KittySlayer
Grandmaster
So you have no experience and want to "camp" in your backyard. While you have gotten some good advice I would recommend going as cheap as possible, perhaps less than $100, based on the following assumptions:
Buy cheap now knowing that if you enjoy this and want to venture beyond the backyard you will be buying again and paying for better quality using advice in this thread. The cheap tent you buy today can become a play tent for the boys endless summer adventures in the backyard. IF your backyard adventures go well and you move on to car camping at state parks you will know what you like and what you don't like. You will also have a better idea of what size and features you want and if standing up is important to you.
If going with just blankets get yourself a couple of roll out sleeping pads. The pads real purpose is insulation from the heat sucking ground and comfort is a secondary benefit.
HAVE FUN! I had endless adventures in my backyard growing up while "camping" in a 1960's canvas pup tent made from two canvas halves. My son grew up sleeping in a tent on our summer vacations and my wife and I still sleep in a tent when we go on our adventures. We currently have an REI Half Dome that works great for the two of us although when I go solo I like to cowboy camp in a bivy bag.
If you and your boy(s) enjoy this and you really get into camping you will have some great bonding experiences and give your son some great memories and life experiences.
When you are ready to make the plunge for the whole family this will be important, although I recommend two tents (parent's tent and kids' tent)
VVV this thread VVV has a bunch of advice too:
https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/great-outdoors/384380-family-tent-help.html
- You will plan to camp in good weather and cancel plans based on the forecast.
- If the weather gets bad, the tent leaks, it gets cold, you will bail and go into the house.
- Your son(s) are young so it is more about the experience of hanging out with dad than camping.
- Sounds like a Dad idea with future plans to try and rope your wife into your new found hobby.
Buy cheap now knowing that if you enjoy this and want to venture beyond the backyard you will be buying again and paying for better quality using advice in this thread. The cheap tent you buy today can become a play tent for the boys endless summer adventures in the backyard. IF your backyard adventures go well and you move on to car camping at state parks you will know what you like and what you don't like. You will also have a better idea of what size and features you want and if standing up is important to you.
If going with just blankets get yourself a couple of roll out sleeping pads. The pads real purpose is insulation from the heat sucking ground and comfort is a secondary benefit.
HAVE FUN! I had endless adventures in my backyard growing up while "camping" in a 1960's canvas pup tent made from two canvas halves. My son grew up sleeping in a tent on our summer vacations and my wife and I still sleep in a tent when we go on our adventures. We currently have an REI Half Dome that works great for the two of us although when I go solo I like to cowboy camp in a bivy bag.
If you and your boy(s) enjoy this and you really get into camping you will have some great bonding experiences and give your son some great memories and life experiences.
^^^This^^^Get a tent that is rated for twice the number of persons that will occupy it.
When you are ready to make the plunge for the whole family this will be important, although I recommend two tents (parent's tent and kids' tent)
VVV this thread VVV has a bunch of advice too:
https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/great-outdoors/384380-family-tent-help.html