Help with tents please

[kidiekat]

Thanks Willy, I am checking the thermarests out now.&nbsp; <br>kidie

 

[highdesertranger]

I find the thermarest work good for backpacking.&nbsp; I have three.&nbsp; even the thick one made for car camping does not give me enough padding for everyday general use.&nbsp; I much prefer my thick foam bed roll.&nbsp; just my 2 cents.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[offroad]

the kelty double wide can be folded in half for twice the pad. true will need to experment with placing it into a 48 inch space when it is 51 inches wide.&nbsp;

 

[James AKA Lynx]

I suggest you get a piece of closed cell foam and then put something on top. Foam by mail dot comm is a source. It will not wear out or spring a leak.<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[kidiekat]

Well the kelty is not any where in a double.&nbsp; Only single and queen.&nbsp; Poooo.&nbsp; The thermarest looks kind of thin.&nbsp; Might need two of them.<br>kidie

 

[kidiekat]

Offroad.&nbsp; I like the link you put to Backpacker.&nbsp; Lots of good info.&nbsp; <br>I have to learn how to tie that knot for guy lines.&nbsp;&nbsp; Holy cow.<br>Thanks<br>kidie

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Don't be deceived by the thickness of Thermarest pads. I've had 2 models, one being only 3/4" thick and could sleep comfortably on the roughest ground. The thicker basecamp models are equivalent to having a nice firm mattress. ..Willy.

 

[kidiekat]

Thanks Willy, I am checking them out. Trying to find one that has some cush to it.&nbsp; I have the number bed here at home.&nbsp; Helps with the bursitis in my hips.&nbsp; lol

 

[offroad]

After testing the KELTY INFLATABLE PAD<BR><BR>1)&nbsp; Folding in half worked really well to provide too much extra cushioning.<BR>2)&nbsp; They things take a while to fully inflate, just leave the valve open and let sit an hour for full inflation if you need that.<BR>3)&nbsp; Folding back up and deflating requires a big body.&nbsp; Lucky thats what I have.&nbsp; I sit on it and crush it, fold and crush.&nbsp;&nbsp;Roll and crush.&nbsp; Strap and crush.&nbsp; eventually its gets back in the stuff sack.&nbsp;<BR>4)&nbsp;&nbsp;Use the&nbsp;non skid side for keeping the sleeping bag from moving, use the slippery side for heat disapation.<BR>5)&nbsp; seems to be a quality product.&nbsp; the relief valves do not fall off (they are locked on) so that looks good.&nbsp; the straps look strong.&nbsp; the stuff sack is plenty big.<BR>6)&nbsp; Its heavy and for car camping only.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

 

[PhotoGypsy]

I have spent some time checking tents out. &nbsp;Here are a couple I like. &nbsp;Both claim to be easy to set up by one person. &nbsp;Good luck with your search <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> &nbsp;The first tent (Kodiak Canvas) has great reviews but is expensive, the second one has mixed reviews and is less expensive. &nbsp;<br><a href="http://www.uplanders.com/home.php?dr=products&amp;fn=product_details&amp;pr_id=TENT-28-601011" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br>http://www.uplanders.com/home.php?dr=products&amp;fn=product_details&amp;pr_id=TENT-28-601011<br><br></a><a href="http://gearjunkie.com/coleman-instant-tent" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://gearjunkie.com/coleman-instant-tent<br><br><br><br></a><a href="http://www.uplanders.com/home.php?dr=products&amp;fn=product_details&amp;pr_id=TENT-28-601011" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br><br><br></a>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;The secret to getting a really good 'sleep' with the Thermarests is to, after it has self-inflated, blow a bit of extra air into them via the valve. This firms them up considerably, depending on how much you add, and it won't de-laminate (mine never did). I've tried some cheaper brands and they DID de-laminate.. but not my Thermarests. ..Willy.

 

[James AKA Lynx]

If you have the room, get a piece of closed cell foam and another foam on top.<br><br>These backpacker pads are for those who do not have a lot of space<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[offroad]

This is pretty cool.&nbsp; A water collecting tarp.&nbsp; designed to collect that rain water or even the condensate moisture in the morning.&nbsp; <BR><BR><A href="http://gearjunkie.com/kammok-rain-shelter" target=_blank rel=nofollow>http://gearjunkie.com/kammok-rain-shelter</A>

 

[caseyc]

Here's a little tent humour! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif">&nbsp; Courtesy of FB.

 

[kidiekat]

Now that is living.&nbsp; Might be a little difficult moving every 14 days.&nbsp; lol

 

[offroad]

Caseyc - have seen that in person.&nbsp;People do it often.&nbsp; <BR><BR>Kidiekat - just unplug, put in trunk, move to new site.<BR>&nbsp;

 

[kidiekat]

OMGoodness,&nbsp; that is so cool.&nbsp; lol

 

[Trainman]

Hi Kidiekat, just wanted to let you know to get some good <span style="text-decoration: underline;">strong</span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">long</span> tent stakes. The ones that come with most tents will not be strong enough and are usually very cheap.&nbsp;<br><br>Best wishes on your new adventure joining us out on the road.<br>Trainman<br><br><br><br>

 

[gypsy97]

I just found this website, and the question asked in this topic may have been answered.&nbsp; I'll add my 2 cents worth though.&nbsp; I am 72 yrs old and camp in a tent.&nbsp; I have trouble getting off the ground and maintaining my balance, so I bought a tent I can stand up in, and use an air mattress which is also easier to get up from (rather than off the ground).&nbsp; My tent is a Big Agnes Jupiter's Cabin4, which has probably been replaced by another model now.&nbsp; It can hold 4 people but accommodates 1 or 2 persons, or 1 person + dog, very well.&nbsp; If I wanted to live in a tent I certainly wouldn't want anything smaller or with a shorter center height.&nbsp; It was expensive, but I can set it up by myself (I'm abouIt 5'5"), and although I often wish I hade something I could just pop up, I wouldn't trade the roominess for anything less.&nbsp; It has a rain fly, but I rarely use it because I like to look at the stars when I wake up during the night, and catch the breezes blowing.&nbsp; The top and part way (about 1' or less) down the sides is mesh.&nbsp; I think for an older person, having a good tent one can stand up in is not just a matter of comfort, it is a matter of having less discomfort.&nbsp; The tent won't cure your arthritis, bad knees, etc.<br><a href="/file?id=1573554" rel="lightbox" target="_blank"><img src="http://files.websitetoolbox.com/82529/thumb/1573554" class="bbc_img"></a> <br><br>

 

[offroad]

walmart has camping cots for $35. not a bad price.&nbsp;