Best "Bang for Buck" Camping Equipment/Tent

dfaktz on 27/03/2017 - 17:33
Last edited 27/03/2017 - 17:40 by 1 other user

Hi all, I recently (2 nights ago) was made effectively homeless, now this does not mean I fall into the general outlines of being someone homeless, especially being that I do have money.. but alot of the variables are still there. I have a lengthy (and boring) thread about it here -> https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/299119#comment-4558084 (essentially just a violent event that means I have to find temp accommodation until I can get my cards back in order.

To urge from my habit of walls of text, I will get down and to the point.

What is in general, the best place (a happy medium) to buy a tent/sleeping bag and maybe other small camping goods? Kathmandu seems to be expensive but very good quality and bcf seems to be very cheap but.. I'm guessing much less quality? (Only from a pricing point).

The ideal goods will be somewhat easy to pack and unpack when needed (I have had an 8 person tent before that required like 3 hours to just set up) and I'll be using the tent/sleeping bag in either a location I'm allowed to, next to my car.. or in an actual caravan park.
I have mainly posted here for just advice; as I know I cannot be waiting around for a bargain.

Please note that I am completely ignorant to the camping and outdoors world.

Sports & Outdoors Tent

Comments

  • supnigs super skids on 27/03/2017 - 18:35

    Why camp when you can sleep in the back seat of your car? It's more safe there.

    • dfaktz on 27/03/2017 - 19:02
      +2

      Because of my size, legs have to basically be crossed or out the window, back isn't straight or supported and just in general already being in my car so much you start to feel abit suffocated.

      The list really goes on but it's best explained in the post I linked above.
      Thanks.

  • bdl on 27/03/2017 - 18:35
    +2

    https://www.aldi.com.au/en/special-buys/special-buys-sat-1-a… ? Freecycle or similar?

    • dfaktz on 27/03/2017 - 19:05
      +1

      Ugh, this is amazing .. but 1st of April.. goddamnit!
      (This is a real, need it now situation)

      Thanks for the suggestion though. Open to any others.

  • gummibear on 27/03/2017 - 19:28
    +1

    Look for a 'touring' tent. They are designed for people that spend minimal time in each location.
    They pop up without needing to assembled rods etc…. They don't flap about in the wind much also as they usually have a metal tubular frame.

    Keep in mind they are also bigger and heavier when packed due to the metal framing.

    Here are a few examples
    https://www.tentworld.com.au/tents/touring-fast-pitching-ten…

    Or try Anaconda.com.au as they have 25% off sale at the moment.

    • dfaktz on 28/03/2017 - 16:54

      I'm so sorry I overlooked your reply, its because I only started to reply and check this thread in the morning and it was posted the day before in the afternoon.

      tentworld link is un-usable for purchase since its QLD/NSW only (or online) and i dont have the time..

      ..however, the style and 'name' of the tent that will best suit me is really great advice (even after the surge of advice this thread has given me).

      Thankyou!

  • James987 on 27/03/2017 - 19:28
    +2

    Anachonda has a sale on now

  • frondono on 27/03/2017 - 19:32
    +4

    you might want to look into a swag. you can get some pretty nice ones that are pretty much like tents these days. I have the oztrail mitchell dome swag i picked up of ebay a few years back, it was good price/quality when I bought it.

  • bluesky on 27/03/2017 - 20:08

    I see this thread only after I provided some info on the other thread. Please see my comment about the bargain sleep mat.

    • dfaktz on 27/03/2017 - 20:28
      +1

      Seen and replied.. and thankful. Definitely grabbing one or a couple.

      Will reply to the rest of the great advice here when I settle in to my car sunset/sleeping area for the LAST night in it!

  • Rifraf on 28/03/2017 - 02:45
    +1

    My opinion is don't skimp on either a good tent or sleeping bag.

    Winter is almost upon us and there is nothing more miserable than a cold or cold/wet nights lack of sleep.

