ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
CAMP
BASICS Just starting out? Here’s what you’ll need in the woods By Paul Clark, WNC Parent contributor
S
o what do you need to camp with the kids? Some basics, but beyond that, not much.
Tent Like kids, tents come in all shapes and sizes. Let’s assume that there are four of you. You can certainly buy a four-person tent, but it’s going to be tight in there. The general rule of thumb for spaciousness while car camping (you wouldn’t believe how much stuff ends up all around) is to buy a tent that has room for two more people than you actually have. So your family of four would want a six-person tent. Sounds big, but it’s not. A six-person tent with poles, rainfly and stakes bundles into a sack about the size of a collapsible festival chair (you know, the ones with cup holders). It’s not the tent you’d want if you were backpacking, but you’re not — you’re car camping, which means you can afford a little extra weight. Walmart online (walmart.com) has some pretty cool sixperson tents, some by the stalwart camping supply company Coleman, that currently list from $197 to $279. Within that price range are tents designed for up to 10 people.
Coleman’s Sundome 6 tent is a classic dome-style, two-pole tent with space for six thanks to the 10- by 10-foot floor. It retails for $139.99. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT
Sleeping bags Now that you’ve gotten off the ground, you’ll want to think about sleeping bags and pads. Don’t get more warmth than you need (nothing’s worse than sweating inside your sleeping bag, unless it’s freezing because you’re sweating). For most family outings during the summer and warm parts of spring and fall, you won’t need a bag rated for less than 32 degrees. Three-season bags with polyester covers can be pretty inexpensive and surprisingly comfortable – as long as you have something cushy beneath you. Inflatable mattresses run the gamut of prices, but if you’ll regret scrimping if you don’t get a good night’s sleep. Some families use naked foam rubber pads, while others opt for thinner, yet every bit as supportive, sleeping pads, some made of crushable foam, some self-inflating with air. Coleman’s Adjustable Comfort sleeping bag has a zipper that crosses in front of you and a sheet that allows you to cover your feet, chest or both. The versatility makes the bag good for temperatures between 30 to 70 degrees. It retails for $49.99 (and is also available in a big and tall size). SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT
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