It has plenty of screened windows, so if you’re forced inside from an onslaught of mosquitoes or bugs, you can still look out and enjoy the view, unless you have a cordless mosquito repellant lamp that’s available to to campers. In fact it has 7 windows and 2 doors that makes this tent much more appealing than tents which only have 2 windows and 1 door.

Features & Details

 Coleman’s WeatherTec System
 Large 14×10 floor area
 6.5′ center height
 Pre-attached poles
 Strong, leak resistant seams

This tent contains the WeatherTec system, which is Coleman’s exclusive weather protection system. The walls are waterproof and constructed of thick polyestor.

It’s exceptionally roomy measuring 14 feet by 10 feet. The interior has an attached wall that can be used to create two rooms or left open for one large room.

Height in the center is 6.5 feet, so most people of average height can stand up.

The tent poles are pre-attached so you don’t have to worry about losing them or figuring out how to piece them together when you get ready to setup camp. This design allows for quick and easy setup. It may take a bit longer the first and second time you put it up, but will go quickly once you get the hang of it.

It has strong, leak resistant, taped seams, however you should still purchase some tent sealer to spray on the seams. Always best to be safe than sorry.

Cons:

Heavy. This tent weighs almost 44 pounds, but for a tent of this size and nature that’s about average. It’s not one you want to take hiking as it’s better suited for setting up camp that is easily accessible.

The weight of this tent can also be listed in the pro section as a durability feature.

The Coleman 8 person tent is quite the heavy-weight. If you are small or a woman, it could be difficult to carry and spread out before setting up. However, this is also part of it’s durability.

Pros:

Large and roomy.

Can be used as one big tent or a tent with separate rooms for kids and adults or two couples.

This tent is quite durable and large enough for several people. It is also relatively easy to set up and take down.

Coleman has been around for several generations so it’s a name you can trust in camping equipment.

The tent poles are attached to the tent. They are also telescopic so no need to worry about losing half of a pole or not being able to locate them.

What Customers are Saying:

 It is nice having all the windows for great ventilation and view.
 I LOVE how fast and easy this tent goes up and down!
 Recommend treating all seams with waterproofing spray.
 If you want a tent that is easy to put up and pretty easy to take down and stuff in a bag..this tent is for you.

Other Important Information:

Although one person can set this tent up by themselves, it goes much quicker and easier with two people.

Be sure to use extra sealant on the seams, just to be on the safe side.

You may want to get some bigger tent stakes. Not all tents come with heavy-duty stakes and these are a must have, especially if you’ll be camping in an area that can be windy.

Conclusion:

As with any product that’s manufactured, you can get a faulty product. However, this tent receives many positive reviews. If you’re an avid camper, you already know that ALL tents need some extra leak resistant spray on the seams. A rain fly is also always recommended for any tent.

Due to the features, ease of set up and knowing that tents do need extra protection, even out of the box, we would choose this tent. However, as with any tent we would naturally take extra precautions and spray the seams and purchase a rain fly. You never know what the weather will be like.

You can view this tent at:

Coleman Instant 14- by 10- Foot 8- Person Two Room Tent Average Rating: 242 total customer reviews...

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Some people even purchase small tents to use specifically as the campsite restroom. One such item is

Matter of Time Instant Privacy Pop Up Shelter Average Rating: 25 total customer reviews...

Or if you have a large tent you can set it up in an out of the way corner.

This portable camp toilet is basically a toilet seat on folding legs that uses bags to catch bodily wastes. There are other models that are much more pleasant to use and are more like a real flushing toilet, but if you are on a tight budget or want something that can be easy to take on a hiking trip, this is not a bad deal.

Features & Details

With a toilet seat on fold-up legs there aren’t many details you can cover. It uses special bags that are durable and you can buy chemicals that help the smell. Although, some of these chemicals may be harsh on the plastic bags.

It is recommended that you use a small bucket under the seat just in case the bag malfunctions.

Cons:

This is not like a real toilet that flushes, but it is handy, especially if you have to go in the middle of the night and don’t want to walk to the camp facilities.

The use of a bag to catch wastes isn’t the most pleasant experience to deal with. You will definitely want to take care of it after a few uses and not let it get too full.

