air from moving from one layer to another.
Synthetic materials are usually heavier and bulkier than down, and they are not as compressible. That does not mean that they are not for backpackers though. Unlike down, synthetics do not lose their insulating ability when they become wet. Should they become wet, they absorb very little water and dry quickly, making drying in the field a possibility with a little heat or sunlight. Price is always a consideration, and compared to a quality down bag, a synthetic model will be less expensive.

Size and Weight

In explaining style and insulation, we’ve already touched on a lot of this. If space or weight is of utmost concern, a down mummy bag is the best choice. It is all a matter of how and when you will use your bag. Look at the various ratings and carry weights to determine what is best for you. Sometimes the best answer is two bags — a compact model for backpack trips and a larger rectangular model for comfortable sleeping on a cot at base camp.

The other factor to look at is length. Commonly, sleeping bags come in two lengths, regular and long. Generally, if you are six feet tall and under, a regular length bag will be more than adequate. However, if you are over six feet tall, you may want to look at a long bag for extra comfort.

Outer Shell Material

Depending on the use of your bag, you may want to look at the outer shell material. If rugged field use is in your plans, you want a shell material that can stand up to it. Heavy cotton canvas works well for rectangular outfitter bags, but with its weight and stiffness, it doesn’t suit a packable bag. Synthetic material such as ripstop nylon or Pertex is a better choice for increased packability, while still maintaining excellent durability.

If you plan to sleep outside with your bag, you will want a shell that is at least water-resistant, to protect you and your bag from light moisture. With all the stitch lines in a bag, it is hard to make it completely waterproof. If sleeping outside in inclement weather is in your plans, a weatherproof bivy sack or shelter is your best option.

Temperature Rating

This is the main measuring stick used to differentiate between bags. Bags all differ in fill weight, fill type, size and style, but every one has a temperature rating on the tag. What does that mean to you?

The temperature rating is derived as the lowest temperature that the average person can tolerate and still remain comfortable within the bag. Most manufacturers try to maintain similar methods in establishing temperature ratings, but you should know that no standard has been fully accepted industry wide. Therefore, variances do exist from manufacturer to manufacturer.

The other variance that exists is "the people factor." I mentioned it above and it is for the average person. When speaking about thermal comfort, it is hard to find an average person. Rarely will you find two people in the same room that agree on a temperature that is right. A good example is in our office space; whenever I think it is finally cool enough, others are turning on their space heaters because they are too cold.

Selecting a Comfort Rating

Before selecting a rating, first determine the coldest temperature at which you will be using the sleeping bag. Remember that this is only an estimate. You can’t always predict what the weather will be on next week’s camping trip, but you need to start somewhere. Also, women tend to be a bit more sensitive to the cold than men, so women should usually try to err on the colder side with their estimate. It is also a big help to know how you view temperatures in regard to other people. I usually run a bit hotter than the rest of the crowd, and most temperature ratings for bags seem to be right on for me.

If you camp in warmer conditions than your bag’s rating, you will have to ventilate it slightly. Most incorporate two-way zippers that allow you to zip up and still ventilate portions of the bag, especially the footbox, to release the excess heat. If it is really warm, you can also leave the bag unzipped, and you will definitely want to loosen all the drawstrings on mummy bags.

Can I Pick One that is Too Hot?

That one is simple – YES! Picking a bag that is too warm will cause you misery in the long run. Whether at home or camp, I always sleep better if I can remain under the covers. If you pick too warm of a bag, you will be forced to endure a long night alternately sweating and freezing as you throw the top layer back and forth.

When I first started backpacking in college, one guy I hung out with always had the most extreme gear, stating that "you never know what will happen." So, preparing for the worst, he obtained a minus 30° bag. The hole in his theory was that most of our camping was under summer conditions and temperatures never dipped below 40°. His bag turned into an expensive sleeping pad since he was forced to sleep on top of it every night.

