Camping Food

Camping can work up a tremendous appetite because of the physical activities involved. Having the right kind of food during camping to meet the energy needs is extremely essential. With a little planning about the food to be packed or prepared, one can have a much-improved camping experience. A camper would not have access to kitchen equipments or refrigeration to prepare elaborate meals, but healthy and tasty food can be still be made available with proper planning. (1)

Proper camp food is integral because indigestion and other food-related sickness can absolutely ruin a camping trip.

A Foil Meal

Some of the factors to consider for camping food selection are as listed below:

Cooking Time: Campers should choose meals that can be prepared in less time, ideally in 5 to 20 minutes. This is because of the trouble involved in carrying large quantity of cooking fuel during camping.

Perishability: Since there would not be any refrigeration source, campers should opt for shelf-stable food rather than perishable ones. Beyond the initial one to two days, one should not risk having perishable food during camping, unless hiking in cold conditions with access to cold water to act as a refrigeration source.

Weight: Backpackers need to carry many items apart from food, so their food has to be as lightweight as possible. Often, freeze-dried and dehydrated meals are the preferred food to address this problem as they can cut weight by sixty to ninety percent. (2)

Nutrition: Campers may walk for miles or be exposed to strenuous activities, which require lots of calories. To maintain high energy levels, campers should include in their camping food checklist, foods that provide sufficient calories and higher sodium levels. (3)

Types of Camping Food:

Freeze-Dried food: Freeze-drying is a technique for preserving food by rapid freezing and subsequent removal of up to 98% of water content. Freeze-dried ingredients are lightweight, tasty and nutritious, which makes them an attractive option for campers. Freeze-dried ingredients can be readily reconstituted with a little water and can be often consumed without cooking them. The food can be safely stored at room temperature for long periods of with the need of refrigeration. Freeze-dried ingredients are available in small quantities in stores specific to camping or from emergency supply outlets. (4, 5)

Dehydrated Food: Dehydrated or dried food is prepared by slow removal of moisture from the food using heat. Dehydrated food can be stored at the room temperature for prolonged periods without getting spoiled or losing flavor, making it another sought after food for camping. Dehydrated food items are considerably smaller than fresh ones and can easily fit in backpacks, which make it an ideal camping food. They can be rehydrated in no time by pouring hot water. (4, 5)

MRE: Generally used by the military, Meal, Ready to Eat or MRE can be another camping food option. MRE food is precooked and vacuum-sealed in airtight retort pouches. MREs can be consumed cold or warmed. The only disadvantage is that they are much heavier than freeze-dried or dehydrated meals because of their moisture content. (3, 4)

Snacks: For snacking between major meals, a camper can choose from a variety of healthy snacks. Right camping snacks should be the ones that provide enough energy, but not greasy heavy food or junk food loaded with refined grains and sugars. One can choose vegetables for guilt-free munching. Bite-size sticks of raw carrot and celery, chips made out of sliced potatoes and carrot, and skewered vegetables cubes are some of nutritious snacking options. Tortillas can be enjoyed in many forms: tortilla wrap with leftover meat, lettuce and tomatoes as filling, tortilla roll with fruit jam or peanut butter spread, or quesadilla with melted cheese between two tortillas. Plain, unsalted crackers, plain or without spreads or toppings make a great simple camping snack. Trail mix, purchased or homemade, is an ideal camping snack that is lightweight, easy to store, tasty, and nutritious. (6)

Camping Cooking:

Selection of food items for camping meals depends on the type of camping one will be doing. For those who will be camping in a tent or an improved campground with access to meal storage and preparation options, whipping up a gourmet camping meal can be possible. Campers have always come up with numerous methods to prepare meals with a campfire. Using direct heat on food by wrapping food individually in aluminum foil or indirect heating like grilling food over a grate on an open fire are some of the effective cooking food techniques. Soups and stews can be prepared on pot or pan placed over hot coals (7)

Camping Breakfast Recipes:

Pancake

Ingredients

For Pancake Mix:

Flour: 2 Cups

Sugar: 2 tsp.

