Hah, that was my tiers comment from the other thread. Here it is for tents and quilts.

Keep in mind, these are my personal opinions, but I do think they'll reflect a lot of what the community consensus is.

----

TENTS:

Few things first - Pyramid tents are the classic UL 4 season design and will be extremely versatile, but are typically heavier than 1P or 2P dedicated 3-season designs. A lot of these will have directional wind-shedding, whereas Pyramids shed the same from every direction. Something to consider for adverse conditions. That said, most any of the tents in the $100+ range will be very good at shedding wind when pitched correctly. It really comes down to their weight, material and respective feature-set.

• Less than $100: This is a tough category because basically everything will be from China, but the two options I would suggest are the 3FUL gear 1p tent and the ASTA 2P Pyramid with a bug net like this. A few people on this subreddit have bought both of these, and they have decent reviews. The pyramid will be more versatile because pyramids are classic UL 4 season tents. Both of these will have issues with condensation, and I really think you should spend the extra $$ to spring for the next category. Made in China.
  
  ~~ now entering: cottage mfgs ~~
  
  
• Less than $200: This is easy. Six Moon Designs. The Skyscape Scout is a mere $125 and is quite possibly the best value tent out there. In second place would be the Lunar Solo LE, which comes in at $180 and is also a phenomenal tent for the cash.
  Six Moon Designs takes the cake here though. Handmade in America.
  
  
• Less than $300: This will go to either Six Moon Designs, TarpTent, or LightHeart Gear. There isn't a particular model I have in mind because any offering from these three will be fantastic quality. My personal favorite designs are the SMD Sksycape Trekker and the TarpTent Notch. People swear by the SMD Lunar Solo, as it's SMD's original design, though I think the newer Skyscape line is a better design. For Big & Tall type of people, I'd recommend the LightHeart Gear SoLong 6.
  Handmade in America.
  
  
• Less than $400: Same players as above, but with more design/style offerings. All of those will be good. Also introducing the Gossamer Gear "The One" tent at this price point. I've heard great things about this tent, and Gossamer Gear is known for quality. Like any niche market, it becomes harder to justify the added value as you go up higher in price. This will be for people looking for SUL Sil tents. Lastly, the classic/iconic Black Diamond Mega pyramid comes in at this price point. It's a classic design that is a continuation off of the famous Chouinard Equipment design from the 70s and 80s - the quintessential UL 4 season tent. Handmade in America.
  
  
• More than $400: This is Cuben Fiber territory and where a large variety cottage mfgs come in, because it seems everyone offers a Cuben model now. Most notably, ZPacks offerings will be Super Ultralight, whereas the offerings from HMG will be a little bit heavier but a bit more robust. Both companies make stellar UL products, so any of their tents will be killer. Handmade in America.
  
  I'm sure I've missed some, but that should be a good summary and you won't be unhappy with any of those options in the $100+ range.
  
  ----
  
  And here are the quilts from my previous comment:
  
  

  QUILTS:
  

  
  

• Less than $100: AegisMax Wind Hard quilt, $90. No other Aegismax. Comfort down to 40F. Made in China.
  
  ~~ now entering: cottage mfgs ~~
  
  
• Less than $200: HammockGear Econ Burrow 30F, $140. Well made quilt but lacks some features you'll see on higher end ones. Really good value quilt. Handmade in America.
  
  
• Less than $300: Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20F, $255. This quilt is one of the most comfortable things I've ever slept under. I like it more than my down duvet at home. Handmade in America.
  
  

• Absolute Top-of-the-line: Katabatic Gear Flex 22F or Palisade. This thing is a champ, but there is a law of diminishing returns, and $400+ is a lot to pay. Handmade in America.
  
  

Wow, you got a lot of miss information.

1. Never "pause a smoke". You don't want the rendered fat to coagulate and create a slimy piece of meat.
   
2. There are three things to worry about when you smoke.
   
   1. Time
      
   2. Temp
      
   3. Tenderness (Watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI-X1MpjSYg)
      
      
3. Unless a piece of meat takes up the entire bottom shelf from wall to wall, you'll never have to worry about the smoke reaching the upper pieces of meat. For a pork butt, but the fat side down, this will help protect the meat from cooking to quick.
   
