several tents at sunrise

Camp Like A Pro | Best tents for camping

on . Posted in Blog, camping

When preparing to go camping, there is so much gear and so many factors to keep in mind. With food, water, clothes, and so much else on the docket, it does not take much for something to escape your mind.

One item that absolutely cannot go unnoticed is your tent. When tent camping, your shelter is the biggest thing that protects you from the outside elements. Without it, the trip can become miserable and even dangerous.

camping vehicle in the starlight

Which tent will you choose for your camping adventure? Let’s cover some of the best options…

Now, good tents are not very cheap, so it is truly an investment. In order to get the most out of that investment, you should know what you’re looking for and what the market can offer.

So. here are the best tents for camping!

You can click on the tent name below to jump straight to that model:

Coleman Skydome | Best Tent On A Budget

coleman skydome tent

The Coleman Skydome tent scores high in affordability and comes in 2, 4, 6, and 8-person versions.

The first tent on our list is also the best budget tent we will look at. The Coleman Skydome is very affordable and comes in sizes for two, four, six, and eight people. Just specify your tent to the group size that you usually go out with.

This is also a great beginner tent as it is super easy to set up and store. So, if you are looking for something steady that will not break the bank, the Skydome is a great option. And, because it comes in models that have a higher capacity, it’s a great option for tent camping with a family.

Pros of the Coleman Skydome:

  • Very affordable
  • Can be spacious with the larger capacity models
  • Very easy to set up

Cons of the Coleman Skydome:

  • Not the most durable tent
  • Poles are quite cheap
  • There is only one door, so ease of use can be tricky




REI Kingdom | Best Tent For Family Camping

rei kingtom tent

The REI Kingdom tent is 75 inches tall at its apex, which will allow you to stand up and get that wake up stretch in.

If you need an even bigger tent option, there is the REI Kingdom. It comes in four, six, and eight person variations. This is the best tent for a higher capacity, so the tent packs a serious punch in terms of size.

The tent is also 75 inches tall at the apex, which is tall enough for most to stand up regularly, which is something not many tents can’t provide. The Kingdom is outfitted with two doors, quality poles, and an awning on the front.

Pros of the REI Kingdom:

  • Big enough for the whole family
  • Tall and wide design to add comfort in space
  • High quality materials that will last a long time

Cons of the REI Kingdom:

  • Can be pricey
  • Very heavy to transport


Marmot Tungsten | Camping And Backpacking

marmot tungsten tent

The Marmot Tungsten is a smaller and lighter tent option that can be great for both standard camping or for backpacking.

If you want a smaller tent option, the Marmot Tungsten is a super solid choice. This is a fantastic tent for both camping and backpacking as it can be light enough and spacious enough to do both.

You can also get the Tungsten line in 1-4 people options to really specify the capacity and weight to whatever you need.

Although this is a fairly expensive tent, it is a great crossover tent that can be used for whatever you would like in terms of style of camping.



Pros of Marmot Tungsten:

  • Lighter than other tents as it can be used for backpacking
  • Compacts down to smaller sizes than other options
  • Comes in 1-4P sizes
  • Good for protection against the elements except high winds

Cons of Marmot Tungsten:

  • Not super strong and reinforced
  • Less room in the tent than standard camping options




REI Co-Op Half Dome | Lightweight And Strong

rei co-op half dome tent

The REI Co-Op Half Dome offers good weatherproofing and is lightweight and strong.

Although a retailer, REI has developed some of the best camping items on the market. So, going with their products is a great investment. The REI Co-op Half Dome is one of the many Co-op models that is a great option.

The Half Dome has options for two or three people and is all about staying lightweight while also being strong.

If you want a crossover tent that could be used for short backpacking trips if you would like. If you need something beefier to leave in your car, this is still a good option, but being lightweight is an important part of the build.



Pros of the REI Co-Op Half Dome:

  • Aluminum poles for strength and saving weight
  • Good for two or three people at once
  • Offers good weatherproofing
  • Lightweight and compacts well

Cons of the REI Co-Op Half Dome:

  • Pricey
  • Not incredibly reinforced
  • Not overly spacious for non-backpacking endeavors


Kelty Wireless | Great For Travel

kelty wireless tent

The Kelty Wireless tent is spacious and is good for travel and easy to set up.

Kelty is an outdoor brand best known for making really good quality backpacks, but their tents are great too. The Wireless is a solid overall tent for those who want a larger design that has more inside space. This is a great tent for camping out of your car as weight and space can become an issue.

This is a steady tent that is made to fit six people. There are double doors with their own vestibules, so getting in and out could not be easier. If you want to really take advantage of the space, only use it for a couple of people.