Salt: 1 tsp.

Baking powder: 1 tsp.

Baking soda: ½ tsp.

Others:

Butter: 4 tbsp.

Eggs: 2

Buttermilk or regular milk: 2 Cups

Fruit, Nuts, or Chocolate Chips (optional)

Method: Mix all the ingredients and store in an airtight container or zipper lock bag. This pancake mixture can be stored for 3 months.

Mix the eggs, buttermilk/milk, and melted butter well by whisking. Add the pancake mix. Whisk again till the mixture is smooth and uniform. Pre-heat the pan or griddle and grease lightly with butter. Pour the batter mix onto the pan or griddle. Wait till the formation of bubbles around the edges and then flip them gently and cook for about 2 more minutes. Serve with maple syrup. (8)

Camping Recipes for Lunch and Dinner:

Foil Dinner

Ingredients:

Ground beef: ¼ lbs.

Carrot, sliced: 1

Potato, sliced: 1

Small onion, diced: 2

Butter

Seasoning of your choice

Heavy-duty aluminium foil

Place ground beef, carrot, potato and onion in layers in the middle of the aluminium foil. Season to taste. Apply butter on top. Foil the foil and secure tightly, leaving little room for expansion. Roast on hot coals for about 20 to 30 minutes. Keep turning and rotating often. Other meats, vegetables, seasonings and sauces can be used. (9)

Camper’s Pizza

Ingredients:

Bread: 2 slices

Butter

Mozzarella cheese

Sauce: 1 and ½ tbsp.

Pepperoni, sliced

Apply butter on one side of two slices of bread, Place one slice of bread on pie iron with buttered side facing down. Layer pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni on the bread. Place the other bread slice on top with buttered side out. Place pie iron on hot coals. Keep turning until bread is browned. (9)

S’more Set-up for Camping

Camping Food for Kids:

A camping trip with family is not complete without including kid-friendly camping food items. Parents should select foods that kids can cook themselves. Participating in cooking will keep the kids occupied and they will take pride in cooking their meal themselves. Hiking and exploring builds appetites and improves the taste of everything, so even kids who are fussy eaters may enjoy eating camping food. S’mores is a regular fare in camping food for children. It is prepared by slow toasting of skewered marshmallow, and sandwiching the mushy marshmallow along with a piece of chocolate between two halves of a graham cracker. Hot dogs are another sure-fire hit with kids. It is simple recipe in which speared wiener is cooked slowly over campfire until it browns and the skin breaks open. The cooked wiener is placed in a hot dog bun and decorated with condiments. Kids also love packet meals prepared by heating assortment of meats and vegetable wrapped in tin foil. (10, 11)

Special Camping Food:

Gluten-intolerant individuals, especially those with celiac disease, have to be cautious about the foods they eat during camping. While choosing dehydrated foods for camping, they need to make sure that the foods do not have traces of gluten. There are many gluten-free food choices that can be enjoyed during camping. All fruits are suitable for consumption by gluten-allergic individuals because they do not contain wheat. Naturally gluten-free food  like dried figs serve as an excellent snack in camping trips if one ensure that no brown sugar is added to it. Other recommended gluten-free food items are raisins, homemade jerky, homemade banana chips. One should keep in mind that the same food items might not be completely free of gluten due to additives if they choose the commercially available ones.

Videos: The URL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I73PckP-5nk leads to a video showing how to pack cooler, cooking essentials, and lunch for camping. Another video http://youtu.be/lhWoCxBgCjA shows some great options of commercial foods that can be ideal for backpacking or camping.

