Buying the Best Tent
by Bud Sayce
Shelter is not a luxury; it's a basic necessity of life. So it makes no sense to leave for an overnight camping trip without providing yourself with a dependable source of shelter.
Camping in the wilderness requires the use of a good tent. There is nothing worse than deciding to "rough it", only to find you are exposed to rain and wind.
Tents come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are compact, easy-to-carry two-person tents that assemble in moments, and there are massive family-size models with separate bedrooms and even lighting. What matter most is that the tent you choose is durable enough to keep you safe in the outdoors and sheltered in all types of weather.
There are lots of things to look for in finding the perfect tent to fit your needs. Consider the shape of the tent, along with the weight, types of poles and setup time. If camping alone, be sure to choose a model that's easy to assemble. If you're not sure, ask an associate at a sporting goods store or outdoor outfitters.
Remember to consider the transportation of your tent. If you're looking at a big, bulky tent that will take up the entire trunk of your car and leave no room for food and gear, keep shopping.
Size
Are you camping alone, or with your family? Are you packing along a lot of gear? Do you have pets that will need protection? These are all points that will come into play when choosing the size of your tent. You (and those sharing your space) will need room to sleep comfortably, stretch and move around. You'll need to sit up or stand. While it is possible for a family of four to sleep in a four-person tent, you'll all be more comfortable in a roomer six-person model. Two people will be comfortable in a small tent, but may need to store their belongings in a separate shelter.
Weigh Your Options
If you are hiking or portaging to your destination, you'll have to give serious thought to the weight of your tent. Big canvas tents and ten-kilometer hikes just don't mix. You'll be carrying all of your gear and necessities, so you don't want to be weighed down even more by a heavy tent. Choose a secure but lightweight model. On the other hand, if you're driving to the campsite in a heavy-duty vehicle with lots of cargo room, then go crazy and bring a big tent.
Material
Most of today's modern tents are manufactured with lightweight nylon or taffeta. These are strong, durable materials that can stand up to all types of weather. Be sure that the tent you choose is certified waterproof. You may pay a little extra, but it will be worth every penny when the storm clouds start brewing.
Assembly Required
Before you buy the tent, ask to see the assembly instructions. It's also important to try assembling the tent in your backyard before you leave home. Your tent must be easy to assemble using just a few (or no) tools. You're going camping to relax, and there's no point in stressing out with a tent that's hard to assemble.
Whether you're camping for fun at a family campground, or truly roughing it miles from civilization, your tent needs to satisfy your basic need for shelter. Even the heartiest of outdoor enthusiast will agree that getting up close and personal with nature in the wee hours of the morning is no thrill.
Bud Sayce writes regularly for several online magazines, on
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