Pros:

Light enough to be carried on a backpack for hiking and for true roughing-it type campers who do want a little convenience, other than a bush.

It can save you a trip to the public facilities in the middle of the night
It’s great to have around if you have small children camping with you, especially if you’re potty training and can’t get to the public restroom on time.

Other Important Information:

The weight limit on this portable-Camp-Toilet-Camping-Commode is not extremely high, although heavier people have said they’ve used it with no problems.

What Customers are Saying:

 I’m 6,3 and 230lbs. I have only used this one time, and it works fine but its small for me.
 I camp alone and I don’t want to walk in the dark to restrooms at night.
 Not pleased with the clear bags sent with it, especially if we have no privacy if we have to use it. Would have preferred the blue bags as in the picture.
 This makes life just that more comfortable when having to answer the call of nature.

You can view this model at:

Portable Camp Toilet - Camping Commode Average Rating: 22 total customer reviews...

Conclusion:

If you’re a small adult or have kids who need to use the restroom at night, this is a great little toilet. Or if you’re backpacing it, this can carry this fold up toilet pretty easily.

However, if you’re looking for something heavy-duty, you may want to choose something like this:

Dometic Sanitation Dometic - 972 Portable Toilet 2.6 Gallon - Grey Average Rating: total customer reviews...

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Features & Details

 20,000 BTUs
 Wind-shield
 Convenient size (22.8 x 13.6 x 4.6)
 Portable & Light-weight (11 pounds)

This is a propane stove that puts out 20,000 total BTUs between the two burners.

It has a wind-shield to protect during windy conditions and a pressure control system that has been around for many years.

This stove is large enough to use medium sized pots and pans on, but small and light-weight enough for easy portability.

It works great for small to medium meal cooking and makes it easier than cooking over an open camp fire.

Cons:

Too big and heavy for backpacking it.

Doesn’t cook as fast as a higher BTU stove, but works great for slower cooking and small to medium meals.

You need some kind of lighting device. It does not come equipped with an ignitor.

Propane bottles do not fit inside for easy storage. They must be stored and carried separately. You may want to purchase some type of backpack for storing and carrying the propane canisters.

Even though it has a wind-shield, it is not designed for use in high winds.

Pros:

Light-weight and easy to manage at camp set up.

Uses the screw-in propane bottles. No more hauling cans of camp fuel and filling a reservoir.

It weighs less than 12 pounds, but if you’re backpacking you may not want to take this along. It is best set up on a sturdy table that has been designated as the kitchen area.

The wind-shield helps block small winds.

Has a knob for each burner so you can adjust them independently.

What Customers are Saying:

 The ergonomics of the stove is not too bad, its designed very well.
 I can not emphasize enough how cleanly this stove burns!
 I like the fact that both burners put out the same amount of heat and I don’t have to switch the pans back and forth on the burners.
 Cooked soup, chicken, sausages at the same rate as cooking at home.
 This product worked like a charm – it heated everything up, from chili in the evening, to the coffee in the morning in no time.

Other Important Information:

This is a great stove to have if your electricity goes out at home and you still need something to cook on.
It is very light-weight and stores easily, either in a storage building or on a shelf in the laundry room.
It sets up quick and easy. You simply open the stove, attach the propane canister and light.
This product hould give you many years of enjoyment and useability.

If you plan to do quite a bit of camping, this Coleman Two-Burner Stove will give you tons of cooking pleasure and make meal time much easier.
View at:

Coleman Two-Burner Propane Stove Average Rating: 62 total customer reviews...

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The items we’ve chosen will make camping much more enjoyable and give an almost-home feel for people who just want to get away but not give up all of the luxuries of home.

Dinnerware:

We chose the Coleman Speckled Enamelware for several reasons. It’s durable, colorful and it comes with a 4 piece set of cutlery. This is convenient and saves you time and money from having to buy your cutlery separate from your serving set.

Features:

 24 piece set – incudes 4 each; cups, bowls, plates and matching cutlery.
 Red speckled enamel on metal for durability
 Carry case for cutlery
 Dishwasher safe
 Lightweight

This product is great for people looking for convenience in a matching set and don’t want to spend a ton of time matching up dinnerware and cutlery.

