Tent Guide - All the info you need about tents
If you are a newcomer to camping or looking to upgrade existing equipment several considerations must be made in the decision of what tent and equipment to purchase. Thought must be given to how, where, when and by whom will be using the tent and equipment that you are going to purchase. Experienced campers need to be aware of new exciting developments that may influence their choice. The main innovation in design over the last few years is the introduction of sewn in groundsheets ( SIG’s).
The tents you choose must be of adequate specification for the intended use, and have adequate sleeping space for the number of people who will be using it, should be of appropriate weight and pack size and should give storage space as required for rucksacks, boots, camp kitchen, cookers, lights, kids, pets, etc etc .!!
Tents come in many different, sizes, shapes and styles, from 1 person designs made to fit a backpack, to 8 berth frame tents ready to fully furnished with everything even the kitchen sink. there are numerous styles offering excellent headroom and elbowroom, from lightweight materials and suitable for a variety of locations to heavier weight material for excessive use. It is important to choose the correct equipment for the purpose that you intend to use. The advantages of camping are many. The initial outlay is relatively low and the ease that a tent can be transported gives freedom. There are various types of tents available each designed with a particular purpose in mind.
Firstly, you need to know if the tent is to be carried, ie. in a rucksack or in a car. The details printed on each tent will give its weight, a very important consideration if you have to walk any distance. These details will also state the height in the living area and the sleeping area. It may be essential that you can stand in the living area but not in the sleeping area or it may be necessary to be able to stand where-ever you are within the tent. The smaller lighter weight tents do not provide for standing height but the headroom when sitting is very variable so care must be taken to choose the right height for your comfort.
Tents vary in size considerably. Consider how many people are to sleep in the tent. Do you require one large sleeping area or do you prefer separated sleeping compartments? The tents are usually labeled two person or three person etc. This is based on average size adults. Check the actual measurements given to establish that you have adequate length and width to accommodate the people who are using the tent. The living areas are shown with sizes marked. Consider what equipment you will be taking i.e. tables and chairs, and that you will have enough space within the tent.
This guide was written by Kevin Blake of Camping Equipment store, camping online. You can visit the camping section of camping online here.