Sources:

1.       http://www.ehow.com/about_7227700_portable-food-camping.html

2.       http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/camping-food.html

3.       http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camping_food

4.       http://www.wildernessdining.com/campingfood.html

5.       http://www.packitgourmet.com/FreezeDriedampDehydratedExplained-sp67.html

6.       http://www.campingroadtrip.com/outdoor-living-newsletter-march-2011/best-camping-snacks

7.       http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/camp_cooking_tips.htm

8.       http://www.free-camping-recipes.com/camping-breakfast-recipes.html

9.       http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/recipes.htm

10.   http://www.livestrong.com/article/209629-camping-meals-for-kids/

11.   http://www.livestrong.com/article/542497-campfire-foods-for-kids/

12.   http://www.livestrong.com/article/113934-dehydrated-glutenfree-foods-camping/

Image Source: http://www.ecampingspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/CampingFood.jpg

http://blog.iplanitright.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Smores-setup.jpg

Are you ready to kick off the camping season but you don't know what food to prepare. Well, I'm glad you found this post because I'm going to be showing you some great camping recipes. 

Below are some videos of very cool food creations that are simply awesome. Of course, the usual eggs, bacon, pancakes are all given. But you can do some more interesting stuff as well.

Make sure you take a look at the videos and the blog posts below.

Videos about food ideas for camping

Trail Cooking Ideas

I got this idea from backpacker magazine, and thought I would pass it along.

Food for a 2 person, 8 day canoe trip

I was putting together some food for an eight day canoe trip in Algonquin Provincial Park and thought I might as well take ten minutes to put it on tape and toss it up on good 'ol YouTube. Hopefully it will give some ideas for other canoe trippers or…

Dehydrated Spaghetti Meal Great for Backpacking

With the warmer weather approaching and talk of much more camping and backpacking in the air, it seemed a great time to begin preparing food ideas for the months ahead. Dehydrated foods are great for hiking and packing in that they need no special ca…

Blog posts about camping food ideas

Easy Camping Recipes and Camping Food Ideas | Quick Dish by Tablespoon

After a couple summers of practice, I've learned that grilling at the campsite is more fun than fuss with recipe ideas like these!

Publish Date: 05/27/2011 5:00

http://quick-dish.tablespoon.com/2011/05/27/grilled-breakfasts-for-camping/

Camping Recipes & Traditional Camping Meals | WI Dells Area …

Simple camping meal ideas and camping recipes everyone in the family will love! See our site for a camping checklist and what food to take camping.

Publish Date: 06/09/2011 14:40

http://countrytimegazette.com/camping-recipes-meal-ideas/

Premade Breakfast | Camping Food Ideas

You simply need to mix all the ingredients needed for the recipe in a bowl, then pour everything into a Ziploc bag. You can prepare this mix at home and simply dump the contents into a pot.

Publish Date: 05/23/2010 10:14

http://www.campingfoodideas.net/premade-breakfast/

Camping Food Ideas…

Camping food ideas can be utilitarian to we either you're an fresh camper or have been camping as good as hiking for years. we had regularly deliberate myself to be sincerely associating about how to container food for my camping trips …

Publish Date: 06/04/2011 21:01

http://food-information.info/camping-food-ideas/

Featured Article:

So you've seen the usual recipes posted above. If you're looking for convenience foods, then you can always bring along canned goods. I absolutely love to have a can of beans while I'm out camping. The wife doesn't really like it all that much because it keeps me…. well you know. But there are other good items that are convenient as well.

As you can see in the above video on dehydrated spaghetti, it is possible to transport pasta that won't go bad. A lot of what you can prepare depends on how long you're camping for. Most items will go bad over time but that's not a problem if it's a short stint out in the wilderness. If you're going to be spending a longer period of time, you need to prepare appropriately.

Bringing ice is a pretty good idea. And if you want some of the better quality food items, you're going to have to make a trip to town every now and again to get more ice. You simply cannot preserve items like sausages or bacon without temperature being moderated.

But if you're looking to rough it so to speak. You really cannot go wrong with canned goods and non perishable items.

Are you looking to party?

This can be one of the most fun ways to have a social gathering. I highly encourage everyone to get one of the party tents for sale at amazon.com.

You really can't have a better way to ensure a good time. Rain or blazing sunlight can ruin what would otherwise be a great time. Make sure you get a tent that provides enough space for you and your friends

The rest of the post will cover video reviews and other information that you'll want to know before deciding which tent you want to buy.