    I do a fair bit of cycle touring and am happy with my Macpac Minaret tent

    http://www.macpac.com.au/minaret-tramping-tent.html

    and Epic 400 xl down sleeping bag

    http://www.macpac.com.au/epic-400-xl-sleeping-bag.html

    My tent has still been standing at caravan parks when almost all others have collapsed due to stormy weather and I've had no leaks.

    I'm in WA and my gear suits the local conditions so talk to the guys in the store where you are located.

    No snow hereabouts or where I camp but YMMV

    • dfaktz on 28/03/2017 - 16:05

      It baffles me that at $450.. the tent is still $100 cheaper than the sleeping bag.. and this is on sale!

      I will assume this gear is in the pretty high end of, high end, in terms of 1-person sizing. These guys must make a killing.

      They are an excellent comparison product it would seem though; to print/keep on phone and use in camping shops for build and features.

  • Natedogg on 28/03/2017 - 06:41
    +1

    Costco had a decent pop up tent ~$300

  • BuyoTheCat on 28/03/2017 - 09:29
    +1

    Swags are the easiest to setup. For your situation, I recommend a swag. Try gumtree.

  • garffi on 28/03/2017 - 10:50
    +1

    All you need is a tent that keeps the rain away and does not fly away. Tents don't keep you warm, sleeping bags do.
    There's a few tents from Anaconda that's under $100 which should do the job. Swags could be an option too.
    Just make sure you get a warm sleeping bag, you don't want frozen feet…

    • Rifraf on 28/03/2017 - 12:49
      +1

      Should do the job? LOL

      You sound like the type of Ozbargainer whose tent is fine for summer use but……….

      "Winter IS Coming" according to Jon Snow

      If you think "Tents don't keep you warm", I'm not sure you should be advising on Tents.

      OP, perhaps you might consider checking out some of the tramping/bushwalking forums for recommendations like http://bushwalk.com/forum/

      • garffi on 28/03/2017 - 13:30

        You can't say tents keeps you warm when you got a $500+ sleeping bag. Sleep with a cheap sleeping bag and tell me if your tent still keeps you warm because mine (Sierra designs lightning 2) definitely doesn't. Just doing a quick search, most articles suggests that sleeping bags, mats and clothing are what keeps you AND the tent warm. Tents shield you from rain and wind, it doesn't make you warm.

        I don't think OP is going to spend more than $1000 on equipment for emergency use. I think sleeping in a backpackers lodge might be cheaper than camping outside lol…

        • dfaktz on 28/03/2017 - 14:09

          Well I am looking at it as an investment, something to use now and then for leisure because this whole adventure has made me realise I need to get out more and do this type of thing/suprise myself.

          I feel like you may be on the correct side of the debate in this scenario and my knowledge on this area (albiet slim).
          Investing in a good sleeping bag and a cheap tent for the wind and rain seems to be the right mix of money and compromise. Will look into your link now.

          Oh and you are correct that I would be in a hotel for a fortnight if I was going to spend $1000+

          Ninja edit: will check if anaconda has a store close? Not sure that they do.. seems to be online heavy but I haven't checked enough yet!

        • Rifraf on 28/03/2017 - 14:39
          +1

          Put it this way, irrespective of whether or not your in your sleeping bag, if your in a zipped up tent for a couple of hours, on a cold winters night, is the temperature outside the tent the same as the temperature inside the tent?

          Not familiar with your Sierra Designs tent, but hope you enjoy using it.

          I'm old school, believe in buying once and buying right.

          I'll happily acknowledge that different approaches work for others, hence my "YMMV" comment.

          However, as I spend a minimum of three months of the year under "canvas" (really ripstop nylon), I'm wary of half hearted approaches that are based on cost rather than being warm and dry in 90% of all conditions.

          I doubt my tent would be upright in the current Queensland cyclone, but I have had it up in 130 km winds without failure.
          Not a lot of sleep due to the noise of the tent flapping and the sides getting buffeted but I was warm and dry inside.

          I'd be wary of too budget an approach, unless its only fair weather camping where I often only use a bivybag and tarp.

