(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best camping tent accessories

I just bought a whole bunch of camping stuff for the bike. Basically, I focused on a two things; Pack size and weight. I'm aiming to fit everything in some hard cases, and I think I have enough space for all of this plus food and clothes for a week quite comfortably.

The thing I realised is that the tent and sleep system will cost the most. The tent you can skimp a little on if you're ok with it wearing out after a few seasons.

So, I was able to save a lot by getting a Kelty tent; they make some great 2-4 man tents that are super portable. The Salida 2 might be the most appropriate for you. I'm able to set up the Salida 4 in about 5 minutes. It's not quite as easy as the "pop-up" tents, but its pretty damn light and packs down into a manageable size. $113 and you'll want the footprint $32

Self inflating mattresses seem to take too much space. So I went for a Therm-a-rest all season mattress. There's a new model coming out I think but the one for $109 seems fine. Yes, expensive but I think it will be worth it - it improves the temperature rating of the bag and will fit inside the sleeping bag I got.

Get a warm sleeping bag. Something like this Big Agnes $179 is good. It will accept the mattress so that you don't fall off it during the night. It will back down tight and unlike a down sleeping bag it will stay dry longer and will perform well for longer. Down is "the best" but unless you need to sleep through sub freezing temps you should be ok. Can always stick one of these underneath $22 to improve things.

This is an awesome stove for $14. Fits on standard camp stove bottles and is very wide and stable. You need to buy the gas at a camping store.

You'll want other stuff:

• Cook set. Lots of single person/2 person cook sets out there that are great on a small stove.
  
• Cutlery and plates. I have a lightweight aluminium plate set and some cutlery for it.
  
• A collapsable bucket thing so you can wash your stuff when you're finished, and also so you can carry water from a water source.
  
• A water filter if you're counting on drinking water from a water source.
  
• A tool kit for your bike.
  
• A first aid kit.
  
• Paper maps of the areas you will ride through.
  
• LED rechargeable lanterns/lights etc so you can find stuff in the dark.
  
• A multitool, a nice big camping/hunting knife to cut stuff with when you're bored, a camping axe and a shovel so you can bury your excrement if needed.
  
• Some way to start a fire if needed, matches, lighter, etc.
  
• Inflatable pillow.
  
• This seems to work great for coffee.
  
• dry bags/sacks to store stuff in.
  
• Something to store food in.
  
  And you'll want some motorcycle specific luggage that fits to your bike. I'm a fan of Kriega system bags for sports bikes as you can strap a whole bunch of the bags together to store everythign you need nicely. A bit expensive but when you start looking at the options you might find it's hard to fit everything you want on the bike without investing in some good luggage for the bike.
  
  People may disagree with some of the things I've said, thats cool. I just went through all of this myself so figured it might help. YMMV etc.

I'd go with something that has a ton of mesh. Alps is a good brand, but the Lynx has solid panels that may be too hot for you. Kelty is a solid brand too. With either one, go for whatever has more mesh, and get aluminum poles too if it'll fit in your budget.

If you're dealing with warm weather and very mild or warm nights, and have trees where you'll be camping, you should seriously consider a hammock. The main benefit is how well they breathe. When you sleep on the ground, you're on a surface that doesn't breathe at all. A hammock breathes all around you, which is especially nice on warm nights. Most of the hammocks on Amazon are too short for the diagonal lay that's most comfortable for sleeping. The Wildhorn Outpost is slightly on the short side, but better than most hammocks you'll find there. The suspension is easy to adjust too. It's heavy for backpacking, but should be fine for your applications. If you want to use it in cool to cold weather, you'll want to get an underquilt. Pads can be used in them, but they're a hassle and will piss you right off if you toss and turn like I do. You'll need a tarp too. Sanctuary makes a nice light silnylon tarp. 8x10 is a good size for a hammock. The 10x12 works too, but you'll probably want to set it up sideways because a long ridgeline can be a pita, and you'll have to wait for the 10x12 rectangular is back in stock. A polyester tarp should cost less and is easier to deal with since it doesn't stretch when it's cold and wet, but it's slightly bulkier. A truck tarp will cost much less, but is much bulkier.

A hammock and a big tarp will be super nice if you're chilling in camp waiting for the rain to stop.

SOL Blankets - they're one-sided emergency blankets that don't crinkle or tear like the cheap mylar ones. They're good for a little bit of shade when you can't bring a canopy, they reflect heat and light away without reflecting back in. They're reusable and fold up nicely, unlike the regular mylar ones. I've used them (with a fan) at tons of super hot festivals including Envision in central america and Burning Man, and have been able to sleep through the day. I clip them right on my tent with binder clips. They're not as good as a canopy (or anything that allows airflow), but they do great when you don't have the space or money for a canopy.

