The Family Camping Tent And More
The family camping tent is one of mankind's most collaborative efforts. We have been perfecting them over thousands of years.
Really tents have been around as long has humans have been building shelters.
Every culture has its own version of the tent. In the 6th century tents had royal value. Chinese, Roman and Arabic nations also used tents as large military headquarters.
Tents have also been used as shelters for nomadic people. Vikings used a cone style tent for shelter. American Indians also had their tipi. We have the family camping tent!
The list goes on and on so don't feel left out if I did not mention your culture!
These days the tent designs we use are not much different than those of our ancestors. Of course we have improved the materials that we use. These improvements have affected the weight, durability and function of tents.
Today's technological advantages give us tents that will keep rain out, retain heat in cold weather and in warm weather have great airflow to help keep you cool.
With all of these choices how do you make a decision?
What to Look for in a Tent
Every weekend when I steal the sports section from my dad's newspaper I see advertisements for cheap tents. Consequently many people question if they should choose price or quality when buying a tent.
A good tent selection can make you a happy camper when that unexpected weather hits. Your tent is your home for the length of your camping trip so pick wisely.
What Makes a Good Tent?
A lot of this question depends on when and where you are going camping. Since I have no way of knowing where you are going I will give you an idea of what standard features are out there.
Most camping tents these days are made of nylon or polyester.
- Single or double wall construction. Double wall construction is more flexible because you can take off your rain fly and have a more breathable tent environment. You can also add features like a vestibule for camping in wetter weather.
- Color is a major consideration (not because you want to look good). The darker the color the less light will come into the tent. Also color will blend your tent into your surroundings or cause you to stick out.
- Look at the weight of the fabric. It is measured in grams per 1000 meters in length. Its short hand is Denier (d). I would stay away from a fabric that is less than 50d. Anything less will be very lightweight making it easier to rip. You also begin to sacrifice water resistance.
- Water resistance is key. A good rain fly will be rated at 80 psi.
- Breath ability is also important. Gortex is a great waterproofing that is breathable.
Other features that might be important are:
- Windows and skylights can be fun but make sure you are not adding a place to loose heat or add too much light
- Single or double stitched seams there is strength in numbers
- Room dividers are becoming more common in cabin tents. Most of them can zip in and out and are great for giving the kids or yourself some privacy
- Vents for added ventilation
- Pockets to store you essentials so they are not being kicked all over the place
- Gear "lofts" for overhead storage
Each company is going to have its own unique features. Take some time to look at a few before you make your final decision.
Now lets take a look at the types of tents and their benefits...
Basic Design Types
A-Frame tents have that classic design that most everyone thinks of the army using.
- It is a simple design and can be made with as little as a blanket and two poles (or tree branches).
- Just stake down the corners and you are done.
They are not the most effective style of tent because the walls are at a steep angle not allowing much area inside the tent. But they are easy shelters to make and effective if you are in a jam.
Dome tents are the most common these days.
- Their "X" shaped pole system provides durability in wind, rain and snow.
- They are much better on space and headroom than the A-frame tent.
- They are easy to set up and take down.
- The poles are usually made of fiberglass and lock into the corners of the tents base. This is where the tent gets its stability.
- It also makes it easy to move around after it is set up (just encase your first choice of tent placement was not so good).
- They come in a variety of sizes and the larger dome tents can accommodate as many as 5 people.
Cabin tents are made for car camping because with great size comes additional weight.
- Cabin tents are huge and spacious
- High ceilings for space, space and more space
- Walls are at near 90 degree angles, almost like home!
- Assembly is easy because of multiple pole design
- Multiple rooms to give you privacy (not all cabin style tents have room dividers)
Geodesic tents are gaining in popularity in many camping circles but they are not for the faint of heart.
- Geodesic tents are shaped like a dome tent but have multiple poles that cross several times giving the structure more strength.
- These tents are the most complicated to assemble. However they are...
- GREAT for harsh weather (sturdy because of the pole design)
- Spacious
- Cool to look at...
Most any other type of tent will fall under these design categories.
Screen Houses and Shelters
Screen houses are more versatile than shelters because they have mesh walls that can be dropped at a moments notice. This makes them great for a dining area at a campsite that has an over abundance of fly's or mosquitoes.
Both are also good for:
- Sun shade
- They can be used at parties or any get together back at home.
Whatever your needs are there is as tent out there for you. So grab your sleeping bags and mattress and get ready for your great wilderness adventure...
A Little Extra:
Here is a checklist for backpacking.
Here is a checklist for base camping.