Showing posts with label camp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label camp. Show all posts

8/29/2011

MSR Zing Tarp Shelter Review

MSR Zing Tarp Shelter
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I recently purchased the Zing and also own an MSR Outfitter Wing tarp. The design for both is essentially identical. The Zing is made of lighter weight ripstop material, and that makes it both lighter but also much more compact when stored. The Outfitter Wing is very heavy duty, and the fabric is opaque. That's bound to last longer for commercial users. But the MSR Zing is an excellent compromise between strength and portability. The Zing cloth is translucent, with a pleasant amber color. It's opaque enough to provide useful shade, but transmits enough light to be more cheery on overcast days.

The shape is versatile, relatively easy to pitch, and can be very wind-resistant depending on how you orient it and set up the guylines. Consider getting two additional poles. This tarp sets up really well with four poles providing excellent stand-up head clearance. The concatenary curves allow for smooth tensioning without wrinkles or sags that hold rainwater or flap noisly in the wind.

I was disappointed that the cord guylines provided are not reflectorized. Our Oufitter Wing has reflective cords that are essential to safe navigation around camp after dark. I've had to order reflective cording, and that's a signficant expense to incur on an already expensive product. I'm tempted to downgrade my rating to four stars, but I bought this at a discount from the Amazon warehouse, so I'll be generous.

For accessory poles, I recommend Kelty's Noah's Staff or Noah's poles. The "staff" is not adjustable but these poles are slimmer and lighter in keeping with the Zing's lighter weight. The MSR wing tarps and vastly superior to Kelty's Noah's tarps, so just go for the Kelty poles.

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Product Description:
Whether you're seeking shelter from the sun or rain, this ultralight, go-anywhere version of MSR's OutfitterWing is engineered as a compact refuge for up to 10 people. The Zing provides up to 200 square feet of coverage, with an inverted wing design that holds taught in high winds. As a result, the Zing tarp is far more stable than many other shelters, and creates very little noise (unlike, say, the average store-bought blue tarp). It's also extremely packable, with a single-wall tent fabric that keeps the weight down to 2 pounds 15 ounces. And the tapered poles are just as light as everything else, with a design that's engineered to provide efficient strength at a reduced weight. The Zing tarp shelter--which weighs 5 pounds 10 ounces altogether (including the poles)--is ideal for base-camp gatherings, river trips, or even as a cooking and meeting area on extended expeditions and educational outings.
About MSR
Mountain Safety Research (MSR) designs, manufactures, and markets innovative adventure gear for outdoor enthusiasts. The ever-growing MSR product line is most popular with mountaineers, backpackers, and campers. MSR is the industry leader in reliability and quality with every product it focuses on--tents, stoves, water filters, snowshoes, cookware, climbing gear, fuel, and related accessories. All of MSR's products set the benchmark in performance throughout the specialty outdoor industry. MSR is also one of the most widely distributed brands in the outdoor industry and provides products to more than 1,200 specialty retailers in North America and export to more than 30 countries.


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6/22/2011

Texsport Montana Screen Arbor Review

Texsport Montana Screen Arbor
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I used this unit ten days straight, subjecting it to windy rainstorms and late-May Florida bugs and heat and it performed nicely. With the exception of one seam leak, the unit was reliably protective and sturdy. One of my camping neighbors even asked me where he could get one like it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Texsport Montana Screen Arbor

Product Description:
Measuring 12 feet square, this four-legged arbor has walls made of fine mesh to screen out insects as small as no-see-ums. Two of the walls zip open as entrances. The arbor provides 82 inches of headroom. Roof and panels are flame-retardant heavy-duty taffeta. Legs are rust-resistant 3/4-inch-diameter steel with molded joints. Fiberglass poles support the roof. Stakes and a carry/storage bag come with the arbor. Setup instructions are included.

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5/30/2011

Coleman Speckled Enamelware Dining Kit Review

Coleman Speckled Enamelware Dining Kit
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Very nice, complete camping dining set. Good quality. Will make your outdoor dining experience by the camp fire a lot classier than just using paper plates. The flatware comes in a nice nylon wraparound holder with compartments for each piece. It would be nice if Coleman also offered some kind of backpack or duffle bag designed to hold the dishes and mugs, that would make a really nice kit or gift set.

