Sizing Up a Great Tent To Purchase
Getting back to nature can be a fun way to experience life. But finding out at 4 am that your tent can’t stand up to the elements is a lesson learned the hard way.
Camping in the wilderness requires the use of a good tent. There is nothing worse than deciding to “rough it”, only to find you’re exposed to rain and wind.
Camping tents can be as easy as a two-person pop up model, or an elaborate three-room family affair. What’s important is having a dependable tent that’ll save you from undue aggravation or danger.
There are lots of things to look for in finding the perfect tent to fit your needs. Think about 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 simple to assemble. If you’re not sure, ask an associate at a sporting goods store or outdoor outfitters.
Finally, be sure that the tent will fit in your automobile, while leaving room for all of your other gear.
Size it Up
Size most definitely matters when it comes to choosing a tent. Make sure that there’s enough room for you, and your fellow campers. Everyone needs to have space to stretch out and to move around. You might be using air mattresses, so keep that in mind when judging the depth. The tent must be high enough to stand up, or at least sit up. Manufacturers tend to overestimate the number of people that can sleep comfortably in a tent. So, while it is possible to cram four fully-grown adults into a four-person tent, you’ll all sleep superior in a six-person model. Similarly, a two-person tent might be able to hold two people, but they’re clothes and food will have to wait outside.
Weigh Your Options
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 several lightweight models available that provide comfort and security. If, on the other hand, you’ll be driving to your campsite in a car that can handle plenty of cargo, then go ahead and pack a huge tent.
Material
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 select is certified waterproof. You might pay a little extra, but it will be worth every penny when the storm clouds begin brewing.
Assembly Required
Ask to see the assembly instructions before you purchase the tent. Then, try assembling the tent at home before you leave on your camping trip. The tent you choose should be simple to assemble with few or new tools required. You’ll have a lot to do when you reach camp, and you don’t want to spend a lot of time fighting with a difficult tent. Camping is about resting and becoming one with nature, not stressing and struggling with a tent.
For many, camping is an activity that’s meant to be fun. However, you mustn’t lose sight of the fact that choosing a tent is serious business. Your tent must be comfortable and easy to use, while offering protection from inclement weather and curious wildlife.