          For someone on the edge of homelessness, I think skimping on food to a degree would be better than buying the wrong for the conditions, tent and sleeping bag.

          Doesn't mean your approach won't work.

          Just that my approach works best for me.

          The OP can read all the suggestions and work out what works best for them.

        • garffi on 28/03/2017 - 16:01

          @Rifraf: I agree with "buying once and buying right". Personally, I would not go cheap on tents and sleeping bag either. A well ventilated tent keeps you dry and a good sleeping bag keeps you warm.

          However, due to OP's budget and circumstances, our equipments aren't really suitable for him. I suggested cheap tents because I wasn't sure of OP's budget. I didn't suggest them because I thought they were good either, just something OP can use to get by with.

        • dfaktz on 28/03/2017 - 16:46

          @garffi: and it hasn't gone un-appreciated, be sure of that, especially since im trying to find the best middle ground (albeit I believe I've discovered that there isn't).

          If all goes to plan, I shall be under the stars tonight and I'll throw a message out to everyone that has helped.. and when im back in territory with a minimal 3 concrete walls around me, make a donation in the name of all the OZB helpers.

      • dfaktz on 28/03/2017 - 14:05

        Will do, I have actually been looking into your suggestions the most, sorry that I haven't replied to let you know, living out of the car takes away the ease to wake up and be at a perfectly working computer in seconds a thing of the past.

        I'm in abit of a twist though, with a total budget (until Friday) of $350-400 I thought I could find a nice tent and use my own rugs until I could grab a sleeping bag.

        I must ask, as a certified upholsterer & boat trimmer, what the hell makes these so expensive? I assume it's the design being patented or exclusive?

        Would love a reply if you get the time, you seem to be deep into this area of knowledge!

        • Rifraf on 28/03/2017 - 14:50
          +1

          Spend a little time perusing those links supplied in a few posts from different contributors.

          Often there will be a variety of well regarded brands of hiking gear for sale in the usual places like forums, gumtree and eBay.

          Talk to the different staff in the camping shops (plural) in your area.

          Do this when they arent busy and let them know up front that today your speculating and not buying.

          Some will be helpful and some won't.

          I do know most of the staff in my local Macpac store actually spend time in the outdoors and test different gear.

          Perth has I think 4 "proper" camping stores in the CBD but not knowing, and not asking, your location, I can't offer suggestions except ask as many as are there, for opinions for the location you expect to be in .

          I'd steer away from large gear as having been in a similar position years ago, I'll point out that cars break down and you want to be able to carry your gear to safety should this happen.

          Personally I think your better off with a windowless van as if your stuff is visible from the outside, it could be targeted by thieves.
          A vans more comfortable to lie in too.

          Talk to your customers too and whilst your likely best not suggesting homelessness, say your looking for short term accommodation as I had a friend who used to stay on a boat at a marina whilst doing a few days a week at a TAFE. The owners were happy with the added security for their vessel.

        • dfaktz on 28/03/2017 - 15:53

          @Rifraf: I'm in the "melville" or "fremantle" area of Perth and due to it being close to what i know well, the fact there's so many nice parks and it basically sits around the rivers/ocean (and caravan parks are around me due to this).

          Thanks for the clarification on things, I am heading off to the camping shops after everything is charged in the library (where i am now). I'll be heading to BCF first (I know them pretty well due to past careers and they are super close) but after your suggestions it seems more likely ill have to jump on over to Kathmandu or alike.

          Oh, and I was just wondering on my comment of "I must ask, as a certified upholsterer & boat trimmer, what the hell makes these so expensive? I assume it's the design being patented or exclusive?" if you had any opinion?

          Thanks again mate!

        • Rifraf on 28/03/2017 - 16:14

          @dfaktz:

          The top brand outdoor gear is so much dearer due to being so much better in the areas which people demand.

          Consider the research and development costs in everything to the designs to the fabrics, taking into account the balance of resistance to outdoor conditions, weight etc.

          One of things that has changed in recent years is the demand for lighter gear.

