(Part 2) Best camping shelters according to redditors

I've tried those, but have had...less-than desirable results. Apparently I lack the sort of coordination needed to use one without peeing all over myself. 😆

So I did the next best thing and created my very own Whiz Palace! It's essentially a large bucket with a toilet seat on top; I secure a small trash bag inside and fill with cedar shavings (like you'd put in a small pet cage), to mitigate any noise or smell. The toilet is then placed inside a pop-up shower tent and voila! I also include toilet paper and other accouterments. I change the bag and cedar daily. It's not pretty, but it beats the heck out of stumbling to a porta-potty at 5am.

I highly recommend a sportbrella. You can use it as a standard beach umbrella or use it as a beach shelter. We live near the beach in Florida and it's easily the best shelter/tent/umbrella we've bought. It's good for camping and sporting events also.

If your grandmother can't take the sun, I'd bring something just in case. It gives you the freedom to not have to worry about sticking to rentals. You can go set up wherever you want.

Its not a full tent. There's no "4th wall". Really just a piece of cloth resting on a bent tent pole instead of an umbrella on a center pole.

https://www.amazon.com/FMH-POP-UP-Beach-Tent-Water-Resistant/dp/B07RXG8N3J

I would bring a mix of swimmers and regular diapers if you plan on actually swimming. No idea how little your baby is, but pack snacks and milk if needed. Three bottles is good, that way if they work up an appetite you’ll have at least one for the ride home. Apply apply apply sunscreen. I’d bring a portable changing mat. two towels for little one in case you want to go swimming then sand castle building afterwards.

Depending on how long you want to stay, you can bring lunch for the grownups. We bring a cooler with subway, chips, cut veggies and watermelon. Easy picnic food. My family doesn’t do chairs because that’s one more thing to pack, but we do have a neat blanket that sand slips through.

For a teeny one I’d grab one of these So jealous I wish I had this like five years ago I’m sure you can find one locally, too.

After that, grab whatever life vest you’d use Here’s the USCG recommendation list

Also a bucket and shovel or two, because sandcastles are required.

Oh oh! Keep a bottle of dollar store baby powder in the car for after you’re done. Dry sandy feet no more. Sparingly sprinkle on feet and sand comes right off! But feet have to be dry. Otherwise you make sand paste.

I think that’s everything.

I would seriously reconsider taking up any room for a shower in that small of a trailer and take your shower outside. The easiest way to do that is to heat your water and then use a garden pump sprayer. They sell small, very portable shower tents if you want privacy https://www.amazon.com/Ridge-Outdoor-Gear-Changing-Privacy/dp/B078QXYZDS?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1 Another way that would require a water tank, pump and propane is this on demand system. I've read that they are not good to use inside because of the carbon monoxide output, but I, personally don't think a 2 minute shower would put you in that much danger and you could rig up a vent. But mainly it's meant for outdoors. If you do have access to a faucet and water hose, you could connect it to a small propane tank. I like the idea. https://www.campchef.com/triton-10l-portable-water-heater.html

Clothes: 5 gallon buckets and a laundry plunger wand.

Or, if you are going to be driving for a while, this will work well if your shocks aren't the best and the road is bumpy... 5 gallon bucket, add clothes/water/soap/spiky drier ball thingies. Put a lid on the bucket and tighten it, put it in the back. Drive.

When you are done driving, rinse, spot check, wring, and then hang dry.

I have a piece of rope going across the van that I used when doing laundry.

Or you can use a laundry mat but that kind of kills the adventure.

Showering and bathing.

Highly love the solar shower bag by Coleman. You might want to get a pop up shower stand but you can totally bath in your vehicle. A tarp on the floor is helpful.

I took a lot of bucket baths too. Fill a small bucket with soapy water (not tons of soap) and wash up. Then rinse in fresh water. I think that bucket was a gallon bucket.

Wipes are helpful also. When we traveled a lot, some days were crotch and pit wash days since we couldn't shower. It happens. These made that easier for us.

