Tent Guide
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Tents are some of the earliest forms of shelter. Tents range in size from one person tents to tents that can accommodate thousands of people. The advantages of tents for shelter are they are portable and can be erected quickly in almost any location. In their simplest form they consist of a sheet of fabric hung over a supporting rope. From this simple beginning they can become elaborate with doors, floors, lighting and cooling systems.
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Smaller recreational tents can be carried by backpackers and cyclists. Larger recreational tents are carried by auto or RV. When purchasing a recreational tent consider how it will be used. Will you need to carry it while hiking or will you be able drive to your campsite? How many propel will the tent need accommodate? It is advisable to purchase a tent that will accommodate at least one more person than suggested by the manufacturer so there will be room for storage. Sometime it is practical to have a second tent used exclusively for storage of equipment and supplies.
Tents usually consist of a rain fly used to protect the tent from moisture. In addition to the main living/sleeping area some tents may have a vestibule (a covered section between the outer opening and inner opening of a tent) located outside the main entrance to the tent. The vestibule is usually used for storage. Stakes are used to anchor the tent to the ground and also are used with guy ropes to maintain the stability of the tent. A groundsheet or tarp is always a good idea to protect the bottom of the tent from debris and moisture.
Today there are almost as many different designs of tents as there are campers. Tent manufacturers are designing more sophisticated tents with excellent ventilation systems to keep air circulating, keep the tent anchored in extreme weather conditions and all around keep you more comfortable. There are also numerous accessories that can be added like attics and pockets for extra storage. Above all when purchasing a tent go for the tent that is the most simple to set up and still get the right tent for the right conditions. The three most important considerations in buying a tent are; adequate space, ventilation and will the tent keep out moisture. Tents are generally rated as 3-season, 4-season and all-season. The less time spent setting up your campsite means more time to enjoy outdoor activities.
Types of Tents
- Pup Tents
- Tunnel Tents
- Dome Tents
- Bivy Tents
- Hybrid Tents
- Pop-Up Tent
- Geodesic
- Single-Hoop Tents
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Tent Designs
- Cabin Tent
A cabin tent is shaped like a cabin. It has vertical walls with good headroom and has a lot of room for people and gear. A cabin tent is ideal for families. Use a cabin tent when you need a lot of room and don't have to carry it to your campsite. A cabin tent can be heavy and does not work well in windy conditions.
Cabin tents come in many different colors, styles and shapes and vary greatly in price. Cabin tents are generally made from one of three types of material. Cabins tents are practical for family camping because they provide a large amount of floor space and added height. Cabin tents look like cabins. The walls are straight and can provide headroom up to 7'. Cabin tents are not suitable for backpackers or if the tent has to be carried a long distance to set up. Cabin tents also take longer to erect and usually will require more than one person. The extra effort is worth it if you plan an extended stay and plan to spend a good deal of time in your tent.
When considering the purchase of a cabin tent consider what type of weather conditions you a probably going to encounter. This will determine if you need to spend the extra money for a tent that can withstand extreme weather conditions or if you need a tent to provide good ventilation because of warm or hot weather. There are also several options and features that you may want to consider when purchasing your cabin tent. Some tents will have a partition so it can have more than one room. A very useful option is an awning which provides a nice out door space for sitting or having meals and can also be sued for storage. Some even come with a fully screened in room.
- Polyester Tents
Polyester tents have most of the features of nylon tents. A polyester tent is lightweight and resists water.
- Canvas Tents
Some consider the canvas tent to be the ultimate in tents. Canvas tents are sturdy and resist water in addition to providing good ventilation. The main drawback to a canvas tent is weight. Some tents will weigh 40 to 50 lbs.
- A-Frame Tent
An A-Frame tent is shaped the same as the name implies. It is generally a one or two person tent. It is light and easy to carry but does not offer much space and is best used just for sleeping.
- Dome Tent
The dome tent is probably the most widely used tent among backpackers and extreme campers. There are two types of dome tents, the half-dome and the geodesic dome. The dome tent is between the A-Frame Tent and the Cabin Tent. It provides a good amount of space but not the headroom of the cabin tent.
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Camping Trip Essentials
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Of course this list is just the bare minimum you will want to bring with you. There are many accessories that will make your camping trip more enjoyable, such as folding travel chairs & table, sleeping bags and pillows, books, toys, games etc.