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From backyard camping to hitting the great outdoors, or a week long getaway. There are many ways to use a tent, and this determines what type of a tent you will be most happy with. Here is a guide to help you make an informed tent decision.
How To Buy A Tent
One of the first steps in enjoying the Great Outdoors is buying the right tent. The key to making the adventure even more enjoyable and safe is buying the right tent, and the right accessories. To do this, first determine your camping needs. Then, decide which features you must have and which you can do without. The type of tent you buy should ultimately depend on climate, geography, activity, and personal taste.
First you need to determine how you will use the tent.
Time of year you will be camping
All-season
Summer
Winter/Mountaineering
Chose a tent
Tent components
Types of tents
Materials
Ventilation
Size and weight
Other key features
Determining your camping needs
One of the first steps in selecting a tent is determining the type of camping you will be doing and the time of year you will be doing it.
Time of year you will be camping
All-season (convertible)
All-season tents can be used year-round but are not designed for harsh winter mountaineering
Weight is in the 5 to 20 pound range
Summer
Summer tents are designed for hot climates only
These usually weigh 4 to 15 pounds
Winter/Mountaineering
For winter camping under extreme conditions, a mountaineering tent can withstand much of the worst nature has to offer
They generally weigh 5 to 10 pounds
Three-season
A typical three-season tent is built to withstand light snow, warm climates and a variety of conditions in between, and is versatile enough to be used much of the year
These usually weigh between 5 and 30 pounds
Tent Components
Besides stakes, there are three basic components of a tent: the poles, body and rain fly.
Poles
They are the support structures that hold up the tent
Can be made of aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber
Body
It is the tent itself and is usually made of nylon
Rain fly
This is like an umbrella for your tent
It protects the tent body from UV rays and precipitation
Sometimes used as a tarp or its own tent when basic, ultra-light shelter is desired
Types of tents
Summer
Summer tents are designed only for hot weather
Lots of mesh in the tent body for ventilation
A rain fly that stops several inches above the ground to provide maximum protection while improving ventilation
Usually Light-weight, two-pole construction
Three-season
Three-season tents are designed for versatility
Three-pole high-strength construction to withstand wind and rain
A full-coverage rain fly that extends to the ground
Sometimes have a large vestibule to accommodate gear
Skylight window in the rain fly to let in additional light
All-season
All-season tents (convertible tents) can be used year-round
Skylight window in the rainfly to let in additional light
Usually Four aluminum poles
Removable vestibule for weight savings
Mesh with zip-out panels that can be used for ventilation when open, or for protection and privacy when closed
Rain fly that can be set up by itself, offering light weight for those who prefer to deal with a minimum of gear
Winter/Mountaineering
Winter tents are designed for use in extreme winter conditions
Four or five aluminum poles with optional free-standing construction
Full-coverage rain fly
Steep sidewalls to shed wind and snow
Two doors on opposite ends or sides of tent, with available vestibules, to provide easy entrance and exit as well as gear storage.
Single-wall
Single-wall tents are for those who want an ultra-light shelter with minimalist features
They do not require a rain fly to protect against moisture
High and low ventilation ports afford maximum air flow
Vertical sidewalls shed rain and maximum interior space
Dome
Dome tents are aerodynamic and stable
They are designed to shed wind and all types of precipitation effectively
Cabin
Cabin tents are best suited for established campgrounds or base camps and for family camping
They feature a large, square design with high ceilings and vertical walls to accommodate cots, chairs, coolers and other creature comforts
Hoop (tunnel)
Hoop tents available in two- and three-hoop varieties. Three-hoop models are especially popular with long-distance hikers.
They are lightweight (3 to 5 pounds)
Their low profile offers weather-resistance as well as a spacious interior
Materials
Tents come in a variety of materials and colors, and your choice also depends on how you plan to use it.
Polyester fabrics
Withstand UV exposure better than nylon
The best choice for long-term campsites
Nylon
These tents are generally lighter than polyester ones
Most tents intended for any camping beyond the back yard will be made of nylon
Ventilation
Look for breathable sidewalls and roofs to minimize condensation
Mesh windows, doors and panels allow air in, keep creepy crawlies out, and provide views
Size and weight
The size and weight of your tent should coincide with your planned activity, number of people using the tent, and amount of gear you'll be bringing along to store inside
A tent's weight includes tent body, rain fly, poles and stuff-sack
Hikers and cyclists look for light weight and compactness. A hoop (tunnel) tent would be appropriate.
Family campers usually choose the comfort afforded by larger shelters such as dome or cabin tent. Family and expedition tents can add as much as 10 to 20 pounds.
A three-season tent (to accommodate two or three people) generally weighs in at four to nine pounds
Small, ultra-light tents (bivy sacks) can weigh as little as one or two pounds
Features: Many features are built into many modern tent designs.
Collapsible tent poles of aluminum, high strength aluminum, carbon fiber or tubular fiberglass, Internal storage pockets for easy organization, Steep walls to increase usable interior room, shed precipitation better and help vent out humidity. Gear loops inside the tent, Stake loops made from strong nylon webbing
Larger family tents often offer partitions for improved privacy
One-piece floors for added waterproofness
NEW FEATURES:
Some of our tents have a Solar Power or 12 volt Power system built in.
Valley Sports & More
775 Northview Dr.
Burlington, WA 98233
USA
Phone: 360-757-8171
Best PHONE HOURS to contact us are Pacific time 5:30pm to 9PM evenings or all days weekends.
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