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Tent & sleeping bag HELP!

T

Tight Louper

Just finished a River Runs Through it!
I am looking for input on a moderately priced tent and sleeping bag for winter camping.

tent- must stay dry! it'll be spending a lot of time in the rain and snow and "other" weather Mother Nature dishes out. a tiny 1 man mummy tent wont cut it, im fancy and sleep on a cot. :clown:

bag- must be warm. Im not worried about weight and pack size, just warmth and price.

im keepin an open mind on overall price but im not lookin at top shelf stuff. just something thats gonna get the job done. If its something you been happy with and performs well but is on the expensive side please mention that too, thanks guys...
 
I use a Wiggy's sleeping bag. you may not have heard of them but check them out at wiggys.com. airforce and navy use his gear. I go on a drop camp elk hunt in Co. about every other year and had this bag since 2000. It has never let me down and this year the temp one night went a little below zero. We do a third season hunt (first week of Nov) and are at 9400 ft. you cant go wrong with their bags. as for the tent i use a Big Agnes seed house, but you want something bigger. I would go to campmor.com and look at their selection of four season tents. DO NOT get a single wall tent and the condensation from your breath will form ice and water on the INSIDE of the tent. Hope this helps, and happy camping
 
you can get a good warm sleep bagging just about anywhere. you can spend between $75 - $500 on a bag. The biggest differences are going to be compressibility and weight (more expenseive = lighter and smaller). I'd suggest shooting for something rated for around 20 degrees and then plan on wearing a hat and more while you sleep. A sleeping pad, even if you use a cot, will add a lot of warmth.

Eureka, Sierra Designs, Kelty and others make affordable quality tents that I have used extensively while spending time in the backcountry. A 2 person tent would be my suggestion. If you intend to put you + gear + dog/person in there, go for a three person. I'd get something that is intended to be used for backpacking or expeditions. Going for a car camping tent (aka big and tall) can be nice, but there is usally a lot of wasted space for standing. Expect to pay between $150 - $300 for a tent that will last you a lifetime if taken care of properly.

Enjoy!
 
We decided to dish out the cash for a North Face tent when we drove across country for 6 weeks and we've used it backpacking many times. The tent held up great even in heavy downfalls we got a few nights. I'd buy another North Face if something were to happen to this one. Like someone mentioned, Eureka and Sierra Designs are also very good. Heard of Kelty, but never used one.
 
In my experience 4 season and big (at least big enough for a cot) means expensive. I have a 4 person, 4 season Kelty that has served well over the years. It's pretty comfy for 2 plus gear, fine for 3 and tight with 4 people. I don't think it would really fit a cot though. About 8 years ago it was $400. When the day comes to replace it though I'll probably buy a Marmot (likely this one: Marmot Thor 3P | marmot.com).

One other thing, make sure you have a ground tarp (called a footprint) that matches the tent or make one out of waterproof fabric (marine fabric store is a good choice). It'll protect the bottom of the tent from punctures.

One last thing, visit Sierra Trading Post. Good deals can be had there.
 
Tent..Cabelas XPG..great price and great tent.EASY set up and extremely dry!I've been in mine in some brutal rainstorms(wind and downpours) and not a drop inside.Like me,with a cot you'll want the four man.($239.00)For a bag I use a cabelas Expedition III($130.00).Good for 30 below(mummy type).Never been cold in it but I think if I bought another I would go with the 3D in the rectangle -30 just for more leg room($150.00).Good luck.If you can spend more,I'm sure there may be even better but for this kind of cash,can't beat em.
 
Years ago I bought a Cabela's XPG 3-season model, I finally used it this season after several years of just having it. It poured like crazy on the Beaverkill and I stayed dry all night. Two shock-corded aluminum poles made for fast, reliable setup. I think they also have an XPG 4-season model too that is reasonably priced. Also Cabelas has an Alaskan Guide Model series that you might want to look into. No matter what a ground cloth is essential. Some guys even use two- one for inside on the tent floor, and one for outside on the ground.