For me, a 15° bag is just right for all my three-season camping needs. I can vary what I wear to bed and adjust the zippers and hood drawstrings to make it fit nearly every situation. I have only been cold in the harshest winter conditions where the temperatures approached 15°. If you plan on camping in all four seasons, the best solution is to purchase two separate bags. Pick up a heavy winter bag for the cold times, and then use a lighter, three-season model for the rest.

Some Other Things to Think About

When searching for your sleeping bag, there are several other questions to ask to help refine your bag selection.

Sleeping on the ground? — Conduction will quickly cause you to lose body heat and feel colder than the temperature dictates. A good solution is to always sleep on a sleeping pad or air mattress, providing a layer of insulation from the cold ground. If you sleep on a fabric cot, a thin pad is also a good idea to prevent cold air from circulating under the cot, robbing you of precious body heat.

Do you mummy up? — Most mummy bags are configured with a narrower profile and a hood, the theory being it is easier to heat a smaller space. To achieve the published temperature rating, most manufacturers count on you remaining fully zipped up and having the draw cords for the hood and chest collars pulled tight. Some people do not like this cozy feeling and actually feel a bit claustrophobic, refusing to draw the hood tight. That is fine, but then your head acts as a giant radiator and pumps out a lot of body heat.

If you get a little claustrophobic, you may want to look for a warmer bag to compensate for the additional heat loss. If you are still against mummy bags, another solution is a light fleece hat to wear to bed, preventing the major heat loss from your head.

What do you wear to bed? — Simply by changing your clothes, you can easily vary the temperature of the bag. A layer of quality thermal underwear and heavy socks can extend your comfort zone by up to 15°.

Do you sleep in a tent? — Sleeping in a tent is much warmer than sleeping outside. Your radiated body heat will slowly warm the microclimate inside the tent. You will really notice the difference in smaller, backpacking-style tents, since there is less air to heat. If only a couple people sleep in a huge, family-size tent, most of this radiated heat will be lost.

Camping Checklist & Tips for Easy Camping (audio)

Bass Pro Shops 1Source — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Camping Checklist & Tips for Easy Camping (audio)

Bass Pro Shops… Thu, 03/05/2020 - 00:00

Category

Camping Equipment

Even if you’ve camped a hundred times before, it’s always a good idea to create a checklist for your next outing – especially if it’s the first of the camping season. Here’s a generic camping checklist to help make sure you don’t forget not only the little things, but the big things, on your next camping trip.

Tip: If you're camping in a controlled campground be sure to scope out the area if possible before choosing your campsite. Think about: where the amenities are located. How close are you to water, the restrooms, and other campers? Here are 15 questions in a printable PDF to ask the campground host. Printable - Checklist of question to ask a camp host before you book a camping spot

Shop camping gear at Bass Pro Shops here, or shop camping gear at Cabela's here

Tip: Simply check the item off and print it out, or print out the camping checklist PDF here, then check it off the checklist while you load up.

List of Camping Gear for the Trip

List of Camp Cooking, Food Prep & Cleanup Gear for the Camp Kitchen

Region

International

How to Clean a Water Bladder

Bass Pro Shops Cabelas — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 23:00:00 +0000

How to Clean a Water Bladder

Bass Pro Shops… Sun, 08/25/2019 - 18:00

Category

Camping Equipment

Is there anything nastier than slurping down mold chunks and slime-water from the hydration bladder that has been sitting in the trunk for a couple of weeks? Probably, but we do not want to think about it.

Hydration bladders are convenient, but they can be fickle when it comes to sanitation. Leave one sitting for days, a week, or since last trout season, and the stuff that grows inside could kill a vulture. That is doubly true if you are one of those ultra-fitness types who mixes up electrolyte drinks, carb brews and protein infusions. Add saliva, heat, and stir in a daypack, and you could sell the result to Alexander Fleming. (He invented penicillin, you might recall. No extra charge for this quick history tidbit.)

