Discount camping gear is the new thing these days, perhaps because more people have expressed a growing interest in two things: survivalism and outdoor recreation. Let’s take a look at how these trends.
Buy Survival Gear Online: But Why?
According to the latest data I can check, interest in survival gear surged after the September 11 attacks in 2001. Maybe the survivalists are afraid the apocalypse is on the way and they want to be ready for it; however, despite all the atrocities occurring in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa western civilization is hardly on the brink of toppling. There are no barbarian hordes at our gates and even the volatile US democracy is hardly likely to fragment into warring factions. This country has already fought one civil war and I don’t have the impression that many people are eager for another.
The most likely reason for an interest in survival gear, in my opinion, is that people may associate that concept with better quality equipment and tools. What, exactly, does a survivalist need? Well, you need a lot of things from a durable shelter to a power supply to bathing and toilet facilities and more. Oddly enough, recreational campers need all these things too.
My sneaking suspicion is that the recreational camping community is buying a lot of survival gear, possibly because it’s marketed more aggressively than average camping gear and possibly because merchandise targeted toward survivalists is made to last longer. If that is the case I suspect the camping gear companies should start doing some research into the market. They may be losing money simply because they are trying to sell to the wrong people. Then again, what if these are the same companies selling all the survival gear?
For the science fiction angle (since Xenite.Org is a science fiction Website), what would you want to have ready in case of an alien invasion that took out our cities, manufacturing, and distribution systems? Here are some suggestions.
If you cannot see the products, try visiting our Survival Astore
Buy Camping Gear Online But Know What You Get
There is some overlap between camping gear and survival gear but they complement each other as product categories more than compete against each other. If you go camping you’ll want to take several factors into consideration:
- Setup and takedown (time and number of people)
- Weather
- Wildlife
- Food and water supplies
- Camping furniture
Camping tent design has come a long way and there are now many options for quick or “instant” setup tents. Most reviewers like the easy assembly features but you have to be careful about quality. You may want to add a rainfly even if the tent is rated for the weather. Some campers invest in heavier tarp coverings that they tie to trees above their tents. This way they get shade, some extra rain protection, and they can leave their tent windows open to accommodate a breeze.
Many tent kits come with their own stakes but experienced campers often buy heavier-duty stakes.
A small number of tents are electrified to discourage animals (including bears) from breaking into the tents in search of food (yes, this really happens).
Speaking of food, you may be wondering what to do about that. The most popular long-term rations provider we know about is Mountain House. They have been selling premium food rations for over 50 years. Their customers rate the quality of their foods highly. In most cases you just add hot water to the resealable pouches and let the meals cook themselves. Cold water can be used but it takes about 3 times as long to prep the food and customer satisfaction is lower.
If you cannot see the products, try visiting our Survival Astore
Buy Camping and Survival Gear at a Discount
Look for the best possible deals. We have chosen a lot of good products including camping dishware, many different types of tents (including some very roomy tents), camping / survival rations, and more. Take a look at this page for a great modular tent that is wind-resistant and rated highly by customers. What is a modular tent? You can join them together and create a huge tented space. Everyone in your family could have their own tent room and you could also set up a kitchen, laundry room, dining room, and living room.
Speaking of water, you’ll want a good water filtration system. We have chosen two for our Astore and we think you’ll find either to be quite adequate. Both can be used with standard water purification tablets to kill viruses.
The camping furniture is the most fun part of the survival and camping gear shopping experience, even for guys. You can choose from a huge assortment of tables, kitchen frameworks, beds, chairs, and cooling units. Camping fans are still somewhat overrated. Be careful about buying “camping air conditioners”. There are two basic kinds and neither is what you expect.
“Evaporative air coolers” are miniature swamp coolers. A swamp cooler runs water through a fan system to moisten the air in desert climates. You don’t want to use a swamp cooler in a humid or rainy climate.
“Ice coolers” are advertised as “portable air conditioners”. You load them up with bags of ice, big frozen gel packs, or frozen jugs of water and then they blow air across the cold surface. For a really small space these coolers work okay up to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You would not object to one if you were stuck in an area that had lost power due to a tornado or hurricane but this is not a freon-based air conditioner.
A real air conditioner, like the kind you have in your vehicle or can install in a window in your home or office, uses a compressor and those require power. You might be able to find a compressor air conditioner that you can run off your truck if you keep the engine running but those kinds of air conditioners need portable generators. And the problem with powered air conditioners and portable generators is that you have to ensure their exhaust is vented outdoors. Otherwise you’ll risk death, illness, or injury.
To stay cool when you are camping find a shady spot or make your own shade by erecting a canopy over your tent (rainfly coverings are usually not good for this). You could try camping under large trees but remember that trees may attract lightning strikes. Then again, some campers don’t want to be inside their tents during thunderstorms. Shade, open windows for air flow, and a battery-operated fan will be your best bet for staying cool in warm weather.
I don’t recommend wearing shorts when you go camping. They may look cute on television and in the movies but leaving your legs exposed to bushes and bugs is, in my opinion, not very smart. Wear heavy denim or other durable outdoor clothing that protects your legs and breathes.
SEE ALSO: