Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Pricey, yes. When the ounces count, and you need to rely on a good product though, and it's worth it to invest in quality when it comes to certain pieces of gear.

I've had the oversize (still a single person) Kamp-Rite tent cot for about 6 years. It was my truck camping go-to shelter before I purchased an RTT. I loved it, and it served me well both for sleep comfort and for rain protection. But, it is a condensation trap if you don't set it up properly. I suggest using the rainfly only for when you truly think/know you will be having rain. If not, then leave it off and always keep at least 2 of your sides slightly unzipped so you get a bit of air circulation. That will keep the inner walls from getting coated with your body's moisture and waking up to a shower inside if you bump a wall.

I also added a full coat of waterproofing spray to the tent body AND to the rainfly. Spray it on liberally until running, then use a paper towel to spread the waterproofing spray around the tent in a full, wet coating. Let it dry and air out for a good 24 hours at least, or you'll be suffocating in the chemical smell of it. I've always stayed totally dry in heavy rain after doing this.

If you do have to use the rainfly, use guy lines on the head and foot end to stake out the rainfly away from the tent body. Then, unzip the head and foot doors so you get some cross ventilation to prevent that condensation issue.

The tent cot does get drafty. I suggest using a layer underneath you besides your sleeping bag to keep the drafts out. An inflatable sleeping pad would also create plenty of insulation, or get some closed cell foam (maybe 2" thick at most) cut to fit the tent. It will add even more comfort and will keep out the drafts and insulate your backside.

When set up properly and all of the above is considered, it was a very comfortable sleep for me. I could side sleep just fine, and it was plenty large for me (I'm 6'1" and 235#). Just remember that I had the XL model, not just the standard size.

Cons: Besides the condensation issue and the bit of a draft from underneath that needs to be addressed, I didn't like that I couldn't sit up in it. While I liked its compactness, I wouldn't recommend using one of these if you have a bad back only because it's so low to the ground and it's like getting in and out of a Lamborghini.

 

Paco Pad- Jacks Plastic Welding
https://www.jpwinc.com/proddetail.php?prod=4230-Full-Paco-Pad

If you want 4" thick
https://www.jpwinc.com/proddetail.php?prod=4260-silverback-paco

Backpacking pads are for backpacking. This pad and cockroaches are the only things that will last fo-eva.

 

Update.

One of the grommets on the tent tabs came off, and are lost. I got a grommet kit at REI.
I do not have expectations of this tent lasting a long time.
I get what I paid for.

 

I just picked up a Luci light, these things are awesome! 4.4oz, 10 leds, solar powered.

 

I have quite a few, I like them.

 

. Avoid open cell. They act like a sponge with any moisture. Rain, condensation, sweat, etc just packs in there.

The rei pads have issues with the valves from what I see at my local REI scratch and dent area.

I have a thermarest that is 3" thick for the habitat sleep platform, since my kiddos currently enjoy my spot on the bed

 

So I look at both the KampRite and Cabelas in house cot tent.

Must say I am not impressed with the KampRite.

 

Previously they had no differences. What differs now?

 

The Kamprite is essentially a two piece design (-cot -tent) that is connected together.

The Cabelas model is one assembly.

 

How does that make one better than the other?
I am (usually) a fan of modular setups. If one item breaks, the whole item is not broken.

Ken in NC

 

I don't think he is saying one is better than the other. It's simply an observation.

 

I read that as "Not impressed" = Not as good.

But, I have no interest in this item, so I don't mean to stir a pot.

 

My fault. I had missed the "not impressed" further above.

I an interested in how the one they are currently selling at Sam Club would compare.

 

Just faxed my Grand Canyon backcountry permit application for my trip this fall. Hoping to be able to go rim to rim. What should have been an easy thing to do has become more difficult because I keep having friends that want to go.

 

Give them the contact information and tell them to start out permits.

 

I have 2 in warm frosted. They are one my favorite pieces of gear.

 

Just picked up these with a handful of gift cards that had various/small balance. Very nice & packable for many scenarios.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/114...ack&csp=a&attrValue_0=Green&productId=1580903

 

Started off with 4 of us, but it's kind of grown. I'm up to 8 people in 2 different states now. I would just tell them to plan a trip of their on, but I'm kind of in a bind because of what I do. See, I'm a minister at a church and these guys are all guys that I've worked with on various projects over the years. In addition to helping me out on these projects, they're my friends, so I'm doing all I can to make it possible for us all to go.

 

This is true. Wasn't a consideration until now.
Thanks for pointing that out.

No worries. Not as good and not impressed are interchangeable to me.

Sams Club you say?