Pale-ass ginger here. Every time I manage to get burned I avoid using aloe gel for as long as I can stand, because I just HATE the sticky feeling on my skin... but, it does help. :( Find one with lidocaine, even better. I'm going to the beach soon and I'm prepared with gallon-sized Ziploc full of various types of sunscreen, and this awesome beach tent to give me some shade to hide in when I'm not in the water. And also aloe gel for when all my precautions inevitably don't work and I turn into a rock lobster anyway.

Hope you feel better!!

The anti-beach umbrella is what I'll bring because..... ew, who wants to touch the dirty sand! And the germs in the air.... and... oh, my, god... what if the water gets too close!!!

Instead of breaking out into mass hysteria, this nifty little invention will be my shelter and ensure the nature cannot get in the way :)

Great contest! I would love to visit Oregon, it's not too hard for me to get up there (figure enjoy the scenic amtrak route) so it would be a little adventure.

Sure you're going to be getting a bunch of crazy enteries soon.... good luck keeping up!

xo

In many locales these days, being bitten by insects goes beyond mere discomfort, and can be a threat to health and even life. West Nile Virus, Dengue, Malaria, Lyme, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever — there are many good reasons to protect yourself from being bitten.

One option to reduce the number of bites is to burn several punk sticks in the hopes that the smoke will drive away most insects. Native American wilderness travelers would sometimes carry a smudge pot — a hanging pot, a moss bundle, or other container with smouldering material inside. One very good smoking repellent (and also calming and reportedly very healthy) is True Tinder Fungus, which easily takes a spark and smoulders. A fist-sized chunk may smoulder for an hour or more.

A more complete remedy is to use a bug net. Some versions can hang from branches or other supports. Other versions are free-standing. Ex 1 | Ex 2 | Ex 3

Other options include using repellent lotion or spray (the repellent pendants and bracelets apparently don't work well), and sitting in high, dry, windy spots. Some outdoorspeople wear permethrin-impregnated clothing, but then they are killing insects just by virtue of arriving in their area, maybe not the best thing for a caring meditator.

Pacific Breeze Tent
Really spacious and lightweight, easy to set up. Really holds up well when the infamous OBX winds kick up sand while you're chillin on the beach.

Definitely move him if you can.

You could put a net over an x-pen also, to make sure nothing can get in. https://www.amazon.com/EVEN-Naturals-MOSQUITO-California-Installation/dp/B014J3O32O/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=net+for+bed&qid=1562026504&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

I think it’s more about keeping them out of direct sunlight. For the beach we loved this pop up.

iCorer Automatic Pop Up Instant Portable Outdoors Quick Cabana Beach Tent Sun Shelter, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014G8K6YG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sZjxCbB7M1A4A

The best baby carrier. I tried so many. I love the Bjorn Miracle. It comes with so much back support. If I’m really having a bad day, I’ll wear an additional back brace under my clothes. My kids always NEED TO BE HELD! NOW! This carrier made that a bit easier!

Also, diaper backpacks are a lot easier for me then crossbody bags.

A small footstool to get baby out of crib when they get bigger. Leaning over the crib was hard for me.

A stadium chair like the one below. I can sit on the floor with my kids with the back support this gives. Love it!
https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000020281-Stadium-Seat/dp/B003399128/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Stadium+chair&qid=1562965712&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I love this sun shelter for the outdoors. Keeps me from overheating
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014G8K6YG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And this clip on fan is awesome. The charge lasts forever. I try to make myself as comfortable as possible when we leave the house for an adventure!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F3B6X3J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Have a question about any other items? Ask away!

My set up -

ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters - Sub7 Hammock, Lichen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TQZH9Q8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4sihzbF49WS5X

Snugpak Hammock Cocoon with Travelsoft Filling, Olive https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0167IYNLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Zrihzb6T8TFYN

Pro Force All Weather Shelter, Olive https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LZ9EEG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zsihzb89Y1Y40

Add some paracord, couple figure 9 carabiners and some climbing o-rings and your set. Relatively lightweight and affordable for what you're getting. Highly recommend this set up if you want to get into hammock camping.