A little after-hike/hunt/camping trip/bike ride TLC will prevent an environmental disaster from sprouting in your water reservoir. Here is the three-step process for giving a grimy hydration bladder the at-home spa treatment.

Clean
First, look carefully for any mold, mildew, or unidentifiable funk growing inside. Remove with a water-bottle brush or wadded up paper towels. Next, prepare a home brew for sanitizing a bladder. The best is a bleach- and baking-soda mix for a one-two punch of cleaning and deodorizing. Mix one teaspoon of bleach and one teaspoon of baking soda in a half-gallon of water. Fill the bladder and let stand overnight. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Tube and bite valve
Do not stop at the bladder. With the cleaning solution inside, hold the bladder over your head and pinch the bite valve. Let the cleaning solution start to run out of the valve, then let it pinch shut. Allow the cleaning solution to sit in the tube for an hour, then flush it out and rinse with clean water. If the tube is really dirty, tie a couple overhand knots in one end of a length of paracord. Remove the bite valve, and pull the paracord through the tube to clean out the pipe.

Storage wars
The biggest threat to a clean hydration bladder is storage. You can store in a freezer, but over time, the constant freezing and thawing can damage O-rings and tubes. Try this: Bend a vinyl-covered metal clothes hanger so the two wings are parallel to each other. Thread them into the bladder opening and the wings will hold the bladder sides apart for drying. Or clip off the top wire in one arm of the hanger and thread the long horizontal piece into the bladder. Hang in a warm, dry spot.

Disc-O-Bed XL Cot Bunk Beds

Bass Pro Shops Cabelas — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 16:33:14 +0000

Disc-O-Bed XL Cot Bunk Beds

Bass Pro Shops… Mon, 06/24/2019 - 11:33

Category

Camping Equipment

I'd never been one for camping cots, mostly because I'd never tried one that was comfortable. I'm a side sleeper, and the few times I slept on one, my knees, shoulders and head were constantly banging into the rails. Of course, there were lots of times when I wished I'd been off the ground...like when I was hobbling around Yosemite in one of those "walking boot" leg casts that made getting up and down from my sleeping pad a painful experience.

Enter the Disc-O-Bed Cam-O-Cot XL Bunk Beds. That's a long name for what, in short, could change your mind forever about camping cots - mostly because, at 6 feet, 8 inches long and 39 inches wide (a full seven inches wider than many standard camp cots), they're large enough for even a big and tall person to sleep comfortably without banging into the sides.

I have to admit to a moment of trepidation when the 71-pound box containing the cots arrived on my doorstep (7 pounds of the weight was attributable to packing materials, but still). A sigh of relief ensued when I opened the package and pulled out two flat, zippered green cases, each about 36" x 22" in size, that opened to reveal an assortment of steel parts neatly organized in individual compartments. Unlike standard X-frame cots that fold down into long, bulky bundles, these slim (if heavy, at 31 pounds each) cases can slide into a vehicle flat, sideways or up-and-down, consuming a great deal less space.

Once at the campsite, I enlisted my 21-year-old son and a friend to assemble the beds. The instruction booklet that comes with the set is all diagrams, so I figured anyone who grew up building Lego models, as these two did, would have no trouble. And they didn't. Within 20 minutes (they assured me it would take only half as long a second time) the twin, rounded-frame cots were ready for use. (The "Disc-o" in the product's name, as we immediately saw, is derived from the patented disc assembly that connects the beds to their frames.)

A large tent is required to use the cots in twin-bed configuration, and because we had one, that was our preferred mode. We also stacked them bunk-bed style and were impressed by the sturdiness of the assembly, although we didn't choose to use them that way because there wasn't enough space between surfaces for an adult on the bottom to sit up. Children would love this set-up, however, and it also could prove a space-saver for adults using a smaller tent. A cool feature of the bunk-bed setup is the ability to lower one side of the top cot to an upright position, creating a couch for daytime seating.

Because we were camping at Lake Tahoe, where it gets chilly at night even in high summer, we used our regular sleeping pads on top of the cots for insulation. In a hot climate, this wouldn't, of course, be necessary or even desirable.