Pros of the Kelty Wireless:

  • Very affordable for the size
  • Spacious and comfortable for moving around
  • Very easy to set up and travel with

Cons of the Kelty Wireless:

  • Poles are cheaply made, so you may want to upgrade them down the line
  • Does not have the best ventilation
  • Some aspects of the fabric are cheap




The North Face Wawona | Ready For The Weather

north face wawona tent

The North Face Wawona has great durability for tough weather conditions.

If you are camping with family or just need a good amount of room, The North Face Wawona is the way to go. Being made for six people, it does not shy away from being a big tent for many people.

One thing that The North Face tents are known for is durability. These things can withstand the high winds and wild elements, which is a really big aspect to consider. It is simply a steady tent that can handle what you give it.

Pros of The North Face Wawona:

  • Very durable in many weather conditions
  • High quality rainfly
  • Very spacious and can fit the whole family

Cons of The North Face Wawona:

  • Fairly expensive
  • Only one door
  • Can be a bit difficult to set up




Coleman Octagon | Camp In Luxury

coleman octagon tent

If a luxury tent is what you’re looking for, the Coleman Octagon might be what you need.

If you are looking for more of a luxurious camping experience, you may need a luxury tent. Luxury tents are large and spacious enough to fit cots, air mattresses, or anything else you need to elevate that experience.

The best budget luxury tent is the Coleman Octagon. This can fit up to eight people, but 4-6 people allows for the most spacious use of the tent.

Pros of the Coleman Octagon:

  • Very spacious and will fit the whole family
  • Incredibly affordable

Cons of the Coleman Octagon:

  • Very bulky and heavy
  • Difficult setup due to the size


Best Tents For Camping Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this recap has given you some key information to help you make a decision on the best tents for your camping adventure. Be safe, and get out and enjoy God’s creation!

backpacker standing on mountain top

Best Backpacking Tents For Your Big Adventure

One of the best ways to experience nature in a unique way backpacking. Packing up your gear and hitting the backcountry will put you in places that you could only imagine and that pictures just won’t do justice!

So, let’s cover the best backpacking tents in the game right now. Investing in a quality backpacking tent will transform your experience and put you in the best possible position for backpacking success.

Here are the best backpacking tents right now!

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 – Best 2-person Backpacking Tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 weighs just over 1 lb and can sleep two people comfortably.

No list of the best backpacking tents is complete without the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 making an appearance.

It’s acclaim and reputation is why it landed in the top spot on our list. Weighing just over a pound and being able to fit two people comfortably, it is hard to go wrong with this one.

This tent compacts down super well and is one of the best backpacking tents for two people. It covers pretty much any situation in which you would need to bear the conditions and hold up for a night.

There are doors on both sides with vestibules created by the rain fly to provide ease of use for everyone.

Pros of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2:

  • Plenty of space for two people
  • Lots of built-in storage
  • Lightweight despite the size

Cons of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2:

  • Small foot taper
  • Can be considered pricey to more budget-conscious backpackers




REI Co-op Passage 2- Best Backpacking Tent on a Budget

REI Co-Op Passage 2 Tent

The REI Co-Op Passage 2 is great for the budget-conscious backpacker and is very user-friendly.

REI is one of the leading outdoor retailers in the game, and over time, they have developed a great deal of their own equipment. The REI Co-op Passage 2 is one of the best backpacking tents on a budget.

Coming in at 5 pounds 7 ounces, this is a steady option for those who cannot spend a ton of money on a tent that is lighter and pricier. If you fall into the middle of the road in terms of wants, needs, and budget, this is an excellent option.

There are just two poles and two doors that open all the way up. Overall, the user experience with the Passage 2 is incredibly consistent and user friendly.

Pros of REI Co-Op Passage 2:

  • Very affordable
  • Roomy enough for two people, with doors on both sides
  • Super functional

Cons of REI Co-Op Passage 2

  • Does have cheaper, more mass-released materials
  • Has a heavier weight than some backpacking options


Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2

The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 is perfect for the backpackers who are looking to shave every ounce possible off the weight, yet have a high ceiling.

As one of the best lightweight backpacking tents, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 is an awesome option for those who really want to trim the fat on the pack’s weight.

Once again, Big Agnes makes its appearance on the list as the product is of extremely good quality.

Coming in at just 2 pounds, 9 ounces, this is the best lightweight backpacking tent listed today. Outfitted with a tall ceiling and a very compact size when packed down, this tent is a great option for the hardcore backpackers who fret over every ounce.



Pros of the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2:

  • Super lightweight and compact to allow weight ot be dispersed in other ways
  • Fairly durable despite the weight
  • High ceilings to provide for easier movement

Cons of the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2:

  • Can be a bit tricky to set up
  • Build causes water to sometimes breach the walls



NEMO Dragonfly 2

Nemo Dragonfly 2

The Nemo Dragonfly 2 is lightweight, comfortable and durable.

