(Part 3) Reddit mentions: The best camping tent accessories

I generally advise against the Amazon specials and recommend that you support small cottage businesses instead, but if you must get a cheap hammock I think this design is the best: https://www.amazon.com/ETROL-Lightweight-Asymmetric-Backpacking-Activities/dp/B07MNC2XCZ/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=etrol+hammock&qid=1568249246&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-5

Add in a cheap tarp like this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C3NPCXC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And you have a really nice camping setup with tons of rain protection for really cheap. That type of hammock is lightweight, very easy to set up, and is a great introduction to the really nice sorts of hammocks that the custom hammock designers make.

I don't know anything about that tarp in particular, but 1.3kg is on the heavy side. I recently bought the Aquaquest Camo tarp for the same money on Amazon UK, it's about the same weight and I am very, very pleased with it. It's built like a tank, with lots of great mounting points. Apparently it's 60% off too! I think because Aquaquest have stopped doing tarps. I like wild camping where I'm not technically supposed to be, so the Camo is kind of useful. I'd like a lighter tarp some day, but on balance it's nice to know that this thing could stand up to absolutely anything. Sorry this isn't info about the tarp in question, but a glowing review of a similar product is probably of some use! Here's the Aquaquest Camo http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aqua-Quest-Camo-Waterproof-Heavy-Duty/dp/B004YB0G2I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393670650&sr=8-1&keywords=Aquaquest+Camo+tarp

I know Eno is the top one listed here but I'd stay away. My #1 tip is to go with an 11 foot hammock. It's much more comfortable than the shorter ones like an Eno for most people, and I would never recommend an Eno for overnight sleeping. Some people are fine with it; most will find an 11' hammock MUCH more comfortable. I own an Eno and others.

Any 11 foot hammock, with a bugnet if you want. Double layer if you want to put a pad in between (or you could just bring it into the hammock). An 11' tarp, and if you have extra cash an underquilt instead of a pad makes things very comfy.

Example setups:

• SLD Starter hammock + suspension for $60, or if you want a net, the Warbonnet El Dorado with the stock suspension ($140)
  
• Any 11 foot tarp ($50). If you want lighter/better you can get a silpoly tarp from Warbonnet, UGQ, and many others for a bit over $100.
  
• A CCF pad under you in the hammock, or a Klymit inflatable pad, or for ultimate comfort a HammockGear Econ underquilt instead of a pad
  
  So, there's some options which cost about the same as the Eno, but way better.

Is bug-protection a big issue? If not, you could go with a tarp. Tarps are really awesome. For $100 you could get a cheap, heavy tent or a stupid-light sil-nylon tarp shelter

http://www.basegear.com/equinox-ultralight-tarp.html?gclid=CPaY0KrM-r0CFeMF7AodIWUASw


$55 for the tarp.

Then you'll need some guylines (spectra cord is what you want to use for sure, but you can make do with paracord, as long as it doesn't rain too hard. But spend the $13 over at z-packs to get the spectra cord. It doesn't stretch and it won's slip when it rains.

Then you'll need some stakes. Old-fashioned "cane" stakes will work, but, again, why not shell out the $15 bucks for high-quality Y-stakes that won't slip and will get the job done right.

http://www.amazon.com/Pack-Aluminum-Stakes-Design-Cords/dp/B0087HSPL4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398393314&sr=8-1&keywords=y+stakes

Then you'll need a ground cloth. Most anything will do, but tyvek is IMO, the best value for weight, durability and functionality. That should cost about $15 to $20 bucks.

So 55 for the tarp, 13 for the cord, 15 for the stakes and 20 for the ground cloth=$103 dollars. The whole rig should weigh about 2 pounds. It will be an absolute palace for one, and plenty big for 2 (and you can fit 3 in a pinch).

The Solitarire is heavier, and only offers 20 square feet of space (small!) the tarp easily offers 40+ square feet of space. And you can set it up in endless ways, depending on the weather and your mood. A-frame, lean-to, diamond, pyramid, wind shed...whatever you want, really.

I’m looking for the same thing as you but I’m in the U.S. is this a good one? DD is awesome but I don’t think I could get one shipped to me for the same price. Any help would be appreciated!

Uhhh, holy crap! Firstly, amazon shadily makes different suggestions to you than me, based on our history on the site, so i don't see those on my page. I dug around though, and wow, this is a whole part of amazon they were hiding from me, presumably because i first started looking for the more expensive ones!