It’s only a 4 piece setting, so if you have kids or a large family, you may want to purchase extra sets.

What customers are saying:

 I always bought plastic utensils, Styrofoam cups and paper bowls and plates before getting this set. It’s perfect for a family of 4.
 I purchased three sets to use as my everyday and guest dishes. After almost a year, there are some chips on some dishes, but they just seem to add to the charm.
 They are super easy to clean and the silverware holder that rolls up and ties is very practical.

If you’re looking for a nice, portable set of camping dishes, you can view this product below:

Coleman Speckled Enamelware Dining Kit (Red) Average Rating: 70 total customer reviews...

Cookware:

A good set of cookware is a must-have for family camping trips. If you’re a backpacker, it’s likely you’ll do most of your cooking, if any, over an open fire. But for those who like a little modern convenience while they camp, this is a nice cookware set.

Your best choice for cookware is cast-iron, however, that can be expensive and it’s not at all lightweight. This Texsport cookware set is durable and lightweight.

Features:

 7 inch fry pan
 1 quart  and 1 ½ quart sauce pans
 Made of hard anodized material
 Stay cool wire handles

What customers are saying:

 When we got back from the trip, I hated to “put them away, till next time,” so I rescued them from storage, and put them to work in my not so tiny RV full-time home. They work well, and the flat bottoms and dark color seem to make all the cooking heat up faster, and cook with less heat used than with my regular pots.
 Very well made, can withstand torture, and packs up in a very small bag.
 The pans are light, well crafted and are larger than the standard mess kit.
 This is the perfect camp set for 2 people, or even a small family with kids.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, easy to use and clean camping cookware set, this is a great little set. It’s not recommended for large, gourmet meals, but if you’re camping, it’s likely you’re going with easy to fix meals.

You can view this set and read more customer reviews at:

Texsport Black Ice The Scouter Hard Anodized Cook Set Average Rating: 43 total customer reviews...

The Coleman Two-Mantle Propane Lantern

The Coleman propane lantern with mantles has been around for a long time and is a must have for camping. It puts out a lot of light and is very lightweight.

The older models had to be filled with camp fuel. These days, Coleman has incorporated the use of the small propane cylinders and designed the two mantle lantern to screw on top of a bottle.

It also comes with a base to set the lantern in if you’re using it on a table.

Features:

 Good burn time (7 to 14 hours depending on usage needs)
 Rust resistant
 Uses 16.4 oz propane cylinder
 Easy light with matches

What customers are saying:

 Very important! Do not over-tighten the top ventilator nut. The glass globe will crack because it has no room to expand when it heats up. I cracked two globes before contacting Coleman, who showed me the error of my ways.
 Great lantern. Lightweight, well designed (except that the ‘legs’ tend to fall off the tank when you carry it.
 It’s really bright when it’s turned up, but in most cases you won’t need that much, so you can turn it down and expect quite a bit more time out of it.
 Users should always have some back-up mantles at hand when using this lantern.

You really can’t beat this type of lantern for outdoor lighting. It’s very bright when you need extra light and will last a long time if you just need general lighting.

Knowing that Coleman has produced these lanterns for many, many years, we have no problems recommending this product.

For more details and customer reviews, you can view this two mantle lantern at:

Coleman Two-Mantle Propane Lantern Average Rating: 10 total customer reviews...

This Coleman light is ideal for tent camping. It may not be bright enough, in a large tent, for you to read at night. For most general purposes though, this light will give you plenty of light for getting into bed.

In the case of rainstorms where you are forced inside the tent, you may want to get two or three of them so you have plenty of light to play cards or read a book.

Features:

 Magnetic – attaches to tent pole
 Krypton replaceable bulb
 Battery operated – takes 4 AA batteries
 Convenient on/off switch
 Weighs less than one pound

What customers are saying:

 These tent lights are awesome….they hook onto wherever you need them in your tent with a powerful magnet….I was able to read at night just like I was at home!
 When I camp I do alot of reading so this is perfect for my tent.
 This is also deisgned as more than just a tent light. It comes with drywall anchors and wood screws in case you’re just looking for a battery powered light to put in a closest or remote location without electricity.
 This light is not bright enough for a 6 person tent.

