Buying the Best Tent by Bud Sayce

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.

Without doubt a good quality, dependable tent is the first requirement 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 massive 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 lots of 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.

It's also important to make sure that the tent is easy to transport. Don't forget, you'll need to pack the tent in your car and leave room for all of your gear.

Size it Up

Your tent will be your 'home away from home', so size is a very important issue. Make sure that you, and your fellow campers, will all have ample room. Everyone needs to have enough space to sleep, stretch and move around. If using air mattresses, factor in the area they cover. Make sure that you can stand, or at least sit up. You can easily fit four full-grown adults into a four-person tent, but they'll be much more comfortable in a six-person model. By the same token, you and your partner can sleep in a small two-man tent, but you'll need to find somewhere else to stow your clothes and food.

Weigh Your Options

If you are 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 big 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 choose is certified waterproof. You may pay a little extra, but it will be worth every penny when the storm clouds start brewing.

Ease of Assembly

Before you buy the tent, ask to see the assembly instructions. It's also important to try assembling the tent in your backyard before you leave home. Your tent must be easy to assemble using just a few (or no) tools. You're going camping to relax, and there's no point in stressing out with a tent that's hard to assemble.

Whether you're camping for fun at a family campground, or truly roughing it miles from civilization, your tent needs to satisfy your basic need for shelter. Even the heartiest of outdoor enthusiast will agree that getting up close and personal with nature in the wee hours of the morning is no thrill.

Bud Sayce is a columnist for several online magazines, on parks and recreation and outdoor recreation issues, among others.
Feel free to grab a unique version of this article from the Uber tent article directory

Article Source: Articles Right Now

Make a comment....