I’ve been to REI and other sporting good stores in search for camping gear in particularly tents. I see brands like Kelty, North Face, and Eureka and have seen their tents and to be honest, I don’t see the reason for such a high price for these tents. Some are as much as $500 and I just don’t get it. Some say it’s the quality but I’ve been camping for over 20 years and my Coleman tent has held up in pretty harsh weather including heavy rain stroms and even snow and my coleman cost me about $100. I even have a Ozark Trail tent that has held up and never leaked. So what’s the rationalation for such high prices? I don’t get it. I have friends who say the quality is better yet they always seem to buying new tents every year and I’ve had my Coleman and Ozark for almost 8 years now and I camp about four to five times a year so they get used. s the quality that much better?
Check following Cool Camping Stuffs, Get New Camping Ideas!
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
|
||
|
Intex Raised Downy Queen Airbed with Built-in Electric Pump
The convenience of a portable airbed with the comfort of sleeping on a raised platform. Plush, waterproof flocking covers the mattress top for a luxurious feel to provide a co... read more → |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife
From city slickers to masters of the agrarian sciences, everyone who carries the celebrated VICTORINOX Swiss Army Knife finds a multitude of uses for it! The Classic is the pe... read more → |
|
|
Coleman Montana 8 Tent
Great for families, scout troops and extended camping excursions, the Coleman Montana 8 Tent offers a feature-packed family camping experience. Measuring 16'x7' with a center... read more → |
Related posts:
- low-price camping gear without sacrificing quality? I love camping and open a camping store. Someone could introduce a good supplier for me–low-price camping gear without sacrificing quality. Check following Cool Camping Stuffs, Get New Camping Ideas! Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets (Pack of 10) $6.80 Magnesium Fire Starter $4.29 Think Safe Dynarex Mylar Emergency Response Blanket (Pack of 25) $24.15 FordEx Group [...]...
- need help getting started collecting camping equipment? My fiance and I are registering on Amazon.com for our wedding because we want to build some a supply of camping gear. It’s me, him, and our 4 year old. We need a tent, coleman stove, you name it. I just don’t know where to start. I want to get quality stuff so any advice [...]...
- What camping gear brands do you use and why? Check following Cool Camping Stuffs, Get New Camping Ideas! Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets (Pack of 10) $6.80 Magnesium Fire Starter $4.29 Think Safe Dynarex Mylar Emergency Response Blanket (Pack of 25) $24.15 FordEx Group 300lm Mini Cree Led Flashlight Torch Adjustable Focus Zoom Light Lamp $4.63 Intex Raised Downy Queen Airbed with Built-in Electric Pump [...]...
- what would be the total cost of a alaskan dog sled trip(including price of dogs, food, camping gear….? Hello, I have an english essay and i have to include the total cost of a dog sled trip in the general area of the yukon region of canada and alaska. i need to include the cost of the dogs,sled, food, camping gear, and any other expenses you could think of. I have researched all [...]...
- Camping equipment! Campsites HELP!? Me and my boyfriend have just bought some camping equipment and a tent.. It was the third we had bought due to the last 2 both being faulty.. I advise nobody to go with ‘Hi-gear’ tents they are poor quality!.. I am wondering is ‘vango’ tents any good? we have just bought one and fingers [...]...
- What is the average price of camping gear? Check following Cool Camping Stuffs, Get New Camping Ideas! Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets (Pack of 10) $6.80 Magnesium Fire Starter $4.29 Think Safe Dynarex Mylar Emergency Response Blanket (Pack of 25) $24.15 FordEx Group 300lm Mini Cree Led Flashlight Torch Adjustable Focus Zoom Light Lamp $4.63 Intex Raised Downy Queen Airbed with Built-in Electric Pump [...]...
- where can I find a good price on camping gear? Check following Cool Camping Stuffs, Get New Camping Ideas! Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets (Pack of 10) $6.80 Magnesium Fire Starter $4.29 Think Safe Dynarex Mylar Emergency Response Blanket (Pack of 25) $24.15 FordEx Group 300lm Mini Cree Led Flashlight Torch Adjustable Focus Zoom Light Lamp $4.63 Intex Raised Downy Queen Airbed with Built-in Electric Pump [...]...
