Tents

Just a quick look at two tents for different types of camping. When backpacking, equipment weight is your main concern. Backpacking tents are made of lighter materials and usually pack down smaller than tents used for car camping, meaning you pull up to your campsite and pitch your tent few feet from it.

Car camping tents are sometimes referred to as family camping tents. These can be larger and weight and bulk isn’t much of an issue since you are not hauling it on your back along with the rest of your gear.

Quality tents last longer and are usually more weatherproof than your average store brand tent purchased from your local department store that also sells diapers and lawn equipment.

Look for tents that are seam sealed and that have a ranfly that goes all the way down to the ground for better rain protection. A footprint or groundcloth is also recommended to prolong the life of the tent and also adds an extra layer between you and the ground for added insulation.

A sleeping mat or air mattress is recommend both for comfort and also keeps you insulated from the ground. A sleeping bag rounds off your basic overnight sleeping accommodations. Synthetic is heavier, but performs better in humid or wet conditions, and down is lighter and compresses down smaller for transport. Mummy style bags are warmer than the standard rectangular configuration.

Practice setting up your tent at home before heading out. Setting up in the dark or rain for practice may not be a bad idea either since you may not arrive at camp under ideal conditions. Also remember to re set up your tent and let it air out if rained on during your trip. Mildew can ruin the tent over time.

If you don’t have a seam sealed tent, i highly recommend buying some seam sealer and seal the seams both from the inside and outside of the tent.

Video shot with Canon S3IS.

Duration : 0:6:56

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