In Business Since 2001 We accept Paypal
Home Article Directory
More from Bill Platt
"Bill Platt for Book Authors" Youtube Channel
Training for Book Authors
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
FictionPlots.com (350+ Plots & counting)
Please Support Our Advertisers

 
D9 Hosting


How To Pick The Best Camping Tent

Copyright (c) 2007-2023

A good camping tent keeps you dry, comfortable, and provides protection. Unfortunately if you don't know what you're looking for, you're probably going to waste money.

Camping tents are an important outdoor gear investment, but they don't repel rain, cold, snow, or biting bugs equally.

So, which camping tent is right for you?

First determine what type of camping you'll be doing. Do you only go out in the summer, or are you into 4-season camping? Then make sure to prepare yourself for the worst possible type of weather you'll encounter. Waking up to a foot of snow inside your summer camping tent because of a late fall blizzard isn't much fun.

After determining what seasons you'll need your tent for, estimate how many people you'll typically camp with...

How Does It Size Up?

Camping tents are rated by the number of people they supposedly accommodate. But these ratings are like trying to stuff twenty circus clowns into a Volkswagen Beetle... amusing to watch, but not exactly functional. ;-)

When they say it's a 4-person tent, they mean 4 people and nothing else, no hiking gear, no hiking boots, just 4 people that hopefully know each other really well, or plan to. Seriously, if you're looking for backpacking tents or hiking tents and weight is a big concern, then get cozy and use the rating system, otherwise think bigger.

Consider going 1-2 sizes larger than what's recommended for a smaller camping tent. Better yet divide the "person rating" by 2 so you'll have a decent amount of room if you have nasty weather. If you thought cabin fever was bad try waiting out a downpour in a small tent for a few days.

My 4 man tent with 2 vestibules is perfect for 2 people and plenty of gear. Dry equipment is a good thing. This is still true with kids because the smaller they are the more room they take up with "kid stuff".

Tip: More room makes long camping trips easier.

Consider the length and width of the camping tents you're looking at. If you're 6 feet tall you'll want at least 7 feet to stretch out length-wise and 2-3 feet of width each depending on how much you move in your sleep.

Make sure you have enough space for an inflatable air mattress. While it's not mandatory, it makes camping much more comfortable than lying on a cold pad. When I wake up I feel 300% better than when I've slept on a pad on the floor getting stiff and cold. No it's not a king-size pillow-top, but we're, uh... roughing it, right!? ;-)

Since we're on the subject of size, make sure you'll have enough height to kneel or stand to change clothes, if that's important to you. Otherwise you'll be relegated to lying on your back as you struggle to pull your clothing on. But there is a trade-off, more height is convenient and comfortable, but there's also more sail-area on the outside, which means larger camping tents will catch wind gusts easier and weigh more.

Spend money on a good quality camping tent with a good name. Cheap discount brands that leak and/or collapse on you in wind-blown rain will make you miserable. Trust me, I've had both happen...

Once in a 10 man cabin type tent at 3:00 am in a gusty downpour. There's nothing quite like having something heavy and wet fall on you to wake you from a deep sleep. Worse was going out in nasty weather to set the tent back up, again.

The second time was in a cheap single-wall pup tent. This was much worse though because my girlfriend at the time and I had to evacuate to my car due to leaks... again in the wee hours. We attempted sleep in semi-reclining seats in my humid car. Needless to say I didn't sleep, and in the morning I bailed 3 inches of water from my tent floor. The girlfriend? She wasn't happy, and it cut our trip short.

Borrow Before You Buy

If you're new to camping and want to get your feet wet (heh, heh no pun intended) before you buy, borrow a friends tent. If it turns out you don't like camping, you're not out any money. If you do like it, then consider investing in a nice camping tent. Get what you want the first time, otherwise you'll spend more money in the long run replacing the tents you don't like.

Pick Your Style Of Camping Tent

Even though tents vary in quality, they do have certain styles in common...

A-frame- A-frame or pup camping tents are usually a single wall (read one vulnerable layer between you and the elements) of fabric that's propped up with a pole or two supported by guy lines. A-frames walls have a tendency to sag using up valuable space inside the tent. This means that when you bump it when it's raining (and you will) it's going to leak if it hasn't already. There are some exceptions to this rule, but I like the other choices better.