- Best place to buy camping gear? Well made – low cost. Cabela’s/Bass Pro seems too high, where WalMart is questionable on quality… Sleeping bags namely are what we’re looking for. Check following Cool Camping Stuffs, Get New Camping Ideas! Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets (Pack of 10) $6.80 Magnesium Fire Starter $4.29 Think Safe Dynarex Mylar Emergency Response Blanket (Pack of 25) [...]...
- Which company provides the best camping equipment? Mostly I want to look at sleeping bags, tents, pads, all that stuff. I’m not really looking to the cheaper stuff, but if need be the more expensive stuff because I know it will be goo quality. So far I have looked at North Face, L.L.Bean, and Eureka. Check following Cool Camping Stuffs, Get New [...]...
- Which company provides the best camping equipment? Mostly I want to look at sleeping bags, tents, pads, all that stuff. I’m not really looking to the cheaper stuff, but if need be the more expensive stuff because I know it will be goo quality. So far I have looked at North Face, L.L.Bean, and Eureka. Check following Cool Camping Stuffs, Get New [...]...
- Good camping gear websites? there was a really good one with a lot of tents and gear but i cant remember i think it was like camping world or something like that Check following Cool Camping Stuffs, Get New Camping Ideas! Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets (Pack of 10) $6.80 Magnesium Fire Starter $4.29 Think Safe Dynarex Mylar Emergency Response [...]...
- Is there a place to rent camping equipment in New England (NH, MA, VT)? Tents and cooking gear? Is there a place to rent camping equipment in New England (NH, MA, VT)? Tents and cooking gear? Check following Cool Camping Stuffs, Get New Camping Ideas! Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets (Pack of 10) $6.80 Magnesium Fire Starter $4.29 Think Safe Dynarex Mylar Emergency Response Blanket (Pack of 25) $24.15 FordEx Group 300lm Mini Cree [...]...
- Camping gear suggestions? I’m looking to buy brand new camping equipment because I haven’t upgraded in about 10 years. I am getting a new job that pays well and can afford more expensive gear. What are some suggestions? backpacks, stoves, hiking shoes/boots, tents, etc. Check following Cool Camping Stuffs, Get New Camping Ideas! Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets (Pack [...]...
- What are the major accessories I will need for camping besides a tent and Air Mattress? I am a first time camper, yea I know it is sad but I have just purchased my coleman tent and air mattress and I was just wondering what other esential camping accessories I will need? Also, any camping tips would be most helpful! Thanks Check following Cool Camping Stuffs, Get New Camping Ideas! Emergency [...]...
- I’m living (temp) in La Quinta,CA I have all the camping gear and nowhere to put it, single female w/ sm.dog? I’m 52 yr. old female, been out of work for 2 years. I’m waiting for unemployment (tier 5) to kick back in (????) I have a little Terrier mix that I’ve had for nearly 5 years (giving him up is not an option). He’s been the only in my life that is solid since I [...]...
- Help! My uncle thinks Harold Camping is a camping gear supplier!? My uncle was listening to Harold Camping on Family Radio and he mistakenly believed that he sells camping gear like tents, flashlights, sleeping bags, etc. He has been searching on his iphone all day for the company because he needs a new sleeping bag, but he says "All the links are about the rapture!" He [...]...
- Would camping equipment, rainproof gear, long underwear be good stuff to donate to Japan? I don’t have money, but I have a lot of redundancy in my camping equipment that’s of a good quality. Socks, pants, rain gear, gloves, a couple of extra stoves and a few hats… just off of the top of my head. Is there a way to have it shipped over there for free and [...]...
- Camping with my 16 month old and 5 month old. Any stores/websites where I can buy gear? Any advice about camping with the 2. We are tent camping with a few tents and they will be sleeping in their own pack n plays in a cabin tent with me. I have a summerguard gate for toddler to play in without wandering. But what other stuff could I get to make life easier. [...]...
- Why r no show socks so popular? Why makes them goood? Shoul i be buying them for camp and school? Check following Cool Camping Stuffs, Get New Camping Ideas! Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets (Pack of 10) $6.80 Magnesium Fire Starter $4.29 Think Safe Dynarex Mylar Emergency Response Blanket (Pack of 25) $24.15 FordEx Group 300lm Mini Cree Led Flashlight Torch Adjustable Focus Zoom Light Lamp $4.63 Intex Raised Downy Queen Airbed with Built-in Electric Pump [...]...
