FAQ

Q : How to Choose a Tent ?

A : 1. Determine the size your camping tent needs to be. Think about how many people your camping tent must sleep, the amount of sleeping space each person needs in the camping tent, the amount of room you want to move around.

    Tips No.1 : If you are a young family that may be adding children, go for a larger size as a tent can last for many years.

    Tips No.2 : Longer trips and extra gear require a larger size tent.

2. Choose a shape for your tent. A-frame tents are common and generally a good choice for people needing smaller sized tents. Umbrella-shaped and domed tents are usually larger and more appropriate for camping with a large amount of gear or family camping.

3. Decide which material is appropriate for your tent poles. Fiberglass poles are common and relatively inexpensive. However, fiberglass poles can become brittle when subjected to extreme hot or cold. Aluminum poles will not splinter under extreme temperatures, but are heavier than fiberglass tent poles. Use poles made out of carbon fiber if you need lightweight tent poles that can withstand extreme temperatures.

4. Consider the weather conditions in which you will be using your tent. For summer camping in hot climates, screened windows that you can open to let in air will help keep the inside of the tent cool. Ensure your tent is waterproof if you are planning to camp in damp climates.

5. Account for the cost of a good camping tent. Larger tents, tents with carbon fiber tent poles, and waterproof tents will be more expensive. More expensive tents will also tend to last longer with repeated use.

     Tips : If you only intend to camp occasionally, a less-expensive camping tent might be durable enough.

Q : How to Pitch a Tent

A : 1. Practice before your camping in your back yard or even in your living room, that way you can be sure it won't be raining, it won't be blowing 40 m.p.h. winds and it won't be 21 degrees with frost nipping at your stiff fingers.

    Tips No.1 : Bring the tent instructions with you camping-just in case.

    Tips No.2 : Try to time your first trip with the tent so that you're pitching it in daylight.

2. Locate ground that is flat and away from any flood areas. Preferably find some higher ground so that if it rains, the rain will run downhill away from your tent.

    Tips No.1 : If there is a tilt to the site, consider where you want your head. I like mine higher than my feet.

    Tips No.2 : Look overhead: are there pine trees dripping sap or dropping pine cones? Not good for your tent or your sleeping.

3. Place a large piece of plastic sheeting or a tarp over the area where you will be erecting the tent.

4. Assemble support rods. Depending on the type and style of tent the number of rods varies. Assemble all rods before moving on to the next step. Slide support rods through the pockets on the tent. In most cases these rods will go over the top of the tent to form a half circle.

    Tips : For many tents, driving the stakes in first works well.

6. Adjust the position of the stakes, making sure they are positioned as far out as you can pull the tent. A taut tent means you have more room inside.

7. Put the rain-fly on, making it as taut as possible.

Q : How to Care Your Camping Tent ?

A : All camping tents see wear and tear, but this can be compounded by the large number of people traipsing in and out of your tent. If you haven't gone camping in several years and are using an old tent, set it up at home before you leave to check for tears, missing poles and other potential problems. Even if you camp regularly, your tent will need some regular maintenance. Tent seams need to be sealed once a year to prevent water from leaking into your tent. You should take care of this several days before your trip, as the sealer needs to dry for 24 hours before you can repack the tent.