If you only go once a year, try Walmart for a tent. We picked up an 8 person Eureka tent there that was inexpensive, and we have had it for years. The most important thing to do is to wash it and hang it to dry thoroughly when you are done, and fold it loosely to put it away, dont store it in the bag. The cheaper tents won't keep you as dry but for downpours we bring along some large tarps to cover the tents more thoroughly. The more important thing is to find a campsite with good drainage. No tent does well in my opinion when there is standing water under it. We also put down a tarp before putting down the tent. The pups are gonna love going with you!

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My husband and adult son are camping this weekend. The go several hours north of here and love it when it is cold. Lows tonights in the mid 30s, high tomorrow is the lower 60s. They take my son's dog, and his girlfriend's dog is there this weekend (he won't eat unless my son's dog is there too).

A 4 person tent, gas stove, firewood for the campfire, quiet generator (we bought it last Christmas for 400 off regular price), ice chests full of food and water. This time they took the portable Dish setup and our kitchen flatscreen so they can watch football tomorrow.

Scally is a shorthaired mix, so they set her crate on top of an old U-haul blanket and cover the crate with a second one (they are cheap to buy and we use them constantly). She is quite happy. Reeses is a Bernie and doesn't crate well (destroys them in nothing flat), so he sleeps on anothe U-haul blanket. Both dogs are in the tent for their safety as it is bear country.

They have gotten 99% of their stuff from REI. The equipment is lightweight (for hiking into the camp spots) and very durable. It took a couple of years to assemble everything.

+1 on REI! Great place to shop for outdoor gear. We are lucky to have a store nearby. The house brand stuff is a great value.

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