- I want to buy a camping tent.? I find that there is a much better selection online, the only problem is that I dont use credit cards. So, is there any websites out there that sells camping tents that will let you order and then pay after you recieve your mercandise. ABC Distributing and LTD Commodities are both great websites, but unfortunately [...]...
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Well, one part of this is some people just like buying name brand items at higher prices. The North Face used to only make high quality products that were actually used for their intended purpose, like scaling the worlds tallest mountains. More recently though, they’ve become more of a fashion brand and their quality has suffered some. Some people are gear junkies as well, they like buying the latest model with the latest feature.
While Coleman does make a decent and durable tent, I wouldn’t want to backpack with one. A 2 person Coleman usually weighs about 8 lbs, while an REI light weight tent costs $200 and weighs about 4 lbs. It doesn’t sound like much of a difference sitting at home, but on the trail shaving off 4 lbs makes a difference. (side note, it’s one reason I like my Hennessey Hammock, which only weighs 2 lbs)
Kelty and Eureka actually have a wide range of prices in their product lines. I’ve seen tents in the $75-100 range from both manufacturers, but some models being in the $500 range too. Usually with the high prices you’re getting lower weight without sacrificing function. The more weight you want to take off a tent, the more expensive it becomes and for the absolute lightest models, you’re starting to use some very expensive materials. There are some brands that specialize in lighter weight gear, like Go-Lite, and while it’s still more expensive than Coleman, you’ll have a broader range of prices for similar weight items.
it’s definitely the weight. you’re talking silicone-nylon fabric in a high-end tent/tarp vs. canvas.
but for a lot of the really expensive tents, it’s both weight and durability. i have a $500-ish tent that i use for winter hiking. it can withstand extremely high winds and feet of snow, which a typical Coleman can’t take–and the tent is lighter than a Coleman, too.
but if you’re just car-camping, then usually the cheaper tents are best. it’s definitely another matter if you’re hiking or mountaineering.
I never throw anything out until it is fully unusable.
I have a couple cheap dome tents from the 80′s. A coleman family tent from the mid 90′s and a REI 4-season dome from the mid 90′s.
I care for my equipment and keep it stored in an insulated shop.
I still use one of the cheap dome tents when I am by myself and fairly well assured it will not rain. The floor will rapidly let water soak in. The fiberglass poles will allow the dome to flatten in wind, even when guyed. The stitching is light, the zippers are light, and the rain fly does little to keep the rain out, even when regularly treated with quality Nicwax.
Likewise, my coleman has a poor door design that directs water into the tent. Fiberglass poles are more splints than pole. Sides are exposed and will eventually get soaked and allow water inside. It is a little better in wind, but noisy. Still, a good family tent for good weather, esp if using cots.
My REI has been used from -20 to 110 degrees. I have been buried in snow, and stood up to winds that have taken roofs off of houses and blown over trees. It has been in in wind driven rain. The bathtub floor, the YKK metal zippers (heavy plastic coil) and the tight fitting aluminum poles (5) in full length sleeves all add to the expense. The fasteners are Fastex (thus replaceable). It sheds more water without the rain-fly than the cheap one does with! The shape of the tent and fly lends itself to a tight set-up, no wind flapping. The vestibule is large enough for three packs. Seams are tightly sewn.
It is like the difference between a room at Motel 6 or a suit at the Hyatt! Split between 3 hikers the weight is reasonable and it is a comfort to know that if a storm hits, we will at least be dry. I gladly carry it on any hike longer than a weekend.
Agreed that the weight factor is a primary point. Any Coleman will weight more than any REI tent, in tent for tent comparison. Quality is also an Important issue, yes I can find a $40 dollar tent that weighs almost the same as a $400 tent but zippers fail, material fails, seams leak and who are you gonna call and complain to. REI stands by what they sell as does Coleman and they have a proven record in review products. Also look at what are professional guides using, here they want happy campers to return and use their services. If they were to put them in a tent that leaks, rips and falls down in a squall, that camper won’t be back so again. You really do pay for what you get. If your buddies are buying new gear every year they are probably very hard on their gear and don’t take good care of it. I have Coleman products and REI products that I have had for well over 10 years and all have served me well only because I take good care of them.
