Memorial Day Camping at Joshua Tree

This Memorial Weekend we are heading to the desert for some much needed outdoor time.  Joshua Tree National Park here we come!

Joshua Tree National Park
11/2009

I'm especially excited to break out our new gear.  Since our last camping trip in Palomar which was mostly simplistic, we've acquired quite a few more cool gear.  Yes, I am one of those "campers."

Our original tent was a rather small 2 seater given to us by our good friends Jill and Carl (thanks Guys!)  We since then have outgrown our small outdoor abode.  We'll still use it for short trips to the beach and parks because it's super compact, lightweight, and somewhat easy to assemble.

Our latest addition to our camp gear collection is the Coleman® 9-Person Instant Tent.  Our decision to purchase this mega beauty was solely monetary driven, plus the fact that my brother's similar 8-Person Instant Tent blew our minds when he brought in during our last trip.  

Being the slick deal King my husband is known for, he came across a deal we couldn't possibly pass up.  The particular tent retails for $190.  HOWEVER, Target had a blowout sale and listed this one for $99.  Yes  NINETY NINE DOLLARS!!!  We called around to about seven different Targets in which ONE of the store agreed to hold the item for us to pick up.  We quick drove 7 miles to the store, walked quickly to customer service, paid for it, and got out of there so fast in case they realized they'd made a mistake on the pricing :)

This baby is said to fit 2 queen air beds. It's a little much room for the two of us, but perfect to share with roomies or when we have little chitlins :)

I'm interested in seeing if it lives up to the advertised 3 minute set up time.  I'm sure I'll make a video demonstration of us setting up the tent.

Here are a few more of our comfort camping gear I'm eager to test out:

Grizzly 2-person 0-degree Canvas Sleeping Bag.  I've tested this bag out in my living room and let me tell you, it's waaaaay more comfortable than my bed comforters!  Some of it's features listed are double layer offet quilitng , soft flannel liner, stuffed with Grizzly's proprietary Hyperloft Insulation, zippers on both sides for ease of exit, and of course - double wide for the snuggle bunny for those cold zero degree nights :)

Retails:  $219.00
Paid $157.49

This Coleman 15x13 Instant Screened Shelter was my personal wish.  I don't much care to get baked in the sun, especially in the desert.  After (not) much convincing, the Husband agreed that this would be a good investment.  

This shelter features built in in screens, telescope poles frames for super easy set up (which I will verify), provides 195 square feet of shade and 2 entry/exit doors.

Retails:  $155.00
Paid:  $136.34

Chromalit 3D Super Bright White LED Lantern

Last time I camped, I didn't have a portable light.  Needless to say, those midnight nature calls were not very pleasant.  

I researched different portable lantern and this was the one I ultimately chose.  Not only is this lantern super bright on it's max setting, the battery life is a big seller for me.  Lasting up to 200 hour on the low setting, it's still pretty darn bright.  I appreciate the handle which makes it easy to hang from my tent ceiling.  

Darkness I fear no more!

Weber Q Portable Grill

Can I say BEST PURCHASE EVER!  We've taken this grill pretty much to all our outdoor events and grilling has never been more fun!  It's so portable and easy to use.  Not to mention it grills very well.  I am a lover of all things grilled and would use this for all of our meals if I could.

It runs on a 16.4 LP cylinder, but for maximum grilling we use it with a 14.1 oz propane tank.  It's features a porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grate, push-button ignition, adjustable burner valve, and fairly lightweight.

Coleman Perfect Flow 1- Burner Stove

Because we have a Weber Grill, I wanted to have this portable stove to boil water for morning coffee and evening hot mocha :)

Intex Deluxe Pillow Rest Raised Air Bed

I don't mind so much sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag.  But, I do mind the every ground movement from foot steps of anything, humans or animals, in the pitch dark middle of nowhere.

Besides, what good would I be the next day with a sore back?  As I said goodbye to that, I now have the comfort and portability of this queen airbed.  I have to admit it's pretty comfortable to sleep on, even at home.  

Please check back as I will update you on the products after this weekend.  I hope that you've enjoyed this post and was able to extract some ideas for your next camping trip.  I love the outdoors, but I love it even more in comfort :)

Cheers!