Coleman Camping Gear: A Family Affair

When I hear the word Coleman, my mind naturally goes to a time as a kid in Texas camping adventures with my parents and family. This was the '70s and '80s for me although some of the gear was from the '60s.

Remembering Camping

I remember my dad taught me how to light a lantern on a Coleman lantern pumping up the pressure so the fuel would burn. I was a little help as we changed out the old burned-up mantles with fresh new Coleman mantles. And, yes, I may have singed my eyebrows a time or two.

Innovation (Don't try this at home)

We used a Coleman stove for camping, for sure, but we also used it to melt lead to make black powder balls for hunting with the black powder rifles we had made. We even used that stove to make a shot put from lead tire weights so I could practice between track meets. Coolers, sleeping bags, camp tables, rechargeable lanterns, and the list goes on.

My Family

When I had kids and we started camping, guess what? Yep, we bought Coleman gear at Walmart and went camping. I ran a Walmart store for 11 1/2 years and added more to my collection including a propane coffee maker that is still going strong. Much of that same gear is stowed in our pop-up trailer ready for our next adventure here in southwest Colorado.

Now

Now, two of the three kids are in college with one left at home. And this summer when we take the trailer out, we will use the same Coleman gear we have had for over 20 years now. It keeps going, so we keep using it.

Your Family

The purpose of writing this article is not really to push Coleman products. If I am pushing anything, I am pushing for you to take your family and camp. Create those memories like I have from when I was a kid and my kids have now. The brand is not really relevant. Swatting insects, lighting fires, and setting up camp in the rain are all great memories when you are doing it with your family.

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Coleman - A Brief History

The Coleman Company, Inc, a leading outdoor recreation brand, has a rich history marked by innovation and a commitment to providing high-quality products for outdoor enthusiasts:

• Founded by William Coffin Coleman in 1900 in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, the company initially focused on selling gasoline pressure lamps from his love of camping.
• In 1903, Coleman patented the Coleman Arc Lamp, revolutionizing outdoor lighting with its bright and portable design as a sign of innovation to come.
• The iconic Coleman lantern was introduced in the early 1920s, establishing the brand as the go-to choice for outdoor illumination.
• During World War II, Coleman produced portable stoves for the US military, which later evolved into the legendary Coleman camp stove which does confirm its utility in my opinion.
• The company expanded its product line to include tents, sleeping bags, coolers, and other camping equipment from the 1950s to the 1980s.
• Acquisitions such as Kampers Kitch'n camping trailers, Sevylor inflatable watercraft, and Stearns personal flotation devices contributed to Coleman's growth.
• Now part of Newell Brands, Coleman continues to innovate for tomorrow and maintain its position as a global leader in the outdoor recreation market though not all rights are exclusively held..

Is Coleman Camping Gear Any Good?

I have absolutely nothing against any other brand. In fact, I own brands like Columbia, North Face, Kelty, Eureka, MSR, and others for the specialties they offer in the respective categories for which I bought them. All are available to pickup at Amazon as well btw. Understand, this is not a comparison, though. For basic static camping (in a campsite, pop-up, or RV) though, I believe this is where Coleman shines. Good basic gear that gets the job done with about the least amount of cash investment possible is more than enough to make me content.

Over the next bit, we are going to discover some of the products that Coleman makes that fit the former statement perfectly. Absolutely do more research, and, look for sales. You just never know what you will find.

Coleman Tent

What we like

• Spacious design: The Coleman Evanston tent offers ample room for comfortable sleeping and storage, with options to accommodate 6 or 8 people, making it ideal for family camping trips or group outings.
• Screened porch: Featuring a separate screened porch area, the tent provides a bug-free space for relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoors, without sacrificing privacy or protection from the elements.
• WeatherTec system: Equipped with the patented WeatherTec system, the Coleman Evanston tent ensures campers stay dry and comfortable with its welded floors, inverted seams, and wind-resistant frame, providing enhanced protection against various weather conditions.

Coleman Sleeping Bag

What we like

1. Extra-spacious design: The Coleman Big Basin Sleeping Bag is designed to accommodate taller individuals comfortably, with a length of up to 6 feet 6 inches, providing ample space for unrestricted movement during sleep.
2. Temperature rating and insulation: This sleeping bag features a 15°F temperature rating, making it suitable for cold-weather camping. Its Coletherm® hollow polyester insulation ensures warmth and heat retention, keeping users cozy throughout the night.
3. Durable materials and construction: The Coleman Big Basin Sleeping Bag is made with a tough, ripstop-reinforced polyester outer shell and a soft, brushed polyester lining for comfort. Its full-length draft tube and Thermolock™ zipper system minimize heat loss, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep in various weather conditions.

Coleman Lantern

What we like

1. Dual-LED technology: The Coleman 390 Lumens Twin LED Lantern features two high-intensity LEDs, providing a powerful 390-lumen output with adjustable brightness settings, allowing users to customize the light output to their specific needs and conserve battery life.
2. Long runtime and battery life: Powered by 4 D-cell batteries, this lantern offers a runtime of up to 299 hours on its lowest setting, ensuring ample illumination for extended camping trips, outdoor adventures, or emergency situations.
3. Durable construction and weather resistance: Built with sturdy, impact-resistant housing, the Coleman LED Lantern is designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. The lantern also features a weather-resistant construction, making it suitable for use in various environments and weather conditions.

