John’s Army Surplus Store

These are just the small ones that are about the size of a quart of soda or something. I had some leftover from a recent camping trip and probably won’t need them until the next time I camp, probably in the Spring.

Really, they aren’t supposed to be stored indoors…They should be stored upright in an unheated ventilated area away from other chemicals and fuels.

That being said…I’ve worked in the propane industry for 20 years and I’ve got two of them in my basement! As long as you don’t have 20 of them and you don’t put them beside the furnace or gas water heater you should be fine. Just make sure you keep them dry and upright…

I am taking my family camping in a few weeks. What kind of camping equipment do I need?

I have a small list of what I have so far:

1. Tent
2. Sleeping bags
3. plates and silverware
4. food (but what kind?)

bug spray, sunscreen, clothes warm and cold it often gets cold at night depending on where you are.

Ponchos in case it rains, fishing poles, pots and pans how do you plan to cook? on the open fire on a grill? on a camp stove?
You might need charcoal, firewood, Propane depending on what and how you plan to cook.

Toilet paper, air matresses and pump,paper towels, hot dogs are a easy meal. Cooler with drinks and water.

It all depends how much you want to rough it.

Oh and don’t forget trash bags.

I am looking for suppliers of things like compasses, lightweight camping stoves, utensils etc. I have spent DAYS trawling the internet but all I can find are wholesaler ‘directories’ which turn out to be scams, and lists of wholesalers with none selling camping/walking equipment. I have also tried Yellow Pages and trade magazines, but to no avail. I know these wholesalers must exist and any help in finding them would be much appreciated.

Thanks

You can do online research and evaluate the possible suppliers of walking/camping in UK or try http://www.hellotrade.com/proteam/ a wholesale suppliers of all kinds of camping products.

I’d like to take my family of six camping this summer but we have no equipment whatsoever, does anyone know where I could find some reasonably priced, even used camping equipment online or in the detroit metro area?

I have to agree with all the "yard sale" suggestions, you can get some great buys at them.

If you do decide to purchase a used tent, insist that it be set up before paying for it! Be certain that all of the poles, stakes,and rain fly are there. Check it over very carefully for rips, tears and any defective zippers.

If you go with a new tent, please stay away from "store brands" it at all possible. Most are not bad for the occasional camper but, if you plan on camping quite often, buy a well know brand even if you have to buy a discontinued model. (Older models mean markdowns which mean bargin for the shopper!)

I would never consider buying a used sleeping bag! Store brand sleeping bags start around the $15 mark and are adequate for summer camping on a budget.

Used propane stoves can be found at yard sales, at times. Have the owner show you how it works and that it does indeed work properly. To save a few $$, you could consider cooking over a campfire or hot coals. It is a romantic and rustic notion but it is dirty, time consuming and frustrating at times. Better to stick with a stove for your first camping trip with the family so that all goes smoothly and they will want to do it again!

Coolers can also be located at yard sales, just check to be certain the drain plug is not missing or broken, along with handles and hinges.

Cookware can be simply your older pots and pans from how. Same goes with flashlights for night time trips to the bathhouse.

If you are not positive your family will enjoy camping, have you considered renting some of the gear instead of purchasing? There are two REI stores in the Detroit area that rent tents, stoves, sleeping bags and pads. No idea of the cost but may be something you would want to consider and check into.