I have this fan right now. It's nice because it's got a stand and a hook, it's pretty powerful and well made and will run for a LONG time off those batteries - I don't think I had to change batteries at all in a 10 day trip. The blades are big so it move a lot of air. In the past I've also used this one, it's definitely not as well made and has much smaller blades, but it's cheaper, lighter, and smaller (esp good for travelling, and flying). It worked just fine for me for a TON of camping trips until I dropped it and smashed all the blades off XD.

> wondering if Bonnaroo has any sort of plan in place for extreme weather like severe thunderstorms or tornadoes

Not really, other than stopping shows and asking people to evacuate enclosed areas like the cinema tent and smaller fenced off areas like pits by the front of stage.

> What are your recommendations for being weather ready at Bonnaroo?

• We bring cheap but large rain boots with us every year. Something like these. Maybe go to Wal Mart or something and see if you can find cheaper. Because when the rain really comes down and makes everything a mud pit...crap like a pair of Crocs or flip flops just isn't going to cut it. I want to stomp around and not worry about it.
  
  
• Bring more than enough socks to last you the weekend. I usually bring like 8 pairs. Just in case. Honestly, once you get past your feet, rain isn't going to do much to you other than maybe make you a little chilly. But it will fuck your feet up (NSFL pic of what happens to wet feet in wet shoes over a long weekend). So just make sure to keep your feet as dry and clean as possible when the weather is nasty.
  
  
• Make sure you have things to secure your tent/canopy. Nothing like having your canopy fly away in the middle of a thunderstorm. Buy a cheap kit like this. And then maybe some extra stakes. And then secure the shit out of your campsite.
  
  
• Depending on the size of your tent, get a cheap military style cot. If your tent fills up with mud and water, this will keep you very happy. We started bringing cots a few years ago and they are freaking fantastic. No sleeping in dirt or mud.
  
  
• Buy a semi-decent lightweight poncho and bring it with you. Stash it in your backpack. It will likely be the same price as those cheap plastic ones they will sell inside the venue. But will last you more than one use.
  
  edit: a couple more pictures to show you what a wet bonnaroo looks like. 1. 2. 3. 4.
  

I own a few that I am more or less happy with. The 3mx3m from DD is a popular choice and shows up in quite a few YT videos. The Bushcraft USA storefront tarp is on order, and it shows up in more than a few YT videos. I also have owned the Yukon Outfitter walkabout, the Aqua Quest guide, and the Paria Siltarp. One of my more frequent hiking/bushcraft partners uses an SJK Satellite Tarp and she is very happy with it.

• DD Hammocks Tarp 3x3. Also available in a Superlight version.
  
• Bushcraft Outfitters 10x10. Proceeds help support the Bushcraft USA forums site.
  
• Paria Siltarp. Amazon link, non-affiliate.
  
• Aqua Guide Quest Tarp 10x10. Amazon link, not an affiliate.
  
• SJK Satellite Tarp. Can be found online or also at Cabela's.
  
  If you have access to a sewing machine, DIY is also an option. A tarp is pretty easy to sew, though I found the tieout reinforcements a little tricky at first--just practice a bit on some scraps. Ripstop By The Roll is a great source for fabric and other materials, as is /r/myog.

Will there be "walls" to hang tapestries from? They pack small and add a lot of warmth and flair to a space—while increasing shade during the day. Scarves and whatnot can be nice, too. Think of how you'll hang them – tarp clips, bungees, and zip-ties are handy. (I'm going to try these this year: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GLN1TLL/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AGZ9AHQAQD41N&psc=1 )

If you can figure out a hammock or two you'll be hailed as a hero. I have a couple of lightweight portable hammocks for improvised comfort around BRC, and I found one of these on craigslist cheap: https://www.amazon.com/Vivere-Double-Hammock-Space-Saving-Tropical/dp/B004YJCP7O But you can find plans for homemade hammock stands online, too.

And don't sleep on bedsheets lol – I mean old sheets from home or Goodwill can be a lightweight way to cover things and soften an area, make shade, or even cover a ground tarp as a lightweight "carpet" you can sweep or shake out. (You did remember a broom of some kind, right?)

Hope you have a stellar Burn!

