|
Tents
There's no one-size-fits-all.
Here are the basics you need to know to get started on the right foot.
| |
|
|
|
There seem to be a million different tent and shelter options these days for campers. Tent industry know-how has matured enough that most tents are relatively easy to set up, with a few exceptions. The three things to consider are...
- Budget
- Utility
- Durability
Budget
If you are like me, then you're looking for the best price on the shelf. But your tent is not an area that you want to skimp on and sacrifice quality. The tent is one of the most important tools in your camping arsenal. Of course, a $2000 designer tent made with high-tech performance materials might not be what you need unless you are serious about deep back-country camping in extreme conditions. We found a large tent that served our family of six well and cost us less than $200. Just be aware of the trade-offs. A large expensive tent that accomodates more people might catch gusts like a sail in windy weather making it hard to sleep. I've had some great camping trips when a group of us split up into two or more smaller tents. For back-country hiking where you need to hike all your gear in on your back, you'll want a light tent, but typically the combination of light weight and durability can increase the cost, but its an investment you won't regret. But we are talking about car-camping here right?
Utility
How do you want your tent to serve you? Are you only going to be car camping and will be staying put, or do you hike into the wilderness and setup camp in a different spot every night? Do you need a cozy tent for two or, like us, need to accomodate a big family? The answers to these questions all shape what kind of a tent you should be looking for. A smaller tent might seem enough, but what if the weather turns sour and you end up spending most of a day or two in the tent? Will you have room to play cards and not go insane? On the other hand, if you are going to go hiking for a week into the backcountry and have a different camp site every night, you'll want something that packs light. Every ounce can make a difference in a day-long hike. I have found that using the "sleeps X" guides on the outside of the tent are inadequate. If the tent packaging says "Sleeps 4" I would get a littlee bigger especially if you have kids or might find yourself spending more time in the tent due to weather.
Durability
Your tent needs to be durable, easy to set up and keep the elements out and keep the inside cozy. You want zippers and stitching to last and keep out the rain. Once you find a tent that suits your fancy, take a little time looking it up online for reviews. I've passed a few times on equipment I thought had a solid reputation only to find out a host of disatisfied customers complaining about it. Are you planning one camping trip per year? Maybe it won't matter as much. Or are you interested in heading out at every opportunity? Most damage to tents happens during the setup and tear-down process. So if you plan on heavy use, you need to pay more attention to durability. Or if you have friends or relatives who might borrow your equipment then you'll want something built to last. More expensive doesn't always guarantee resistance to your level of abuse. It's a bonus to get a tent with a warranty. Some outdoor gear places also rent tents but don't advertize the fact so it may be worth it to ask so you can try different models before purchasing.
Other Essentials
A great tent by itself doesn't give you everything you need. Increase the mileage on your tent by putting down a tarp for groundcover first. This will decrease the abrasion on the underside of the tent, provide an additional layer of seperation from you and the crawlies that get under your tent and also keep it from getting muddy in the event of rain. We've also used extra tarps and rope to create some outdoor cover for unexpected rainy days so we wouldn't be stuck in the tent all day or even to provide some relief from the heat when shade is hard to find on a hot day.
You should also invest in some quality tent stakes and hammer to keep in the tent bag. Not every tent comes with them. And when they do, they are often flimsy and don't penetrate hard ground well or go deep enough in softer soil. An axe might double as a stake hammer if the head has a blunt end that is designed for it.
So your tent gear should also include:
- Nylon rope (at least 25 feet)
- Tarps (at least 2)
- Tent stakes or "pegs"
- Hammer or mallot for driving tent stakes
By investing in the right equipment and keeping an attention to detail, camping in a tent can be very comfortable. If you do a lot of car camping (in campgrounds where you drive up to your camp site), you might eventually want to invest in a folding tent trailer or "Popup camper." The ease and comfort of these recreational vehicles make it easier to enjoy longer trips. But even in one of these, extra tarps, rope and tools can be invaluable in inclement weather.
|
|