It’s true this light may not be as bright as a home light, but it is ideal for getting into bed or needing a light in the middle of the night.

The price is very reasonable, so you may want to get several of them to meet your lighting needs. You can view this item at:

Coleman Tent Light Average Rating: 120 total customer reviews...

The Coleman Full Sized Quick-Bed

Coleman has been a leader in camping and outdoor equipment for many, many years. They offer many quality products that can give you years of use and enjoyment.

This quickbed has a lot of mixed reviews on its quality and durability, but due to the price and the fact that it comes with a battery operated pump, we chose to highlight it here.

What customers are saying:

Please note: The reviews here are mixed and not all positive, but sometimes you just get a bad product. This could be due to manufacturing problems on the production line or it could be a poor quality product to begin with. We believe the negative reviews could stem from malfunctions during production as many people have had great results from the mattress.

 This mattress has survived a lot.
 Coleman has gone downhill in recent years. I guess to save money, they’ve cheapened their products. Their air beds simply do not last.
 The mattress is very good – firm and easy to tuck away. Blows up very quickly and doesn’t deflate during the night.
 The one big downside is that the bed sprung a leak after about a week of use.

If you’re looking for something cheaper than the aero-bed and follow the directions for use and set up, this mattress can be a great pick. You can view more details at:

Coleman Full Size Quickbed with 4D Pump and Wrap 'N' Roll Storage Average Rating: 93 total customer reviews...

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Beginners usually need at least 10 sky diving lessons in order to learn everything necessary to make solo jumps. For the convenience of the sky divers and for achieving more effective results, the lessons are packaged in specifically designed programs. Most schools readily offer such programs. It is important that you find one that is accredited by the United States Parachuting Association (USPA). This guarantees that you will master all skills necessary for earning an USPA A license which allows you to make solo jumps anywhere in the US and in most countries around the globe.

What can you expect from sky diving lessons? The programs may vary slightly from one school to another, but they usually have the same structure. You will make one, two or three tandem jumps first. As you sky dive with an instructor, you will be able to learn how to keep your body in the right position, how to take the right direction, how to turn and how to monitor the altitude.

The following sky diving lessons include only accelerated freefall jumps. During these jumps, you have your own parachute. Two instructors exit the plane with you and hold onto your gear during the free fall. That way, they can show you more complex body maneuvers including turning at different angles, barrel rolls, flips and even back loops. Delta tracking is also part of the training. Once you deploy your parachute and the freefall is over, you will be on your own. You will descent and land by yourself while getting radio instructions from the instructor. You will master your parachute deployment, canopy control and landing skills.

The sky diving lessons are accompanied by extensive training on the ground. You will get familiar with aircraft, safety and emergency procedures. You will practice various maneuvers and canopy control with the use of various specifically designed pieces of training equipment.

A complete package of 10 sky diving lessons usually costs around $1,500. You should consider shopping around, but it is crucial that you sign up for an accredited course. That way, at the end of the program, you will be able to make a check jump with an USPA instructor and get your USPA A license.

Sky Diving Prices

You want to experience the thrill of flying in the sky, but you are still a practical person so you need to learn what sky diving prices are like. This guide aims to give you a general idea about the costs involved in jumping and taking up this sport as a hobby. The prices are averages so they may not correspond precisely to the rates in your local club.

The sky diving prices for first-timers are not small, as you can expect. The tandem jumps, which are by far the most popular, cost between $150 and $250 per jump, even though you may find ones that cost as little as $100 and as much as $275. The static line and instructor assisted deployment jumps are the cheapest. The cost per dive is between $100 and $200. In most cases, the rate does not exceed $125. The price is that low because the freefall lasts only one or two seconds and because the instructor provides directions via radio from the plane. He/She does not jump with you.

Accelerated freefall (AFF) jumps have the highest sky diving prices because you are actually accompanied by two instructors and have extensive training. The price per AFF dive is from $250 to $350 with most rates being closer to the lower end of the range. Since AFF jumps are usually done by those who want to learn how to dive solo, they are offered in packages. These programs typically include 10 dives with the price per program being around $1,500. You save considerably if you go for this option. You just have to be certain that you want to learn how to sky dive and enjoy it as a hobby in the future.

