Sizing Up a Great Tent
Camping is one of the best ways to relieve stress and clear your head. That’s why it’s so important to purchase a tent that’s easy to use and provide worry-free protection.
Without doubt a good quality, dependable tent is the first stipulation 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 come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are compact, easy-to-carry two-person tents that assemble in moments, and there are huge family-size models with separate bedrooms and even lighting. What matter most is that the tent you choose is durable enough to keep you safe in the outdoors and sheltered in all types of weather.
There are many 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.
Remember to consider the transportation of your tent. If you’re looking at a massive, bulky tent that’ll take up the entire trunk of your car and leave no room for food and gear, keep shopping.
Size
Are you camping alone, or with your family? Are you packing along a lot of gear? Do you have pets that will need protection? These are all points that will come into play when choosing the size of your tent. You (and those sharing your space) will need room to sleep comfortably, stretch and move around. You’ll need to sit up or stand. While it is possible for a family of four to sleep in a four-person tent, you’ll all be more comfortable in a roomer six-person model. Two people will be comfortable in a small tent, but may need to store their belongings in a separate shelter.
Weight
If you’re hiking or portaging to your destination, you’ll have to give serious thought to the weight of your tent. Big canvas tents and ten-kilometer hikes just don’t mix. You’ll be carrying all of your gear and necessities, so you don’t want to be weighed down even more by a heavy tent. Choose a secure but lightweight model. On the other hand, if you’re driving to the campsite in a heavy-duty vehicle with lots of cargo room, then go crazy and bring a huge 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 select is certified waterproof. You might pay a tiny extra, but it will be worth each penny when the storm clouds begin brewing.
Ease of Assembly
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 easy 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.
Tents are not luxuries for the faint-hearted, or copouts for rookie campers. They’re necessary tools that satisfy the basic human need for shelter. Even the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts will agree, there’s no thrill in coming face to face with a forest critter at four a.m.