For a sleeping bag, I have LL Bean Mt. Katahdin model rated to -20F and this bag is incredibly warm and was very reasonably priced as well.
 
I have a sierra designs tent that I think is great, but I think they are a little pricey. When I was in the market for a tent, I remember that Eureka was really the sweet spot in terms of value for your dollar. I remember that I really liked their A-frame tents.

A word about design - I much prefer the tents that set up by clipping the tent to poles that are external to the tent wall, rather than the the tents in which the poles have to be be inserted into sleeves. The clip style is a much faster and easier set-up, which is important to me since it seems that half the time I'm setting up in the dark.

As someone else mentioned, check out Sierra Trading Post for great deals. Also, if you are close enough, visit Campmor's store and look at their bargain/clearance section - great deals there too.
 
gadfly said:
I have a sierra designs tent that I think is great, but I think they are a little pricey. When I was in the market for a tent, I remember that Eureka was really the sweet spot in terms of value for your dollar. I remember that I really liked their A-frame tents.

A word about design - I much prefer the tents that set up by clipping the tent to poles that are external to the tent wall, rather than the the tents in which the poles have to be be inserted into sleeves. The clip style is a much faster and easier set-up, which is important to me since it seems that half the time I'm setting up in the dark.

As someone else mentioned, check out Sierra Trading Post for great deals. Also, if you are close enough, visit Campmor's store and look at their bargain/clearance section - great deals there too.
Click to expand...

Good point about the clip-style, the Cabela XPG is clip-style and I know I also liked that style a lot better as opposed to the traditional method of snaking the poles through the sleeves in the tent.
 
I use my 3 season, single wall tent in the winter without any issues. If the tent is well ventilated, moisture isn't going to be an issue unless you're talking weeklong trips or extreme weather conditions.

In general, down bags are lighter, better insulating, and smaller for the same temperature value. However, you'll pay close to double the price over a synthetic bag. Synthetic insulation is also easier to keep dry in wet climates. Don't buy a 20 degree bag for winter camping, unless you like sleeping cold. Figure out the lowest temperature you may be camping in, and subtract 15 degrees. My 20 degree down bag starts to feel cold around 30 degrees. For winter I use a -40 degree down bag from EMS. The cheaper the bag, the less features it will have. Draft tubes and collars, as well as baffled zippers are all things that a winter bag should have. Theres nothing worse than rolling over and getting a shot of cold air down the bag. You should also consider buying a Long size bag, it will give you extra room to stick your boots, water bottles, etc at the foot of the bag so they're not cold or frozen in the morning.

Also, sleeping on a cot, you'll want some sort of insulating pad under your back. Any bag will compress and lose insulating value underneath of you. Without a pad(foam, air, an old blanket) you'll end up with a cold back all night, which is not pleasant when the temp drops.
 
Neat little all purpose trailer...
http://www.jumpingjacktrailers.com/
JJAccessory65022-1.jpg
 
I first saw one of those several years ago at the big Eastern Outdoor show in Harrisburg and really thought they were a neat idea.
 
Pop up trailers are convenient but are not a good choice for winter camping...If you want them to last and not smell like a mold factory you need to ensure that they are clean and 100% moisture free when you close them...In the winter you cant just fold them wet from rain or snow and pop them up when you get home and air dry them unless you are having a warm spell..It is also very difficult to keep clean when traveling with salt and mud, you cant just hose them off and expect them to dry in 24 hours...Also most arent designed for any snow load..It doesnt take much snow collapse the tent portion of the trailer....

They do work great during the rest of the year and I have used one as a traveling fishing camp for the last 10 years...
 
Ditto what Mike R said. I use a 0 degree bag year round, just keep it open when its warmer out. Alternatively you could buy 2 bags and slip one inside the other when its cold out. Synthetic fill is the way to go, low maintenance, stays drier and stays warmer when wet. If you do find yourself getting cold at night, try filling a water bottle with hot (but not scalding) water and sleeping with it in your bag. You'll be amazed at how much of a difference it can make.
 