I agree with you that in some common tent designs like a simple dome or family cabin tent prices are ridiculously high for a name brand. Then you should consider dollar for dollar on it’s guarantees and performance. In a family sized cabin tent used in car camping a Coleman tent will out perform anything out there at around $200 for their best tent. In a REI family tent double or even triple the price and you get less tent as well.
It really comes down to what you will be using it for. When tents are around the $500 price range you are probably looking at a 4 season mountaineering tent. When I’m backpacking and want a tent I bring my Big Agnes tent. It weighs a bit over 3 lbs and fits two people(tightly) and was a bit over $300. If you are car camping you can usually get by with a less expensive tent that uses heavier material.
When I am backpacking and have a long way to travel I use a 8 x 10 sil-nylon tarp that weighs about 1 lb. On those trips it is all about weight so I get the lightest gear I can afford. Not counting food, water and fuel my base pack weight is about 13 lbs. Most of my UL gear is from small cottage companies and I LOVE supporting those small companies. Usually you can talk directly with the owner and they have no problem doing custom orders if you give them the time and extra money.
Well I consider Kelty and Eureka to be mid level priced tents with Coleman, Wenzel, Ozark Trail to be the more budget branded ones . North Face, REI, Nemo, Marmot , Sierra Designs, those are the upper end models. The reason for the price is the low volume / high end qualities in the tents themselves.
Alot has to do with lighter weight for back packers, they use higher end poles, very high end materials, better zippers, better designs while at the same time making them lighter and more durable than the usual tents. They have a lot more attention to detail as well, much tighter stitching , tigher tolerances and much more research and development. Does the average camper need all this? Not really… but some people do appreciate the differences and will pay the money for it. I have a 400.00 dollar Nemo Asashi tent that I wouldn’t trade for the world …. it will go through hell and back, stay dry,never leak and give me a lot more space due to its straigheter wall design than a normal 4 man tent. To me it’s worth it…higher end gear always last longer and performs better than the cheaper stuff . But it doesn’t mean you have to get it if it’s not important to you .
Better tents have aluminum poles which are lighter, stronger and more expensive than the fiberglass poles that come with cheap tents. Fiberglass poles will crack in cold weather making them useless for winter/cold weather camping.
The coating of water proofing is another thing. Cheap tent will have like an 800 mil coating while higher quality tents will have 2000 mil plus coating. It makes a big difference. Factory taped seams are a bonus as.
Fabric can alter the price dramatically as well.
Sierra Designs, NEMO, MSR, Mountain Hardwear, Big Agnes, Marmot….these are brands that make quality equipment (for the most part) and specialize and cater to people who want good stuff. I also feel because of a brand name and/or new designs that prices are jacked unnecessarily, because, they can and there are plenty of gear heads who must have it now.
I personally use Eureka, The North Face and Sierra Designs, mid level, all under $200 tents. For what I do (about 15 three season trips and 2-3 winter), I find these kind of tents very reliable, durable, light enough, comfortable and (somewhat) affordable. I do have a $300 MSR tent that I thought I would like but don’t and is in the process of being sold. Will take my $140 TNF tent over it any day. So a lot has to do with preference as well.
If you are going car camping for a few nights once or twice a year, or a 10 minute walk into the woods with your friends and cases of beer, you should be alright with a $50 Kmart tent. But if your on the trail a lot and need reliability while being 20 miles out, you want quality.
Gear heads like to buy new gear, it;s that simple. It’s a collection. I have mine and am always looking to try something new/different.
Everything at REI is more expensive because you pay for the lifetime warranty. the reason for higher price is quality of the materials. the synthetics just last longer and take more abuse i have a kelty from rei that has lasted near 3 decades it was my dads and he passed it onto me and it works just as good now that im 16 as it did when i was 5 on my first camping trip. now of coarse sense i got into back packing i got a new tent cost about 2-300 dollars and i am pleased with it’s weight and it’s durability. it’s lasted in snow it’s worked in desert and in forest and has stood up to constant raine adn heat sand storms and hasn’t failed me yet. The one time one of my poleses broke rei fixed them up with no charge to me. So yes there is definitelyinetly a difference in quality and security.