Coleman Pack-Away Kitchen Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The only reason this didn't get 5 stars is because, as another reviewer mentioned, there is no support for the propane bottle for the stove -- the stove sits on two cross bars on the right (you can see them in the picture). I am considering adding a couple of pieces (or one hinged piece that would fit in the case and would support the stove and propane bottle.
That said, I love how quickly this gets put together. You open the case, and there are four components inside: the stand/base, the two crossbars that hold the stove, the lantern post, and the paper towel/utensil holder.The base simply expands (like a Hoberman sphere) and you flip over the bars that go left-to-right. They clip into place and that's set. Then you put the crossbars for the stove on, turn the case over and put that on (it's the table part on the left). You then put the lantern pole together (it's in two pieces) and slip the utensil holder into place. I can set it up quicker than it took to type this paragraph (and I'm a fast typist.)
Take-down is just as simple -- basically the reverse of set-up. We leave the netting attached and put the two pieces of the lantern holder inside the collapsed base.
The other really great thing about this set-up is the compact size and light weight. I don't know the actual size off-hand but it's surprisingly small when packed up. It's light enough that my four-year-old can carry it. It's got handles that make it very simple to carry.
To sum up, this is a great addition to your gear if you camp regularly with a larger (coleman-type) stove and like some comforts. If you only have a backpacking stove and you eat basic foods, you probably don't need this, but we regularly car-camp with five or six other families and this is very handy.

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With a pot rack, storage shelf, and stove rest all in one unit, the Coleman Pack-Away Kitchen is way more than just a table. This aluminum cooking station unfolds from a briefcase into a full countertop, with an adjoining rack rest that adjusts to fit most large camp grills. A mesh shelf clips underneath to hold ingredients or dishware, and works as a drying rack to boot. A pot and utensil rack stands ready to hold your culinary tools, while a lamp hook allows you to hang a light source overhead. In fact, if you're anything but a backcountry Mario Batali, you'd better brush up on your cuisine before you break this baby out.Product Features
Material: Aluminum
Dimensions: [Folded] 32 x 11 x 4in (81 x 28 x 10cm); [Unfolded] 56 x 24in (142 x 61cm)
Height:
Carry Sack: Integrated case
Weight: 14lb 8oz (6580g)
Recommended Use: Extended car camping, large groups
Manufacturer Warranty:
Country of Origin: China

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ABO Gear Tripod Shelter Review

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(More customer reviews)To anyone who complained about how difficult it is to set up, Eagle Scout or not, I can only say that you're not doing it the right way. Or you're too weak to do it. Either way, if it's done right, it's no harder than tying boots snugly.
Hint: when you're ready to bow the 1st pole, set the ferruled end on the ground, vertically between your feet while you're standing up and making sure no dirt can fill it (I set it on a sandal instead of right on the dirt). Pull the fabric down systematically, until the ring passes the ferruled end. Grab the fabric and the pole about 2-3 inches from the end with one hand like you're choking it, making sure the fabric does not slide out again. Lift the pole off the ground so you can see what you're doing. With the other hand, slide the pin into the pole. It's that easy. Repeat the process for the 2nd and 3rd poles.
It took me less than 20 minutes from start to finish, all by myself. The key is to plant the ferruled end of the pole securely on the ground while you work the fabric with both of your free hands.
It's the best shade I've ever bought. The other shade that I own, a 10'x10' type, weighs 50 lbs and is quite large in a package, compared to this 11-lbs shade that fits in a small nylon sack. The 2008 model comes with heavy-duty poles which is an improvement to the smaller diameter poles of the earlier model. There is no way these poles will split, unlike the earlier version, as reported by some.

