There is nothing like enjoying the outdoors like a good old camper. What better way of experiencing the raw beauty of nature than through careful planning and preparation. One cannot deny the fact that people today are used to having the basic conveniences of living. This leads to the number one priority in setting out for a camping trip hence the need to make a choice on which tent you are going to use from the many types of camping tents around you.
Types of camping tents-a variety of the tents available
There are many types of camping tents and the first tent here is known as A-frame tent. These tents are a traditional tent shape; they are light but can be very claustrophobic. They typically require the use of a tarp for extra weather protection which then, of course, adds to the weight you have to carry.
There is little headroom due to the steep slope of the walls however they benefit from a simple design. The tent consists of two poles and in most cases wires to stabilize the tent.
Modified A-frame: These tents use curved poles for added stability more room. They can be freestanding and often come with full-coverage rain flies. Modified A-frames incorporate a curved ridgepole giving more interior space.
Cabin tents: These types of camping tents are usually heavier than other designs and more difficult to set up but do provide a lot of space. It is important to stake cabin tents properly so the fabric does not sag and lead to water infiltration.
Tunnel tent: They are also among the tents on the market. They have two or more poles running along the width of the tent, providing a shape with good internal space. These tents can be extremely stable if pitched into the wind but some designs do not offer much protection from side winds.
Among the many types of camping tents, it is worth mentioning Hoop tents. These tents have curved poles at each end and to retain their shape and stability need have the guy ropes tied and the pegs staked carefully. They generally incorporate three arched frame stays, allowing roomy doors and interior. The shape allows snow and water to flow down off the walls yet the unsupported fabric flaps in the wind if not properly staked out.
Single hoop: An extremely lightweight design using one curved alloy pole, single hoop tents are usually only large enough to sleep one or two people. They can be quite stable if the spine of the tent is running with the prevailing wind, however high winds hitting the side of the tent could be a problem. These tents are ideal for backpacking, cycling, etc because of their great space to weight ratio.
Dome tents: The dome tent is stable and simple to assemble, using two or three poles which pass through the centre of the roof. The ground area consists of either a large square or hexagonal area. Depending on the size and shape, dome tents can provide adequate headroom and even separate rooms and a porch area to store equipment.
Most square domes use two poles so setting up is easy. The square floor plan allows you to utilize the space efficiently, but the two-pole system tents which are high or have a large volume can be unstable in high winds.
Safari tents usually: these offer more comfort than a usual tent. They are also more stable and include some modern comforts including a fully equipped kitchen and proper beds.
Yurts: They are based on the old nomadic structures which were homes for the Turkish and Mongolian nomads. Some people around the world still live in yurts today. A yurt is round with a point at the top. They are usually much larger than a traditional tent and more homely.
Types of camping tents-Factors to consider in choosing a Camping tent
Size: The size of the tent is going to depend on how many people you will be camping with. Try to choose a tent that is 1-2 people larger than the amount of people camping. For two people, try to buy a tent rated for 3-4 persons. You will appreciate the extra space as a storage area, for hanging out, and for comfortable sleeping. Of all, A- dome type tent is a good choice for a small number of people. For 4-9 people you might want to consider buying a family tent or 2 dome type tents, one for adults and one for children.
Fabric: The days of the heavy tarp tent have been over for a long time. Today you have two fabrics primarily to choose from: either polyester or nylon. I choose polyester; polyester has proven to be more resistant to the harmful rays of the sun and abrasion than nylon fabrics. A polyester tent won’t sag or stretch when faced with rain, snow, or dew. This means the inner tent stays dry and protected from the elements.
Colour: A neutral light colour will let in more light. Choose a bright neon colour tent if you intend to camp far away from humanity. The bright colours will make it easier to find you in a search and rescue operation if you get stranded.
Rainfly: If your tent did not come with a rain fly, then consider buying a rain fly or nylon tarp to protect from the rain. The rain should cover the tent and extend to a few inches above the ground. These factors are crucial in considering types of camping tents for your camp.
What you Need to Remember Regarding the Types of Camping Tents
You should never forget that this tent is your shelter, your home away from home when you are camping, so some thought should be put into choosing the tent that is right for you. Tents come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles and the tent you choose will depend on what type of camping you will be using it for. Happiness as you shop for the best types of camping tents for your trip.
