Muley Hunter

I know. Wrong forum, but I know you guys better than the other sub forums. I'm not sure if many of you camp when you go hunting? Next year i'll be camping for the whole elk season, and probably will for the rest of my elk hunts. It opens up more areas for me to hunt. Instead of always staying close to home.

So, not being a camper. I have to buy all the camping gear I need. I've been researching for the last few weeks. Even though the ML elk season is the 2nd week in Sept, and will usually be warm. At 10,000ft in the Rockies. The weather could be anything from hot to a blizzard. For sure they'll be rain and high winds. So, I decided to get a 4 season tent.

Cabelas makes an Alaskan series of camping gear that gets good reviews. I love buying from Cabelas. If you don't like something. Even if you've used it. You can return it no questions asked.

So, here is the tent, cot, pad, and sleeping bag. What do you guys think, and what do you use if you camp?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Campi...3Bcat104303880

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Campi...3Bcat104280480

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Campi...3Bcat104484780

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Campi...3Bcat104770080

Semisane

That looks like an awful lot of luxury Muley. I thought a tough old bird like you would just wrap up in a blanket and lay down on some rocks. Looks like first class gear. With tents, you want quality for sure. A poor tent is nothing but misery.

Muley Hunter

Maybe 20 years ago. Not so much now, and it's not going to get any better.

freebirdfb

I agree with semi, looks like good gear. Over the years my dad and I have tried several different set ups, usually cheaper options. That one looks to be a good set up. The cheaper set ups usually put us in the back of a pickup bed (with camper shell) and a propane heater.

ADVWannabee

I get a message that says Cabelas.com isn't available right now so I will just give some general advice. I took up motorcycle camping last year and this year after not really camping in many years. On my trip to Canada in September it got down in the 40's. I have a cheapo bag rated for that but decided to take a North Face 0 degree bag. That was a big mistake, I roasted in that thing. So I would say get a bag that is rated for the temps you expect to see. I know you said it could be warm or cold, but just don't over do it.

I can't see the pad you picked out but the one pad I wish I had got was the Exped Synmat 7 or 9 with the handpump. The pump is built into the pad. It is pretty light, packs small and is thick. My Therm-a-rest packs just as small but is only half as thick. Whatever you do, don't get an air mattress as they have no insulation value.

Muley Hunter

You're right about the bag. I forgot I wasn't going to get the Alaskan bag, because it was rated for -40. Much too warm for me. I switched to the Cabelas XPG bag rated for 0 degrees. I changed the link.

I want a bag that will be warm enough to be able to leave the vents open to prevent condensation and still keep me warm.

ADVWannabee

Ok, I finally got into the Cabelas site. I am going to stick with my recommendation on the Exped Synmat 7 or 9. They are slightly thicker and much lighter than the Cabelas pad though I don't know if weight and size are an issue for the camping you are going to do. If not, then you might consider a more rectangular sleeping bag as mummy bags are pretty constrictive.

As for the tent, if you are going to be in cold weather, consider a tent with aluminum poles. From my research, the fiberglass poles can break in freezing temps. The other benefit to aluminum is they make repair kits that is basically a sleeve you can put over bent poles to keep them from bending more. This of course is for field repairs until you can get a new pole.

Check out REI.com too as they offer the same money back guarantee. Even on old, used items you can return for a full refund.

builder459

Muley everything looks good to me except the tent. for extended periods in the mountains one of cabelas small sheep herder tents with a fold up wood burner stove is real nice. i had a buddy who had one and it was a pleasure to stay a week or more in and the extra room to walk around is appreciated..

lemoyne

I like everything except the pads.

Muley Hunter

How come? Keep in mind it will be going on a cot.