Cabin Camping Tents or Canvas Wall Tents- like at kwikkamp.com are VERY heavy duty, based on a frame, and roomy. Some actually allow room for a picnic table or a wood stove so they're great for winter hunting. They are heavy (35-160+ pounds plus frame), bulky, take longer to dry, and take about an hour for two heavy packers to set up. Although not ideal for typical camping they do have their place.

Dome Camping Tents or Geodesic Tents- These camping tents are the most popular. They shed snow and rain and resist wind well with a rain-fly. They can be very strong with aluminum poles. The free-standing design doesn't require stakes or guy lines to remain upright, only to keep it from blowing away. The bigger sizes can offer a nice amount of headroom.

Summer Camping Tents- Light-weight with very good ventilation and designed for warm summer weather. Not quite as versatile as some tents, but it can be a good choice if you do a lot of hot weather camping because of the increased ventilation.

Tunnel Camping Tents or Hoop Tents- (Of which the Exped: Sirius Extreme Tent is a great example.) Straight and narrow in shape. They can be pretty light for their size because they use less poles and fabric, but this also means they're not going to be as strong. Due to their shape I consider them 3-season camping tents.

And last but not least kid tents. Kid tents can come up short when it comes to quality. But unless you and your kids do some seriously demanding camping, dropping big bucks on a play tent probably isn't your idea of a good investment. A little homework can go a long way toward finding a good quality tent that won't dissolve when that first drop of rain hits it. ;-)

I hope this article has given you a few ideas about what to look for in a camp tent. My website offers tent reviews and recommendations as well as other gear information. Happy camping.


About The Author: Shop Amazon - Top Gift Ideas
Marc Wiltse began investing in quality gear after a flooded tent forced him to sleep in his tiny 2-seat Honda CRX. His hiking equipment and camping gear guides, reviews and newsletter save you time and money. Find reviews & learn more about camping tents here: http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/camping-tents.html

VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >> 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 << Excellent Article

Tell our authors what you think about their article.



Top-Level Category: Family Articles || Related Categories: Sports and Recreation Articles

10 Most Recent Articles Written by Marc Wiltse

Dutch Oven Cooking: Cast Iron vs. Aluminum
Written by: Marc Wiltse | Distributed: 2007-07-09 | Word Count: 709 | Page Views: 5030 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 2.38
Cast iron Dutch Ovens have been around for a long time. Is cast iron still a good material to cook with or is aluminum better?

How To Avoid Blisters: A Hiking Sock Guide.
Written by: Marc Wiltse | Distributed: 2006-11-01 | Word Count: 593 | Page Views: 4074 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.00
Great hiking socks are critical for a comfortable hike. Do yours deliver in all the important areas? Learn how to pick the hiking sock that is best for your trip.

How To Pick The Best Camping Tent
Written by: Marc Wiltse | Distributed: 2006-08-16 | Word Count: 1192 | Page Views: 4102 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 1.90
A good camping tent keeps you dry, comfortable, and provides protection. Unfortunately if you don't know what you're looking for, you're probably going to waste money.

All of Author's Articles on this site:

Most Recent "Family" Articles

Why We Women Are Our Own Greatest Enemy When Dating
Written by: RoseMary Alberts | Distributed: 2013-11-06 | Word Count: 544 | Page Views: 8494 | Votes: 33 | Rating: 1.97
I have learned that while there are women who want to be committed to one man, there are some others who seek only attention, gifts, dinners, movies etc, and still others who are only interested in having a physical relationship. But all these three categories cannot be used as a base to judge women and their point of view about relationships only because, like I said, "Women never know what they want." So read on and you will know what I mean...

When A Strong Woman Can Make You A Better Man
Written by: Coalton Reynolds | Distributed: 2013-11-05 | Word Count: 625 | Page Views: 11126 | Votes: 24 | Rating: 2.04
Behind every man, there is a strong women. After my recent split with my girlfriend of two years I have found myself thinking how much I have changed. At first, I just thought I was only different around her, but now I seem to be a totally different person.

Tips to Help You Get Back in the Dating Game After a Long-Term Relationship Ends
Written by: RoseMary Alberts | Distributed: 2013-10-30 | Word Count: 773 | Page Views: 8438 | Votes: 24 | Rating: 1.50
There are very few things in life that are as terrifying, frustrating, rewarding, exciting and just plain crazy as dating; especially if you have ceased to be a "spring chicken" or have been out of the dating scene for many years. If you've found yourself "back on the market" after being in a committed relationship for many years, you may be petrified by the prospect of dating again. The tips in this article will help you get back into the game quickly and successfully...