   
4. But a beach canopy, like this (https://www.amazon.com/EasyGO-Products-Portable-Comfortable-Protection/dp/B077T526JY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1541716790&sr=8-8&keywords=beach+canopy&dpID=51jgxfVld2L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch) if you want to smoke in the rain. Yes the smoke will gather near the top, but as long as you have it on the tallest height, you'll be just fine, especially if it is raining. Morning dew wont matter, just make sure to preheat the smoker for 45 min before you put the meat in. (Having a hot box will help you maintain your temps.)
   
   
5. Until you know your smoker, the time it will take a piece of meat will vary. For your first smoke don't expect too much and DON'T PLAY WITH THE MEAT. If your cooking temp is around 200-225, you aren't going to burn anything.
   
   
6. If you are using wood chips you should definitely soak them for 30min before putting them in. You don't need to worry about smoking a piece of meat after the 3rd hour of smoking. After the 3rd hour, most meat wont absorb anymore of the smoke flavor. I wouldn't recommend doing overnight cooks, but waking up early and going it that way if you have long cooks.
   
   
7. A pork shoulder should only take you a maximum of 8-10 hours. For pork you can usually judge the time by an hour per pound, and you don't want to put a 20lb pork butt in the electric smoker. (but refer to the video for timing)
   
   
8. Smoking is about enjoying your time, relaxing and kicking back with a drink in hand. Make sure you don't have plans for the day and let your family know that you'll be occupied off and on for the duration of the smoke, but they will appreciate it when all is said and done.
   
   If you have anymore questions let the community know and we'll always be happy to help. Enjoy your smoke :)

Honestly... In all my festivals and in all my searches there isn't a cheap and quality canopy. Coleman and Ozark Trail make cheap ones and offer straight leg options, but the first nasty rain or big gust of wind and it's got a good chance of getting totally trashed.

Best one that I've found and researched was this one. Granted, it's not the cheapest but it's worth it if you camp and festival a lot and plan on doing it for years. Otherwise there's a good chance after a couple years or even just one festival that your $50 on the cheap one was thrown away.

All this said, if money is tight, check out Aldis or Big Lots. Sometimes they have some really cheap ones that might make it through at least one festival. Maybe more.

Most certainly. I used to be able to fit everything into 1 pack. Nowadays I check 2 bags, 1 being a cooler stuffed with some things.

My pack is 65L Gregory Baltoro. Big Items I have are: Tent(REI Half Dome Plus), sleeping pad, backpacking chair, backpacking pillow, extra pair of shoes, and canopy. Keep in mind most of my stuff is all lightweight-ish backpacking gear.

Its usually plenty warm at night that I don't bring a full sleeping bag, just a sleeping bag liner.

In the bottom of the pack where the sleeping bag would usually go I pack the sleeping pad (usually a lil extra room down there to stuff some socks or undies). Then I take my tent poles and canopy poles and slide them on the inside of the bag along one of the sides. Chair goes in vertically alongside it, along with pillow. Then fill in with my clothes. The Baltoro is awesome cause it is both top loading and front loading so I have access to everything as if it was a suitcase(but the packing should be near the same if you have just a top loader.

I try to pack as minimal as I can with clothes. For a 3 day music fest I usually have 5-6 shirts(some are pretty light linen type shirts, 2-3 pair shorts, 4 sock, 4 boxers, and hoodie/lightweight windbreaker. Fashion has never been my strong suit.

Pack all that in there. Once all that packed, just cram your tent in from the top pushing it in every nook and cranny you can. Bunch it in every crevice. You'd be surprised ho well it can fit in a backpack when you don't worry about folding it. Then I would dod the same with the canopy. Usually still had enough room on the top for a pair of size 13 shoes too. All my toiletries/headlamp/etc could fit in the lid pockets and front pocket.

I also would have a small cooler bag I would take as my carry-on bag that way at the fest I could keep some food/drinks somewhat cold plus it gave me extra room to throw clothes/ water bottle/book etc for on the plane. I also have a packable backpack similar to this that I throw in there then use inside the festival.