One unanticipated bonus that a cot provides: Space to store all your "stuff" underneath.

Pros: Very sturdy, very comfortable, easy assembly, packs away in a space-saving case. Great for an extended tent-camping trip or use in a cabin.

Cons: Heavy. Required a tall tent when in bunk-bed configuration.

Camp Stove Buyer's Guide

Mathew Brost — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 21:40:33 +0000

Camp Stove Buyer's Guide

Mathew Brost Wed, 06/12/2019 - 16:40

Category

Camping Equipment

If your outdoor adventure doesn’t involve returning to a hotel or your own home each night, then that means you’re camping out. And unless you’re some masochist on a starvation plan, then it also means meals out.

For any extended stay in the field, you’re going to want a hot meal of some sort. Even if it’s just a quick overnighter, where you can pack light and survive on just a packed sandwich or two, trail mix and Hershey bars, most are bound to want a hot cup of coffee or tea in the morning. But how are you going to heat things up in the great outdoors? The answer is camp stoves.

There are dozens upon dozens to choose from, models of all different sizes, configurations, and power levels. So where does the intrepid outdoor gourmet start? Begin by looking at how you intend to pack in your gear and for how long you intend to stay "out there."

Oh My Aching Back!
The self-sufficiency of backpacking is a fulfilling and satisfying experience for the ego. To say the same for your belly while you’re hoofing the miles will require some creative thought when it comes to a stove. This is especially true for long trips.

Actual cooking "surfaces" (if you can call them that), the minimum of a fire source and some three-prong arrangement to support a pot or pan, are infinitesimally small these days. That’s good, because the creed of every serious backpacker is "all gear should be of minimum weight." On the true featherweight end are the pocket camp stoves. These fold down to roughly the dimensions of an over-sized Tarot card pack and run off either tinder or chemical fuel tablets. They are good for, say, a trip that’s going to involve no more than an overnight stay or two, though they’re probably more appreciated for use as a daytrip coffee-break enabler, rather than something to prepare a true meal on. If you’re hiking hard, and for more than a weekend, you’re going to need to replenish your calorie loss in a more than beef jerky and cup-o-soup kind of way. (And face it, those energy bars can keep you going for a while, but even the best are hard to call satisfying.) Keeping your body going will require a more complex cooking system.

The next step up from pocket stoves is the family of true backpacker stoves. These units can be found as light as 3.5 ounces, though most tend to fall in the 11-ounce to 1 1/2 -pound range. Keep in mind, that’s the weight range for just the cooking unit, not its fuel source.

Fuel sources for these micro stoves are as varied as their geometric configurations. There are straight propane models, alcohol models, butane, white-gas, kerosene, iso-butane, Isobutane-LPG, jet fuel, diesel fuel, and, thankfully, multi-fuel models that take more than one on the list. Again, so many choices, what to choose? Weight continues to be a top concern here, as it is with the stove itself. When shopping, look for the stat that indicates "full canister weight;" the empty weight won’t do you much good until the return trip. As important as weight, is the efficiency of the fuel source and the stove it’s paired with. You will see specifications for boiling time, usually quoted as how long it takes to rumble a liter of water, as well as the number of BTU output (somewhere near 10,000 is the usual minimum). But before you say "faster is better," pair that statistic with the longevity of the fuel source running at high (is it minutes or hours?) and what you’re going to cook. If you’re packing-in self-contained, boil-in-the bag meals, then faster might be better. But if you’re planning on heating up a pot of stew and then a pot of java for you and your hiking partner, with variations on a theme for several nights in a row, than longevity is probably the stronger issue. Balance all of this against the length of your stay: The longer you’re out, the more food you need and the more fuel needed to cook it.

