Camping Tables: What Should You Look For?

If you've ever used one for any length of time, you know how important quality is when choosing a camping table for your camping gear or for your tailgate party set-up. There are many "cheap" (and yes, I mean that in every sense of the word) materials out there, with folding metal and webbing.

I prefer wood and canvas because I can see the quality and more importantly, if something DOES break years down the road, I can repair it much easier. You need quality workmanship and materials, especially if you don't want to be shelling out money every camping or tailgate season.

Personally, I also look for something that is made in the USA. I understand that inexpensive imports sell well, but I can not in good conscience recommend something that is not made well. Wood is sustainable and eco-friendly.

What to Look For In A Folding Table.

Functionality, and dependability are important. Make sure your choice is made from quality wood. Metal is ok but lets face it, it just doesn't give that same "feel" when you sit down to relax for the evening.

Lower to the ground designed camping tables make for great side tables for beach camping, when sitting around your campsite or next to the grill in the College stadium lot. This type of sturdy construction and compact storage size is what you should be looking for. A camping table needs versatility and a weight of less than 14 lbs is ideal or else you will feel like you are carrying luggage around with you.

Quality Materials. It is important choose one with very good quality. What good does it do to buy a new one every other year? That great "clearance sale" at wally world may have looked like a deal. But you are wasting your money if it breaks with in 18 months, which in my experience, is usually what happens, especially with the cheaper "imports".

Look at the joinery of your prospective selections. Does it look "cheap"? Trust your instincts... you can tell. Make sure the materials are high quality. This is why I shy away from those wally specials. I just have no way of knowing if the materials used in the manufacturing process is any good.

Canvas holds up much better than any web type material that I have ever used. It just doesn't tear unless it is really old. Sustainability is much better with canvas. It is easily repaired.

Portability. Look for a table that folds up into a convenient size that is store-able in your RV, Truck, or travel trailer and can be set up quickly and easily.

When set up this table is 28" x 36" and 30" tall and the weight is 16lbs. This roll top camping table version is a good example of what to look for in a camping table. The legs unscrew and the table rolls up and is stored in it's own stuffsac. It is perfect for the beach, camp, RV, boat or backyard. Constructed using solid Ash hardwood and stainless steel hardware, this table is beautiful and built to last.

This type of sturdy construction and compact storage size is what you should be looking for. A camping table needs versatility and a weight of less than 14 lbs is ideal or else you will feel like you are carrying luggage around with you. Lower to the ground designed camping tables make for great side tables for beach camping, when sitting around your campsite or next to the grill in the College stadium lot.