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Camping Tent...
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Before we go to far, you'll want to check out the quality tents with Fabulous Savings at the Sports Authority. They are a "Supermall", on-line and numerous physical locations. Click on Outdoor Gear and you'll see what we mean.
Let's first begin by asking the question, what kind of camping conditions are you going to be in? Do you expect sun, rain or snow? How many people do you plan on having in a tent? How will you travel with your tent, by vehicle or are you packing it in?
Tents have progressed immensely over the years, however, they essentially perform the same simple task of providing shelter. Regardless of how elaborate you get with a camping tent and its functions you want it to work, provide shelter.
We've had the opportunity to use various tents under a variety of weather conditions; wind, rain, snow and extreme sun. There are some simple rules to follow in picking out the appropriate tent for you.
Quality and Price...We use a camping tent that performs under a variety of weather conditions, is dependable, constructed of high quality materials and is cost effective. We also understand, "you get what you pay for". But, you can also get good quality at good prices.
Bendable...A good camping tent must be bendable. It has to flex under wind conditions and must not rip. Wind can lure at any moment.
Repel Water...A camping tent must also keep the rain out. A good tent has a waterproof coating. It should come with a rain fly that repels the water and allows for an air cushion barrier between the tent and rain fly. This air cushion helps to prevent condensation build up within the tent.
The rain fly should also cover the entire tent. If not, water will come in. If your tent does not have a rain fly covering the entire tent, purchase a large tarp, one that will drape over the entire tent. Just make sure there is air space between the tarp and tent.
Your rain fly also acts as a sun protector, protecting the camping tent from harmful UV rays. (Sun light can destroy the waterproof coating on your camping tent, break down the seams and weaken the stitching.) It is more cost effective to have your rain fly take the abuse of the sun light. It's cheaper to replace a rain fly than the entire camping tent.
Light Weight or Heavy Weight?...If you plan on carrying your tent in a vehicle to a camping location, weight is of little concern. You can have the luxury of having a large tent.
My wife and kids love having a Family Camping Tent that provides standing room. In addition, some extra room to set up a small TV. and VCR for the evening sleeping bag movie watching time. This is luxury camping, and hey, why not?...everyone enjoys it. There's plenty of time for the solitude camping in the backcountry.
We use a Three-Season Tent, it's good for Spring, Summer and Fall. A Four-Season tent would, of course, include winter.
We prefer the three-season camping tent for the simple reason, there is typically a large cost associated with the four-season tent. Unless you plan on doing some serious winter camping a three-season tent is very adequate. We use our three-season tent even for winter camping. If we have extended time in the snow or high altitude, we utilize the four-season tent. For all practical purposes, most situations require a three-season camping tent.
Dome-Style Tent...We prefer the Dome-Style tent. They are ridged, require no stakes to remain erect thus allowing you to move your tent around at your campsite. You can lift your fully assembled tent up and shake out any unwanted dirt too. This makes cleaning a snap! My wife loves it.
To extend the longevity of your camping tent follow these simple guidelines:
1) Always use a footprint under the floor of the tent. This not only keeps unwanted water out of your tent but keeps and potential rocks or sticks from poking a hole into your tent floor. You can use a sheet of plastic for the footprint. Be sure to cut it smaller than the tent floor area otherwise you could have some unwanted water accumulating on the exposed portions of the oversized footprint.
2) Upon returning from your camping trip, dry your tent thoroughly before storing. This will eliminate any mildew from growing.
3) Lubricate the tent pole hinge areas, if your poles have hinges) with a spray-silicone lubricant. This will give added life to the poles.
4) Do not chip the anodized coating on the tent poles. The anodized coating prevents the poles from rusting.
5) Check the seams on your tent and re-seal with a silicon based sealer.
Keep safe while on your camping experiences and have fun.
These tips brought to you from Travel Northwest Travel Tips... Any info you'd like to pass onto others regarding a camping tent, please contact us.
Craig Dahl - Senior Editor
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We're also the Senior Editors for Love Quotes For You, Seattle Secrets and Luxury Romantic Vacations; we've brought the Best of both worlds together, Love & Travel.