I’d also take into consideration what it takes to get a stove going. Piezo elements tend to be pretty reliable, but many micro-stoves now have priming pumps - sold as an accessory. The plus side to the pumps is that they tend to save fuel. They can also be advantageous in high altitude or extreme cold settings, where ignition can become a problem. The downside of course is added weight, albeit generally just a few ounces. If you do opt for one, consider one with some sort of pump purge to prevent spillage on disconnect. Lastly, consider the shape of your fuel source. I think the long narrow cylinders pack easier than the squatter designs, and I think they’re a little easier to use when a flat surface can’t be found for the stove unit; the squatter types naturally have a cooking utensil sitting up higher and are more prone to tip than one close to the ground - but to each their own.

Look for units that disassemble/reassemble quickly and easily and perhaps fold down to something resembling flat for easier packing. I’d also look for a stove that came with its own carrying sack or at least had no sharp edges to perforate other gear packed along side it. For even better portage, I’ve also seen a model that houses its own tiny cooking pot, and it isn’t even out of that 1-1/2 pound range. Other features to be considered: a fully adjustable flame, both for intensity and width; built-in wind shields; built-in heat deflectors; lamp accessories; fuel gauges; and stands for the squat-type fuel canisters, among others.

Give the Horse a Break
Horses, mules, llamas and even donkeys can make the trip into camp easier on your legs (not your butt), and they are a huge bonus when it comes to setting up a long-term camp for a week or more. But that doesn’t mean you should pack everything plus the kitchen sink. That goes double for big-game hunters who, unless they’re bringing along an extra pony or two, need to count on having to pack out whatever they harvest.

Let’s assume a campfire is the main heating source for cooking. (Besides, camping without a fire is like driving without a steering wheel). The smartest way to go about this is with some sort of grill. The simplest sorts will be just a flat grate of cast iron or steel that will set either directly on your logs or supported by rocks. A better way is to add legs to the grill. Legs provide a steadier and more even platform for pots of food and liquid, keeps them elevated from direct flame, and allow some "poking" room to better distribute the heat. If you can find one with folding legs, then you have a reliable cooking surface that also packs well.

Another take on the open-grate theme are those that are adjustable for height. These generally come with a steel post to stake next to your fire ring, and a clamp to position the grill at any height above the fire. They also allow users to swing the grill partially or completely away from the flames, which can really aid in handling hot pots when the fire’s burning strong.

Need more? You can cook for 10 with a combination unit. How about a lower-tier grill paired with a rotisserie top? One with an adjustable grill provides better cooking control, and when you add in swinging side pot hooks, being camp cook becomes less of a chore and more of a joy when one can get complete meals going at one time. Some of these units come with their own steel fire rings. They are a super option when it comes to fire safety, or when your camp area doesn’t have a good rock supply, though consider how you’re going to get such an item into camp before deciding you have to have it. Of course if you’re in an SUV...

Have Wheels, Will Pack It

If you can drive to your camping destination, you are limited in your cooking source only by the amount of interior cargo, roof rack, trailer-hitch rack, and/or pull-along trailer space to haul it all in. Now you can really cook!

Keep the fire for aesthetics, for cooking purposes, it’s time for propane. As with everything else, though, even this can go from simple to simply extreme in the blink of an eye. Both ends of the range have dozens of choices.

Nothing speaks classic camp stove like the suitcase-sized versions of the pocket backpacker’s stoves. Flip the lid and sides up for a little wind protection, hook up your fuel source, and you’ve got a two- or three-burner version of your stove at home. The heavy-hitter names you recognize keep building these stoves because they’re simple, ultra-reliable over many seasons of use, and are comparatively compact units for those who don’t want to overdue it. Many also come with a stand to set them on or their own folding legs, and even side shelves for food prep are now available. Think of these as your favorite at-home grill or griddle - there’s a model available that’ll fry anything, no pan needed - only one that’s portable. Bear in mind, BTU output will range widely from model to model, make to make, so choose as you would for any other: how many people do you need to feed for how many meals a day for how many days, and how much propane can you haul into camp.