The Eight Commandments of Online Dating
Written by: Kandice Skaggs | Distributed: 2013-10-24 | Word Count: 1153 | Page Views: 5238 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 1.22
Dating and "desperate" may start with the same letter, but they are not synonymous. Never were and never will be. If you take the time to follow these eight online dating commandments, you might be able to find the happiness you seek at the other end of your online dating communications.

The Day My Daughter Woke Me Up to See That Her Father Never Really Loved Me
Written by: Mary Ann Lipitz | Distributed: 2013-10-18 | Word Count: 527 | Page Views: 7221 | Votes: 26 | Rating: 2.04
I am 31 years old with two children, and I was in a relationship with the man I loved until two years ago. We were not married but we lived together, and yes he is the father of my children. We had been together for more than five years at that point, but we never felt the need to get married. We had been happy the way things were, until one day my daughter changed all that, at least for me.

Dating Rules Explained: How to Turn Your Date Into a Relationship
Written by: RoseMary Alberts | Distributed: 2013-10-16 | Word Count: 779 | Page Views: 9028 | Votes: 28 | Rating: 1.64
How adults behave on a date depends more on their intentions towards the other person than it does on other factors. For instance, a man who really likes a woman is going to behave differently towards her than he would a woman he is only casually interested in. Sometimes, it is hard to know the difference.

6 Things You Can Do Today To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Tomorrow
Written by: Lee Dobbins | Distributed: 2011-12-12 | Word Count: 845 | Page Views: 6697 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 0.67
Reducing your carbon footprint is something that everyone should strive for but what if you don't have a lot of money to buy eco friendly appliances and hybrid cars? Here are 6 easy things that you can do right now to help reduce your carbon footprint. These won't cost you a dime and might even save you some money!

Raise Responsible Children
Written by: Marvin Marshall, Ed.D. | Distributed: 2011-07-19 | Word Count: 926 | Page Views: 569 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 3.00
Using the strategies outlined here will help give your children both roots and wings. You will find yourself on the parenting journey to raise responsible children with less stress and more enjoyment for everyone involved.

Alpaca Wear Makes Terrific Gifts for Men and Women
Written by: Robert Moore | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 772 | Page Views: 4781 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 0.67
Alpaca wear has a long and venerable history and the first record of Alpacas was in the Andean mountains. Alpacas were perfect for producing a fiber suitable for protecting these people from their extreme climate. Alpaca fiber is similar to wool and known for its beauty, luster, warmth, and stain resistance.

Top Ten 'Mistakes' Made by Parents America
Written by: Ryan Hogan | Distributed: 2010-04-27 | Word Count: 970 | Page Views: 5697 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 0.67
On one hand the word "mistake" may be too harsh. Every child is different and only you really know if your offspring is happy and flourishing. Therefore, who is to say what a parenting mistake is and is not? On the other hand, "mistake" may not be harsh enough.

Most Viewed "Family" Articles

Girls Sleepover Party Ideas
Written by: Jillian Gallo | Distributed: 2008-09-16 | Word Count: 837 | Page Views: 16996 | Votes: 140 | Rating: 2.04
Throwing a sleepover for your daughter is one of the most memorable events she will have from her childhood. Regardless of her age, these parties make memories she will take with her as she grows up. How can you make these nights more memorable? By following a few tips, you can make the most out of your daughter's next sleepover.

How To Identify Toxic Black Mold
Written by: Daryl Watters | Distributed: 2007-05-08 | Word Count: 405 | Page Views: 14513 | Votes: 26 | Rating: 2.38
Need toxic black mold or stachybotrys toxic mold testing information or mold inspector information. Certified Florida based mold assessor and inspection firm serving Broward Dade and Palm Beach County including Miami and Ft Lauderdale. Conduction Florida mold testing IAQ testing for commercial and home house mold and indoor air quality problems. Florida mold inspection.

Graduation Flowers Are At The Head Of The Class
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF | Distributed: 2008-04-24 | Word Count: 538 | Page Views: 14303 | Votes: 35 | Rating: 1.83
The coming of spring signals new beginnings, and each year many young adults take the first steps toward that new beginning when they walk across the stage to accept a diploma at their graduation ceremony. Of course, with graduation comes excitement, smiles, tears, a big celebration, and lots of wonderful memories. One way to help make the day even more beautiful and memorable is with flowers.