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Product Description:
Ideal for camping, picnicking, and even backyard use, this set of Coleman speckled dinnerware includes everything you need to eat a meal under the stars. The 24-piece set is outfitted with four 10-inch dinner plates, four 10-ounce mugs, and four 6-inch bowls, giving you and three co-campers enough containers for a main course, a side salad, and an after-dinner hot chocolate. In addition, the set comes with four knives, four spoons, and four forks, so you don't need to rely on plastic silverware when eating. Best of all, the set is durable and dishwasher-safe, with a red-speckled enamel surface that holds up to heavy use. The silverware also includes a compact carrying case to keep the cutlery bunched together.
About Coleman
The Coleman Company has been creating and innovating products for recreational outdoor use since W.C. Coleman started selling gasoline-powered lanterns in 1900. Inventor of the hugely popular fold-up camp stove, Coleman developed a plastic liner for his galvanized steel coolers in 1957--the birth of the modern cooler--and the company has been improving their utility and design ever since. The array of products that bear the Coleman name now includes just about everything you might need to work or play outdoors, from tents and sleeping bags to boats, backpacks, and furniture.


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5/07/2011

Wenzel Pinon Sport 7-by 7-Foot Three-Person Dome Tent Review

Wenzel Pinon Sport 7-by 7-Foot Three-Person Dome Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I like this tent more than the other reviewer.I used it for one night with my son, and it worked well.Woke up dry and happy.

It's got about a 4 foot height, so you definitely can't stand up in it, but it is a legit 7 feet by 7 feet.Pretty good size.Haven't seen anything on the market at this price.

Other things I liked:
-Easy to get in and out of (D-style door is a plus)
-Fiberglass poles and overall easy set-up.

I forgot...I did use a seam sealer for all the edges of the tent.Worked well.

Still can't believe the price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Wenzel Pinon Sport 7-by 7-Foot Three-Person Dome Tent

Product Description:
Nicely lightweight and easy to set up and breakdown, the sporty Wenzel Pinon dome-style tent is a great choice for a weekend car camping outing. It features a generously sized single room that measures 7 by 7 feet--great for storing lots of gear--and a 50-inch maximum height. In addition to the good-sized D-style door (with a mesh window covering half of it), this tent also includes a window on the back for cross-current ventilation. The interior is quite spare, with only a small gear pocket in one corner near the door.
Setting up the tent was easy, for the most part, and we erected the tent (with its two shock-corded fiberglass poles) in under five minutes. The one impediment to an even faster assembly was the heavy-duty nylon corner pockets that secure the poles, which included a polyester-reinforced interior flap that's not seamed at the top of the entry. Thus, we had a tougher time than we should have trying to make correct purchase with the pocket, continually hitting the space between the nylon pocket and the interior poly pocket.
But we could forgive this slight design flaw for such a nicely light and easily backpacked tent. This tent also includes a fly that offers a good coverage area, including a bit of an extended cover over the door and back window. While we didn't have rain during our testing, we did use a sprinkler for an extended period, and were pleased to note that the fly ably handled the water run off, guiding it away from the bottom of the tent. To improve this tent's weather resistance, it's recommended that you use seam sealer to coat all exposed seams, applying only to the underside of the fly and inside the seams of the tent.
Overall, the Wenzel Pinon is a good choice for car campers and for the occasional hiked excursion. While it won't stand up to the worst that Mother Nature can throw your way, it should handle a decent amount of rain. And its ample 49 square foot interior will hold two good-sized adults and a good amount of gear. --Agen G.N. Schmitz
What's in the Box?
Tent, rain fly, metal stakes (with bag), two fiberglass shock-corded poles (with bag), stuff sack, printed instructions; backed by 10-year warranty
Amazon.com Tent Guide
Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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4/04/2011

Coleman Fold and Go Camp Pillow (Small, Colors May Vary) Review

Coleman Fold and Go Camp Pillow
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this for my boyfriend to use on his camping trip. At first I didn't think he wanted to take it because he usually bundles up his shirts and lays his head on that.. but he brought the pillow with him anyway. When he came back from the trip he told me that everyone was eyeing his pillow and wanted one for themselves. He really liked the pillow. He thought it was comfortable for the size and cost. He folded it in half and used it that way. I don't think it was that soft unless you folded it. You are also able to fold it and tuck it into a nice flap that is located on the back of the pillow for easy storage and it's nice for when you don't have a lot of room in your backpack.