A new option, and a handy one for cooks who need multiple pots, are cast-iron burner units, just like those off a high-end in-home stove. On legs, these cooking surfaces are heavy enough to withstand a gale force wind without blowing off a picnic table. Available in single-, double- and three-burner configurations, all which link to whatever LP tank you’ve hauled into camp, several can be set up together for a complete cooking line.

Of course, a stove of sorts is just the door to the kitchen when it comes to outdoor cooking. Cook and it and they will come, and it’s easy to do with the wide variety of specialty deep-fryers, smokers, roasters and convection ovens, all of which run off of propane cylinders or cans and all of which are relatively portable, at least by vehicle. Choose one, choose them all. They’ll keep a gourmet in business and the table fare as varied as the company he keeps.

Camp Sleeping Pad Buyer's Guide

Mathew Brost — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 16:55:37 +0000

Camp Sleeping Pad Buyer's Guide

Mathew Brost Wed, 06/12/2019 - 11:55

Category

Camping Equipment

No camper sets out expecting a plush experience. Well, none that have been camping before. Camping isn’t meant to be plush, and those who covet the outdoor experience don’t expect otherwise. Still, there’s no reason to suffer unnecessarily when you don’t have to. A sleeping pad is one of the items that will make an evening’s rest more comfortable. Pads serve to cushion the hard surface and insulate the sleeper from cold ground.

Several main factors and how you prioritize them will have a major impact on your selection.

Types:

First, consider what type of camping you’ll be doing most often. Will you be traveling light and fast on the trail? Camping in the car with family? Setting up base camp during a winter hunt? There are different types of pads that are suited best to certain types of camping.

Closed-Cell Foam – These mats are made of compressed foam that features small pockets of air in the cells of the foam to trap air between your bag and the pad for additional insulation between your warm body and the cold ground. Naturally, thicker closed-cell pads translate into more comfort and insulation. In addition, they’re incredibly durable (cannot be popped by twigs or brush), lightweight and oftentimes cheaper. But, the accordion-style folding design means they are bulkier and harder to pack.

Self-Inflating – These incorporate a combination of air and open-cell foam to create a comfortable and supportive sleep surface. Million-hole, open-cell foam is the ultimate when it comes to self-inflating pads. The increased number of holes means that the pad will compress more and also raise more when it’s inflated. It also means that you’ll have a smaller pad to transport once it is compressed.

To set these pads up, all you have to do is open the valve and air will rush into the tiny spaces in the foam, inflating the pad most of the way. Despite the name, all self-inflating pads will require a few extra breaths to completely inflate.

Self-inflating pads span the gamut from basic to plush, from ultralight backpacker to car camping models that sleep like your mattress at home. They’re an excellent middle ground, providing a balance of lighter weight, comfort, durability and insulation. However, ounce for ounce, these mats are heavier than closed-cell-foam mats and air mats because of the heavier-duty fabrics and foam. It also takes a little extra time to pack up.

Air – These inflate with air alone and are incredibly lightweight, making them the best choice for weight-conscious backpackers. Because they pack down small and are so lightweight, you can bring thicker pads for extra cushioning and support. But they can be quite fragile. Sharp sticks or plants with thorns that go unnoticed can puncture a hole in your pad and render it ineffective without that wonderful cushion of air. By taking a repair kit along, you’ll at least avoid multiple nights of discomfort and learn to pay more attention to where you lay your head. Another disadvantage is that it takes a while to inflate, especially if you don’t want to pack a heavy and bulky pump.

Skeleton Air Pads or Frames – If you want to camp light and fast, this is what you’re looking for. The design is very minimal, providing cushioning air chambers only where padding is needed and completely eliminating them where they are not. They look a lot like normal pads but with sections missing. This significantly reduces the amount of material, which means lighter weight and smaller packing. Plus, they inflate with only a few breaths.