When A Strong Woman Can Make You A Better Man
Written by: Coalton Reynolds | Distributed: 2013-11-05 | Word Count: 625 | Page Views: 11126 | Votes: 24 | Rating: 2.04
Behind every man, there is a strong women. After my recent split with my girlfriend of two years I have found myself thinking how much I have changed. At first, I just thought I was only different around her, but now I seem to be a totally different person.

How To Find Work At Home Jobs For Work At Home Moms
Written by: Glen OReilly | Distributed: 2009-11-03 | Word Count: 1512 | Page Views: 9469 | Votes: 29 | Rating: 2.52
As the economy continues to tighten for many American families, more moms are looking to the Internet to find the extra money needed to help their families survive during this economically challenging time. The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities for the mom seeking to earn money from home... When you know where to find them... This article will show you where to find those work-at-home jobs and telecommuting jobs you desire...

Selective Mutism Disorder Is More Of A Problem Than You Think
Written by: Ingrid Stenquist | Distributed: 2007-04-11 | Word Count: 682 | Page Views: 9381 | Votes: 33 | Rating: 3.42
One of the worst and most severe manifestations of childhood social anxiety disorders is labeled as Selective Mutism disorder. Originally, fifteen years ago the disorder was called Elective Mutism because doctors figured that all children who didn't talk were either shy or in another category. Elective mutes were seen as belligerent, stubborn, and obnoxious kids who were rebelling by not talking against some effort in order to get attention.

Destructive Behaviors That Cause a Relationship Break Up
Written by: James Kern | Distributed: 2009-07-15 | Word Count: 644 | Page Views: 9378 | Votes: 21 | Rating: 2.43
On the surface, you think that being in love is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but underneath you're flailing and kicking and trying to get back to the status quo, which is you being alone and miserable. It sucks, but you're used to life there. If Alone and Miserable were a bar, everybody there would know your name.

Pepper Spray: How Does it Feel to Get Blasted?
Written by: Fred Cheney | Distributed: 2007-12-18 | Word Count: 477 | Page Views: 9365 | Votes: 28 | Rating: 2.61
It's something to think about. What would happen if you tried to use pepper spray and it sprayed into your own eyes? And, could you accidentally blind someone with it? Permanently maim them? What are the effects of pepper spray? These are important questions and they certainly have answers.

Dating Rules Explained: How to Turn Your Date Into a Relationship
Written by: RoseMary Alberts | Distributed: 2013-10-16 | Word Count: 779 | Page Views: 9028 | Votes: 28 | Rating: 1.64
How adults behave on a date depends more on their intentions towards the other person than it does on other factors. For instance, a man who really likes a woman is going to behave differently towards her than he would a woman he is only casually interested in. Sometimes, it is hard to know the difference.

I Want My Ex Back! 5 Tips That Will Improve Your Chances
Written by: James Kern | Distributed: 2009-03-03 | Word Count: 625 | Page Views: 8831 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 2.73
Five killer tips that help you claw back your ex, even if your situation seems in dire straits.

Highest Ranked "Family" Articles

Selective Mutism Disorder Is More Of A Problem Than You Think
Written by: Ingrid Stenquist | Distributed: 2007-04-11 | Word Count: 682 | Page Views: 9381 | Votes: 33 | Rating: 3.42
One of the worst and most severe manifestations of childhood social anxiety disorders is labeled as Selective Mutism disorder. Originally, fifteen years ago the disorder was called Elective Mutism because doctors figured that all children who didn't talk were either shy or in another category. Elective mutes were seen as belligerent, stubborn, and obnoxious kids who were rebelling by not talking against some effort in order to get attention.

Anybody Can Spend, but Can You Save?
Written by: Rich Thawley | Distributed: 2009-01-22 | Word Count: 527 | Page Views: 4539 | Votes: 20 | Rating: 3.25
We have a great weakness in our society of wanting immediate gratification. We are under a constant barrage in all forms of media to buy this or to buy that. In our world of credit cards and charge accounts it is a challenge for many to resist the temptations of materialism. Don't get me wrong, I think it's fun to have nice things, but only after we can afford them.