Nowadays, since I get 2 free checked bags(Southwest or Alaska) I can take a few more luxury items like a blanket to lay on, some fun lil toys and trinkets for fest,andf I cram those and the canopy into a full size cooler and duct tape that up and count that as a checked bag. AS long as its under 50lbs its the same as any other bag and I have a full cooler of drinks and food.

I buy almost all of my meals inside the venue. Most of the food I have at camp is just snacks type things like trail mix, meat cheese crackers, etc. that I pick up from the store on my way out to venue along with beer and plenty of boxed wine. Thesecollapsible pouches barely take up any room and can hold a bunch of wine to sneak in!

All in all, I'd say lay out everything you WANT to take and do a test run to see how much you can fit in your bag. Then if its a lil tight, take it all out and eliminate 1-2 things that you might be able to do without. My 1 luxury item is my chair. It feels so good to be able to sit in a chair vs the ground after standing or sitting all day in the fest.

My first couple times trying to pack everything I couldn't fit it, but after restructuring things around a few times I was able to get it all in, albeit heavy and uncomfortable, but I wasn't;'t hiking in so just was just uncomfortable for the small times i was lugging it in.

Hope that helps. I'm happy to answer any more questions you may have too. Thats just the stuff off the top of my head.

They sell waterproofing kits for tents, sometimes called seam sealer. It's a big help. Also, when it's raining, avoid touching the rain fly to the tent itself.

Its super useful to have an open shade/rain shelter. This can be a tarp strung between trees, or something purpose built. I have on that relies on two poles and rope tension, but I'd rather have a freestanding shelter like this one. It's nice because if it rains you don't have to hang out in your tent all day. It also comes in handy when it's sunny, to have a little shade.

You really only need a lidded pot to boil water. That said, a jetboil or similar pot with a heat exchanger on the bottom makes it much faster on a stove or campfire.

I think its really useful work out a daily menu before camping. It can help you make sure you bring enough and also not too much. I do it when its just two of us, but its even more useful with a big group. Otherwise you end up with 8 bags of potato chips and nothing for breakfast.

I hope I'm doing this right...

1 = This shelter will protect me from naughty UV rays and subsequent burns while I'm studying transfiguration on the beach.

2 = This figurine. I need it with me at school so I can remember where I came from and who I'm becoming a totally awesome witch for. :)

3 = My babes will appreciate these blocks to keep them occupied building their own Toyland while I'm at class.

4 = I need to hurry up and read this before I hear spoilers, otherwise I may be forced to curse the spoiler-giver with boils. Whiiiich sounds like a good way to get expelled.

5 = I would love [this phone protector](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AW2QT8I/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=14W2GPMO5NQZO&coliid=I69DBBI4I4X90&psc=1
) so I don't end up like my brother-in-law, who once forgot that his phone was in the pocket of his swimming trunks until he was in mid-air above the pool, about to cannonball. Who knows that kind of unexpected things could happen at school, what with nervous wand-wielders and magical creatures running about? I'd better protect my electronics from harm. Assuming, of course, that RAoAS3M is not like Hogwarts and that electricity will work?

Bonus = Here are some hooks I need for my dormitory at school. Gotta keep things tidy!

Thanks for the fun activity! Mischief Managed.

1. Totally tea(Main) for this one! Or actually, wait, an umbrella(Main) is probably more fitting for England. XD
   
   
2. Oh god, I couldn't imagine walking around like Harley Quinn!(Hobbies)
   
   
3. Most phallic... hm... this giraffe(Home) looks pretty phallic to me. XD
   
   
4. Oh I got this one totally covered! Beaker shotglasses!!!!!(Other)
   
   
5. I really want to learn how to sew so a sewing machine(Expensive) and a dressmaking(Main) book are where I'm going to start.
   
   
6. This magical shady umbrella(Expensive) thingy will keep you from burning up!

I have something very similar to this, but I paid a little more:

Rab Siltarp2 Shelter - Grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BNPML12/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_nCePwbMA7CKB5

It is under one pound and works very well as both a hammock cover (my primary shelter) and as a tent when I sleep on the ground.

Compared to a cheap tarp costing $10-20, the expensive tarps are much lighter and breathe better when closed. If you keep the door of your shelter open the breathability doesn't matter, so your decision is all about weight vs cost.

