Things to Consider When Selecting a Camping Tent
In the past, camping means sleeping in a tent. Today, however, you can go camping without sleeping in a tent. Instead, you can camp in your RV or go to a commercial campground where there are amenities and even small rooms for you to sleep. But then, for many, camping isn’t really camping unless you sleep in a tent. So when you’re gearing up for a camping trip and you plan on doing it the old-fashioned way — that is, sleeping in a tent — you’ll need to find a good tent to pack with you.
Know that a tent’s basic purpose is to give you privacy, as well as protect you from the elements: rain, wind and cold (to some degree). A sturdy tent will do to protect you from the wind, but you will need more than a sturdy tent to protect you from the rain and cold. Most campsites are located in areas where it is windy, and thus, often tents are put to the test. Tents today are created to hold up to windy conditions. They are made of nylon fabric with poles made of aluminum or fiberglass.
Tents either have internal frames or external frames. Tents with external frames are much easier and quicker to put up while tents with internal frames are a lot sturdier and more resistant to the wind. Whichever type of tent you buy, make sure they have the right design. For instance, buy a tent with a zippable flap; this will keep the win out. The tent should also have a few places around its bottom perimeter that you can fasten to the ground so there aren’t any gaps underneath.
Rain is a factor that campers should always keep under consideration. It’s no fun to be wet; in fact, it can be a health hazard if the temperature keeps dropping when you’re out camping. A good tent is essential to keeping you dry. All tents today are made of nylon but nylon tents are not made with the same quality. Buy a nylon tent that is thick and sturdy. It should have been treated properly in order to keep out a rainstorm.
Every camper needs to use a sealant when they intend to sleep in a tent. After you’ve set up your tent, make sure you spray the seams with sealant in order to make them watertight. While a tent with an air hole on top of it can keep the inside of the tent from becoming stuffy, make sure that the tent has a closable flap (zipper, Velcro or snaps). As for the tent flooring, it needs to be waterproof as well, and much sturdier and conduct minimal heat or cold.
Tents come in varying shapes and sizes. You’ll find tents that can accommodate one or several people. However, know that a four-man tent can only really accommodate two adults unless you don’t mind being cramped in with three other adults. The average sleeping bag measures 2.5 feet by 7 feet (or 17.5 square feet). Allocate about the same size for stepping space and room for your gear, and another for a second person. Basically, a good tent with enough space for two adults to fit in comfortably is about 70 square feet or 7 feet by 10 feet.
There are round tents, which are called “dome” tents or “deodesics”. Round tents efficiently distribute stress over the surface, which makes these tents strong, portable and easy to assemble, not to mention lightweight. However, compared to square or rectangular tents, round tents are not as efficient when it comes to the interior space. If you want a quality tent, one that will last you for yours and many camping trips, be prepared to spend a bit more money.