So the poles themselves are actually a little larger/heavier (1.6 pounds) than I realized when I ordered, but I still think they will fit in our luggage okay and according to all the reviews saying these are the best poles out there, will hopefully be worth it. These are the poles: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001M0NVGC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is the shade tarp: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012FCG2Y8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have that exact same tent, i bought it in 1998, have only had to buy new stakes, fix a tiny 3 inch mouse hole, (chewed it while it was in storage, basic tent tape fixed it) and redo the water proofing this year. I am not ashamed to say I did pay $225 for it when I bought it and it has made it through a dozen family camping trips with 4 people, 5 years in storage, and now it is my single person Glamping tent! I can fit a king size tall air mattress, a rug, 2 camp chairs, and a small shelving unit in there and its tall enough for most people to stand straight up in to get dressed.

My only suggestions...
dump the plastic stakes and get these instead, they work better in all soil types and in high wind.
Get a big silvered tarp for the roof, maybe some of these clips also. Helps with temp control in the sun!


happy camping! Hope you get as many good years of use out of yours as I have out of mine!

I've read good things about this Yuedge tarp. It's cheaper than everything else you have listed.

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Even though it's a day hike, lighter is still better. I like the look of that HG product you posted. I haven't heard of them. I'd go with that if it was me. On second thought, looking at it more closely, it looks like there is only tie downs on the corner. I'd want some in the middle to secure the tarp better.

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I like this MSR tarp. Although it is on the pricey side.

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I bought 2 sets of these: https://www.amazon.com/Green-Elephant-Telescoping-Tarp-Poles/dp/B072K1B91Q

And also this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004W3JAVQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

Along with these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B075CMSMQY?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I feel like strapping it to my roof rack and using the adjustable poles, one set halfway along the length and the other 2 at the end will give me many configurations. I can raise it high and then low for shade when sleeping inside the vehicle. A 20' long tarp should also allow me to stake it to the ground and run the tarp up and over my vehicle like a cacoon and still extend 10' or so. My roof rack should allow airflow between the tarp and vehicle kinda like a palapa works. Haven't used it yet, but seems like the most flexible way of having many configurations while storing very easily.

I've gone the DIY route with tarps in the past, but I recently decided to order a 10'x10' on-sale for $30 on Amazon. Apparently weighs 1.4lb which seems pretty decent for a $30 10x10. I haven't received it yet though so I can't comment from experience. The same company makes a hex too which appears to be 1lb without lines and stakes. It's on sale for $60 right now. They get mostly great reviews but a few have commented on flawed seams or leaky seams. I plan on seam-sealing it which should hopefully solve that issue.

See if you can find ripstop silnylon in a good camo print like multicam, Cadpat, , MARPAT, flecktarn. Good for stealth camping !

Also check out this groundsheet on Amazon.ca
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01D8E3HCW/

20D Single side coated silicon 360T Nylon Fabric 

About 200cm square for $27 is a good price. I'm thinking of getting one for a tarp and just sew in more tarp pullouts. Looks like a neutral tone earthy gray colour.

That is a mesh/net tent I got from Amazon that I really like. I'm working on a video for it that I'll hopefully have up soon. You can see some of it at the end of this video on the Cumberland Trail where I slept in it without a tarp and it was amazing!

Here is a direct link to the tent on [Amazon] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G86URIY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

The tent is a knock off of the MSR Mesh House tent but I like this one better because it has a huge side door along with the door on the frame side. I got it for about $43 and I see it's now basically $60.

I used this tyvek as a rain tarp with a 6 - 8 ft length of paracord for each grommet. I tied it off to the trees above my straps & used rocks or trees to secure the other corners. Tyvek is super light so its great.

I didn't use any ground tarp, just my camp shoes.

The hammock setup was a little chilly at times, but I was cheap and didn't buy an under quilt. It was only an issue for the first few weeks tho.

Once you get your setup down, rain won't be an issue, you stay nice n dry.

The key advantage to the hammock is you can stealth camp wherever. You don't need to find any flat level ground, as long as you have two trees your good. That comes in especially handy from PA northwards where the ground is very rocky and its hard to find a spot other than designated campsites.

Really nice tarp is the chill gorilla just got mine and am super impressed!
https://www.amazon.com/Chill-Gorilla-Centerline-Backpacking-Accessories/dp/B06X3ZZ7Y2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=chill+gorilla+10x10+hammock+waterproof+rain+fly+tent+tarp&qid=1558925114&s=gateway&sprefix=chill+gor&sr=8-2

Best amazon arrangement in my opinion:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011W0VETW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
get a "double". They're currently out of doubles. And this does not imply double as in "for two people". Two people in one hammock is awful.
Add an Amsteel ridgeline.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XCRYKT5/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Clip off the little plastic hooks. Use the hammock structural ridgeline to keep net up off of face.
https://www.amazon.com/Hammock-Sunshade-Backpacking-Lightweight-Waterproof/dp/B071KJ4LZ3/ref=sr_1_33?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1503402533&sr=1-33&keywords=hammock+tarp
a pretty darn good tarp for the money

Isn't the actual Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Footprint the best option?