If you are worries about weight and cant spend the money, another good option is a material you can buy at hardware stores that they use to cover buildings while they are under construction. It is crinkly, but effective. Around me it is called tyvek, but it may be a different brand where you live.

If you do go for the expensive kind, buy one with loops on the corners instead of grommets (metal rings). The grommets tend to rip from the lighter materials. Grommets are OK for cheap blue (or other color) tarps because they are heavy-duty.

I keep a cheap one in my car, and an expensive one in my bug out bag. Very handy, more often than you expect. Keep lots of string with them so you can set them up in creative positions.

Great info, thanks!

I was planing on bringing a tarp shelter for shade (this one from Amazon). We actually plan on arriving at ~3pm to avoid the brutal heat. I don't think we will do any strenuous hikes while there, just some light walks to find good photo locations. We do plan on bringing a large amount of water for each of us. Good idea on the spray bottle and aspirin, would have never thought of that.

How busy should we expect it to be? Are we going to be OK just showing up and taking a spot? We were thinking of Arch rock or Jumbo Rocks, If hidden valley seems like it would be busy.

The stars are why we are going as well, I plan on doing tons of astrophotography while there as the moon will be almost completely new while there and only in the sky for a short period of time.

Maybe we will see you out there! And thanks for the detailed response!

:) true, amazon does not have that brand, but amazon does have some hammock tarp doors by a brand called Go Outfitters. Here is a link to one, they have many more/different styles as well. https://www.amazon.com/Go-Outfitters-Tarp-Door-Kit/dp/B01LXWSXRY - many have 5 stars and good reviews :)

Ahh ok, see the one i'm looking at looks more like your original post where the legs are still visible making it easier to clip stuff to.

This is the screened liner i'm talking about:

https://www.amazon.com/EasyGoProducts-Screen-Room-attaches-10x10/dp/B01M6CBZBU/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=screen+tent+room&qid=1554149441&s=gateway&sr=8-4

it's a little pricey but this is the only thing that met all of my requirements.

Its pretty much all screen minus the bottom so lots of airflow, but the PVC bottom is helpful to keep separation from the ground.

A temporary pop-up shelter we can deploy in emergencies. It could be a single-use, time-limited force field, or even some kind of pop-tent. Remember this drop shield? A scifi variety of something like this standing tent(Amazon link. I have no affiliation with the product. I don't even know if it is good, but it had the "look" I was going for) would work too.
 

We can build signal boosters just about anywhere. It wouldn't need to be something much bigger than signal booster to provide shelter.
 

I don't know if it would make more sense for it to be "Tech" or an expendable item like a defense chit. I leave that to people knowledgeable about making games.
 

For gameplay balance, it should probably only protect against weather hazards and not sentinels or animals (though it might make sense to have it prevent animals from going aggro on you).
 

I know the response to this is: "use the terrain manipulator to make a shelter", but that isn't always desirable, and having another option can be nice. Just a thought.

Edit 1: removed repeated word
Edit 2: Amazon link disclaimer

I think mwenechange has an excellent plan. You don't need much to get the work done: a portable camp stove (propane is easiest to use) or a portable electric hot plate coupled with a small "dorm" refrigerator & a cheap small microwave which can be moved from room to room inside the house as you progress). Add in a small cheap toaster oven and you can eat well while you do the renovation. With a small refrigerator, you may need to go to the store more frequently but at least it will get you out of the house for a break from the work.

I've worked on renovations where we used portable camp toilets (https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=portable+toilets) Be sure to get a seperate one that flushes for solids and you can use a bucket with gel absorbent material for urine. The two porta-potty system makes emptying it a much less frequent & arduous task (we learned that the hard way).

We also used a pop up tent when the porta poties had to stay outside (https://www.amazon.com/Leapair-Portable-Changing-Dressing-Backpack/dp/B01FXNRCWM/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1485367205&sr=8-8&keywords=portable+toilets). You can get a portable camp shower (Coleman makes a nice one) that uses propane to heat the water. Close the lids on the portable toilet & place it outside the tent to take a shower inside the tent.