For my winter backpacking, I use a Eureka Timberline A-Frame Tent (can't be beat in a snowfall) and a 0 degree down 650 EMS mummy bag. The Timberline, $99, has never let me down in snow, cold and winds and the bag has always kept me warm. On a cot, it would be even warmer, however, you might want to check for headroom with the tent.

The EMS bags are just as good as the big names (one of the big names actually makes them) and they tend to be much cheaper, especially during an EMS sale that they always seem to be having.

Of course, if there is any risk of your bag getting wet, you are going to want to go synthetic. A bit bulkier but half the price. I have a Kelty synthetic -20 when I am concerned about rain or when I am boating, etc. If you are not backpacking, and want to go cheaper, synthetic is it.

I use both this tent and both bags year round. The tent ventilates well and I just keep the bags open when it is warm.
 
have a 2 man eureka for over 20 years, but have to admit the van is the best foul weather sleeper yet...as for bags I have a mummy bag to -5 and a extra large bag to 40 degrees. fishing at the beach a few times in dec, have been know to sleep in mummy bag inside the larger bag. Then theres the heater too....propane coleman with a van, just crack a window for ventilation..
 
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Thank you all for the suggestins.I didn't expect all of these replies for a dang tent and sleeping bag.I have to think about this now,I'll let every know what I choose to go with.
 
absolutely nothing wrong with EMS gear. even their "2nds" are usually superior to some of the more popular brands. you can save a lot on their sale pages.

another good discount site (similar to sierra) is campmor. huge selection of name-brands and lesser knowns.
 
Louper,
For most of my time in college I worked for a shop that sold and rented high end backpacking and climbing gear. I have sold many many tents and sleeping bags. I personally don't like Campmor as others have suggested to check out- for two reasons: 1) they don't seem to know much about what they sell (although it appears that EMS is telling people that their bags are made by a major manufacturer in order to sell their stuff!) and 2) if you are in NJ or live in NJ you will have to pay tax and shipping. I would look for deals on the internet and definitely checkout Sierra Trading Post as others have suggested as well as look for deals on other sites (Backcountry.com, cabelas, etc).
If you are winter camping I am torn about using a cot- while it gets you off the cold ground it also lets air circulate and cools you off from underneath. Regardless you should find a decent sleeping pad to insulate you from either the ground or the air circulating under the cot.
Regarding tents and bags- if you go for backpacking style you will be paying for the weight savings. Also backpacking tents tend to be much smaller than "car camping" tents. However, the materials are usually cutting edge and so a good backpacking tent will be designed to withstand serious wind and most likely will come with sealed/taped seams to prevent leaks. A Big Agnes tent will cost you some serious coin so if you aren't backpacking I would steer clear from the highest end backpacking tents.
For a decent bag I would look to synthetics. While down is awesome and very warm, if it gets wet is gives almost no insulating warmth- you'd be better off with a wool blanket! If you live in a dry place like Arizona or Utah etc then a down bag is ideal. If you live in a place that dew generally falls at night I would choose a synthetic bag from a reputable manufacturer like North Face, SierraDesigns, Marmot, Mtn Hardwear, etc. These bags will not have cold spots like cheap bags. Also as someone mentioned- the temperature ratings are just guidelines. For some people a 20 degree bag is fine down to 20 but for someone else that same bag made only be comfortable to 30. Go on the web and look for feedback on the bag you are interested in (backcountry.com has feedback ratings for their stuff and I think REI and others do too).
Even though I prefer to order from the internet in order to save tax (I hate giving NJ any more of my tax dollars!) you should go to a shop and actually get in the tent model you are thinking about as well as the sleeping bag. You can search the dimensions of bags and tents from the manufacturers but if you test drive them you will learn more. For example, I have a bag that has elastic bands spaced throughout so when you are in it it hugs you in order to keep you warmer. I bet anyone with a slight claustrophobia would go bananas in this bag. You probably wouldn't know about this issue from searching on the net.
Good luck!
AZ
 
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