FAQs

          How much should I pay for a tent?

In general, the higher priced tents are made with stronger fabric, stronger poles, and stronger stitching. They will withstand higher winds and heavier rain. They will last longer. A good tent can last for many years. However, not everyone needs this strength and durability. The milder and drier the climate, and the closer to home you camp, the more likely that a less expensive tent will be a very good bargain for you. If you are just starting out in your family camping adventures, and don't know if you will really like camping, then you might want to stick with the least expensive tents. Many families do. It is very likely that you will try your first trips when the weather is warm and dry, and will probably keep close to civilization until you gain some experience and decide whether you like camping or not. You can always upgrade to a better tent later, and keep your original budget tent for when conditions allow.

How do I go about choosing a sleeping bag? There seems to be so many different choices.

Choosing a sleeping bag is next in importance after your tent. Like your tent, your sleeping bag can be one of many types depending mostly on personal preferences and outside temperature. The shape, roominess and fabric feel should be tried just as you would try out a new mattress at home. Sometimes the weather will be warm and dry, so you might not even need a sleeping bag, just a light cover as you would at home. Other times, the cool night air will dictate a warm bag or combination of warm clothes and warm bag.

Which type of camping stove is best, gas or propane?

Both fuels make good stoves. The best one for you depends on your preference and the type of camping you plan to do. The white gas stoves will product the most heat of any camping stoves. It burns cleanly without any odor or effect on food taste. If you spill the fuel it will evaporate very quickly and will not leave an odor. Propane does not give out as much heat as the white gas stoves, but propane stoves are much easier to use. The propane comes in bottles that are screwed into the stove, not poured into the tank through a small filler spout. All you need to do to start a propane stove is turn on the gas, and light the burner – just like home. There are even propane stoves with built in electronic starters – just like home. This feature makes the transition from cooking at home to cooking at camp easier for most people.

My brand new tent leaked in the rain. Should I return it?

Maybe not. Your new tent may have performed just as the manufacturer planned. Did you seal the seams before using the tent? The seams on all nylon tents must be sealed before using the tent, and periodically thereafter. Seam sealer is sold in applicator bottles which you rub along the inside of all waterproof seams. It is always wise to set up a new tent at home before your trip. This lets you check its condition, and learn how to set it up without the pressure of darkness or rain at camp. It is also the best time to seal all the seams.

How big of a tent should I buy?

Tents come in all shapes and sizes. The right one for you will not necessarily be the right one for someone else. Hence, the wide variety being sold in stores and catalogs.

What is the estimated shipping time?

Shipping times will vary depending where your item is going and the shipping service selected.