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Enjoy the great outdoors while remaining almost totally protected from the sun's harmful UV rays with the Tripod Shelter from ABO Gear. The tripod shelter is easily erected, durable, and stands up to even the strongest winds, offering users shade and protection from the elements. The entire structure weighs less than 10 pounds, and collapses down into a convenient carrying back with backpack-style straps. The shelter's triangular design measures 12 feet to a side and has a center height of eight feet, creating a spacious interior for the whole family to enjoy. Constructed of 150D, PU-coated nylon, the shelter features adjustable webbing tension strap and heavy-duty shock-corded poles. For maximum stability in windy conditions, the tripod sun shelter additionally includes conical sand pockets, pegs, and guy ropes.
UV Protection Tips
Avoid outdoor activities in the middle of the day when the sun is highest
Choose outdoor areas shaded from direct sun and open sky
Wear well-designed clothing that covers the body, arms, and legs
Wear a broad-brimmed hat which shades the face, ears, and back of the neck
Wear well-designed sunglasses
Use at least SPF15 sunscreen
Cover up young children

About ABO Gear ABO (Australian Beach Outdoor) began in 1995, with the humble goal of finding a solution to the common beach towel. The company called its first product the ABO mat--an oversized cotton mat with four stakes to prevent it from blowing away in the wind which folded into a convenient fanny pack. This initial product launch led to other popular items, such as beach tents, picnic blankets, beach hammocks, and more. In developing new products, the company's first aim is always to create gear that minimizes ABO's carbon footprint. ABO gear remains a fast-growing company with products in the beach, outdoor, pet, gift, and travel goods market.

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Coleman Pack-Away Camping Bundle Includes Pack-Away Kitchen & Pack-Away Lantern Review

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(More customer reviews)Perfect for creating a prep/cooking area for food and meals... got the stuff off of the serving/utility table. I will be getting a lot of use out of this! The lantern works great and lasted all weekend on one set up batteries..

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Prepare delicious meals in camp without hauling along extra gear with this Coleman Pack-Away kitchen and Pack-Away lantern combo.

This Coleman Pack-Awaycombo is equipped with a full array of countertop essentials, including a durable 32x 24work surface for prep work, a separate 24x 24cooking area that adjusts to fit virtually any camping stove (sold separately), and such handy extras as a lantern pole, 8D Pack-Away lantern with remote control, spoon hooks, and a mesh shelf for added storage.
Best of all, the expandable aluminum frame folds up into a compact carrying case that measures 32x 4x 11and weighs roughly 14 pounds. The perfect accessory for car campers and day hikers, the Pack-Awaymakes cooking outside as easy as cooking at home.

Coleman Pack-AwayKitchen:
Collapsible kitchen accessory kit for preparing food while camping Durable 32x 24work surface for slicing, dicing, or mixing Separate cooking area (24x 24 ) works with most camp stoves Includes lantern pole, spoon hooks, and mesh shelf for storage Folds into compact frame (32x 4x 11 ) Weight: 14 lbs.
Coleman 8D Pack-AwayLantern:
Collapsible lantern Includes t

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ABO Gear Instent Shelter Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the Abo Gear Instent as a beach shelter for our infant daughter. Its first use at the beach in cool spring weather went well. The Instent was fast to set up and take down. Our baby enjoyed exploring the tent and soon fell asleep. Not much room though for adults to sit comfortably and the ceiling height prevents use of chairs.
Our second experience with the Instent was very different. At the beach on a sunny day in June, the Instent got very hot inside despite a normal ocean breeze and the windows open. Baby was sweating and crying so we took her out. During this time, one of the corner poles kept collapsing and I had to push it back into its socket. None of the other shelters on the beach seemed to be having problems. On take down, one of the plastic poles (maybe the same one) broke from its socket and tore into the fabric of the tent, rendering our Instent useless.
I contacted Abo Gear, and despite a quick response and a promise of, "We'll take care of the problem", I have not received a replacement or a status in sixty days. I contacted Abo Gear again and they responded with questions about the weather on the day it broke. It seems Abo Gear is looking for a way out of honoring their warranty.
On a recent Instent-less trip to the beach, a friend purchased a Lil' Nursery tent for us. It is smaller, cheaper and better ventilated than the Instent and worked fine on the beach in the July sun, though it does require a few minutes to set up. I wish I had bought this first and saved eighty bucks on the Instent. Since Abo Gear customer service never came through for me, I don't know whether I had a lemon Instent or whether there are major quality problems with this product. Based on my experience with Abo Gear and the tent's performance, I give them both the lowest rating. If by chance I receive a replacement, I will update this review.


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Up in seconds, down in a flash. The Instent has a unique instant pop up frame mechanism. To erect, simply open out and pull on cord.