You can't get a full setup for $100. And basically that is because you need a rain fly and bugnet along with the hammock.
If I'm right, a Bear Butt hammock comes with suspension system and wll run you $30. I have a Honest Outfitters setup, which is basically the same. I only mention Bearbutt because so many people here talk about that. The bugnet should go for $30 as well. https://www.amazon.com/KING-OUTFITTERS-Diagonal-SECURITY-Mosquitoes/dp/B06XCRYKT5/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1525302662&sr=8-5&keywords=hammock+bugnet&dpID=412ao4NG4bL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
That's what I have.
And the tarp. Well that can be very pricy if you worry about weight. Silnylon is what to go for here but they are costly from what I could tell.
I'll be buying a new tarp soon enough, for now I have a $45 fairly heavy one because I had winter in mind. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HO15DGS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Then there is the insulation. An underquilt is something you may want, but that all depends on where you camp. I mean, how cold will it get at night. Cold butt syndrome is not something you want to deal with.
But a UQ can run you a good $70 for a 40 degree one. Let alone the ones for colder weather.
So, Hammock, bugnet, tarp and perhaps underquilt. With that, you should be good for summer camping to start you off. So for the $100 you can camp, but aren't insulated. I hope this helps you a little.
Mind you, I am not an expert. I only started late last year with hammocks. I'm just telling you what I did. Which, I'm afraid is not lightweight compared to the $400 setups.

Edit, my hammock https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7DX0J7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R4S3NS2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Best tent stakes I've ever had. Period. The only thing that beats them are rebar stakes, and unless you're going to Burning Man, these will do just fine for any scenario as long as you have a hammer.

If you're talking about the tarp I think you're talking about, it's basically a regular square tarp not a triangle tarp. They just show it set up on a diagonal ridgeline so it looks like the sides are triangles. As far as keeping you dry, it'll do just that as long as the rain is not coming in sideways.

If you expect thunderstorms with wind-driven rain or if you expect it to be raining near-constantly and you'll therefore be spending lots of time under your tarp, I might suggest getting a bigger tarp.

If you're on a budget I would highly recommend this tarp for massive amounts of coverage at an extremely low price: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QBJZG83/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

If you're looking for something more refined, perhaps a tarp with doors, I recommend you look at UGQ, HammockGear, Warbonnet, or Simply Light Designs. They can set you up with exactly what you want in any color or print you can imagine.

This is my budget setup. I have been a ground dweller for years and always just had a Grand Trunk double hammock for lounging around. Over the last couple years I have found myself just sleeping in the hammock and throwing a blue tarp over in rainy weather. I have committed to sleeping in the hammock now so have begun building a hammock based sleep system. I found this Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro (https://www.grandtrunk.com/collections/hammocks-1/products/skeeter-beeter-pro) for 25.00 on Craigslist and picked up a cheap tarp on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XRT1QWB/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1).
I have replaced the rope suspension with tubular webbing and two carabiners on each end for a variable adjustable suspension. I haven't seen Shug lock the suspension quite like this but I find it eliminates the need for a stopper knot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vEXC_1aaxc
I will be trying out the Ridgeline that Shug suggests next time I hang.
Overall I have about 80.00 into the setup and I don't have any complaints.

A little more compact version and if you're looking instead to add snaps, Kamsnaps are awesome for that.

You can make a Tyvek Tarp

Here are various sized tarps made from 1.9 silnylon

Byer Rain Fly

Hammock Bilss 5x10

Hammock Bliss 10x12

Egret 8x10

There is always the classic blue tarp.

You could also pick up a rain fly like this one. I have a kelty Noah 12 but haven't had a chance to use it yet.

For poles there are several options. There are various collapsible poles, some more compact than others.

REI adjustable collapsible pole

Kelty fixed collapsible pole

Coleman telescoping pole

You can also do a DIY approach using a 2x2 with a nail/screw in the top (not very compact though) I also just made a 6ish foot pole that collapses to fit in the trunk of my car out of 2x2's and a couple bolts. It could have been 7-8 feet but I cut it down to suit what I wanted. This is untested but I'm hoping to try it out this weekend.