Party Tents for Sale

The following are few of the leading patterns of party tents that are being sold in the markets of the US:

• Sport™ Instant Canopies: These canopies are suitable for occasions such as picnics, visit to beaches, and parties, to cite a few. The Sport™ Canopies have coating of PVC, not to mention the 250 denier polyester top. The canopy supports a vital feature where, the top is made in a way so as to be flame retardant. This just goes on to enhance the safety levels, which are paramount to the users. The steel frame of the canopy provides for added stability, and the set (of canopy) comes with ground stakes and a large roller bag. The product comes in two different sizes, and users can choose the one that is best for their given requirements. (1)

Sport™ Instant Canopy

• Gander Mountain® Party Shelter: This party tent, which is priced at around $350, can be erected in a fairly simplified manner. In fact, only two people are required for fixing this tent. Owing to this, the Party Shelter denotes as being amongst the best of available options for occasions like parties, sports activities and picnics, etc. Both the windscreen wall and the mesh sides of the product are detachable. A top quality silver coating is present on the canopy as well as on windscreen, making sure that the ultraviolet rays are reflected back. The Party Shelter is sold with a warranty of one year, subject to certain terms and conditions. (2)

• Rhino Shelter Party Tent 14*14*9: This tent has been designed in such a way that it is ideal for lawn parties, weddings and sports activities, to cite a few. Both the sides of the tent have beautiful windows, ensuring that there is sufficient light in the interior. In fact, the tent is made in such a way that the sidewalls can be detached, as and when needed. Depending on the user requirement, the tent can be fixed either in the side-to-side or the end-to-end patterns. The strong design of this party tent makes sure that it can be used for a very long time. The Rhino Shelter is sold in four varying sizes, and it has a price tag of about $800. (3)

Used party tents: There is now no dearth for consumers who opt for used party tents, and there indeed is a highly valid reason for that. Many people are deterred by the prices of new models. On the other hand, used party tents obviously cost lesser, and they also come in several patterns. (4)

The table present below has basic details of some varieties of used party tents that are currently in vogue in the markets:

(5)

Here, it has to be specifically stated that buyers may feel that some of the prices mentioned in the table are on the higher side. But in this context the key point is that, when compared with new tents of same patterns, the prices of these used tents are very reasonable. Also, it needs to be noted that all the above are just of few of the several models that are available. The following are some of the other varieties of used party tents: Global Industrial 14’*32’*9’ Party Tent, 10*10 Pop up 4 Wall Canopy Party Tent, 10*30 White Gazebo Party Tent and Palm Springs 13’*26’ Heavy Duty Party Tent, among others. (5)

Wedding Tents- Important point: It is imperative that a tent being used for a wedding has to be a comprehensive one that includes all the needed features. Here, it is advisable that the tent has only few poles, as many people keep moving around, during such large scale occasions. Also, it is equally important that the tent is a big-sized one. (4)

Online Stores: The portal www.tents4sale.com is an online store involved in selling diverse types of tents, which are also inclusive of the party tents. These are some of the kinds of party tents provided by this Internet-based store: Frame Tent, Contempo Top, All Peak Frame, All Trac Tent, Encolope, Pole Tent, All Peak Plus, Marquee Tent, All Peak Pole and Clearspan. All these tents encompass unique features such as presence of free standing aluminum pipe and having a sturdy frame, etc. As a matter of fact, there are party tents of varying dimensions and different colors, meeting the needs of diverse customer profiles. Apart from this website, there are also many other Web-based stores where, seekers of quality tents would find offerings meeting their specific requirements. (6)

In addition, there are also several sites like www.bizarte.com that periodically carry out clearance sales of party tents. In fact, a clearance sale of party tents is presently in progress, at this very portal. Consumers are enabled to buy party tents of topmost quality at highly attractive prices. www.bizarte.com is now offering Vista Peak Party Tent by Eureka – 20 X 20 and Vista Peak Party Tent by Eureka – 15 X 15 at about $4000 and $2770, respectively. (7)