R-Value and Insulation:

All sleeping pads provide warmth through insulation usually measured by an R-value. Most numbers range from one to 10 with higher numbers indicating more warmth suited for colder temperatures. A pad with an R-value of 3 is often warm enough for three-season camping and delivers ideal warmth in temperatures between 35˚F and 60˚F. An R-value higher than 5 would be an excellent choice for winter camping. Very few will have an R-value higher than 6. Keep in mind, you can always stack two pads (a self-inflating pad on top of a closed-cell foam pad, for example) to increase the overall warmth and insulation.

Thickness:

Thickness goes hand in hand with a pad’s R-value when it comes to warmth. Like the insulation in your house, pads with a greater thickness will do a better job of shielding you from the cold, but the insulation is also dependent upon the amount of air that is trapped as well. Open-cell foam will have much greater insulating benefits compared to closed-cell foam of the same thickness because it traps air that is heated by your body.

Thickness is also a major factor when it comes to comfort.

1” and Under – Most closed-cell foam pads are under 1” thick and offer minimal cushioning. A slimmer mat would be ideal if you were stacking it with another for optimal warmth in cold conditions.

1.5” – This is a very common thickness for sleeping pads, keeping you close to the ground and creating a very stable platform. Not ideal for side sleepers.

2.5” – This extra thickness adds more insulation between you and the ground, providing both additional warmth and extra cushioning.

3” – Usually found in air pads. This thickness maximizes comfort without sacrificing light weight or packability.

4” and Up – These luxurious thicknesses deliver ample comfort but are very heavy and can be quite bulky. Recommended for car camping.

Size and Shape:

Size and shape greatly affect the level of comfort.

Length – Most sleeping pads are about 72” (6 ft.) in length. If you’re taller than that or would like some extra leg room, look for “Large” or “Extra-Large” models, which run about 77” or longer.

Width – Standard mats are about 20” wide. It provides room to sleep but leaves little to no room on the sides. This will be your best bet if you’re counting ounces, but if you shift around in your sleep a lot, you’ll want to look for “Wide” models. They’re usually 25” wide and will offer more than enough room to shift around. There are mats that are wider, and that can be useful if you’re of a bigger build or really enjoy extra elbow room. If you’re camping with your significant other, you can get a couple’s model to save on pack room and weight.

Shape – Most mats are rectangle, resulting in plenty of sleeping area, warmth and comfort. You can find tapered or mummy shapes that will help you save weight if you’re backpacking and space if you’re sleeping in tight quarters. There are also models made specifically for women that better conform to their shape or for children that are scaled down to match their stature.

Sleeping Surface:

The type of sleeping surface is an important feature to consider. Sleeping bags tend to slip around on a sleeping pad’s surface and you can wake in the night to find that your pad has squirted out from under you. Flocked or textured surfaces reduce this problem, but you can now find many with built-in straps that will anchor your bag to the pad. Some sleeping bags even have sleeves for your sleeping pad.

Baffle Construction:

Baffles are often used to distribute weight for maximum comfort or to prevent foam or insulation from shifting and causing cold spots. They’re also referred to as chambers or channels.

Horizontal Baffles – Most commonly found in air pads. These horizontal ridges are considered to be the most stable, to help distribute weight and to keep your shoulders spread out when lying down.

Vertical Baffles – These baffles create vertical ridges that run the length of the pad. They are also very stable, especially if you’re moving around at night, and stay in line with your sleeping bag better.

Quilted Baffles – Quilted baffles incorporate both horizontal and vertical ridges to form pockets that are very similar to those seen on mattresses. This increases stability, retains more heat and increases comfort.

Unique Baffles – There are many unique baffle constructions made by many different companies. You can find body-mapped constructions, which combine different patterns of baffles to minimize air movement to increase overall warmth. Other unique baffles focus on maximizing comfort by creating a mattress-like feel. You can even find pillow baffles.

Fabrics:

The material a sleeping pad is made of can easily be overlooked, but choosing the right fabric and construction can affect the performance of the mat.

Polyester vs. Nylon – In general, polyester is tougher while nylon is lighter.

