June 5, 2007

Camping Tent - Choosing The Right Tent

Sleeping in a tent is the ultimate camping experience for many. Today many campers may choose to camp out in RVs, or on right within commercial campgrounds, but they don't compare against the traditional tent.

Many of today's modern tents offer much more than their traditional counterparts. Follow a few tips will help you in choosing one that is adequate for your camping experience.

The basic features of any tent should be protection against mother nature as well as provide privacy. Any basic strong and sturdy tent can provide you with the privacy you need, but when it comes to the weather you may require more.

Windy conditions, common in wilderness areas where most campsites are found, can put a tent to the test. But thanks to modern materials, nylon fabric tents supported by fiberglass or aluminum poles are up to the job.

There are two basic types, internal frame and external. The former are easier to put up, the latter are a little more sturdy and wind resistant.

In either case, it's helpful if they're in the right design, however. A zippable flap is a great benefit for keeping the wind out and there should be several places around the perimeter at the bottom to fasten the tent to the ground to minimize gaps.

Rain is one of the chief considerations. Being wet is not only not fun, it can be a serious health hazard if the temperature drops. Keeping dry is simple with a good tent, though. All are made these days with nylon, but not all nylon is the same quality. It should be thick and sturdy enough, and treated properly, to actually keep out a good rainstorm.

Campers should make liberal use of the can of sealant that is offered by many manufacturers. You set up the tent and then spray the seams to make them completely watertight. An air hole at the top of many models can help keep the interior from getting stuffy, but you'll want to have one with a closeable flap (either zipper, Velcro or other).

The floor should be equally waterproof, even sturdier and preferably conduct minimal cold or heat.

Tents are sold according to shape and size. However, a four-man tent is really only suitable for two adults, unless you want to be really cramped. A sleeping bag is about 2.5ft by 7 feet. That's 17.5 square feet. Double that to allow for stepping space and room for gear. Then double it again to accommodate another person. That's 70 square feet or about 7 feet by 10 feet. That's about the minimum.

Geodesics or dome tents are essentially known as round tents. They function very well and also looking appealing. Some common advantages include: lighweight, strong, distribute tension over the surface area, easy to assemble and they can be transported anywhere with ease. The downside of these tents includes the area of interior space. You and your sleeping bag may end in a curved position within the tent. Today's tents have evolved over the years and it is recommended that one invest in a tent that will offer endurance for many years to come

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