Sizing Up a Great Tent To Buy
by: BudSayce | Total views: 7 | Word Count: 661 | View PDF | Print View
Shelter is not a luxury; it's a basic necessity of life. So it makes no sense to leave for an overnight camping trip without providing yourself with a dependable source of shelter.
The first step to getting back to nature is buying a tent you can depend on. A good quality tent must be comfortable, easy to use and provide security for you and your family.
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.
Choosing a tent is a task worthy of serious thought, and there are several factors that must be considered before making your final decision. The size and shape of the tent, the weight and the setup must all be taken into account. If you're camping alone, assembly is a very important consideration. Shop at a reliable sporting goods or outdoors store, and ask the sales associate for help in choosing the best tent to meet your requirements.
Remember to consider the transportation of your tent. If you're looking at a big, bulky tent that will take up the entire trunk of your car and leave no room for food and gear, keep shopping.
Size
Size most definitely matters when it comes to choosing a tent. Make sure that there's enough room for you, and your fellow campers. Everyone needs to have space to stretch out and to move around. You may be using air mattresses, so keep that in mind when judging the depth. The tent must be high enough to stand up, or at least sit up. Manufacturers tend to overestimate the number of people that can sleep comfortably in a tent. So, while it is possible to cram four fully-grown adults into a four-person tent, you'll all sleep better in a six-person model. Similarly, a two-person tent might be able to hold two people, but they're clothes and food will have to wait outside.
Weigh Your Options
If you're headed to a remote location and will be hiking or portaging to camp, you simply can't take along a heavy tent. A large canvas tent has no business going along on a ten-mile hike. You'll also be bringing all of your clothes, gear and food, so the last thing you need is to be weighed down even more by your tent. There are many lightweight models available that provide comfort and security. If, on the other hand, you'll be driving to your campsite in a vehicle that can handle plenty of cargo, then go ahead and pack a big tent.
Material
Lightweight nylon and taffeta and popular materials used by today's tent manufacturers. These fabrics are strong and durable, and able to withstand all types of weather. The most important thing to look for in your tent material is a waterproof certification. Paying a little extra is worth every penny when you're caught in a downpour.
Assembly Required
Ask to see the assembly instructions before you buy 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 relaxing and becoming one with nature, not stressing and struggling with a tent.
For many, camping is an activity that's meant to be fun. However, you mustn't lose sight of the fact that choosing a tent is serious business. Your tent must be comfortable and easy to use, while offering protection from inclement weather and curious wildlife.
About the Author
Essayist Bud Sayce is a columnist for several Internet sites, on sports store and sports recreation subjects.
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