Party tent rental: Owing to the relatively higher costs, several people opt to get tents on rent, for all the required occasions. Getting tents in this pattern makes sure that the costs incurred are on the lower side. Right now, there are several entities in the markets of the US involved in providing party tent rentals such as, US Tent Rental, Inc., Avalon Tent and Party and Aztec Events & Tents, etc. (8)

Videos

• The following link has a video where, the features of some patterns of tents have been elaborated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OySn8cxSHmA

• The link mentioned below leads to a video clip, in which, installation of Outdoor Garden Party Canopy is shown.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpLjeJyEl8I&feature=related

• The below-mentioned link provides access to a video where, the significance of party tents is explained.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WtipPJxe3w

• This video focuses on the features of Deluxe Party Tent, Sun Shelter 20ft*12ft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU2pX3taHoo

1. http://www.globalindustrial.ca/g/storage/tarps-canopies/portable-sheds/sport-instant-canopy

2. http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=419399&pdesc=Gander_MountainParty_Shelter&aID=505K2&merchID=4006
3. http://www.bettymills.com/shop/product/view/Rhino%20Shelter/MDM24002.html
4. http://tentsandmoreonline.com/used-party-tents-for-sale.html
5. http://www.nextag.com/used-party-tent/compare-html
6. http://www.tents4sale.com/partytent.htm
7. http://www.bizrate.com/outdoor-canopies/eureka-tent-clearance/
8. http://www.google.co.in/#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&source=hp&q=party+tents+rental+USA+articles&pbx=1&oq=party+tents+rental+USA+articles&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=26750l28339l3l29015l9l8l0l0l0l1l575l2724l2-2.2.2.1l7l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=f701ad746acc4704&biw=1280&bih=677

Safari Tents

Safari tents are made to endure extreme climatic conditions, which are more or less inevitable during safari trips. These patterns are much sturdier than the regular varieties of tents, and understandably so. The safari trips necessitate usage of tents in a rough manner, and it is imperative that they have the strength to endure that. As a matter of fact, the design of safari tents is such that, they can face almost anything that occurs during such adventurous trips. (1)

The following are details of some of the leading manufacturers/providers of safari tents, and brief information of their offerings:

• Exclusive Tents: Exclusive Tents makes tents of diverse patterns, and their extensive line of offerings is also inclusive of safari tents. In fact, the tents offered by the manufacturer are reputed to be eco friendly. Most of the tents are made from canvas and fiber, for making sure that the environmental norms are not compromised upon. (2)
• Canvas Safari Tents: Canvas Safari Tents is involved in the manufacture of tents designed for various purposes, and the comprehensive range also has luxury safari tents. The luxury safari tents come in varied sizes, addressing the requirements of diverse customer profiles. The tents are made from top quality canvas to make sure that what the customer gets is nothing but the best. (3)
• Eurocamp safari tents: The Eurocamp safari tents are rated to be amongst the best of their kinds. These tents have two roomy bedrooms, kitchen and good quality cots, among others. The decks of the tents are covered with wood, not to mention the presence of electric heaters. As a matter of fact the excellent quality of the tents makes sure that the safari trips indeed become memorable. (4)

A safari tent from Eurocmap

• Canvas and Tent: Canvas and Tent is recognized as a global leader in the manufacture of safari tents. In fact, the manufacturer holds the same position, even with regard to all their offerings, and not just safari tents. Canvas and Tent is adept in designing tents as per client specifications. Here, it would be apt in mentioning about Safari Bow Tent, which is a popular design of the maker. This product is made from canvas that does not get torn, and it comfortably accommodates two persons. The vast customer base of Canvas and Tent is also inclusive of the United Nations. (5)

Safari Bow Tent

• Canvas and Tent Australia (CTA): Canvas and Tent Australia, which has been in existence for the last fifteen years, is a leading provider of quality tents, including the safari tents. The company is reputed in the realm of customer service, in that it closely interacts with clients for ensuring that they get the tent that is the most appropriate one for their requirement. Canvas and Tent has a wide line of tents, in which, safari tents made of strong canvas are also included. (6)
• En Suite Safari Tents: En Suite Safari Tents offers different kinds of safari tents. In fact, these also consist of cheaper safari tents, which are well within reach of the average consumer. Despite the low price, most of these offerings do have all the basic features that are expected from a safari tent. (7)

Here, it needs to be stated that the above-mentioned are just few of the several manufacturers/providers of safari tents, operating in the markets.