How Can Bible Study Help Kids Grow Up?
Written by: Adam Barnett | Distributed: 2007-10-23 | Word Count: 463 | Page Views: 5315 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 3.15
Bible study is probably the number one way to keep your kids on the right path, and keep them out of trouble. We can't watch our kids all day and night, and we can't keep bad influences from coming to them. But what we CAN do is make sure they know wrong from right. This will help them when they face problems and major decisions on their own.

Being a Parent... Opportunities to Turn A Bad Experience Into a Good Experience
Written by: Bill Platt | Distributed: 2007-11-12 | Word Count: 478 | Page Views: 5784 | Votes: 21 | Rating: 3.10
The biggest challenge I have had to face in my own life is that of being a good parent. My kids make it hard for me to stay true to the rules of good parenting... They break everything I own... Repeatedly... Fortunately, I do have the presence of mind to realize that as toddlers and young children, they really do not intend to break things...

Home Alone Child Safety
Written by: Jerry Tarrer | Distributed: 2007-03-21 | Word Count: 1038 | Page Views: 4499 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.00
Your child's safety depends to a large part on good communication between you and your children. This is especially true of two-income families, and single parent families where the children are left alone for extended periods of time and have to care for themselves.

PB and Js And Licking The Bowl - The Joys Of A Kid Friendly Kitchen!
Written by: Pamela Cole Harris | Distributed: 2008-02-14 | Word Count: 554 | Page Views: 5378 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.00
Remember licking the bowl when you were a kid? Or making your own peanut butter sandwiches with grape, or better yet strawberry, jelly? Mmmmm... the smell of homemade oatmeal cookies! And they were even better because you knew you helped make them! Kitchens can be a place of special memories for kids of any generation. Are you building those memories with your children or do you view the kitchen as a dangerous place for kids?

Educational Toys Can Be Fun
Written by: Kim Michael | Distributed: 2009-04-01 | Word Count: 521 | Page Views: 3674 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 3.00
Most parents these days are looking for toys that can be both educational and fun. When playing with our children, parents want to teach as well as have fun.

Potty Training Made Easy
Written by: Kim Michael | Distributed: 2009-04-07 | Word Count: 507 | Page Views: 4218 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.00
If you're the parent of a toddler, you are probably looking for the right signs that your child is ready to be potty trained. Potty training your child can be a frustrating time in your life. When your child is ready to be potty trained, they will provide to you clues that the timing is right. If you capitalize on these clues, and use the right tools, this can be an exciting time in your life, as well as your child's.

Understanding State Child Support Laws and Guidelines
Written by: Amerion Abler | Distributed: 2007-01-15 | Word Count: 1078 | Page Views: 3457 | Votes: 12 | Rating: 2.92
Child support is the government's means of ensuring that children enjoy the financial security that a two-parent home would have afforded them. This is the primary moral concern of child support laws --- that children be well provided for --- and it is based on the principle of responsibility. Read on as we examine the role of child support and how to keep it fair for both parents.

A Cruzader Christmas
Written by: Lisa Stockmann Karp | Distributed: 2009-01-23 | Word Count: 1185 | Page Views: 5482 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.89
Jun and Joyce Dela Cruz couldn't believe their eyes. In November 2000, they watched a disturbing television news report that changed their Christmas forever. Thousands of the more than 10,000 homeless on Los Angeles' Skid Row would be going without a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal that year.











Download an eBook today
 
Directory Navigation
Locate By Category:

ALL Categories
Arts & Crafts
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Business - Offline
Business - Online
Career
Computers
Education
Family
Finance
Food & Drink
Health & Wellness
Home & Garden
Humor
Internet
Nature & Pets
Real Estate
Religion
Self Improvement
Shopping
Society
Sports & Recreation
Technology
Travel & Leisure
Uncategorized
World Events
Writing & Speaking

Change Number of Results:
50 - 100 - 200 - 500
Article Reprint Rights
Creative Commons License

This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License


You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
Article Statistics
Word Count: 1187

Total Views: 4277

Article Rating: 2.75 of 5
Votes Cast: 16

More Articles By Author:



Last Distribution Date:
2007-06-26 11:24:00

Internal ID: #5013





All Articles are Copyright © 2001-2023 of the Defined Authors.

All other material and images on this site are:
Copyright © 2001-2023, ThePhantomWriters.com