Other things to consider when buying a Tent - BackwoodCampingSupplies.com

Other things to Consider when buying a Tent

There are quite a few things to consider when purchasing your next tent, but have you given much thought to the fabric your tent is made of, the rainfly, vestibule, or poles? These things are very important, especially if you are planning to camp in areas that are subject to versatile weather patterns. Additionally, the materials that make up your camping tent will determine how heavy or light your gear is.

There are several different types of materials used in making tents. Most tents are constructed of lightweight, coated nylon, or rip stop nylon. Different camping equipment manufacturers use various combinations of fabric to provide varying degrees of protection from the elements. For example, your tent floor should come treated with a coating of a moisture repellant substance such as polyurethane to stop moisture from entering the floor of the tent from the ground. Your rain fly should also come treated to repel moisture. It is a good idea to treat all tent seams with water repellant prior to your first trek in your new tent. Use of a floorsaver or footprint will protect the floor of your new tent from moisture as well as potential tears in the fabric. You will find that in addition good quality fabric, ventilation plays an important role in keeping the interior of your tent dry. The mesh portion of your doors and windows should be made from lightweight no see-um mesh that will keep mosquitoes and small insects out. The storm flaps for the windows should be on the interior of the tent so they are easy to close quickly from the inside of the tent in the event that a storm pops up in the middle of the night.

Tent poles come in a few varieties, aluminum and fiberglass, and with or without shock-cord. Fiberglass poles are lightweight and flexible, but can splinter and can be affected by severe weather. Aluminum is sturdy, can be splinted if broken, and can be easily replaced. The use of shock-cord makes set up and tear down of the tent easy, and eliminates lost poles.

Accessories such as the rain fly, footprint or floorsaver, and the vestibule are important if there is a chance of wet weather or dampness. The rain fly will protect the tent from precipitation, the ground cloth will protect the tent from sharp objects and will help keep moisture out of the floor of the tent, and the vestibule will provide covered space for gear or cooking without using the space from the interior of the tent. A vestibule supported with a separate pole will provide more space than one without, because the slope of the vestibule will be less severe.

In summary, it is very important to know what kind of shelter you expect from your tent. Specifically, the types of weather you are likely to experience while camping is an important factor in choosing what tent to purchase. There are varying degrees of water resistance, wind resistance, and durability. There are accessories available that will help you attain the protection you need from the elements, and some tents include a rain fly. As with any purchase, the more information you know about the product you are purchasing, the better off and more satisfied you will be.

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