Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Useful Guidelines for Buying a Tent

By Paul Cameron

Unlike earlier times, camping nowadays doesn't necessarily mean utilizing a tent to sleep in. Yet there are plenty of people who believe that the ultimate in camping can only be reached by spending the night in a tent. Here are some tips for purchasing a tent that will help you find one that combines modern convenience and traditional strength.

When buying a camping tent, it is essential that you realize the purpose that a tent should serve. It does its job by protecting you from the elements (rain, wind, and cold), however it also provides privacy. All sturdy tents can handle the privacy issue, but keeping bad weather out is another story. Rain is in fact among the key issues with regards to selecting a tent. When you're trying to find a tent you need to think about how it is going to withstand the rain. Wetness is more than just an irritant, it can be dangerous to your health at cold temperatures. A good tent, though, will make it easy to stay dry in wet conditions.

Most tents nowadays are made with nylon, however the quality and strength of the nylon can vary considerably. The fabric needs to be strong enough to hold off a strong rainstorm, and should also be waterproofed. Make use of a sealant that's specially created for waterproofing tents. You put the tent up, then spray the seams to make certain they are completely watertight. Of equal importance is that the floor be strong, waterproof and able to repel hot or cold temperatures.

There are two essential styles of tents, inner frame and outer. It is less difficult to set up the internal frames, whereas the external kind is tougher and is better able to withstand windy conditions. The best possible design is important in either style. A flap that can be zipped up is beneficial for blocking the wind. Also look for a tent that features a good number of places around the base where you can tie it down to prevent gaps.

Tents are generally classified by their dimensions and their shape. However you ought to take note that a four-person tent fits just one or two adults if you don't want to be crowded. Tents that are round or dome shaped, also known as geodesics, not only are functional but they also look stylish. They're easy to set up and transport, and their shape helps to evenly distribute surface stress, which makes them stronger than other shapes. The downside is that they don't utilize interior space very well. Sleeping bags are rectangular, so a round format tends to waste a lot of space.

Maybe the most important tip of all is that you get what you pay for, so when you think about what's involved in a well made, durable tent, remember you might have to pay more to get it. Tents have changed significantly since even a generation ago, so it is worthwhile to invest in the best you can afford. - 16887

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