          If you think the prices in the local camping shops is scary, research for yourself products from custom tents which are utilising fabrics such as cuban fibre https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuben_Fiber

          Now I don't have the time, typing skills and spelling for in-depth explanations but would put it to you to consider where the makers of cheap tents and gear think they are suitable to use.

          Then become aware that companies like Macpac actually have an Alpine Team who test their gear in extreme conditions.
          http://blog.macpac.co.nz/introducing-new-zealand-alpine-team…

          I've used this example as I'm familiar with their gear but all the top brands will do similar research and development.

          The water resistance, strength of poles, quality of fabrics, UV resistance of such brands is at a completely different level to budget brands.

          This doesn't mean there is no place for budget brand gear but as you'll be aware from having started sleeping in your car, the weather is on the decline.

          Being cold and/or wet in the wrong conditions is dangerous and potentially life threatening.

          There is a lot of skill determining which is the best gear for which use but the info is out there if you've the time to look for it.

          Its up to you to determine if the BCF gear is going to be adequate for your usage.

          It may well be, but I don't recommend gear I know nothing about.

          I can without hesitation recommend as adequate the gear I use as I know it holds up within the parameters of use to which I expose it to.

        • dfaktz on 28/03/2017 - 16:40

          @Rifraf: Thankyou kindly for your indepth reply — and your other ones too.

          Understood and taken on board, you did quite a good job of helping me understand the points in which they differ, indeed finding that alot of the value isn't found at face value, I'll have you know that I've ported this entire comment to my notes for when I go into the shops very soon.. If I do get stuck up on something, I will probably ask you; though I completely understand the time restraint and if it does go that way then do not worry about getting back to me, I will surely be able to come to my own conclusions with everything you've supplied.

  • Rifraf on 28/03/2017 - 16:28
    +1

    One of the places tents "can" leak is the seams so if you go down this path, grab yourself a tube of silicon seam sealant available a camping stores.

    There should be u-tube videos on how best to apply it.

    Some people thin it with turps and some people put it on straight out of the tube, applied with a finger.

    Obviously where the stitching is, a needle has poked holes in the fabric in order to pass the thread through.

    These holes can leak and many brands now tell customers to seam seal their own tents as a cost cutting exercise though there may well be other reasons.

    You do the sealing on the underside of the tent.

    When I say underside, I'm talking about the inside and not underneath the floor although if your floor has seams, I'd not hesitate to throw some sealant under there too.

    I also recommend a ground sheet.

    One slightly smaller than the perimeter of the tent. You get one this size as you don't want water running off the tent to sit between the tent and the groundsheet as it can initiate leaks.

    The groundsheet will add some protection to the bottom of the tent and is easier to clean than the tent is and easier to hang off a line to dry.

    • dfaktz on 28/03/2017 - 16:36

      You may have missed in my previous replies that my ex-trade of 4 years was upholstery and boat trimming, so my way around stitching was intensive.

      Making a cover or winbreaks that are designed for the open waters of the ocean and the same time, 'glasshouse' effected temps of 75 degrees centigrade.. is no easy feat.

      Definitely understand your advice here though and if I do go down that route with something cheaper, very helpful :)

      • Rifraf on 28/03/2017 - 16:37
        +1

        Whoops - preaching to the choir ;-)

  • weezlebub on 28/03/2017 - 16:35
    +1

    Sounds like it's mostly sorted …

    I moved to Canberra for work, left accommodation as a last minute thing, slept in the car my first night, hostel the 2nd & found an awesome share house for the third night (where I lived quite happily for the next 6 months) …

    My mistake as I hadn't considered the allure of our nation's capital over the easter long weekend!!

    A good adventure, so much so, that I did the same when work meant I was relocated to ********** (similar exercise, but with a hostel pre-booked)

    Then relocating back home, I threw everything in the car and crash with family for a couple of months until my house was vacant for me to move back in … it was a fun year, in retrospect :)

    • dfaktz on 28/03/2017 - 16:42
      +1

      Ah, this is exactly what im finding myself heh. The positive outlook in the change of thought from it being 'homeless' to 'camping adventure' was an immense help.