Backyard Safari Base Camp Expedition Set: This is a latest design of total camping set, which has been in made in a manner so as to successfully withstand extreme weather conditions. The glow lantern that is there in the set gives bright light, not to mention the binoculars included in the set. The expedition set has a camouflage net that facilitates blending with the natural environment. The Backyard Safari Base Camp Expedition Set, which is priced at around $40, is suitable to be used by even children over five. (8)

Video: The following link has a video, in which, how a safari tent is ideal for a summer camp is shown.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNSYpLd_a7U

Usage: The ensuing are the steps involved in using a safari tent:

• A freestanding frame has to be first fixed.
• After that, the frame has to be covered with the canvas tent. Here, it needs to be made sure that tent is properly covered on the frame.
• Fasteners have to be then used for tying the free ends, to make sure that there is no sagging of the ends.
• After completion, the safari tent needs to be zipped, and then, water needs to be poured on the surface (of tent). Here, it is very important to ensure that water does not find its way into interiors of the tent.
• Framework of tent has to be adjusted, only after the tent has become fully dry.
• Finally, a plastic cover has to spread across the tent, for preventing rainwater from seeping through it (tent).

(9)

At this point, it needs to be said that the above is just a brief overview of the procedure. Users are advised to gather total related information, prior to actually erecting the tent.

Vital Tips: People have to meticulously adhere to the following tips, prior to buying a safari tent:

• Consumers are advised to opt for a tent that not just meets their present requirement, but also would be useful for future camps.
• It is always better to opt for a tent having a weather rating of withstanding extreme cold weather, even though the present trip might not be to a cold location.
• Equally important is the point that, buyers have to choose a design that is very easy to fix. It is extremely disappointing to be reaching the camp place and then finding out that fixing the particular tent is extremely tough.
• It is being strongly recommended that users do not hesitate to spend slightly more and get a top quality tent. This is a much better option than opting for a cheaper variety, which can get damaged within a small duration.
• While buying, users have to find out from the dealer about the total number of persons required for erecting the tent.

(10)

Positive Reviews:  The following are some positive reviews from consumers who have safari tents:

• A user of Hennessy Hammock Safari Deluxe Asym Tent states that this particular tent is very comfortable for accommodating one person. They convey that they are extremely happy with their decision of opting for this product. As a matter of fact, the consumer even goes to the extent of remarking that relaxing n the tent is nothing short of being in heaven. (11)
• One more consumer, who uses the Quickdraw safari Canopy, says that they have been using it since several years, and that they had no issues. They highlight the point that it takes just about two minutes to erect this tent. (12)
• Another user of this very design (Quickdraw Safari Canopy) comments that it is indeed very simple to make this tent stand. Also, they state that the lightweight design of the tent is very helpful for the users. (12)

Coachella Safari Tent Lodging: Several popular public figures visit the Coachella Music Festival, which is conducted on an annual basis. Here, accommodation is provided to all visitors in canvas safari tents. The same speaks volumes about the popularity of these patterns of tents. In fact, people who have been to this place state that it is indeed a wonderful experience to be staying in safari tents. (13)

