Tents: Top Tips

Shelter is not a luxury; it's a basic necessity of life. So it makes no sense to leave for an overnight camping trip without providing yourself with a dependable source of shelter.

Without doubt a good quality, dependable tent is the first requirement of wilderness camping. After all, "roughing it" doesn't necessarily mean going face to face with the elements when you're far away fro home.

Tents needn't be fancy, or expensive. They can be as simple as small, two-person pup tents, or as extravagant as full-size family models with three rooms and lighting. All that really matters is that the tent is durable and dependable enough to protect you from nature's elements.

There are lots of things to look for in finding the perfect tent to fit your needs. Consider the shape of the tent, along with the weight, types of poles and setup time. If camping alone, be sure to choose a model that's easy to assemble. If you're not sure, ask an associate at a sporting goods store or outdoor outfitters.

It's also important to make sure that the tent is easy to transport. Don't forget, you'll need to pack the tent in your car and leave room for all of your gear.

Size Matters

Your tent will be your 'home away from home', so size is a very important issue. Make sure that you, and your fellow campers, will all have ample room. Everyone needs to have enough space to sleep, stretch and move around. If using air mattresses, factor in the area they cover. Make sure that you can stand, or at least sit up. You can easily fit four full-grown adults into a four-person tent, but they'll be much more comfortable in a six-person model. By the same token, you and your partner can sleep in a small two-man tent, but you'll need to find somewhere else to stow your clothes and food.

Weight

If you're headed to a remote location and will be hiking or portaging to camp, you simply can't take along a heavy tent. A large canvas tent has no business going along on a ten-mile hike. You'll also be bringing all of your clothes, gear and food, so the last thing you need is to be weighed down even more by your tent. There are many lightweight models available that provide comfort and security. If, on the other hand, you'll be driving to your campsite in a vehicle that can handle plenty of cargo, then go ahead and pack a big tent.

Material Matters

Most of today's modern tents are manufactured with lightweight nylon or taffeta. These are strong, durable materials that can stand up to all types of weather. Be sure that the tent you choose is certified waterproof. You may pay a little extra, but it will be worth every penny when the storm clouds start brewing.

Assembly

Before you buy the tent, ask to see the assembly instructions. It's also important to try assembling the tent in your backyard before you leave home. Your tent must be easy to assemble using just a few (or no) tools. You're going camping to relax, and there's no point in stressing out with a tent that's hard to assemble.

Tents are not luxuries for the faint-hearted, or copouts for rookie campers. They are necessary tools that satisfy the basic human need for shelter. Even the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts will agree, there is no thrill in coming face to face with a forest critter at four a.m.

Article Source: http://www.christiannotepad.com

Writer Bud Sayce is a columnist for several web-based zines, on internet hobby and sports recreation topics, among others.
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