Enjoy Fall in a Kodiak Tent

Hi guys, We live in the Sierra Nevada foothills, right next door to Tahoe National Forest, so we feel like we are camping all year 'round!
Except, this Fall we were expecting an unusual number of visitors and were running out of room in the house. So, we used our tent as a cool "glamping" guest-room, by attaching it to our back deck.
I slipped 3/4" galvanized pipe through the front and rear peg-loops, then secured the pipe (rather than the loops) with pipe strapping (3 per side) and 1-1/2" deck screws.
Finally, we pimped out the tent with a cot, air mattress, end table, and a surge-strip to power the lamp, space-heater, and cellphone charging station.
Even our adult kids loved falling asleep under the stars and waking up to the fall colors surrounding the property.
As long as you don't mind a few holes in your deck (easy to patch once you take down the tent, anyway) -- this is both cheaper and easier on marital harmony than a new room addition -- and much more fun for guests!!!

Jeff K

Visit www.FamilyTentCamping.com for gear,& camping resources

Fall.. A Great Time for Camping

Can you smell it? The crispness in the air, caramel apples, pumpkin pies, warm cider. Just imagine waking up in the outdoors, the smell of the campfire, bundled up snuggling close with the kiddos and your hands wrapped around a hot cup of Joe. It's that beautiful season of fall, perfect time to pitch that tent or crank out that camper for a few last runs before the winter. If you have been sad faced about being stuck indoors for the winter here are a few good reasons you can use to say out a bit longer :)

SAVING MONEY: There's a good place to start, right? Since popular camping holidays have subsided and the summer rush is over, campground rates are cheaper since they aren't in such high demand. Scoot on out and get the best spot!

FAMILY FESTIVITIES: Why not enjoy the perks of fall where it really feels like fall, outside! Buy a few pumpkins for carving or painting with the kids, apples for making homemade carmel apples, see below for a apple cider recipe you can make over the campfire!

WEATHER: Who doesn't love relaxing in a hoodie and eating s'mores next to the campfire! You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the fall leaves changing color with the added bonus of no bugs! When I was camping as a child I remember going on hikes in the fall and trying to step on the fallen leaves because I loved the sound of them crackling under my feet.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: There are less crowds, still great fishing, and it won't be so hot out so you can enjoy sleeping in your tent everyone cuddled up next to each other. Camping is such a great way to make memories that last, get the most out of the season!

Apple Cider Recipe:
1 gallon apple cider
2 apples
2 oranges
2 apple cinnamon tea bags
1 Campfire pot

You will need 1 gallon of apple cider (NOT apple juice), add 2 tart, firm apples, thinly sliced, 2 oranges also thinly sliced and 2 apple cinnamon tea bags. Place all in a campfire-suitable pot with a lid and allow to simmer for about an hour or so (or longer if you like a stronger flavor).

* Don't forget to apply a small amount of dish soap on the outside of pot for easy clean up.
Find Fall camping gear for the family www.FamilyTentCamping.com

Tips for Fall Camping in your OzTent

Camping in the Fall is a great time of year to enjoy the outdoors without the crowds and pesky flying insects, especially the Mosquitoes! Although the OzTent is easy to set up and pack away, here are a few tips to consider after your OzTent is set up and "Ready" for camping, if you normally enjoy sleeping on the ground, here is a way to minimize the damp cool ground from radiating through the floor, you can use a sleeping pad, or a large matted moving blanket to create a barrier of protection between you and the ground. If your like me, sleeping on the ground days are over, or for the comfort you choose to sleep on a camp cot it really makes a difference! The moving blanket when spread out on the floor not only provides additional padding when used with the sleeping pad but also to provide floor protection from the cot feet when resting on the blanket. Utilizing the rain fly prevents condensation build up inside the walls of the tent when the outside temps drop lower than the temperature inside the sleeping area. Keeping all the windows and front door zipped closed will help to retain the warmth inside, with the exception of the upper windows above the door which should be rolled up for controlled ventilation. Most importantly when choosing a sleeping bag that is rated properly for the outside temperatures. If you have discovered additional ways to camp comfortably inside your OzTent make sure to drop us a line to share with other OzTent lovers!

Fall Camping Tip: Packing for your Trip

Packing Clothes: Pack layered clothing. The Fall season can be unpredictable,it may be cold and sometimes it may be warm enough to sweat. So, make clothing arrangements for both the seasons. Pack some t-shirts and light jackets & lightweight clothing.
T-shirts add comfort for the camper and make him feel cool if the atmosphere is hot. jackets provide warmth if temperatures drop and can be removed or added easily.
Each layer has a function. The base layer (against your skin) manages moisture; the insulating layer protects you from the cold; the shell layer (outer layer) shields you from wind and rain. You simply add or subtract layers as needed.

Different terrains: Be prepared for different terrains, the atmosphere can at once become dry and some times it may even shower. So, if you are camping in this season pack shoes suitable for both terrains. Tennis shoes and boots will be very useful in the fall camping.

Fluids: You cannot predict the climate, so carry a mixture of hot and cold water. The day is hotter and the nights are cold. So, pack water and cool drinks for the day climate and pack coffee, hot chocolate and tea for the night.

The combination of these liquids will help the camper to get along the unexpected changes in the climate.

Sleeping Gear: Make sure to bring a Sleeping Bag that will maintain your body heat, by sleeping on a camping cot or foam sleeping mat to provide a barrier of insulation between you and the cold ground.

Activities: Take both indoor and outdoor activities in fall camping. If its cold outside, you can play indoor games, if the climate is in normal conditions you can play outdoor games.

Camping in the Fall is a great time to enjoy the great outdoors in all it's beautiful surroundings, be prepared and capture the coolest season for camping. Visit our Camping Store for all your Fall Camping needs.