What do sky diving prices include? The standard rates presented here include the equipment necessary for the jump, the ground training and the entire onboard and possibly freefall instruction and the plane ride to the set altitude. If you have to be picked up by a land vehicle from the landing area, the cost of transportation is usually calculated in the price. Video and photography packages are available separately.

The prices for experienced divers who are approved for making solo jumps are much lower. The rate per solo jump is usually between $25 and $35. Equipment rental costs around $40 to $50 per jump and $90 to $100 per day.

Are there any discounts on sky diving prices? Yes, in fact, there are all sorts of discount. You can readily find weekday, cash payment and group discounts.

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How safe is sky diving?

This is an aerial adventure sport which involves jumping from a high altitude and making body maneuvers that allow you to fly, descent and land. It has some risks, but with the improvement in equipment and with more and more people gaining extensive experience, the safety record is constantly improving. You should expect to have a safe and enjoyable sky dive if you take all necessary safety measures and follow all rules regarding jumping, parachute deployment and landing.

What are the requirements for making a jump?

You must be at least 18 years old in order to enjoy this sport. This is an important piece of sky diving information to keep in mind. There are height and weight requirements as well. These are set individually by the drop zones so you have to check specifically. You must be in good health. Individuals with recent injuries, surgeries and/or chronic medical conditions must consult a physician before making jumps. Before you sky dive, you will be asked to sign a legal waiver.

What kinds of sky dives do beginners make?

Firs-timers are usually advised to make a tandem jump. You are attached to an instructor who will make the body flight maneuvers and deploy the parachute. Individuals who want to make solo jumps eventually undergo training which involves accelerated freefall dives. This is important sky diving information

What can you expect from the jump?

The jumps usually take place at an altitude between 12,500 and 14,500 feet. Your body will have a speed of 110 to 120 mph for about 60 seconds during the freefall. You will literally feel carried by the air. The parachute is usually deployed at an altitude of 5,000 feet. The canopy descent is slow and smooth. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You land on a specified grassy landing area.

How much does sky diving cost?

Jumps with an instructor usually cost between $100 and $350 per jump, depending on the kind of assistance and instruction that you get. The training, equipment and plane ride are included in the price. Complete training program packages are available at discounted prices.

For detailed sky diving information, you can contact a local drop zone.

Types of Sky Dives

Nothing can compare to sky dives. You literally feel as if you are flying during the freefall. You get to enjoy the serenity of the sky and the beauty of the scenery. It is natural to be a little scared if you are about to make your first jump. By learning more about the actual experience, you will gain more confidence. It is important to know your main jump options and to pick the most suitable one for you.

Tandem sky dives are the preferred option of most first-timers because they do not require any particular skills and knowledge. You simply jump together with an instructor that you are attached to. The instructor is responsible for opening the parachute and for managing the descent and the landing. Your job is to enjoy the experience. Of course you have to know how to position your body in the air and during the landing so you will undergo a short instruction session, usually around half an hour, before you go up in the sky and jump.

Tandem sky dives are recommended to individuals who want to enjoy the thrill, but want to have the peace of mind that all will go well. In fact, many centers and clubs offer only this option to first-timers. It usually costs between $150 and $250.

Accelerated freefall (AFF) sky dives involve the student and two instructors. You will have your own parachute. You will jump together with two instructors who will be by your side during the freefall. Usually, the instructors actually hold the student by the harness. You have to deploy your parachute and make a solo canopy descent. You will receive instructions via radio so you will know how to hold your body and how to control the parachute.

Before you make an AFF jump, you have to have around five to six hours of intensive ground instruction. You will lean the main body flight maneuvers and hand signals. Given that there is a lot more training involved and that there are two instructors that will help you, a typical AFF dive is more expensive than a tandem dive. The price is usually between $250 and $350.

Static-line and instructor assisted deployment (IAD) sky dives are also available. In both cases, the parachute is opened for the diver the moment he/she jumps off the plane. Basically, the freefall lasts for one or two seconds. You will have to make a solo descent while the instructor gives you directions via the radio. Such jumps are not particularly popular. This is one of the reasons why they are the least expensive costing between $100 and $200.

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