All in all, good purchase. Oh, and it says that the colors vary when you order it. Our pillow came in Red. (just so you know)

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Product Description:
Convenient and comfortable, the Coleman Fold 'N' Go Camp Pillow folds in half for compact packing and transport. Unfolded, it measures 12"x20". Made of poly/cotton with a cozy cotton-flannel cover, the Fold 'N' Go Camp Pillow is a great choice for travel and camping.

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3/26/2011

HIGH PEAK South Col 4 Season Backpacking Tent 3 person 9.7 lbs! Review

HIGH PEAK South Col 4 Season Backpacking Tent 3 person 9.7 lbs
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Set this tent up for the first time, also fist tent set up in at least 5 years, and it was a snap!Very versatile and strong, the dogs even tested the flooring out and even with overly excited tail-wagging the floor held up.Can't wait to set it up somewhere other than my back yard!

Click Here to see more reviews about: HIGH PEAK South Col 4 Season Backpacking Tent 3 person 9.7 lbs

Product Description:
*Clip Pole Design with Ring & Pin at the bottoms of the poles for QUICK & EASY SETUP .*Free Standing Design allows you to set it up Quickly and Easily most anywhere in just a few minutes. Use the Guy Ropes to make your new tent even MORE STABLE .*9.5 mm shock-corded ALUMINUM Poles ( 8.5 mm pole for the main fly opening )*Great for TWO or THREE Campers*Only 9.7 Lbs. Carry Weight *Fire Retardant treated.Meets CPAI-84 Regulations.*Treated Breathable Rip-Stop Polyester Inner Tent*LONG RAINFLY of Treated Rip-Stop Polyester LONGwith Polyurethane coating for better water resistance. (( Treated to withstand 3000 mm water column ))*Treated Polyester Floor with Polyurethane coating for better water resistance. (( Treated to withstand 5000 mm water column )) *TWO LARGE DOORS with Storm Flaps.(( Inverted "U" shaped door for easy access and No-See-Um Mesh Screening ))*TWO VESTIBULES are created by the rainfly for DRY STORAGE of GEAR. (( DRY STORAGE for Backpacks, Boots, Dogs, Etc. ))*Four Gear Pockets inside for your smaller items*Taped & double-stitched seams to help prevent leaks.*Lots of Guy Ropes provide additional stability in wind.*Fast and Easy ONE PERSON SETUP*Comes COMPLETE with Stakes , Guy Ropes , Carry Bag and Setup Instructions.*Made by HIGH PEAK ?. . . . so you KNOW the quality is there .*ONE YEAR MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY against actual defects in workmanship and materials .* The South Col and the Enduro Tents by High Peak are endorsed by BRAD JOHNSON .Brad Johnson is a "modern day adventurer-explorer" , leading guided groups into exotic locations from Peru to Nepal .Brad is the founder and managing director ofPeaks & Places Travel

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2/08/2011

Texsport Westview Screen Arbor Review

Texsport Westview Screen Arbor
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The first attempt to put the tent up was not fun - but after the 3rd time it goes up very easy.It's easy to put up but a bit flimsy - the sides don't reach all the way down and bugs do get in but we take it camping with us and set up the spare tv in it and a cooler.It is so much better than sitting out in the sun - it's cooler and despite the fact that some bugs do get in, it makes sitting out in the evening much better - a couple of citronella candles help a lot.

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Product Description:
10' x 10' x 92" High Screened arbor is designed to give you an easy to set up area to enjoy the outdoors with protection from insects and the weather.It is Water repellent and maintenance free, Two zippered mesh walls that retract to form a standard arbor.Complete with stakes, carry/storage bag and instructions Flame retardant, meets C.P.A.I.-84 Specs, Covered by Texsport's 3 year limited Warranty For over 40 years Texsport has been supplying your local sporting goods dealer with camping and outdoor recreational equipment.Our products are designed to have the most features with an emphasis on value.Texsport is "Authentic Adventure Gear"

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