Coleman Stove

What we like

1. Dual-burner design: The Coleman Triton Propane Stove features two independently adjustable burners, offering a combined 22,000 BTUs of cooking power. This design allows for the simultaneous cooking of different dishes, saving time and making meal preparation more efficient while camping.
2. Wind Block™ panels: Equipped with Wind Block™ panels, the Triton Propane Stove shields the burners from wind, ensuring consistent flame and heat distribution even in windy conditions. These panels are adjustable, providing flexibility in accommodating various pan sizes.
3. Easy-to-use and portable: The Coleman Gas Camping Stove has a user-friendly design, with simple push-button ignition for matchless lighting and a compact, lightweight structure for easy transportation and storage. The stove is compatible with standard 16.4-ounce propane cylinders, making it convenient for use on various camping trips and outdoor adventures.

Coleman Table

What we like

1. Compact and portable design: The Coleman Pack-Away Portable Kitchen is designed for easy transportation and storage, featuring a collapsible aluminum frame that folds down into a compact size, making it an ideal solution for campers and outdoor enthusiasts who need a functional cooking and food prep space.
2. Multi-functional workspace: This portable kitchen includes a spacious countertop for food preparation, a side stand for a camping stove or cooler, and a lower wire shelf for additional storage. The kitchen also features hooks and a mesh shelf for utensils and cookware, ensuring all essentials are within reach during meal preparation.
3. Durable and stable construction: The Coleman Pack-Away Kitchen is made with heavy-duty, rust-resistant aluminum frame and MDF tabletop, providing a sturdy and reliable workspace. The adjustable legs and non-slip feet ensure stability on uneven terrain, making it suitable for various outdoor environments.

Coleman Coffee Maker

What we like

1. Propane-powered convenience: The Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker eliminates the need for electricity, making it perfect for campgrounds or off-grid locations, though you won't take this one backpacking. Powered by a standard 16.4-ounce propane cylinder, it can brew up to 10 cups of coffee, providing a familiar and enjoyable coffee experience even in remote settings.
2. Quick brewing time: The Coleman QuikPot features the PerfectFlow™ technology, which ensures consistent heat distribution and enables the coffee maker to brew a full pot in about 18 minutes. The built-in Instastart™ push-button ignition offers a matchless lighting experience, simplifying the brewing process.
3. Durable construction and easy cleanup: The coffee maker is built with a stainless steel carafe, ensuring durability and heat retention, while its removable dishwasher-safe filter basket and carafe simplify the cleaning process. The Coleman QuikPot Propane Coffee Maker is designed to withstand outdoor conditions and provide years of reliable service.

Coleman Cookware

What we like

1. Comprehensive cookware set: The Coleman Family Cook Set includes various cooking essentials, such as a 2.5-quart saucepan, a 6.9-quart stockpot with lid, a 10-inch frying pan, and a detachable handle, providing a versatile solution for preparing and serving meals during family camping trips.
2. Durable and non-stick construction: The cookware in this set is made of high-quality, heavy-duty steel with a non-stick coating, ensuring durability and ease of use. The non-stick surface allows for easy food release and makes cleanup a breeze, allowing campers to spend more time enjoying their outdoor adventures.
3. Space-saving design: The Coleman Family Cook Set features a nesting design, allowing the pots and pans to fit inside each other for compact storage and transportation. The detachable handle can be used with both the saucepan and the frying pan, further reducing the space required to pack and store the set.

Coleman Cooler

What we like

1. Large storage capacity: The Coleman 316 Series 100 qt Cooler offers a generous storage capacity of 100 quarts, allowing users to store up to 160 cans, making it ideal for large gatherings, extended camping trips, or outdoor events where ample food and beverages need to be kept cold.
2. Enhanced insulation and ice retention: The cooler features Coleman's Xtreme® technology, which incorporates an insulated lid and extra insulation in the walls, providing up to 5 days of ice retention at temperatures up to 90°F. This ensures that contents stay cold and fresh for longer durations.
3. Mobility and convenience: Designed with heavy-duty wheels and a comfortable tow handle, the Coleman 316 Series 100 qt Cooler is easy to transport, even when fully loaded. The cooler also includes two-way handles for easy lifting and carrying, a leak-resistant drain for effortless draining of melted ice, and a built-in cup holder on the lid for added convenience.

Coleman Utensils

What we like

1. Complete dining set: The Coleman Stainless Steel Flatware Set with Plastic Handles includes a 12-piece assortment of dining essentials, featuring four of knives, forks, and spoons, making it suitable for family camping trips, picnics, or other outdoor dining experiences.
2. Durable materials and construction: The flatware is made from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. The easy-grip plastic handles provide a comfortable grip and are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, providing reliable performance for years to come.
3. Easy storage and transportation: The Coleman 12-piece flatware set comes with a compact roll-up storage pouch, allowing for convenient organization and transportation of the utensils. The pouch's compact size and lightweight design make it easy to store in a backpack or camping gear, ensuring your dining essentials are always within reach.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. That is enough Coleman camping gear to get you started camping. There is more of course, but again, that is not really the point here. You can find more tents, coolers and even beds if you look.

I hope I have given you enough of the memories from my past, maybe even brought up some of yours, to excite you to go out and make them with your family. If you got value from this article, please consider subscribing so you don't miss out on more information about adventures all over the USA!

~ Ron