Crazy Trailers or Crazy People? Both
I’ve witnessed with my own eyes that people can come up with some crazy ways to haul things. Remember the Beverly Hillbillies, how they just tied and strapped everything to the old Ford? Now I’ve seen the modern version of this countless times, and it can be a scary experience following this vehicle down the road. But what about unique trailers, have you ever seen one that caught your eye when you were driving down the road? There wasn’t anything unsafe about it; it was just a unique trailer.
Motorcycle Gas Tank Trailer
One you might have seen was the prototype of the new and unusual motorcycle pod trailer (where the motorcycle rides inside for transport). This trailer was just entering the production phase when unforeseen circumstances put things on hold for a bit. Shaped like the gas tank of a motorcycle, this trailer will have people doing a double take on the highway if it ever gets out to the public. What is so unique about this trailer is that it can be custom painted to exactly match the paint on your bike.
Homemade Travel Trailer for Under $100
Another unique trailer dots the country and can be yours for $100 or less. This trailer is a make shift camping trailer. What the owner has generally done is take the bed of pickup truck minus the cab and welded onto it the top half of a camper. After applying a trailer hitch, he has created a trailer that is generally the talk of the campground. Don’t worry if you this exact trailer. Keep your eyes open, and eventually, you will. These homemade camping trailers are not that unusual in farming communities, although their safety is questionable. I’m not an expert, but doesn’t it just make a lot more sense to keep the camper cap on a pickup truck that actually runs? But that wouldn’t be very unique, would it?
And there are many more unique trailers to be found. All you need to do is keep your eye open while out on the road or visit one of the many car shows being held all over your state and beyond. The truth is that there could be as many unique trailers out there as there are drivers. You too can make a unique trailer. All you need is a little imagination and a little knowledge about trailer construction and safety.
Emily Sandberg is a camping enthusiast who spent many a happy weekend camping in her family’s used travel trailer. When she’s not towing anything, she covers her hitch with a hitch cover from Trailer Hitch Universe.
Checklist For Buying the Perfect Used Travel Trailer
Buying a used travel trailer can be a scary prospect indeed. But, armed with a little information and the attitude that the right trailer is out there for you, you can get through the buying process and come out on the other end with a fantastic used travel trailer!
First, you must know how much trailer you need to suit your situation and how much you can handle in terms of price and towing capability. I can’t help you much with price–you’ll have to decide beforehand what you range is, but you can research what trailers are available for what prices on the internet. As far as towing capability is concerned, you need to be concerned with two numbers–GTW (gross trailer weight),which is the maximum weight your vehicle is designed to pull, and TW (tongue weight); that’s the downward force (measured in pounds) your hitch ball can support. Both of these figures can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual and should be topmost in your mind when considering which trailer you can tow.
Now to the fun part; once you have decided some of your basic needs, you can start shopping! You may have used RV dealerships in your area. That’s great news since you will have a wider selection and a salesperson to offer suggestions and recommendations. Of course if you don’t, you can find plenty of used trailers for sale through your local classifieds and online. Don’t be shy–see a lot of trailers; it’s the only way to find the one that’s just right for you!
Once you do find a trailer to consider, there are a lot of things to keep in mind; I suggest making a checklist to remind yourself what you are looking for and to take notes about the features and condition of each model you see.
Starting with the exterior, look for dents and dings, rusted spots, rusty or loose screws. Check if the exterior compartments are clean and dry. Inspect the roof; are the rubber seals cracking or discolored from water/sun damage? Are the vent covers secure? Is there a roof rack? Check any awnings and pullouts to see if they operate smoothly and look to be in good repair. Is the awning discolored or mildewed? Is it large enough?
Moving inside, check the doors; do they close securely? Check the hinges and handles and locks. Is there a pull out step? Does it work well and store securely? Are the windows in good condition? Do they operate smoothly and lock securely? Are all the screens in place? Are they in good repair?
Consider the interior walls and flooring. Are there signs of water damage, including discoloration and soft spots? Do you like the colors? Are the walls or flooring marked with stains?
