My buddy is getting married and I would like to get him something special for camping. I'm torn between a tent and a truck rack. Right now, I'm leaning more towards the rack because he could use it for other things as well like hunting.

What is a good canoe rack for a 2018 F150? Are the bed racks better than the tailgate and roof racks? I've talked to him about a variety of gift options and he is fine with taking his bed cover off to use a canoe rack, but he would want it to haul 2 canoes. My price range is around $300.

As a backup option what is a good 4 man tent for $300?

For a tent you can get amazing 4 man tents for 300 dollars. REI is a good one that I have had for about 8 years now and still going strong. I would mostly look at sites like REI and Backcountry and look for deals.

Find a Yakima rack dealer and have someone help you. A 2-canoe rack for his truck would be a great gift. Don't forget the gunwale stops for the cross bars.

If he's starting at square one - no feet, no bars, etc., I don't think $300 gets it done for a Yakima or Thule setup.

Somewhat over budget but what the hey, my rack is a Vantech P300.

Clamps to rail top with 8 clamps, once setup for the truck it can be put on in 20 minutes taken off in 10. Aluminum and fairly light to carry. It is very secure and adjustable.
Vantech does sell a single rack that would work very well combined with a good roof rack.

$300 4 person tent, Tarus 4 Outfitter
Or a bit lighter but not as weather resistant, Merimac 4 Outfitter
I have an Extreme 3 Outfitter that I like a lot, the Outfitter versions bring heavier zippers Oxford HD floor and aluminum poles.

butthead

A tent seems a more appropriate "couples" gift. A nod toward the bride's comfort in their new life together and such.

If you want to get him a physical gift, then do that. If you are ok with getting him a gift card so he can add to it, then do that. It's possible he wants a rack but he would prefer one that is outside your budget, or has a feature that you did not anticipate.

What ever happened to a toaster oven or a crock pot?

Yeti cooler...even better filled with beer!

You can pick size to fit budget too.

Savage Voyageur: "What ever happened to a toaster oven or a crock pot? "

Or the giant sized wooden fork and spoon.

Rs130754: "

Savage Voyageur: "What ever happened to a toaster oven or a crock pot? "

Or the giant sized wooden fork and spoon.
"

My daughter just got engaged last weekend... I'm sure someone will ask about gift ideas for her.

My wife wanted to put a circular saw on our gift registry but we didn't wind up having one. I think that was before hardware and tool stores had registries.

We did give a tent to our nephew and his wife. They loved it and we liked helping them spend more time camping.

Besides helping out with the wedding, we gave my daughter and son-in-law a canoe.

Canoe42: "Besides helping out with the wedding, we gave my daughter and son-in-law a canoe.

"

What a great parent!

PS: Fantastic photo

Reading this thread is tempting me to get married all over again!

johndku: "Reading this thread is tempting me to get married all over again!"

Not me!

I'd go with the tent, and look at something like a kelty Gunnison 4, kelty trail logic tn4, or an REI half dome 4 plus. Some of those are a good deal right now on REI website and you could have a little money left over for some fun accessories.

Alternatively, get them two good sleeping pads.

OCDave: "

Canoe42: "Besides helping out with the wedding, we gave my daughter and son-in-law a canoe.

"

What a great parent!


PS: Fantastic photo"

Not sure why but nothing looks out of place in that photo!

Canoe42: "Besides helping out with the wedding, we gave my daughter and son-in-law a canoe.

"

Really amazing photos, Dave. Your daughter looks beautiful. Great shot! :)