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Sizing Up a Great 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 needn't be fancy, or expensive. They can be as simple as small, two-person pup tents, or as extravagant as full-size family models with three rooms and lighting. All that really matters is that the tent is durable and dependable enough to protect you from nature's elements.

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.

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.

Weight

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 Matters

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

The tent that you choose must be easy to assemble with few or no tools. Insist on seeing the assembly instructions before you buy the tent and, as an added precaution, try setting it up at home before you hit the trails. Realizing that you need a third body or a ratchet set to assemble your tent is a nightmare when you're miles from home.

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.

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 needn't be fancy, or expensive. They can be as simple as small, two-person pup tents, or as extravagant as full-size family models with three rooms and lighting. All that really matters is that the tent is durable and dependable enough to protect you from nature's elements.

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.

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.

Weight

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 Matters

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

The tent that you choose must be easy to assemble with few or no tools. Insist on seeing the assembly instructions before you buy the tent and, as an added precaution, try setting it up at home before you hit the trails. Realizing that you need a third body or a ratchet set to assemble your tent is a nightmare when you're miles from home.

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.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlesexpress.com

Writer Bud Sayce contributes articles to several web sites, on internet hobby and sports recreation topics.
You can get a unique content version of this article.

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