What is the condition of the furniture? Are all the appliances in working order? Turn everything on and check it’s performance. The refrigerator and freezer will take a few hours to fully cool, but if this trailer is on your “short list,” be sure to check them. Turn on all faucets to check for leaks; check the water heater and all holding tanks for leaks by filling them with water. Check if the bathroom is big enough. Lay down on the bed; do you feel comfortable in the sleeping space? Are the closets big enough? Can you see your family vacationing happily in this space?
If so, then you know all your hard work has paid off, and you have found the perfect travel trailer for your family! If not, you know your checklist has weeded out another poor choice, and you are that much closer to finding your trailer. So, get out there and get to work; your next family vacation could be in your very own perfectly used travel trailer.
Emily Sandberg is a camping enthusiast who spent many a happy weekend camping in her family’s used travel trailer. When she’s not towing anything, she covers her hitch with a hitch cover from Trailer Hitch Universe.
Backpacking Tents: How to Choose
Purchasing a backpacking tent can be complicated. Not only are there all sorts of different designs and such to consider, there are also essential practical concerns such as weight. In this article, I will examine the different consideration you needs to take into account when shopping for your next backpacking tent.
First of all, you need to think about weight. When you’re backpacking, weight trumps almost all other considerations. Though it may seem like a few ounces here and there won’t make a huge difference, when all the weight of all the items in your pack are added up, you’ll find that those little bits of weight will add up quite quickly. To save weight, tent manufacturers use extremely lightweight fabric, high tech alloy poles, and a ruthless design mindset that eliminates any excess material. Of course, the lighter a tent is, the more you’ll pay, so keep that in mind when shopping.
Secondly, you need to consider which design you need for your specific uses. One huge design factor to think about is three season vs. four season tents. As their name implies, three season tents are intended for use in all season except for winter. Four season tents are beefy enough to use during the winter months, when heavy snow and high winds place unique demands on the tent. As you might expect, four season tents are heavier, but if you’re camping in places and times where it could snow, you’ll need the capabilities of a four season tent for sure. Make sure you understand the climate of your region well so you can make the right decision here.
Another huge design issue to consider is size. Backpacking tents are sold as being 1 person, 2 person, and so on. However, things aren’t quite that simple. If you’re especially large, you might find that some 1 person tents are too small. Many two person tents will only fit two small people. The bottom line is that you need to carefully check the dimensions of your tent to ensure that you will be comfortable sleeping in it. You may determine that a two person tent will be the best choice for you, if you’re larger, or that you need a three person tent to fit two people. It varies for every tent, so be sure to check on this.
Let’s talk about features. Even backpacking tents have “bells and whistles” such as rain flys, gear vestibules, mesh sides, and such. Rain flys are essential for keeping you dry during stores, a gear vestibule helps cover up your gear and keep it safe, while mesh sides keep your tent nice and ventilated. Just be sure that you don’t go overboard on the special features such that your weight increases greatly. Ignore anything too flashy, and try to stick with just the essentials, that is, adequate protection from the elements, combined with good ventilation.
In addition to the traditional backpacking style tents, you can also get tarp tents and bivy sacks. A tarp tent is a very lightweight tarp, with a very minimal set of poles and ties to hep pitch it as a tent. For those who are willing to take special care setting up their tent, tarp tents offer incredible weight savings. However, special care must be taken to set them up right, or else they can get you wet in the event of a rain storm. Bivy sacks aren’t really tents at all, but rather a weatherproof sheath for your sleeping bag. These are super light, but only for the hardcore minimalist as many find the claustrophobic.
Overall, choosing a backpacking tents comes down to a few basic points, but finding the proper balance between size, weight, and features while still fitting your budget can be a challenge. However, if you shop around, you should be able to find a tent that will fit all of your needs for years to come. Happy backpacking.
David Wilson is an outdoor enthusiast and webmaster. Visit Backpacking Tents to find the best prices available online. You can buy backpacking tents online, read articles about tents, and more.
The Useful Technology of Pop-up Tents
Camping is one of the simple pleasures in life. Getting outdoors and enjoying nature is something that almost everyone can enjoy. Even people who don’t enjoy typical outdoor activities like hiking and boating can appreciate the fun of sleeping under the stars.