One of the most balanced and well-rounded options is the NEMO Dragonfly 2. With a light weight, high comfort and great durability, you really have it all. Now, this will come at a higher price, so keep that in mind.

This is the tent that probably has the best vestibule setup. When you get the rain fly affixed correctly, you will have a good amount of covered room to get ready before hitting the elements outside. The pole design also is there to provide a ton of durability in high wind.

Pros of the NEMO Dragonfly 2:

  • Very well-rounded and covers all the bases
  • Super durable to withstand many situations
  • Build creates for the maximum water and weather resistance

Cons of the NEMO Dragonfly 2:

  • Pricey
  • Can be difficult to find in stock in some places




MSR Hubba Hubba NX1 – Best 1-Person Backpacking Tent

MSR Hubba Hubba NX2

The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 1 weighs just under 4 lbs and is spacious and durable.

The best 1-person backpacking tent today is the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 1. Coming in at just under 4 pounds, you are getting a very durable tent that is for those who know they don’t need to waste effort on extra space.

The design is unique in the sense that it is made to maximize the space given. 1-person tents are known to be very tight, but the Hubba Hubba is known to be quite spacious. Plus, there are doors and vestibules on both sides for ultimate ease of use.

Pros of the NSR Hubba Hubba NX1:

  • Lightweight and spacious
  • Very durable and outfitted with dual vestibules to escape the elements

Cons of the NSR Hubba Hubba NX1:

  • Slightly heavy for just 1-person usage
  • Quite expensive



Sea to Summit Telos TR3 – Best 3-person Backpacking Tent

Sea To Summit Telos TR2 backpacking tent

The Sea To Summit Telos TR2 has extra headroom and high quality craftsmanship.

Sea to Summit has been a steady brand in the outdoor space for a long time. So, it is only fitting that it makes today’s list of the best backpacking tents.

The Telos TR3 is a fantastic tent that is one of the best backpacking tents for three people. With the extra room and relatively low weight, you really get a good value with this one. 

One aspect that makes it a great 3-person backpacking tent is the high ceiling. The pole structure allows for some extra head room, which is a really nice perk. Although the price is high, the space and quality are of a really high caliber



Pros of the Telos TR3:

Cons of the Telos TR3:

  • Can be considered pricey
  • A little heavy




Closing Thoughts

Those are the best backpacking tents on the market! With all of the various aspects to consider, you cannot go wrong with any of these options.

Now, it’s up to you to weigh the options and see what will work best in your backpacking arsenal. So, good luck, and happy camping!

hunting backpack and rifle

Hunting and technology: What’s in your backpack? | Innovative products hunters should consider

Technology has changed almost everything about how we do things and carry on our daily lives. It makes tasks at home as well as tasks at the workplace more efficient.

And, as primal as it can be, hunting is no exception.

If you are a hunter, you understand how it is crucial to prepare yourself for your hunting trip. After all, making sure you have the equipment and supplies you need is part of a successful hunting trip.

man sitting at campfire with coffee and gun

There are several “hi-tech” hunting items that can make your next hunting trip safer, more enjoyable and more efficient.

Before technology became so advanced, hunters needed only to gather their bows, arrows, guns, knives, etc to take on their hunting trips.

However, as technology continues to progress, there are many reliable hi-tech hunting supplies that a dedicated hunter can use to make the process easier. So, let’s jump straight to the list of items to consider in the world of modern day hunting!

Mountain Bikes (hunt quietly)

Sometimes hunters must go to great lengths (literally) to have the best shot at harvesting the game they are after. So, when a long journey deep into the hunting woods or public land, where gas powered vehicles are either not allowed or are too noisy, mountain bikes can be the answer.

Technology has made even the mountain bike take strides (or pedal strokes) forward.

rambo electric hunting bike

Electric hunting bikes have taken the advantages that mountain bikes can provide hunters to a whole new level.



Now, while you can’t fit it in your backpack, hunters can utilize an electric hunting bike, which, due to its electric motor is easier and faster to use than traditional mountain bikes, to more quietly go to places where vehicles are not allowed.

Electric mountain bikes are environmentally friendly hi-tech hunting gear and can add an extra dimension to the hunting experience.




So, if you are looking for a more efficient way to get you and your hunting gear to your final destination, an electric hunting bike could be worth considering.

There are different types of hunting bikes to choose from for various budgets and needs.




Light | Use your head (lamp)

While predator hunting can be done at night using various thermal and night vision products, the hours before and after a daylight hunt can require the use of a flashlight.

And, while flashlights are helpful for getting to and from your deer stand or hunting blind, they can be difficult to manage when carrying a gun, bow or other hunting gear.