1. http://www.besttentsforcamping.net/safari-tents/
2. http://www.exclusivetents.com/index.htm
3. http://www.canvastents.co.za/
4. http://www.eurocamp.co.uk/accommodation/tents/safari-tents.html
5. http://www.canvasandtent.co.za/
6. http://www.canvasandtent.com/
7. http://www.flatdogscamp.com/accommodation/en-suite-safari-tents/
8. http://www.bjs.com/backyard-safari-base-camp-expedition-set.product.198166
9. http://www.ehow.com/how_8583158_make-safari-tent.html
10. http://east-africa-safari.com/articles/?three-guidelines-for-buying-a-big-camping-tent-372
11. http://www.amazon.com/Hennessy-Hammock-Camping-Hunting-Trekking/product-reviews/B0041IEX7I
12. http://www.epinions.com/reviews/Quickdraw_Safari_Canopy
13. http://www.mademansion.com/coachella-safari-tent-lodging/

Backpacking Tents

The following are some of the patterns of backpacking tents that are right now available in the markets:

• Eureka Tents: Eureka is globally renowned as a leading provider of top quality backpacking tents. In fact, these tents are making sure that outdoor activities become even more enjoyable. Eureka tents have a very lightweight design, and in addition, they provide for enhanced ventilation. These are some of the models of the tents that are presently being sold: Eureka SpitFire Backpacking Tent, Eureka Scenic Pass Series 2XT 2 Person, Eureka Tetragon 7 Backpacking Tent and Eureka Cimarron Mummy Bag Long, to name a few. (1) (2)
• Coleman Tents: The backpacking tents made by Coleman appeal to the tastes of diverse customer profiles. Whether a person is going on a solo trek, or is a part of an adventure group, Coleman does have the right tent for them. In fact, Coleman relentlessly strives to make sure that its tents get better and better. Owing to that, the customers can rest assured that the products that they get are nothing but just the best. The following are some varieties of Coleman backpacking tents: Hooligan®2- Tent, Hooligan®3- Tent, Hooligan®4- Tent and Helios™ X Tent, to cite a few. (3)

Hooligan®2- Tent

• Kelty Backpacking Tents: Kelty backpacking tents are unique, in the sense that, they support attractive features that are usually found only in costlier patterns (of tents). And Kelty tents are sold at highly reasonable prices. For price-conscious consumers who seek quality tents, the offerings of Kelty signify as being among the best of all available options. Some patterns of these backpacking tents are: Kelty Yellowstone Tents, Kelty Gunnison 2 Tent, Kelty Mantra 7 Tent and Kelty Ridgeway Tent, among others. (4)
• Black Diamond Tents: The backpacking tents manufactured by Black Diamond are immensely popular. Especially, Black Diamond has a wide variety for consumers seeking lightweight patterns of tents. These products support topmost levels of durability and reliability. The models, REI Arete ASL 2 and REI Quarter Dome T2 are two of the most sought-after tents made by Black Diamond. In fact, a brief mention of the features of these two models would be made in the next section of this article. (6)

Here, it has to be specifically mentioned that, many cheap backpacking tents are also inclusive under all the above brands. As a matter of fact, the ranges (under the brands) are so extensive that even consumers who are reluctant to buy high-priced products would not be disappointed. They too would surely end up with a tent that is well within the reach of their respective budgets.

The ensuing four models are rated to be amongst the best backpacking tents that are currently there in the marketplace:

• Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3 Tent: This tent is rated as the best amongst the ultra-light varieties one can hope to find. Consumers would be pleasantly surprised on seeing that the SL3 supports several features, despite being of low weight. The tent has been designed in such a way that it is conducive to be used in all the three seasons. It can also withstand extreme climatic conditions. (5)

Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3 Tent

• REI Arete ASL 2: When it is the question of being safe even amidst adverse weather, there cannot be a better option than getting the ASL2. The pole structure of this tent is very sturdy, not to mention the role played by the vestibule in keeping away rainwater. In fact, the dual air lift fly of the tent ensures that wind is used in a manner so as to be beneficial for users. (5)
• Sierra Designs Vapor Light2 and REI Quarter Dome T2: These backpacking tents, as suggested by the names, accommodate two persons. Both these tents are recognized to be the best 2 man tents being sold in the markets. Both the backpacking types have almost similar dimensions, and also, there is not much of a difference in the prices. Many sections of the market consider Vapor Light2 and Dome T2 to be of same quality. (5)