For some campers, buying the equipment and setting up the campsite is the most fun part of any outdoor adventure. Buying a new tent is a lot of fun but can be full of many confusing choices. What type of tent should you buy?
Many campers are gravitating toward pop-up tents. These tents are simple to put up at the campsite and easy to take down when you’re ready to go home. They don’t require a lot of complicated assembly. Often, all that is required is to put the tent on the ground and move a few poles. The tent pops up and provides instant shelter, leaving you more time to enjoy your outdoor fun.
Pop-up tents are made from lightweight material with lightweight poles. Since they are so lightweight and portable you might be tempted to think they are flimsy. However, pop-up tents are generally very durable and will last for many camping seasons.
Several different tent styles are available in pop-up format. Frame tents feature large interiors and room for many campers. They are popular with families because of the abundance of space they offer. Ridge tents are also a great choice in pop-up tents. They are stable and simple to set up and tear down, and their shape allows for plenty of interior space. Even multi-room tents can be made in pop-up form.
When the camping trip is over, pop-up tents are simple to take down. They don’t require complicated tools or any special knowledge to take down, so you can be out of your campsite and on the way home quickly.
Pop-up tents also come in trailer form. A pop-up tent trailer can be towed behind most vehicles, even small cars, and pops up into a full-size tent once you arrive at your destination. This type of pop-up tent is usually larger than portable pop-up tents. It may even include some of the comforts of home, including separate rooms and cooking facilities.
Campers aren’t the only ones who can enjoy the ease of use of pop-up tents. Vendors at outdoor festivals and events often use pop-up canopies and enclosures to protect their goods from the elements. Vendors use pop-up tents because they require very little effort to set up. When customers are waiting, a few saved minutes can make a big financial difference.
We don’t often think of all of the work that goes into making items that we use and enjoy, but pop-up tents are a marvel of modern camping engineering. The years of research that have gone into making today’s pop-up tents effective and affordable shows in the quality and ease of use that they provide for campers.
Using a pop-up tent on your next camping trip will ensure that you reduce the stress and uncertainty that can sometimes accompany setting up camping equipment. You can get your camp ready to go in record time and then slow down and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
Warren L. Smith offers a fountain of information on such tents as: pop-up tents and campers, family tents, party tents, and even trailer tents. For the best up to date information on all essential tents for camping, go to http://www.tentsandmoreonline.com/
Camping Is Perfect for All Occasions
Are you looking for a good time? If you are, have you ever thought about going camping? What is nice about camping is that it is an affordable recreational activity, as well as one that is perfect for a wide range of occasions, as few of which are outlined below.
Perhaps, the best type of occasion that is perfect for a camping trip is that of a family vacation. Camping is most ideal for family vacations because it is affordable. Whether you have two kids or five kids, it can get fairly expensive to plan a traditional family vacation, like one to an amusement park. Many families have found it much more affordable to go camping instead.
Another one of the many occasions that can call for camping is one that is often unthought of. Although it may not appear that way at first glance, camping is also ideal for those looking to take romantic getaways. One of the many reasons why camping is nice for romantic getaways is because of nature. Many couples love the outdoor feel and the romance that it can create.
Another occasion that may warrant a camping trip is that of a family reunion. Although family reunions are decreasing in popularity, they do still exist and are still fairly popular. The only thing about family reunions is that many only last a day or even just a few hours. If you have a large family, it could be difficult to catch up on what is happening with everyone. That is why many families are starting to examine campground parks for their reunion locations.
As previously stated, campground parks often have an unlimited number of activities for you to participate in, like boating, fishing, swimming and hiking. This means that everyone in your family, large or small, can have fun on a camping trip, especially one that doubles as a family reunion. With affordable admission fees or camping rates, it should be relatively easy for most of your family to afford a one or two night stay at a public campground park.
Camping is also ideal if you are just looking to take a break or if you are looking to escape from your everyday life and all of the stresses that are associated with it. Although fun is often associated with groups, you may enjoy a solo camping trip, even if it is only for one night. What you need to remember though is to be sure to keep a mobile phone with you at all times. Solo camping trips are nice, but they can be dangerous. Be sure to let someone that you know and trust where you will be camping and when you are expected to return.