This is where headlamps are a great addition.

man looking toward the sky with headlamp

When it’s dark, using a headlamp during your entry and exit to your hunting location can prevent unwanted noises, and keep you on your feet.

A headlamp that you can attach to your head or hunting hat can help prevent injuries that result from falling while walking in the dark through the woods or over rough terrain.

Some hunters will choose not to use artificial light because they are concerned that it will alert game animals to their presence. However, headlamps can also help add to your stealthy advances by lighting the way to prevent unwanted noises caused by falling or from hunting equipment getting tangled or hindered by vines and branches.



Plus, headlamps will free up your hands so that you can carry your weapon and other hunting gear more effectively.

And, when you are able to successfully harvest a deer or other game animal, headlamps can make the recovery and pack out of the animal faster.

For these reasons, headlamps are a fairly simple, but highly useful piece of hunting technology that every hunter should consider.



Long Range Scope

The ability to hunt game animals from long range has been amplified by the use of long-range scopes.

However, before deciding to purchase a long-range scope, be sure you have done your homework to ensure that the scope you are considering is not only a good choice for your rifle, but that your rifle itself is capable of harvesting game at the distances you will be hunting.

Rifle type and caliber, as well as terrain, distance and type of game are all important considerations here

long range rifle and scope

The use of a long-range rifle scope allows you to “get closer” to your prey without getting too close.



Solar Wrap (a sun tan may help those other gadgets)

Technology can certainly add new elements to hunting, but can also add inconveniences as well. One of the most significant of those inconveniences is that all that hi-tech hunting gear can run out of power.

So, whether it’s GPS devices, headlamps, smartphones, or other hi-tech gadgets, a hunter needs a way to keep re-charging items that will not hold power for long periods of time. After all, no one wants to cut their hunting trip short.

Solar wraps can be the solution.

bushnell solar wrap

A solar wrap stores energy from the sun, which can be used to recharge portable electronic devices via a USB connection.

A solar wrap is a device that comes in handy when you have other technological devices that require constant recharging. It uses a portable solar panel to absorb the suns rays and can charge any device, as long as it’s chargeable using a USB connection.

You can keep a Solar Wrap in your hunting bag or backpack so your can give your phone and other hunting gadgets a boost when needed.






Satellite Phone (When the cell phone is down and out)

Let’s face it, part of the fun of hunting is calling your friends and family when you have successfully harvested a deer or other game.

However, with all our technological advances, their are still many areas in the hunting woods or on public land where you can’t get a signal to use that invention called the smart phone.




So, if you’re going to be in one of these areas, especially on a long trip, a satellite phone is a great piece of hunting tech to have in your backpack.

A satellite phone is a great thing to have when hunting, so that you can call EMS, friends or family to help in the event of an emergency. A satellite phone will always get through, regardless of whether there is a cell phone network connection or not.

Also, if you are lost or seriously injured, emergency personnel can track you, using your satellite phone’s location. 



Pocket Chain Saw (hunting “technology” that really cuts it)

If you are backpack hunting and will be setting up a camp site, the ability to cut firewood or shape trees and wood is a must.

While you might use a pocket knife or a machete, there is a tool many are not aware of that can make these tasks more efficient.

wood cut with pocket chainsaw

If you are hunting on an overnight trip, the ability to cut wood for a campfire is critical.

A pocket chain saw comes in handy for all your cutting and chopping needs. While it is not electronic per se, this hunting tech is like a handsaw, which uses human power.

Despite its simplicity, a pocket chainsaw can help significantly when you need to cut down limbs or trees to use for firewood.

Many brick and mortar retailers, as well as online shops, sell pocket chainsaws. Some come with spare parts, while others will require you to buy the parts separately. The pocket chainsaw is an invaluable piece of hunting “tech,” whether you are building a shelter or simply building a fire.



Hiking/Fitness Watch

Let’s face it, watches have come a long way in recent years. What used to be a simple wrist watch for telling time has become a smart device in itself.

Some of these watches can even monitor your heart health in case you begin showing signs of atrial fibrillation, where the heart beats irregularly.

fitbit watch

Watches from manufacturers like Fitbit have potential life-saving features like heart rate monitoring.

While no one wants to think about an enjoyable outdoor activity like hunting turning into an emergency situation, it’s nice to know there are tools out there to warn you of signs of trouble regarding your health.

Watches like the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 provide some of these potentially life-saving features. To know their differences and functions, check out this comparison between the sense and versa 3.

Conclusion

While many think of the use of trail cameras as “hunting tech,” the above hi-tech hunting gear list may have opened you eyes to how much you may have been missing when it comes to hunting in the 21st century.

Always be sure to check reviews before purchasing any of these tech items for hunting.

Be safe and shoot straight!