Hello! I am riding the first three days, andi am looking for some afordable camping gear. I found some cheap tents at Walmart, but a little worried about the quality. Target, Walmart or Costco gear be OK? I don't wantt ospend a bunch of money this tent may not get used very often. Since its only a three nights.
Does anyone have some suggestions on camping gear?
REI gives such excellent support on this ride, i'd say check REI, REI.com and REIoutlet.com
REI is having a sale right now and there are generally lots of bargains on REIoutlet Even on the outlet site if you have them ship the order to store for pickup there is no shipping charge
No, this will be my third CNC. I don't want to rely on the indoor camping. What I was looking for was feedback on a cheap tent, if its worth buying one for under 100 dollars or so. I can't see spending much more than that for three nights.
I have a large Wal-mart dome with a center divider that I've used in similar situations and it works fine. It'll easily sleep two or more with the bikes inside as well. Because of its size, it is just a bit of a pain to set up after a long day of riding, though, especially for one person. You will not likely be camping in extremes, so a Wally World tent should be fine.
Sam's has a quick and easy set up tent (from Swissgear) for $39. I'm considering it. It is singlewall and should stay dry inside during setup even if it is raining while you are setting up, but condensation could be a problem with a singlewall tent.
Neither of these two tents is freestanding.
You shouldn't need an expensive tent for this trip.
again with the excellent support REI provides for this ride if anything goes wrong the REI staff will be there to make it right cost is less than one Cycle NC night's motel room plus luggage transfer fees
Alps Mountaineering Meramac 4 Tent - Special Buy
Reduced Price: $77.93 Item 761097 theprice = "$77.93" ; The Alps Mountaineering Meramac 4 is a freestanding four-person, two door tentgreat for fun family camping trips!
Shock-corded fiberglass poles are one size larger than normal for strength and sturdiness
Nylon taffeta body and fly are lightweight yet long lasting
Walls are uncoated so the tent can ''breathe'' under the urethane coated fly, reducing condensation build-up
Center fly pole creates an awning over each door; full coverage rainfly ensures excellent rain protection
Factory-sealed seams on the floor and fly increase water repellency
Two doors allow convenient, easy entry and exit, eliminating the need to crawl over others to get in and out
Second door also aides in cross ventilation in hot, muggy weather, keeping occupants comfortable
Mesh storage pockets and gear loft keep small items organized
I say buy a good tent as it will last for years. Can find some great deals at REI Outlet or Sierra Trading Post. If you dry the tent good before storing it at the end of each trip you will get years of use from it. I've seen too many people using a cheap tent in a heavy rain learn they should have spent a bit more.
If you are only planning on using the camping gear this once, you can rent equipment from REI- cost effective for a few days. If you might use it again, I would buy some decent gear....last year models of good name brands. I wouldn't waste my money at Walmart or the like.
Sarah has it right!! The best you can afford if you EVER think you'll use it again and skip Wally world--REI has what you need and guarentees it for as long as you own it. My bride and I have been REI Coop members for 40 years and I could tell you some GREAT customer-relation stories--you won't be disappointed!