The above mentioned occasions are just a few of the many instances, where you may want to think about taking a camping trip. As a reminder, camping is a nice and affordable recreational activity, whether you are looking to camp for only one night or one week.
Alan Richardson is the owner of The Sports Equipment Site where you will find a massive selection of deals on sporting equipment and apparel.
Bringing The Right Equipment When Going Camping
Many families go camping at State Parks because the camping facilities offer all the comforts of home while people sleep in tents. People that use recreational vehicles for camping have many of these conveniences inside the RV but do tend to need other outdoor camping equipment that a tent owner would not necessarily pack up for a weekend away. Recreational vehicle owners are more centered on spending time at a nice recreation spot and need outdoor camping equipment that is solid.
For entertaining outdoors, a recreational vehicle owner would truly enjoy having a folding table to cook on. These tables are rigid and could support an outdoor grill nicely with enough room left over to play cards with friends throughout the afternoon. Folding chairs would make good outdoor camping equipment because nice furniture would be left inside the RV and the owners would not have to worry about anyone getting wet if it remained outside the recreational vehicle all night.
The campsite would be more efficient with these two sturdy camping accessories but some recreational vehicle owners might prefer benches. These outdoor furniture items make camping outdoors more believable because they can be made of steel but resemble real wood. All of these pieces of camping equipment can be taken apart and stored in the recreational vehicle while the campers are enroute to another recreation area or the long tables will fit nicely on top if tied down well.
Some outdoor enthusiasts get tired of traveling after a while and will often rent a lot at an RV park. Other RV’er enthusiasts will be there and some will use outdoor camping equipment to create a marvelous backyard for friends to enjoy when they stop over for dinner or a game of cards. Recreational vehicle owners might have to ask permission to use camping equipment while in the park, but often the owners will allow hammocks to be tied to trees on the lot.
During inclement weather, a recreational vehicle owner might choose to use other types of camping equipment that would normally be reserved for State Parks or other outdoor camping uses. Butane lanterns can come in very handy when power goes out in an RV park, and visibility is low enough to make trips to the washrooms and laundry treacherous. If propane is not offered at the RV park, then the option of using camping equipment like propane stoves would be justified if the RV owner has a good supply of the little tanks in the storage spaces in the RV.
During power shortages, camping equipment such as ice chests will be needed to preserve food stuffs until power is restored. Campers use sleeping bags and tents when temperature rise and the recreational vehicle’s air conditioning cannot be run due to battery back up system malfunctioning during this period. Campers rely on camping equipment to carry them through difficult times. Under the worst conditions, campers will know that they will have a dry place to sleep at night and hot meals to eat at night.
James Brown writes about Mountain Gear web code, Backcountry discount codes and Bass Pro Shops web code
The Top Two Most Scenic Camping Locations in Washington
Residents of Washington State know full well the beauty of their own corner of the country, but if you were to prompt them about some of the more specific places of note, it is undoubtedly certain that Orcas Island and the Olympic National Rainforest would be among the top locations mentioned.
The largest island among the cluster of beautiful Northwest jewels that form the famed San Juan Islands, Orcas Island is a must-see vacation and camping spot that demands a full weekends attention. Providing a wealth of activities to choose from, such as camping, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, sea kayaking, whale watching, swimming, biking and more, Orcas Island makes for an ideal place to get away. Traveling there is equally as picturesque as the island itself. Take the ferry that departs out of Seattle and find out first hand why they call it the Emerald City.
Once you arrive, you will have a variety of choices to choose from when it comes to where you will be staying. Though the island offers a host of scenic hotels and inns, this author highly recommends the visceral experience of camping on one of the islands public camping grounds with a few close friends. If it is not raining, fill your nights by sitting next to a campfire and roasting some hot dogs and marshmallows. Then, fill your daytime schedule with a trip on a whale watching boat, riding the roads and trails on some rented bikes and, finally, taking in an evening dinner at a small local restaurant before returning to your campsite. If you are new to camping and need tips, tricks and specific information on how to prepare, I suggest visiting TentsAndMoreOnline. Here, you will find all the help you need to ensure your camping trip is a successful one, plus the gear to make it happen.
