| "body"> | | | | packing tents. By the time the kids were in their |
| Your first priority is figuring out what kind of | | | | teens they were camping on their own, and we |
| camping you're going to use the tent for. Camping | | | | expanded our interest to whitewater rafting and |
| with your car or van at an established campsite | | | | four-wheeling. For these activities a modified |
| requires different kinds of camping tents than | | | | dome fit the bill. |
| walking in to a wilderness site. | | | | Choice of tent style is really a matter of personal |
| Camping tents fall into three broad categories: "A" | | | | preference and lifestyle needs - as is additional |
| frame, dome, and cabin styles. | | | | camping equipment. If you don't care for sleeping |
| - "A" frames have two upright poles that support | | | | on the ground you're going to bring along a folding |
| a ridge pole. Generally small, they have a | | | | cot. In that case, make sure the tent is big |
| maximum capacity of two to three people. | | | | enough to accommodate one. |
| Models range from low-cost pup tents to | | | | If you don't object to crawling in and out of your |
| high-quality backpacking tents. As a general rule, | | | | tent on hands and knees, a backpacking tent is |
| "A" frames are designed strictly for sleeping, and | | | | ideal. They are lightweight and, when folded, make |
| for providing minimal shelter from the elements. | | | | a small package. This also makes them perfect |
| For family camping they're often used as | | | | for canoe and bicycle camping, where weight and |
| separate quarters for the kids, who insist on | | | | bulk are considerations. |
| having their own bedroom. | | | | However, if you like to stand up and stretch in |
| -Dome tents resemble high-tech igloos and use | | | | the morning, a dome or cabin tent will suit you |
| three or more poles depending on configuration. | | | | better. There's plenty of headroom, and, |
| Models can sleep from two to eight people. Some | | | | depending on size, space to stow your gear as |
| dome styles allow you to stand erect inside, while | | | | well. It's therefore not uncommon for two people |
| others have little headroom. As a general rule, | | | | to use a six-person tent, especially if they want |
| dome tents are the easiest to erect, once you | | | | their equipment inside with them. |
| learn the basics. Plus they can often be moved, | | | | No matter what tent style you choose, it's crucial |
| while pitched, if you discover the ground is more | | | | that you give it a dry run before heading on a |
| suitable a few feet away. | | | | camping trip. Set the tent up in your yard or a |
| -Cabin style tents are just what the name implies, | | | | nearby park, to learn what pitching and striking it |
| and are designed to accommodate larger groups | | | | is all about. There is nothing worse than trying to |
| of people. Main support is a horizontal ridge pole | | | | set up a tent for the first time at two in the |
| connected to uprights that extend to the ground | | | | morning, after a long drive. It can really put a |
| front & back. Often they have side ridges | | | | damper on your camping trip. |
| and poles as well. The better models use external | | | | Some tents also require that the seams be |
| poles, thus providing more usable space inside. | | | | sealed, using compounds the manufacturer |
| You should have more than enough headroom to | | | | supplies. You can more efficiently do this during |
| stand comfortably in this kind of tent, not always | | | | the test run then while actually living in the tent. |
| the case with other styles. | | | | Finally, be aware of warranties. A reputable |
| All of this tends to over-simplify, because many | | | | company will stand behind its gear, offering a |
| camping tents are hybrids, combining features of | | | | multi-year or lifetime warranty. In addition, the |
| all three styles. These often are identified as | | | | customer service department usually has a policy |
| "modified domes"---which covers quite a bit of | | | | of repair or replacement if there are any |
| ground. | | | | manufacturing problems. A company that's afraid |
| Over the years my family has used just about | | | | to offer replacement parts or repair service on its |
| every style of tent. Our very first family camping | | | | tents is not confident about its equipment---which |
| trip, for instance, was made with a cabin tent. We | | | | should tell you if you really want to buy that |
| had a pair of toddlers, a crib, a portable potty, | | | | product. |
| mounds of clothing, and sundry other items. As | | | | For more camping tips visit |
| the boys grew, so did our interests, from family | | | | the-outdoor-sports-advisor.com/camping. |
| camping to backpacking, which called for high-tech | | | | |