Archive for April, 2009
Cut Down on Space, Cut Down on Hassle
It’s a good rule of thumb when you’re about to venture out camping that less is more. That is to say, the less you bring with you on your excursion, the better off you’ll be. This is particularly true of your camping tent. Tents are notorious for being the camping item that takes up the most room in your collection of gear, especially if you’re carrying all that gear in a pack.
For that reason, always make sure to choose the smallest tent that is still somewhat comfortable. If it’s just you and another person, definitely look into 2 person tents. Some people are tempted to opt for the 3 or 4 person tents just for the extra room, but that usually just ends up being a lot of wasted space. And remember, the majority of camping is done outside the tent, so you’ll only have to put up with the cramped quarters while you’re sleeping.
Planning A Family Camping Trip
With spring here and summer fast approaching, now is the time to begin planning family camping trips for warmer weather. Planning in advance can save a lot of time and hardship, and allows reservations to be made at the most popular campsites. It’s also a good idea to stock up on camping equipment for the trip. But with thousands of different items, most of which aren’t essential for camping, it can be a little difficult to know what to choose.
It’s best to cover the most basic amenities first, like shelter. For a family camping trip, a cabin tent will work the best. Most cabin tents can provide shelter for 6-8 people, and these tents also tend to have different rooms that can provide separation for parents, children, and friends. Food and supplies can be covered closer to the date of the actual camping trip, but entertainment is another important part of camping. Consider sports equipment, fishing tackle, even board games. The options are limitless, and remember, the most important part of camping is fun!
How to choose the proper family tent for your families’ outdoor adventure!
When you are looking to spend some family camping time in the outdoors, the first thing that you need to be able to do is find the proper tent that will best suit your family needs, here are some tips that will help you find the proper family camping tent. The first thing you should do is ask your family these questions:
How many friends and family members will be going on your outdoor adventure?
Knowing the number of friends and family members that will be sharing in your outdoor adventure will allow you to choose the proper size tent.
How often will your family be using your tent?
If your family will be camping often then you will want a more durable tent that will be able to with stand more frequent trips.
How much interior room would you like in your family tent?
Depending on the number of people that will be sleeping in your tent will determine how much interior room you will need. For example, if you have 5 people that will be sleeping in your tent then you might want to think about a 6 or 7 person family tent allowing you to have more storage room.
What time of year will you be camping?
Most families camp in the spring, summer and fall months therefore, they would want a tent that would be able to handle the weather conditions that you might face. However, your family might decide to do some camping in the winter months, so then you will want a family tent that would be able to handle snow.
Will you be hiking or backpacking while camping?
If your family likes to go hiking or even backpacking then you might want to find a tent that would be light weight which would allow you to carry it easier on your back.
Not All Tents Are Created Equal
Back when tents were just a piece of canvas draped over a rope or a series of poles, there wasn’t much difference. But as tents have started to evolve, being made of different materials, lightweight materials, and different fabrics, most tents are suited for different conditions of weather and occupancy. For example, Four Season tents have poles designed to support the weight of snow on the canopy, and are made from special fabrics that prevent moisture from seeping into the tent. Backpacking tents are made from lightweight materials and designed to weight less than a standard tent while still meeting the demands for outdoor shelter. Children’s tents are more designed for the living room than the outdoors, and in most cases aren’t suited for exposure to weather conditions.
It’s important to choose the right tent for the right outdoor conditions and for the amount of people who will be sleeping inside. You can check out a tent’s specifications by inspecting the box; for example, if a tent doesn’t mention that it’s a Four Season tent, chances are it’s not. Weather conditions are the main factor to consider when purchasing a tent.