Guidelines: The following guidelines have to be meticulously adhered to before choosing a particular model of backpacking tent:

• The consumers have to be very clear about their precise requirements.
• Users should strive to buy a model that strikes near-perfect equilibrium between the aspects of weight, space and price.
• People should have a clear idea about the weather conditions amidst which the tents would be used.
• Consumers should be aware about the number of persons to be accommodated in the tents.
• As far as possible, buyers are advised to choose the freestanding designs, rather than the ones having pole sections.
• For purposes such as expeditions and mountaineering, people invariably have to go with specialized tents having several key features.
• Along with climate, the terrain on which the tent is to be fixed is also crucial, while deciding about the model.
• Before leaving for trekking, trips, etc, users have to practice fixing of the tent bought by them, lest they get stranded at the time of actual usage.

(7)

At this point, it needs to be stated that the aforesaid are just few of the several guidelines. It is being recommended that consumers carry out a thorough study of all the related aspects, before buying a backpacking tent.

Buyer reviews: The following are some positive feedbacks from consumers using different varieties of backpacking tents:

ü  A buyer who has opted for the Coleman Hooligan 2 Backpacking Tent states that, they started using the tent almost immediately after the purchase. They focus on the point that the tent is indeed very roomy, and that fixing it is very simple. They convey that, overall; they are satisfied with the product. (8)

ü  Another user of the same model begins their review by expressing amazement over the top quality of the tent. They highlight that there is plenty of space within. Also, this consumer tested the waterproof feature of the tent with a gardening hose, and later found out that the interiors were indeed dry. In fact, the buyer gives a five-star rating to the Coleman Hooligan 2 Backpacking Tent. (8)

ü  A person using the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2 Backpacking Tent says that fixing it is indeed very easy. They state that it is not at all a big problem to accommodate two people inside. As a matter of fact, this user conveys that they used the tent in heavy rain and yet the interiors remained dry, as promised by the manufacturer. The buyer concludes their review with the comment that they would surely advise others to buy this product. (9)

ü  One more user of this very tent clearly explains about all the features, while conveying that the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2 Backpacking Tent is of top quality. They do not fail to state that they bought this tent only after an exhaustive research. Just like the user mentioned above, even this person used the tent in heavy downpour. And they found out that rain water could not find its way inside. They finish their review with a remark that they got such a beautiful tent at a highly reasonable price. (9)

Videos

The link mentioned below has a video clip where, features of ultra-light backpacking tents have been presented:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak8UgFlLJMM

The following link leads to a video, in which, all related aspects of backpacking tents are explained, in detail:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbm4cAyjibE

This video has tips on choosing the right backpacking tent:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT_Ic4XZ6_k&feature=fvsr

The ensuing video has an elaboration on some key points related to backpacking & camping.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YricAx-1jnc&feature=fvsr

1. http://www.eurekatent.com/detail.aspx?id=31
2. http://www.trailtents.com/
3. http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/subcategory.asp?categoryid=11070
4. http://www.camping-tent-reviews.com/kelty-tents.html
5. http://www.camping-tent-reviews.com/best-backpacking-tents.html
6. http://www.camping-tent-reviews.com/black-diamond-tents.html
7. http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/backpacking+tent.html
8. http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Hooligan-2-Backpacking-Tent/dp/B0016HMBN0
9. http://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Zephyr-Backpacking-Tent/dp/B000MAOEB4

For cheap camping gear, some of the best investments you can make are large family tents. The bigger the better as far as I'm concerned. The more space you have, the more activities you can do in a tent. A small tent will only allow for sleeping, and will be quite uncomfortable if you like to move around a fair amount. A larger tent will allow for more sleeping room, as well as open up possibilities to play board games, have dinner, etc.

Videos about large family tents

Best Family Tents – Dome and Cabin Tents

A good video that breaks down some quality tents to choose from.

Large Family Tents

Here are some of the options for you.

Big Family Tents

Even more options that you can go through before making a decision on what to buy.

My Take on Large Family Tents