I've never used the apps, but my understanding of them is that you download the maps from the app (paid) and then you can turn off the cell signal and wifi to save batteries. You turn on GPS only, and the GPS tracks you in the downloaded map on the phone. There is no SOS feature.

I'd be curious to know how the GPS units you are talking about send an SOS. Do they use satellite phones? I've heard of the inReach. My sister has one of those that she uses when she and her partner are hundred of miles from the nearest road. It lets you send text messages for like a buck a text, using satellite service.

@glatt - I'll see if I can find it again and post it here.

Here it is. It's on this list
Direct to specific GPS link


There's another on this list that's more expensive
Direct to specific GPS link

This is the best "budget" one on both lists with no SOS option, but not a bad base model. Definitely more expensive than apps and a charger, though

Yea, I know I am moving fast, but I am excited....and bored at work. I looked at the campsites more and I think I can get away with spending approx $60 in equipment to give it a try. *This doesn't include the boots because I am getting them regardless of camping)

Here's a list of the amenities and the other one is similar in that it has fresh water, fire pits, and grill

• Site Type: Campsite Non-Electric
• Site Reserve Type: Site-Specific
• Checkin Time: 4:00 pm
• Checkout Time: 3:00 pm
• Type of Use: Overnight
• Min Num of People: 1
• Max Num of People: 6
• Pets Allowed: Y
• Min Num of Vehicles: 1
• Max Num of Vehicles: 2
• Driveway Grade: Moderate
• Driveway Length: 20
• Max Vehicle Length: 20
• Shade: Partial
• Tent Pad Length: 14
• Tent Pad Width: 14
• Capacity/Size Rating: Single
• Tent Pad: Y
• Campfire Allowed: Y
• Fire Pit: Y
• Grills: Y
• Looking For Category: Tent Site
• Picnic Table: Y
• Quiet Area: Y
• Distance to Body of Water: 6864
• Driveway Width: 15
• Parking Lot Surface: Gravel
• Proximity to Drinking Water: 105
• Site Access: Drive-In
• Site Surface: Gravel
• Tent Only: Y

I found some items on the cheaper side on Amazon
Charger (Per lumberjim's suggestion)
Sleeping Bag (Since both sites are drive up, I can pack extra blankets for "just in case")
Sleeping Pad
Tent (On back order, but the assumption is that it will be here soonish - couple months. If not, I'll look some more. I am assuming it is so cheap cause it's ugly.)

I won't need a stove because there's a grill. I don't need dishes because I'll have a car. I don't need water purifier because there's potable water onsite. I think with these, I can comfortably go in the Spring instead of waiting all year. Plus, since they are both drive up, if I need anything, I can go out and get it.

Thoughts?

Looks to me like a reasonable starting point. I echo the remark that it is Very Edumacational taking a sly look at everyone else’s rig out at a site.


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Yes. Sly is important. You aren't gawking.

That pad looks pretty bad. So does the sleeping bag. I would skip the sleeping bag, use blankets instead for free from home, and take the money you save from the sleeping bag and buy a Thermarest solid foam pad like this one.

A sleeping bag should have a temperature rating to give you an idea of what it can do for you. This one does not. You have no idea how warm it will be.

The tent looks OK and the charger too, especially if LJ has used it and vouches for it. Although having the crank gives it a little more weight if you ever plan to backpack.

I've not used it, but I gave one to Spencer last year and it worked for him.

@glatt - I thought the bag did have a temp rating - good catch. Thanks! I was also looking at these two. Wouldn't a blanket let in a breeze? Or expose me to buggies? Maybe I can hold it together using binder clips for the time being.

@lumberjim - it's not expensive. I can give it a shot.

I also realize I forgot a damn lantern!!

Maybe this one? Or this one?

The sleeping bag labeled "these" is interesting because its Item Weight is 4.9 lbs. while its Shipping Weight is only 4.45 lbs. Must have some helium in the insulation that seeps out over time. I hope you don't wind up talking funny when you get up in the mornings.

Also, a possibly stupid question - how do you change clothes??

you don't. ever

There isn't much of a breeze in a tent. I have a sleeping bag and I usually unzip it and use it as a blanket unless it's really cold. And a trendy thing in backpacking these days is to get a quilt instead of a sleeping bag. Lighter, compresses more, and with a pad underneath it keeps you warm. The reason I suggested blankets to you is that you already own them. Save some money until you figure things out.

If you have your heart set on getting a sleeping bag, that Coleman Palmetto you linked to looks like the best one you have posted.

I can do just a blanket for now. My first reservation is in April, so I don't need to worry about it being too cold. It's in the 40s and 50s at night then. Do you usually take pillows with you?

Car camping I absolutely take full size pillows off my bed at home. Backpacking, I have a small camping pillow that is really too big for that. I'm thinking of using just a stuff sack and putting my lightweight down jacket loosely in it to use as a pillow. Often you will have a fluffy fleece jacket or something like that you can use. Or splurge for an inflatable pillow. I haven't done that.

Cool. Thanks! What about the lanterns above? Any strong opinions? I am more included to the more expensive one because it is supposed to be all weather.