| Choosing the proper tent can make or break | | | | - Choose a sunny area with dry, firm soil, if |
| your camping trip. It's important to take your | | | | possible. Look for ground that's soft enough to |
| time and do some homework before you shop. | | | | drive your tent stakes in. Sand doesn't have |
| Your tent is the most important piece of gear in | | | | enough stability. Note: never pitch a tent under a |
| your camping arsenal. | | | | tree with dead limbs, they could fall and cause |
| For those just starting out, setting up a tent can | | | | injury. |
| be confusing. It's not easy to set it up right the | | | | - Clear the ground that your tent will be set up |
| first time around, but after the first time, it's a | | | | on. Make sure you remove stones, sticks and |
| piece of cake. I would highly suggest setting your | | | | other debris. |
| tent up at home first, sort of like a practice run. | | | | Pitching Your Tent |
| Then, when you're at camp, you'll be able to pitch | | | | Now that your campsite is ready, it's time to set |
| it in no time. | | | | up your tent. If you did a practice run before |
| Here are a few pointers to help you in choosing | | | | getting to the campground, you're ahead of the |
| the right tent. | | | | game! |
| What To Buy | | | | There are a few things that you want to keep in |
| Today, camping tents are very affordable and | | | | mind when pitching your tent. |
| you can buy a high quality tent well within any | | | | First, you want to make sure that the door of |
| budget. Still, making the right choice isn't all that | | | | your tent is facing the east. Storms seldom come |
| easy if you don't know what to look for. | | | | in from the east, which will help keep the wind |
| Go out and look at the different styles and | | | | from blowing down your tent. It keeps your tent |
| brands. Many sporting goods stores have tents on | | | | stable from the wind and the rain. |
| display which may make your choice easier. | | | | Firmly drive your tent stakes into solid ground, |
| There are so many different types of tents, but | | | | then push them all the way in. |
| it's helpful to choose one that's lightweight, durable | | | | When pitching your tent up, take the time to tie |
| and water proof. Most tents are made of nylon | | | | your tent down securely - no shortcuts on this |
| because it's lightweight and dries quickly. I | | | | one! |
| personally have always used a nylon camping tent. | | | | Lay a ground cloth on the ground under the tent. |
| Size matters. A 2 person tent will be too small for | | | | It protects the tent's floor from sticks, roots and |
| two people because there will be no place to | | | | other possible punctures. |
| store your camping gear. Here's a good rule of | | | | Here are some pitfalls to avoid that could really |
| thumb, add 2 to the number of people in the tent. | | | | ruin your day. |
| If there are 2 people, get a 4 person tent, 4 | | | | - Remember to always keep your tent closed. If |
| people, six person tent, etc. This way, you won't | | | | it has a mesh screen, keep that closed too. |
| be cramped and you'll have plenty of room to | | | | - Don't try to accommodate too many people in |
| move around and store your gear. | | | | the tent. It's not only uncomfortable, it's unsafe |
| Prep Your Campsite | | | | too. |
| One of the biggest mistakes people make is | | | | - Never put food into your tent. Food attracts |
| setting up their tent. | | | | hungry animals and it's a very unpleasant |
| Here are a few pointers to pitching properly | | | | experience to wake up to an animal scratching at |
| pitching your tent. | | | | your tent to get at your food! |
| The first thing to consider is your tent's location. | | | | - Don't lean on or touch the sides of the tent. |
| - Always look for high ground. Don't pitch your | | | | This breaks the moisture barrier and will cause |
| tent in a ravine or valley. Higher ground is drier | | | | water to seep in. Avoid putting any items against |
| ground! | | | | the walls. |
| - Make sure that your tent is located at least 100 | | | | - Allow the tent to dry before rolling it up and |
| feet from the trail. This way, you're out of the | | | | packing it away. Moisture leads to mildew inside |
| way of hikers. Plus, you'll have lots more privacy, | | | | your tent. Lay the tent flat out in the sun so it |
| and you'll also avoid widening the trail and | | | | dries completely before packing it away. |
| disrupting the natural setting. | | | | - Use only a mild soap when cleaning your tent. |
| - Pitch your tent only in designated areas. These | | | | Harsh detergents could ruin the waterproofing. |
| areas are posted in most parks and on hiking | | | | Follow manufacturer's directions. |
| trails. These are areas that also provide the most | | | | - To avoid dry rot, periodically take your tent out |
| security. | | | | of the bag to let it breathe. Check your tent for |
| - Make sure you pitch your tent in the correct | | | | holes too. |
| spot on your campsite. Ideally, it should be at | | | | - Make sure you have no sharp objects in your |
| least 100 feet from your campfire. Also, it should | | | | pack that might puncture your tent. |
| be located at least 100 feet from your food. If | | | | To make the most of your outdoor camping trip, |
| animals wander into your camp at night, they'll be | | | | take the time to care for your tent and camping |
| drawn to the food - not you. This gives you | | | | gear and they will serve you well for many years. |
| some added protection. | | | | |