There are various types of hand wash stations your can buy to use with this set up or you can repurpose materials to make one (http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=home+made+camp+hand+washing+station&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8).

I kept the tent and the porta-potties for when we attend an all-day event where there will be public porta-potties cuz they are so much easier than those horrid little shit shacks.

Good luck on your renovation!

I would bring a mix of swimmers and regular diapers if you plan on actually swimming. No idea how little your baby is, but pack snacks and milk if needed. Three bottles is good, that way if they work up an appetite you’ll have at least one for the ride home. Apply apply apply sunscreen. I’d bring a portable changing mat. two towels for little one in case you want to go swimming then sand castle building afterwards.

Depending on how long you want to stay, you can bring lunch for the grownups. We bring a cooler with subway, chips, cut veggies and watermelon. Easy picnic food. My family doesn’t do chairs because that’s one more thing to pack, but we do have a neat blanket that sand slips through.

For a teeny one I’d grab one of these So jealous I wish I had this like five years ago I’m sure you can find one locally, too.

After that, grab whatever life vest you’d use Here’s the USCG recommendation list

Also a bucket and shovel or two, because sandcastles are required.

Oh oh! Keep a bottle of dollar store baby powder in the car for after you’re done. Dry sandy feet no more. Sparingly sprinkle on feet and sand comes right off! But feet have to be dry. Otherwise you make sand paste.

I think that’s everything.

I don't know if this is more than you want to spend but I've used this canopy for years. I'm buying another one just like it this year because it's awesome and my old one is wearing out.

https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Instant-Canopy/dp/B00EHKP7UM

Keep in mind most clothing offers very little UVA/UVB protection. The average t-shirt is equivalent to an SPF 10 sunscreen. I'm not sure about those surfsuits/wetsuits but you might want to check into it. Big oversized hats are great for the beach but we invested in one of these as well...good to have anytime you're outside with her...even just in the backyard!

https://www.amazon.com/Lightspeed-Outdoors-Quick-Cabana-Shelter/dp/B005LGV2PA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465841851&sr=8-1&keywords=light+speed+quick+cabana

In many locales these days, being bitten by insects goes beyond mere discomfort, and can be a threat to health and even life. West Nile Virus, Dengue, Malaria, Lyme, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever — there are many good reasons to protect yourself from being bitten.

One option to reduce the number of bites is to burn several punk sticks in the hopes that the smoke will drive away most insects. Native American wilderness travelers would sometimes carry a smudge pot — a hanging pot, a moss bundle, or other container with smouldering material inside. One very good smoking repellent (and also calming and reportedly very healthy) is True Tinder Fungus, which easily takes a spark and smoulders. A fist-sized chunk may smoulder for an hour or more.

A more complete remedy is to use a bug net. Some versions can hang from branches or other supports. Other versions are free-standing. Ex 1 | Ex 2 | Ex 3

Other options include using repellent lotion or spray (the repellent pendants and bracelets apparently don't work well), and sitting in high, dry, windy spots. Some outdoorspeople wear permethrin-impregnated clothing, but then they are killing insects just by virtue of arriving in their area, maybe not the best thing for a caring meditator.

Awesome! Who do I pay or how does that all work? Do they do nightly walks and checks or something?

And could't I just stay in the morning and have a beach day using something like this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DRK72SK/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_2ALUBbE2Y8SEW

We had one of these last year. Made sure to ratchet strap the sumbitch down, and it stayed put pretty well W1 during the storms.

We'll probably have 3 or 4 in group camping W2 this year.

I'm hoping to snag This soon, with This for camping out this summer. I know my teenager is grumbling already but this should at least provide some comfort while we're camped out in the middle of nowhere.

And a bathroom tent like this
https://www.amazon.com/WolfWise-Dressing-Portable-Changing-Backpack/dp/B01FXNRA42/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1541377954&sr=8-10-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=camping+bathroom+tent&psc=1

just a quick search brought up many choices with mosquito netting

https://www.amazon.com/SansBug-1-Person-Free-Standing-Pop-Up-Mosquito-Net/dp/B003BWF9WI/ref=asc_df_B003BWF9WI/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198072135009&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17416512349791161160&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019864&hvtargid=pla-347834670660&psc=1