Buying The Best Tent
By Bud Sayce
Shelter is not a luxury; it's a basic necessity of life. So it makes no sense to leave for an overnight trip without providing yourself with a dependable source of shelter.

Without doubt a good quality, dependable tent is the first requirement of wilderness camping. After all, "roughing it" doesn't necessarily mean going face to face with the elements when you're far away fro home.

Camping tents can be as simple as a two-person pop up model, or an elaborate three-room family affair. What's important is having a dependable tent that will save you from undue aggravation or danger.

When shopping for a tent, there are several details to look for. First and foremost, determine what you need from your tent. Look at the size and shape of the tent, and consider the weight, setup time and the types of poles. The tent that you choose should be easy to set up, particularly if you'll be alone. Ask the sporting goods store associate if you're not sure.

Remember to consider the transportation of your tent. If you're looking at a big, bulky tent that will take up the entire trunk of your car and leave no room for food and gear, keep shopping.

Size

Are you alone, or with your family? Are you packing along a lot of gear? Do you have pets that will need protection? These are all points that will come into play when choosing the size of your tent. You (and those sharing your space) will need room to sleep comfortably, stretch and move around. You'll need to sit up or stand. While it is possible for a family of four to sleep

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in a four-person tent, you'll all be more comfortable in a roomer six-person model. Two people will be comfortable in a small tent, but may need to store their belongings in a separate shelter.

A Weighty Issue

If you are hiking or portaging to your destination, you'll have to give serious thought to the weight of your tent. Big canvas tents and ten-kilometer hikes just don't mix. You'll be carrying all of your gear and necessities, so you don't want to be weighed down even more by a heavy tent. Choose a secure but lightweight model. On the other hand, if you're driving to the campsite in a heavy-duty vehicle with lots of cargo room, then go crazy and bring a big tent.

Material

Campers are no longer obliged to sleep under heavy, damp canvas. Today's tents are made with lightweight but durable materials like taffeta and nylon. While light as a feather, these materials are tough as nails and able to withstand the forces of nature. When choosing your tent, be sure that it is certified waterproof. It may cost a little extra, but will pay for itself if Mother Nature sends a little rain and wind along for the ride.

Assembly Required

The tent that you choose must be easy to assemble with few or no tools. Insist on seeing the assembly instructions before you buy the tent and, as an added precaution, try setting it up at home before you hit the trails. Realizing that you need a third body or a ratchet set to assemble your tent is a nightmare when you're miles from home.

Tents are not luxuries for the faint-hearted, or copouts for rookie campers. They are necessary tools that satisfy the basic human need for shelter. Even the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts will agree, there is no thrill in coming face to face with a forest critter at four a.m.

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Bud Sayce writes regularly for a variety of web-based zines, on recreation center and fishing sports recreation subjects, among others.
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