For those of you who are not into island hopping, an excursion deep into Washingtons highly-coveted and preserved Olympic National Rainforest might just be the way to help you see Washington at its finest. Maintained at a distribution of 95% wilderness, the parks and trails showcased in this area of the country truly give you a taste of what it must have been like before the New World expanded to draw ink on every inch of the map. There are many public camps offering places to hunker down for a few days, but if camping is not necessarily the way you want to sleep at night, the nearby town of Port Angeles is a welcome refuge from the great outdoors.
If you are a hiking and camping enthusiast, or an admirer of untamed nature in general, make sure to visit the Olympic National Rainforest at least once in your lifetime. Though not recommended for the casual camper, it is still a completely accessible location for campers armed with pertinent camping knowledge. Next time you are in Washington State, make time for the sights that make the Pacific Northwest a striking home for so many, and a dream vacation spot for even more.
Warren L. Smith offers a fountain of information on such tents as: pop-up tents and campers, family tents, party tents, and even trailer tents. For the best up to date information on all essential tents for camping, go to http://www.tentsandmoreonline.com/
Essential Camping Gear Makes Living in the Great Outdoors Easy and Fun
There’s nothing like a camping trip with the family to create some unforgettable memories and bonding time. Getting away from the daily grind to explore the great outdoors can be both relaxing and energizing. But before you go, make sure you have made the necessary preparations with this essential camping gear list:
1. Food
Part of the fun of camping is having the opportunity to prepare and eat your meals outdoors - the fresh smell of coffee and eggs - wafting through the air. One easy breakfast recipe, Hillbilly Trash Breakfast, uses aluminum foil to cook hash browns, eggs, sausage or ham, and cheese together for a delicious start to the day with easy clean-up. And of course, no camping trip is complete without a hot dog roast and s’mores under the stars.
2. Sleeping bags
Sleeping bags come in various shapes and sizes and use different materials for insulation. Before choosing a sleeping bag, consider what kind of camping you are going to do. Are you a summer weekend camper who likes to head to a state park? Or maybe you’d like to try something more serious. For casual campers who like to just get outdoors during the warmer months, a basic sleeping bag should suffice. For those who want to try their hand at camping in cooler or more inclement weather, consider a “mummy” sleeping bag with insulation for up to zero degrees.
3. Tent
Tents come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Make sure to really shop around before making your purchase. Consider, are you a family of four or more? A two-room tent might be ideal for you. If you’re just starting out with a spouse or friend, you could get by with a two-person tent. Tents also come with or without screened-in porches, ideal for storing shoes and other miscellaneous items.
4. Water
You’ll need lots of water when camping - for drinking and cooking. It’s a good idea to stock up on individualized water bottles. For those using water from a campground source, you might need to sterilize it first. A portable water filter is your best bet to ensuring the water is safe to drink. These filters remove bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and chemicals.
5. First Aid Kit
Definitely do not go camping without a first aid kit. Well-stocked first aid kits include: bandages and gauze of various sizes, antiseptic cream, sterile wipes and rinse solutions, pain medicine, tweezers and scissors, sunburn relief spray, and anti-diarrhea medicine.
6. Flashlight
For those late-night calls to the bathroom, a flashlight is essential. No matter how close you may be camped out near the facilities, you’ll need a flashlight to see your way. Choose a sturdy flashlight that has been designed for outdoor use.
7. Utility Knife
For all the tools that you use at the campground, a quality utility knife will be one of the most versatile. Always keep your utility knife clean and sharp. A dull knife is a dangerous instrument. Always hold the utility knife firmly by the handle and cut away from the body. Knives should not be used to pry something open or as a screwdriver.
8. Rain Gear
Don’t forget clothing for any inclement weather you may encounter. That means a complete change of clothes, in case the ones you’re wearing get wet. A rain jacket always comes in handy for when the weather turns wet.
9. Lantern
Once the sun goes down, it can get pretty dark around the campsite, save the light from the campfire. Always bring along a lantern to provide additional lighting. You can purchase a lantern fairly inexpensively.
10. Camp Stove
Unless you’re skillful at cooking over an open fire, a camp stove will be necessary for cooking most of your meals. Like lanterns, camp stoves are inexpensive items that use the same fuels as lanterns.
