Lots of great input so far. I agree with Ken that if your boys are interested in the outdoors, they might benefit from checking out their local Scout Troop. Still, you guys can all go family camping out of the trunk and have a great time.

I have some pretty high end stuff that I use now, particularly when we are backpacking. For car camping, however, I think some of the names mentioned for tents, like Eureka and Coleman are fine. I have always thought that the Coleman tents are good bang for the buck, as are the Eureka's. Near us, is a Coleman outlet store, where we can get last year's models of tents, backpacks, stoves, sleeping bags, etc. It's a good way to go. Kind of like buying a leftover 2006 car that's still on the lot when the 2007's came out, you get a great deal, and it's still brand new. Campmor offers deals like that online for last year's models.

If your boys are in Scouting already, you should know that you can get a fantastic discount by using a code for the Scouts on Coleman's website. Your Scoutmaster should have that info. When we go to the outlet, we show our Boy Scout card and get a nice discount that way too.

To make the adults comfortable, knowing that you're not going to be carrying any of this stuff, I would skip right past the self inflating pad and get a folding cot. It will make all the difference. Now, you can't take that backpacking. The Thermarest Prolite 3 is what I take when we're backpacking. I think you're a ways away from that. If you want your wife to get a good night's sleep, try a folding cot that has a foam pad.

Sleeping bags are going to depend on the temperatures you need to cover. Again, the mummy bags are great for cold weather, and backpacking, but, you might just want a rectangular bag for summer type camping so you have room to move. I'd go with synthetic, down is great, but, you need experience.

As I type this, I'm thinking that this is the opposite of what I tell the boys in my troop, when we're going light and fast. Still, I think for you to have some success and comfort early, the odds are better that you're going to stay with it and have fun!

It is about fun. It will recharge your batteries. Good Luck!