Denier – The denier of a fabric refers to how thick or thin each individual fiber is in a fabric. Usually, a higher denier means greater durability.

Ripstop – Ripstop fabrics incorporate a special reinforcing technique that makes them resistant to tears. Look for ripstop material on the top, so the mat can withstand the constant wear and tear.

Heavy Bottom Fabric – In many cases, you’ll notice heavier-duty fabric on the bottom. This helps the pad stand up to rocks or brush encountered in the backcountry. Be sure to bring a repair kit just in case.

Other Considerations:

Valves – There are two main types of valves: twist-and-pull and flat. Twist-and-pull are very easy to use and are the most common. Flat valves perform better since they allow you to inflate and deflate pads quickly and they lay flat against the pad to prevent accidental openings. With flat valves, you also have the option to use a pump for inflation.

Smarter Packing – You can use your sleeping pad to insulate cold items and to protect delicate gear while traveling. Frozen game or fish rolled inside a pad will not thaw out for many long hours and things like cameras or lanterns can be protected from damage while traveling to the trailhead.

Life is about compromise. You will have to make the decision about how much you want to give up in terms of comfort to lighten your load, but there is no reason to compromise on quality. If you use a pad often, a few dollars invested in a high-grade pad will pay dividends for many years of nights under the stars.

Camping Equipment

Lighting Guide for Camping

Self-Directed, Handheld, and Head-Mounted Lighting

Flash Lights

Great, All Purpose Flashlights

Introductory Flashlights

Headlamps

Ambient Lighting

How to Choose the Right Lantern for Your Situation

Lantern Picks

Portable, Packable, Rechargeable and Collapsible Lanterns

Other Great Ambient Lighting Options

Guide to Tents

Tents for Family Camping

Dome Tents

Cabin Tents

Adventure Camp Tents

The Cabela’s Ultimate Alaknak, doing what it does best… elk hunting.

Hunt Camp Tents

Guide to Camping Chairs

Family Camping Chairs

The Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman Chairs

Bass Pro Shops Line Up of Family Camping Chairs

Hammocks

Matching Chairs with Accessories

Tent Buyer's Guide

Types of Tents Used for Outdoor & Camping Adventures

Backpacking Tents - The Light Weight Shelter

Family or Cabin Tents - For Comfort and Space

Cold Weather Mountaineering or Expedition Tents for Nature's Most Extreme Conditions

Lodge and Outfitter Tents - Rugged, Spacious, Wilderness Refuge

How Tent Size and Weight Play Into Your Buying Decision

Tent Size Matters

The Tent's Weight Matters

The Tent's Shape Matters Too

A-Framed Tents

Cabin / Outfitter Tents

Dome / Geodesic Tents

Types of Tent Construction

Free-Standing vs. Non-Free-Standing Tents

Three Season vs. Four Season Tents

Single Wall vs. Double Wall Tents

Tents With Perimeter Floor vs. Bathtub Floor

Tents That Use Pole Clips vs. Pole Sleeves

Types of Supporting Tent Poles

Aluminum Tent Poles

DAC Aluminum Tent Poles

Types of Tent Fabrics

Polyester Tents

Canvas Tents

Mesh Tents

Ripstop Tents

Taffeta Fabric in Tents

Denier Fabric in Tents

Waterproofing Fabrics in Tents

Sleeping Bag Buyer's Guide

Sleeping Bag Styles

Insulation Types

Size and Weight

Outer Shell Material

Temperature Rating

Some Other Things to Think About

Camping Checklist & Tips for Easy Camping (audio)

Tip: Simply check the item off and print it out, or print out the camping checklist PDF here, then check it off the checklist while you load up.

List of Camping Gear for the Trip

List of Camp Cooking, Food Prep & Cleanup Gear for the Camp Kitchen

List of Emergency Gear for Camping Trips

How to Clean a Water Bladder

Disc-O-Bed XL Cot Bunk Beds

Camp Stove Buyer's Guide

Camp Sleeping Pad Buyer's Guide