Get yourselves an air pad, sleeping mat or underquilt so you don’t end up freezing in the middle of the night since the sleeping bag will compress on the side you’re laying causing you to have no insulation, which means you’ll feel the cold. I would also suggest getting a tarp to give you an extra layer of protection from possible rain and wind, the latter being a multiplying factor in the cold.

You can go cheap with something like this from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRT1QWB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nOydAb2F3M6AR

There are cheaper options as well if you search for hammock tarps on amazon. Just remember the length of your hammock when you’re laying in it, you’ll want adequate coverage.

1.5 lb, two-person net tent - $40

1 lb, 8x10 tarp with guylines and stakes - $80

Total - $120 and 2.5 lbs for a non-free standing setup (need hiking poles). Enjoy!

Amazon has the footprint for it. I bought it off here for my grand Mesa 2P

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004N5ORXO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1404846774&sr=8-1

12ft Extra Large Tarp Hammock Waterproof Rain Fly Tarp 185in Centerline - Lightweight Ripstop Fabric - Stakes Included - Survival Gear Backpacking Cam https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QBJZG83/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_N96sDBYzRegKP


This doesn't have doors but it's 12x10 so you can just make them. This is what I use and I like it. Tons of tieouts

This is the setup I picked up, I've taken it out a few times. The weather was mild, maybe dropping to 40F overnight. I really like them both.

Hammock- https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017QV411Y/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tarp- https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01K7N5KWM/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Appreciate it! This setup was pieced together from a few items but the principle is fairly simple...

You want to make an A Frame configuration using a couple tarp poles and then use cord for tying out the corners with ground stakes.

This is what I used:
Tarp Poles
Tarp

tarp
I hope his work
This is the smaller one. I have the larger one too

I'm a big fan of my Kelty Salida 2 plus the footprint brings it to a little more than $150.

I think you'll need to sacrifice the underquilt to attempt to make this budget.

Maybe the Wildhorn Outpost - an 11 ft hammock w/ real suspension for $50. Add a structural ridgeline (~$5) after the fact.

Use your existing insulated pad, possibly supplement with a CCF.

Kelty Noah 9 is $50. The 12 is 20 bucks more, and provides more coverage, but limits site selection a bit more.

Of course, I suppose it must be said that using the word "ultralight" and trying to hit under 200 bucks is a total pipe dream. But you can get decent normal quality stuff in that range.

Stupid cheap Amazon ultralight tarp/groundsheet

What about just getting this? (has anyone bought this to try it out?)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G86URIY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://smile.amazon.com/COGHLANS-LTD-TENT-inches-Pack/dp/B000LCA8GS/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1396892492&sr=8-8&keywords=tent+stake

http://www.walmart.com/ip/COLEMAN-TENT-STAKES-ABS-9/13848618

Dude. I'd just get this tent, it comes with built-in mosquito netting.

I use this one which is $14.99, durable, and weighs 3oz

Geertop 1 Person Ultralight Waterproof Tent Tarp Footprint Ground Sheet Mat, for Camping, Hiking, Picnic (4 Sizes) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D8E3HCW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7WqhDb8Z97RSB

Plastic stakes.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000LCA8GS/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1427417696&sr=8-2&keywords=plastic+stakes&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

Not perfectly ultralight, but I found this on Amazon too.

https://www.amazon.com/Hikingworld-Lightweight-Camping-Person-Anti-Mosquito/dp/B01G86URIY/ref=pd_sim_468_32?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7ZGJ1HEHB1WJ9V829EBE

Something else to consider is getting a tarp and a couple of extendable poles. I got these when they were on sale for $25 (Amazon Link). Setup is fairly easy and just have to use guy ropes on each corner to hold it down, but takes up significantly less space than the 10x10 folding one. I usually attach one side to my roof rack, but I have 4 poles so I can move it around and make it stand alone. All-in was just under $100 so about the same cost as a bigger canopy.

Not OP, but I had a chill gorilla tarp and it was fine until I wanted to use two hammocks with a spreader bar. Bought this one and it's actually bigger, lighter, and cheaper than the chill gorilla.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XRT1QWB

I replaced the paracord with some dyneema to keep the weight down further. It came with some of the lightest stakes I own and a fairly light stuff sack. I added in some shock cord on the guy lines per Shug's tarp video and made a continuous ridgeline per the video by Derek Hansen.

https://youtu.be/C-IkTg4z6UY

https://youtu.be/4GQPY5BuyPI?t=9m12s