Safecutters Inc., provides an online store of utility knife box cutters for opening shipping boxes and shipping packages, as well as safety knives to open moving boxes and packages. For more information about Klever Kutter and other Safecutters products contact us!
Your Camping Questions Answered
Instead of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, it should be marshmallows roasting on an open fire. Camping is an activity quite like any other. The serene quality of being out in nature is one that thousands of people take part in when the weather gets warmer. The tents become unfurled and sleeping bags make their way out of storage.
Warm weather signals a great time to make camp and get out of the house. The long winter is over and now it is time to get outside and get active. Are you a camping enthusiast or are you a novice to this great pastime? If you are a novice then you are in luck. This article will cover the basics of what you will need while camping and what to expect of the great outdoors.
How much do camping grounds charge?
Some camping grounds only charge a few dollars for their camping areas. The ones that provide water, showers, and electrical sockets will be charging more. The best way to find out the pricing is to go online to the national park you wish to visit. They can give you a listing of prices and when their camping grounds are open.
What can I do when I’m camping?
You can do whatever your heart desires. Some people look at camping as a way to relax and so they spend a majority of their time just relaxing by the campfire and reading a book. Some people want adventure such as rock climbing or white water rafting. You can also swim, hike, ride bicycles or even go horseback riding while you are camping. It is also a great way to explore the area.
How do I keep wild animals out of my food stuff?
The best way to keep animals out of your food stuffs is to keep it in your car if you are in a campground. If you are the enthusiast who likes to hike into the woods away from everyone you will want to tie your food stuff out of reach so small animals, and even big ones, can not reach the food.
Keeping a campfire going will also discourage animals from getting into your food supplies. Always keep scraps and other food wastes buried or far away from camp to discourage them as well.
What are some typical foods that are eaten while camping?
Who could possibly not go camping and not have hot dogs and marshmallows roasted over an open fire? It is just tradition to have those two staples. Other food items will depend on what type of camping you are doing. Many people love to catch their own food and roast them on the fire.
Fish is an excellent food source and if you are near a river or stream it is a great way to hunt for your food. No matter what food you take, you will swear it is much better outside than if you were to cook it at home.
What are some additional tips for camping?
The best tip when it comes to camping is to have fun. This is your time to relax and commune with nature. It does not matter if it is at a camping ground or you have hiked into the middle of a forest.
It is about getting away from the hustle and bustle of work and everyday life and just enjoying the time with your family. Kids love being out camping and it is a great way to show them the beauty of nature.
Mike Selvon’s portal will expand your knowledge on camping for camping. Visit us and leave a comment at our camping sites blog where a free gift awaits you.
Camping Tents Buying Guide - From Cotton to Canvas!
Do you thrive in the outdoors? Do you love camping? Then buying a camping tent is an absolute must! Make your next camping trip more exciting, safe, comfortable and memorable with the right tent. Here is a guide to help you choose the perfect tent.
What type of tent best suits your needs?
You should consider factors such as cost, weight, space, shape, versatility and storage before buying a tent. It is important to prioritize these features based on your camping requirements.
How are tents classified?
Tents are classified according to usage, design, season and fabric.
Tents by Usage:
Tents should be easy to pitch, spacious and lightweight. Army tents are sturdy in design and are used for sleeping accommodations and general storage. Beach tents with a UV protective nylon coating provides maximum protection from the sun when camping on the sand. Cabin tents and camping tents are perfect for families or teams. These tents have plenty of space and sufficient headroom to allow you to stand. There are also canopy tents, castle tents, trailer tents and more.
Tents by Type:
The design your camping equipment is critical when it comes to selecting the right one. Dome tents and folding tents are lightweight and freestanding. The dome tent is hexagonal in shape, ideal to withstand adverse weather conditions. The A-frame style tent resembles the alphabet and works fine on solid or concrete surfaces. It eliminates the need of poles and provides a lot of open room. The single hoop tent belongs to the A-frame family. It features a single hoop in the center which makes it easier to get in and out of the tent. The geodesic tent has a sturdy structure, the maximum amount of headroom and abundant usable floor space due to its geometric shape. Pop-up tents are economical and lightweight shelters that can be set up in a few seconds. These tents are ideal for backyard picnics and parties, sporting events and exhibitions. The screen house tent is a large tent with transparent side screens. They allow you to view everything going on outside though you are comfortably sitting inside. A tunnel tent is narrow and linear in design, constructed with two or more hoops along its length and performs excellently in severe weather conditions.