We use this alps canopy during TW '15 because it was light weight. Do not recommend for groups larger than 3.

Canopy

Edit: buy longer stakes, it doesnt like the wind very much.

Awesome! Who do I pay or how does that all work? Do they do nightly walks and checks or something?

And could't I just stay in the morning and have a beach day using something like this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DRK72SK/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_2ALUBbE2Y8SEW

If you are as terrified of roaches as me, (I woke up to a HUGE one crawling on me once), then I suggest getting this to put on your bed. I travel with one now anytime I go somewhere that is known for the large roaches. https://www.amazon.com/SansBug-1-Person-Free-Standing-Pop-Up-Mosquito-Net/dp/B00FLXJSTK/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1524255176&sr=8-24&keywords=pop+up+mosquito+net+bed

Bring: a baby bathtub or pool (you can put water in it, or line it with towels and make it into a little lounge/sleep area), I've seen folks bringing a rock-n-play before also, Baby powder (it makes the sand fall off you, sprinkle lots on your feet/legs and watch the sand fall off! Also helps a sweaty, sticky baby), buy a little portable battery powered fan to blow on her while she sleeps. I can't think of much else that isn't standard beach stuff. We have a sport brella and to date it's the best beach item we have purchased and it's been used many times (we live in FL)

just a quick search brought up many choices with mosquito netting

https://www.amazon.com/SansBug-1-Person-Free-Standing-Pop-Up-Mosquito-Net/dp/B003BWF9WI/ref=asc_df_B003BWF9WI/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198072135009&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17416512349791161160&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019864&hvtargid=pla-347834670660&psc=1

Umbrellas are weak, go with a full beach tent if you really burn.

Anyone have experience with the Klymit Roamer tarp as a shelter? It is small and lacks center loops, but claims to be waterproof and is dirt cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/Klymit-Portable-Lightweight-Waterproof-Packable/dp/B07VTR2DJK

Shower Tent: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AT3SZ36/ref=ox_sc_act_title_10?smid=AA9QUDWBLIJKI&psc=1


Shower Head: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IFHFJXI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_22?smid=A2LM6ZPY06LT1N&psc=1

or you can go ahead and use a solar bag shower: https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000014865-5-Gallon-Solar-Shower/dp/B0009PUT20/ref=sr_1_10?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1550432756&sr=1-10&keywords=solar+bag+shower

How about a mosquito net canopy? I don't know how determined your kitty is to get to your office, but this might work. You could tack the edges down with some gaffer's tape maybe?

https://www.amazon.com/MOSQUITO-Openings-Rectangular-Protection-Repellent/dp/B014NT0QUW

It's also not unattractive. Not sure if that's an issue with you, but it wouldn't be claustrophobic like a portable shower/tent.

I suggest you plan for mosquitoes to be present. We used something similar to this to sit in during the evenings and were grateful to have it.

Try a mosquito bed canopy.

You'll need a few items:

Privacy Shelter 1
OR
Privacy Shelter 2

Solar Shower

I'd recommend being conservative with the water use to avoid mud, aside from that, you should be set!

Sansbug 2 person tent- 1 person tent was too small for me (6 ft, 190 lbs/86kg). Jus propped it on top of my mattress. Also got new (cheap) bed sheets from target so I don't risk transferring anything inside.

https://www.amazon.com/SANSBUG-2-Person-Mesh-Tent-Floor/dp/B00JS2W8EW

https://www.amazon.com/SANSBUG-2-Person-Mesh-Tent-Floor/dp/B00JS2W8EW/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1GN0Z01ECQAP8&keywords=sansbug+2+person&qid=1567542814&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=SANSBUG++2%2Csporting%2C132&sr=1-2

I purchased THIS I had the exact same one last year but didn't stake it down well enough and it was lost to coachella. The best thing about it is that it's super light and packs down to the size of a tiny duffel bag so it doesn't take up much room.

http://www.amazon.com/Snugpak-All-Weather-Shelter-Olive/dp/B001LZ9EEG/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1426255790&sr=1-3&keywords=ripstop+nylon+tarp

I'll just leave this here...