I'm wholly inexperienced and still gearing up with this, I've probably spent almost as much time watching youtube vids and reading this sub as I have in my 5 day trips to the woods in the last ~1.5 months. So I had not heard about the drawbacks of saggy nylon, (that was a good read, thx!) and had no preference other than hoping not to waste money on something that is destroyed in a few months. Most folks i've seen in videos were using sil tarps for their shelters at least, though I sure couldn't tell you why. What other uses do sil tarps have that make them worth 3x the price? I just want something i can use to make a shelter out of, I have the sleeping bag

Just after a quick browse here, would this make sense to you?

maybe this as a shelter tarp?
https://www.amazon.ca/Ultralight-person-Footprint-Camping-Fishing/dp/B01E0TDH42/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485452993&sr=8-1&keywords=20D%2Btarp&th=1&psc=1

and something like this as a ground sheet?
https://www.amazon.ca/Oxford-Fabric-Footprint-Camping-Fishing/dp/B01D8GXI7O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1485452993&sr=8-4&keywords=20D+tarp

Or doubling up on one or the other could make more sense, as you mentioned before? Thanks so much for the detailed info!

edit: I should mention weight is a minor concern for sure, my general plans involve hiking some distance and camping, carrying ~30-40lbs of weight seems like a sensible goal for my 200-210lb frame. (Just went on my first training hike with 40 lbs on for 8km total, it was something!)

just one night? I suppose on a bike you wouldn't want to carry a whole lot of gear. Does that Geigerrig have much room for stuff? If not, a small backpack for a few more items of gear and a bladder pouch might be a nice choice.

It would be a good idea to get some overnight hiking in so you have some experience staying outdoors--and I don't mean without food and water, you should go out prepared.

In order to be constructive, here are some more bases to think about. Food, warmth/sleep, and shelter.

Food-I think food would be a good addition, so you have enough energy to get back the next day; something you wouldn't have to cook like a handful of cliffbars (poptarts also have a shit ton of calories).

Sleep-Something warm to sleep in like a down jacket or sleeping bag. My buddy had a jacket like this while backpacking recently, http://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Research-Transcendent-Sweater-Medium/dp/B0059AW7HA/, it was super warm, lightweight, and very compressible. A jacket like this would really be the bear minimum, unless its balls hot outside.

Shelter-if you have the room, you can get an ultralight tarp and just a few feet of paracord. http://www.amazon.com/Terra-Nova-Adventure-Person-Black/dp/B007NMCWMC/ I have this for backpacking and it packs down very small, like the size of my hand. but there are other fancier/expensive tarps out there too. Or if you don't mind sewing, you can make an ultra light tarp fairly easily and on the cheap, this website has the materials and plans for that kind of thing, http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/

there are rope bags/tarps with extra features to make them better than non specific tarps, but the main function is keeping your rope clean, which any ole tarp can do. with rope specific tarps, you are looking at different features that accomplish the same thing: making the rope more portable and less likely to tangle. I've tried a few different things, but my favorite thing to use was actually my first tarp: abc dirtbagger because you can spread the rope out, roll the tarp up, and it has strong clips on the back side that turn it into basically a compression sack. hard to beat at $25-30

Currently Amazon has the blue/yellow single Grand Trunk hammocks for $25. Pretty awesome price: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007A0IH5I/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

• Tent Waterproofing - $9.99
  
  
• Battery Backup 15600 mAh, aka MASSIVE - $29.99
  
  
• Tent stake mallet with pulling peg - $7.00
  
  
• Glow in the dark tent stakes x10 - $9.18
  
  
• Action Poncho (very high quality for a possible rain out) - $12.60
  
  
• Battery powered 10" tent fan - $22.98
  
  
• Mini battery powered fan - $5.88
  
  
• Chill Pad headband - $6.57
  
  
• LED headlamp - $6.99
  
  
• Highly rated sleep mask - $9.89

If you want to do any long term camping, the first trick you need to learn is the home made canopy. Takes about 30-45 minutes to set up and makes a rainy trip much more enjoyable.

First you need a large tarp, something like this. Then you need like 2 packs of ratchet straps and a nice rope like this. Finally, a couple packs of heavy duty metal tent stakes and some small rope

So you find an area that has 2 trees about 50 feet apart and tie the rope around the trunk about 10 feet up. Then run it over to the other tree, but instead of tying it to the tree, make a knot that leaves a loop sticking out. Put a ratchet strap around the tree and connect that to the rope loop and pull it tie. It'll stretch after a bit so you can tighten it up more as needed without undoing the whole thing.

Then you throw the tarp over the rope and create an A frame style canopy. Use the stakes and extra ratchet straps to tighten the corners down nicely then use stakes and the 1/4" rope to fill in the gaps.

So 45 minutes later you have a 1000 square foot pavilion to camp under, it can rain all it wants. It's also high enough that you can build a modest fire under and not damage the tarp.

Throw out some chairs, fold out picnic table and you're good to go.

This is what I use for tie downs on my hammock fly. Nite Ize Reflective cord. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MMEHTC/

I suggest this because it’s lighter. It’s reflective. It grips my titanium Shepard’s hooks great, price was ok and Works great with the sliding adjusters built in my rain fly. Also works great with these dohickys: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W4RKZES/

Also most paracord I can find local is shit. The tough-grid brand paracord I get off Amazon tho seems pretty legit tho and I use a 50’ section of that for a bear bag.