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U.S. Military Tent Half Shelter Review

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(More customer reviews)I used one of these in the army and I loved it. I recommend getting two halves, that way you can make a full tent, not a half shelter. I went out and bought a brand new set and plan to use it to teach my cousins how to camp. These last forever if you treat them right. Make sure you buy a poncho with the brass grommets if you buy one of these as a rain trap. Just my two cents.

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(2) Military Surplus, G.I. 12 Foot "Half Tent" Shelter. Olive Drab, comes with 10 tent pins and 2- 3 section poles. Made from sturdy cotton duck. TWO shelter halves. Can be assembled in a classic "Pup" tent configuration.

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Texsport Camouflage Trail Tent Review

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(More customer reviews)Okay, let's be honest. This tent is 25 bucks. You're not getting a Eureka, or a Marmot, or a Big Agnes or Sierra Designs or anything else that is $100-$300 dollars. It's not for mountaineering or winter camping, and it's not going to hold up in a serious thunderstorm. But for 25 bucks, it's probably the best thing on the market for the casual outdoorsman or backpacker on a tiny budget.
I bought mine for short overnight hikes and backyard camping to introduce my sons to the outdoors. The design is based on your typical military pup tent, or the Marine Corps' boot camp version of two ponchos snapped together and pitched over two end poles. But this is a bit better since it actually zips up and the ends aren't open.
I was actually surprised with the tent's durability and overall performance. C'mon, I bought it at a big-box store for dirt cheap. How long should I expect it to last? I was thinking one season at most. Instead I've had this little guy for 5 years. Used it a handful of times each summer and have never really had any problems with it. It worked great for a cross-country motorcycle trip. It was small and lightweight enough to strap across the top of my sissy bar bag without changing the ride dynamic at all. Kept me dry through some sprinkles and cool nights in the Appalachians.
The floor is made out of the same material as your standard blue tarp, but it's OD green. And the tent is made out of material like a windbreaker, but with a slightly rubbery feel to it, but not quite as heavy as a military poncho. It's very water resistant and will keep you dry from dew and a light shower, but it's not a heavy duty waterproof tent. I've never had water leak through the floor, and condensation is moderate inside. If you keep the flaps open on the back window, and leave the front door partway open (screened) it vents decently.
If you've never pitched a pup tent, it may take you an hour the first time. But if you've ever been in the military or boy scouts, you'll be able to set this up in the dark in less than 5 minutes. If you keep your guy lines pre-tied on the sides of the tent, and looped for the main poles, you can set this up blindfolded.
Another recommendation is to replace the tiny black wire stakes with some lightweight but heavy duty aluminum or titanium stakes (get them from Coghlan's or MSR). This isn't critical, but it will make it much easier to pitch and tear down. And replace the factory guy lines with some 550-cord. Spray the tent down with some waterproofing from your local camping store, and head out on the trail.
Best for: backyard, weekend camping, casual outdoorsman, teaching your kids & entry level campers, people on a Wal-Mart budget.

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Easy to set up camo tent.

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Texsport Steel Collapsible Cot Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We just got back from a 3-night camping trip where each of our kids used one of these cots.
In general, they're a pretty good product. Reasonably comfortable if you're kid-sized - but I can't recommend them for adults unless weight or size is a bigger priority for you than comfort. Assembly is straight forward and they are light and very small - which is good for packing, but not so good for a grown man to sleep on. The legs are thin and not very "tent friendly" and, while quality is acceptable, I don't consider then to be very sturdy. Time will tell, and what do you expect for a $19 cot anyway ?
Two pieces of friendly advice: First, assemble them at least once at home before you go camping - and lay on them for awhile. This will stretch the fabric a bit so that it's not so tough stretching it over the poles when you're at the campsite. (If you can't pull the tight fabric over the poles by hand, use a flat tent stake as a lever with the end of the assembled poles as the fulcrum and pull/stretch the fabric over the poles this way) Second, cut pieces from an old garden hose and slip them over the legs - this makes the legs much more "tent friendly".
The kids slept well on these cots, and they were inexpensive - so overall we're pretty satisfied with them.


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FEATURES72 x 24 x 6.5 h:1Sturdy metal frame and 4 spring steel legs:2Removable O.D. canvas cover:3Raised head for comfort:4Canvas carry/storage bag:5

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