Tents by Season:
When will you be doing your camping and hiking? It is important to consider the type of outdoor adverturer you are and the tent you need for a particular season. Two-season or summer tents are lightweight and have a good ventilation system. Most of them have a vestibule, a fully enclosed canopy for storage purposes. The versatile three-season tents are sturdy, waterproof, windproof and can be used in any kind of weather. Four-season tents are specifically designed to withstand severe winter conditions and come with supplementary poles to strengthen their walls. These expensive tents are becoming more popular in the outdoor sports industry since they are light, easy to use and more durable than other tents.
Tents by Fabric:
The type of fabric or tarp used is responsible for the resistance offered by a tent. Ascertain your camping requirements and choose accordingly.
The nylon fabric used in dome tents ensures water resistance, flexibility and durability. It also makes then tent light in weight. If you like to camp for days or weeks at a time, then polyester tents are your best option. They have better UV resistance, superior deterioration resistance and greater durability.
Cotton canvas tents are made of rough weave material and tend to be heavy. Though the tent is not waterproof, it is inexpensive, very durable and can be swiftly erected. The UV-Tex 5 tent is cooler, stronger, leak resistant and much more durable than the nylon or canvas tent. You should but a tent that is waterproof and perforation resistant. If your budget can afford it, select a model that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
What are the most important features of a quality tent?
Check for the following attributes before choosing a tent.
Strength:
The best tent should be constructed using the finest components available. These components should include good fabrics, frames, zippers, buckles and coatings to give the tent a sturdy structure.
Rain and Wind Protection:
Tents should be able to resist extreme weather conditions and provide its inhabitants with protection against wind and rain. The A-frame, dome and tunnel shaped tents best suit this demand.
Ventilation and Condensation:
A good tent should be made with coated fabric doors and have awnings over the entrance to provide ventilation and minimize condensation.
Easy Set-up:
A tent should be easy to erect. Color coding is helpful in setting up a tent, as it makes it easier to identify the front, sides and back.
Size and Weight:
A tents weight includes the weight of the tent body, rain fly, poles and stuff-sack. The size and weight of the tent you need should be based on planned activities, number of campers, amount of equipment that you bring along and weather.
What are the other tent components that need to be considered while choosing a tent?
Besides a suitable size, style, and weight, you need to check out the following components.
Poles:
You can choose from aluminum, fiberglass, carbon, or tubular fiberglass poles for a sturdy tent. Lightweight aluminum poles provide protection from UV radiation while fiberglass poles are highly durable.
Seams:
Check for high level seams to prevent water entry.
The Floor:
The flooring material should have a waterproof polyurethane coat to resist wear and tear.
Vestibules:
Vestibules offer an extended dry area to store packs, boots and other camping equipment. They maximize storage and living space without adding weight to the tent.
Internal Storage Pouches:
The internal walls of the tent should have pockets or loops overhead to store lightweight items and suspend lights and hanging gear.
Is it possible to extend the lifespan of a tent?
Follow these steps to ensure that your camping tent lasts longer:
Never roll up or pack away a wet tent or swag.
Always store your tent in a dry place.
Avoid spraying insecticide, hair spray and other aerosols inside or near your tent. These sprays may be harmful to the fabric and cause leakage.
Wash the tent with a sponge and mild soap, such as ivory flakes. Never use a washing machine or detergent. They can cause damage to the seams and coating.
If the poles become exposed to salt air, wash them properly in fresh water and air-dry to prevent corrosion.
Avoid any fuel-powered devices inside the tent.
Do not roll up the poles and pegs with the tent. Keep them separate.
Bob Shanty has been researching and writing articles that help shoppers shop online and make more
educated buying decisions on camping equipment for online mega store BIGshop for years. For more articles by Bob please visit http://www.bigshop.com.au.