      For reasons you gave yourself, I made this thread, so that the equipment I buy isn't money down the drain but instead re-usable for camping or.. if this was to somehow happen again — already be prepared.

      Thanks for chiming in mate.

  • Rifraf on 28/03/2017 - 17:14
    +2

    Also the Housing Authority has a list of referrals for community organisations and contact info. e.g. short stay accommodation, food assistance etc.

    This according to the Perth Council phone receptionist who I just rung.

    Perth Council has concerningly removed this important information from their website somewhat recently it appears.

    Disappointingly, the Perth Council website had an extensive list of potential assistance and support but appears to have withdrawn it, for which I'll be making a formal complaint this evening when I've more time to type up a letter.

    I was assured the Housing Authority had a good list of referrals and their phone number is 94325300 for the South Metropolitan Area.

    Hope there is something helpful that they can suggest.

    The person I spoke to didn't have their website address but offered 42 Queen Street Fremantle as their address.

    Good luck with the situation.

    • dfaktz on 28/03/2017 - 17:18

      Ah, it would seem you stumbled across my other thread, yeah, it's my intention to use (or start the process of) the services they hopefully have to offer while I'm 'camping' so that I've already taken care of the biggest part of being left with no.. postal address I think would be the best name.

      Actually calling up and following up for me? .. you are almost going so above and beyond that I feel I should let you know it's okay and you've already helped enough!

      Ninja edit: oh, I'm very close to Queen St Fremantle - will pop in now, leaving library charged up.

      • Rifraf on 28/03/2017 - 17:46

        I hadn't but you mentioning it, I remembered you'd left a link in your first post, so I have now.

        A pricy alternative "might" be the YMCA up behind Perth Royal Hospital.

        I only mention it as it was where I fist stayed when I came to Perth a few years back from NSW.

        It was then $64 a night from memory but you got your own locking room though had to share communal toilet/shower/bath room.

        They had a tv room but no proper kitchen.

        I think a microwave and a kettle was all they had.

        Going by the quality of some of the tenants, you wouldn't have left anything in the fridge even if they had one.

        Did I mention good locks on the doors - lol.

        I wasn't into the whole dorm room thing and thought the YM rooms offered better security for my gear.

        Looks like you've had lots of suggestions in the other thread.

        I hope the address in Queen street is still current and have something to offer.

        • dfaktz on 28/03/2017 - 20:23

          (Have seen your edit comment below regarding YM housing and that's okay, I can get a twin bed hotel room here for the same price even if it was open)

          Yep, went to the address .. as I got closer I started to think "no.. it can't be" but, it was indeed just the general Court/gov building for Fremantle and they were closed by time I got there (shouldn't have made the stop at Kathmandu in hindsight).
          Thanks for all of that though, no matter how long it takes me to get to sleep tonight I'll be up at the fresh of dawn tomorrow (been hard getting to sleep in car gradually).
          Then I'll make sure I don't do my entire morning routine and charging up. Gonna go in and find out who the fk helps with this stuff (might go centrelink just for resources) and then I'll go camping shops with the plethora of information I have.

          .. and thanks again if I haven't already said it 3 times.

        • Rifraf on 29/03/2017 - 13:02
          +1

          @dfaktz:
          No worries dfaktz, I hope you get a positive outcome.

        • Rifraf on 29/03/2017 - 18:49

          @dfaktz: Check your messages

        • Rifraf on 29/03/2017 - 19:52

          @dfaktz:
          Check your messages

      • Rifraf on 29/03/2017 - 20:17

        Check your messages

  • Rifraf on 28/03/2017 - 18:00

    Whoops, I've just looked and it appears that the YMCA at Jewell House have closed.

  • darkchoc on 29/03/2017 - 20:35

    https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/innaloo/camping-hiking/campi…

    Cheap secondhand stuff to check out for interim?

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join