I was in the same boat as you. It seems like most "high-end" tent manufacturers don't include stakes or groundcover with their tent sales.

I decided on the MSR Groundhogs: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006ZC5KLG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zkkqDb4K12HQ4

These are super lightweight and seem like they're worth the money.

Good luck 👍

I have the LiteOutdoors 8x10 tarp and it's awesome. Only 13oz after seam sealing and is probably the lightest silnylon tarp on the market. It's currently on sale for only $85! I use it with the MSR Mesh House 2. Only 28oz for the combo and the weight is easily divided between two people because it is a modular system. One of my favorite 2p shelter set-ups. Not sure about the CF poles, maybe something from easton Quest Outfitters carries CF poles and components. Good Luck!

Hey OP, late to the party but just wanted to throw in my 2 cents.

I have the Golite poncho tarp, which is unfortunately no longer made but it looks like Sea to Summit sells a very similar item. I've had mine for a while now and it is really nice to have. It packs very small, is large enough to keep you and your pack dry, and has tie-outs so it can be easily used as a tarp shelter.

It goes everywhere with me in my kit, and moves to smaller emergency kits for shorter excursions. Great peace of mind.

1. [ENO doublenest hammock] (http://www.amazon.com/Eagles-Nest-Outfitters-DoubleNest-Hammock/dp/B001DDTE1E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345872726&sr=8-1&keywords=eno+doublenest+hammock)
   
   
2. [25 yards 1" webbing] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QL2C26/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i02)
   
   
3. [ENO rainfly pro] (http://www.amazon.com/ENO-Pro-Rain-Tarp-Navy/dp/B0027PXSWS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345872824&sr=8-1&keywords=eno+rain+fly)
   
   
4. [hiker first aid kit with extra bandages] (http://www.rei.com/product/800905/rei-hiker-first-aid-kit)
   
   
5. [set of 6 MSR ground stakes] (http://www.rei.com/product/682543/msr-ground-hog-stake)
   
   
6. Walther PPS .40 cal in a [crossbreed super tuck] (http://crossbreedholsters.com/SuperTuckDeluxe/tabid/90/List/0/ProductID/1/CategoryID/1/Level/1/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName) holster
   
   
7. [26 KN rated carabiners] (http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-Straight-Carabiner-Keylock-CAMP/dp/B0015TFYCY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1345872547&sr=8-2&keywords=trango+carabiner)
   
   
8. Warbonnet Outdoors [Adjustable Webbing Suspension] (http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/acces.php)
   
   
9. [Silva Compass with Mirror] (http://www.amazon.com/Silva-2801078-Ranger-CLQ-Compass/dp/B000EQ82H8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1345872609&sr=8-2&keywords=silva+type+20)
   
   
10. iphone 4
    
    
11. Uni-ball Super ink .5mm pen. This varies as I have ~10 pens I grab on a day-to-day basis.
    
    
12. Lighter
    
    
13. [Kershaw Scallion Knife] (http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=49)
    
    
14. True Utility [Utili-key] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003F527NU/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00)
    
    
15. [Nylon billfold] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E1GRIO/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00)
    
    
16. [Camelback Alpine Explorer backpack] (http://www.rei.com/product/830501/camelbak-alpine-explorer-hydration-pack-100-fl-oz)
    
    
    I realize this may be slightly outside the bounds of "every day carry" but rest assured this backpack is always on/near me.
    
    The things I have physically on me and basically all times are items: 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.
    
    Everything else pretty much lives in the backpack and stays on me or in my car for access at a moments notice.

If you're just car camping, go with whatever tent is on clearance, or a used one from ebay/craigslist. Most lower-end tents from major brands (REI, north face, coleman, etc) will be durable and convenient. Note that the "fits X people" ratings are usually overestimated by 1, unless your people are very small. Get a great deal on any old tent, use it a few times, and you'll get a feeling for what you want out of your first 'nice' tent. Then give away your former tent to a friend and make them go camping with you!

The best stakes for the money are aluminum "Y" stakes, like these. They're much harder to bend than circular stakes and very grippy. The 7" length is plenty unless you expect the ground to be very loose or sandy.

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.

The Gold Armor tarp from Amazon is what I use and it is pretty awesome, for the price.

Gold Armour 12ft Extra Large Tarp Hammock Waterproof Rain Fly Tarp 185in Centerline - Lightweight Ripstop Fabric - Stakes Included - Survival Gear Backpacking Camping Accessories (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C3MJFZZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bpDTDbP70557R

The hammock I use is from GoOutfitters and I am very happy with it. Check out their tarp.

https://go-outfitters.com/collections/tarps-and-accessories