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The breathable tent body allows perspiration and respiration to
pass through to the rain fly where it condenses and runs off. The
rain fly also provides protection from the elements.
Essentially, a tent is a shelter, offering ventilation and protection
from the elements. A shelter can be as basic or as comfortable as
you want to make it. For instance, one piece of material can provide
a simple shelter; for survivalists in the wild, or for a day's outing,
a simple temporary emergency shelter or dining area can be assembled
using just one piece of material, which can be attached to nearby
trees using string or vine plant.
However, two-wall tents will keep you warmer and drier. The tent
material allows respiration and respiration, whilst keeping you
dry, and protecting you from the elements at the same time. If you
are serious about camping, invest in a good quality tent.
First of all, decide what type of camping you intend to do. If
you intend to go backpacking or cycling, you will want a lightweight
tent which you can carry around with you. Make sure you buy a tent
which will stand up to the kind of weather you are likely to encounter.
This will depend on which season you plan to go camping. How many
people will sleep in the tent and what is more important to you
- leg or head room? It is advisable to buy the most expensive and
roomiest tent you can afford. Try to buy a tent which sleeps at
least an extra person than you intend.
BACKPACKING TENT For those who wish to travel with everything
with them, a backpacking tent weighs between one and a half and
three kilos, and pack down to a convenient size to carry on your
back in a rucksack. Some of these tents are suitable for high altitudes.
LIGHTWEIGHT FAMILY TENTS Ideal for short breaks and weekends,
lightweight tents are quicker to erect than the heavier ones because
they are made of new lightweight synthetic polyester material and
fibreglass poles. The size is convenient, providing adequate headroom
and living area.
RIDGE TENTS Standard or sloping (sloping ones give better
wind resistance), these tents are a stable choice and come in various
sizes. They are heavy, and because they are specialised, can be
expensive.
DOME TENTS Ideal for short breaks or for backpackers.
Lightweight and spacious, the dome has proved to be the most popular
lightweight tent on the market. Dome tents were originally designed
for use by backpackers, but were bought by people who preferred
them to frame tents because of the size and ease to put up. It is
simple to assemble this stable construction using the two or three
poles, which pass through the centre of the roof. The ground area
consists of either a large square or hexagonal area. This area is
spacious, and the tent also has adequate headroom..
For smaller groups or couples, ridge or dome tents are ideal, and
most consist of one main living area. Larger ridge and dome tents
are available, but frame tents are ideal for larger groups because
they offer full standing headroom and tend to be more spacious.
FRAME TENTS are available in different sizes, shapes and
constructions and have bedrooms, living areas, sun canopies, many
have kitchen areas with a vertical wall and a ventilating window,
and nearly all have windows with curtains. They offer more comfort
and space, with a wide range of sizes available to buy; from a compact
single-bedroom model to canvas palaces sleeping up to seven people
in three bedrooms.
HOOP AND TUNNEL TENTS This type of tent offer good internal
space and have a small pack size, making them ideal for backpacking
or cycle camping. If pitched correctly (nose or tail to the wind),
this can be a very stable alternative to the ridge tent.
QUICK ERECT TENTS These are available in all tent types
and consist of a dome or hoop tent which already incorporates poles,
flysheet and inner tent. Due to the frame work of poles and joint
system, this tent can be erected in minutes.
When set up, the tent should be uniformly taut with no sag lines.
This indicates good design and means there is an even distribution
of stress along the seams when the tent is pitched.
Floors in moderate to better tents use a bathtub construction,
wrapping the floor up the side of the tent and then sewing it. This
keeps the seam up off the ground away from moisture that could seep
through. A standard flat floor is usually found in cabin tents and
lower priced tents.
In a well made tent, seams should have no raw edges or missed stitches.
Lap-felled seams (the same folded, double-stitched seam used for
blue jeans) should be used around the floor for strength and uncoated
nylon fabric should have taped seams (no raw edges) to prevent fraying
and unraveling.
Reinforcements with extra stitching and bar tacking at stress points
are another indication of quality construction.
PITCHING
When pitching your tent, ensure the site you have chosen offers
good drainage, wind protection and is clear of any sharp objects.
Pitch the tent with the zipper open.
Avoid wearing shoes or boots in the tent.
Never leave a tent set up in the sunlight longer than necessary.
Ultraviolet rays weaken nylon after prolonged exposure.
When taking the tent down, fold the poles from the center out so
as not to place undue strain on the shock-cord.
STORAGE
Be sure your tent is thoroughly dry before storing, including seams.
Otherwise, mould and mildew are likely to grow, which will damaged
the tent and its waterproof coating. Clean the poles and pegs etc
of any dirt. Store the tent away in a cool, dry place.
CARE AND CLEANING
Clean your tent by setting it up and wiping with a damp sponge
and mild, non-detergent soap. Stubborn grease may be removed with
a small amount of kerosene. Never machine wash your tent.
A light coat of silicone lubricant on coil zippers will keep them
free-sliding and will avoid freezing.
Keep the aluminium poles clean, dry and scratch-free. They have
a protective coating to prevent corrosion, but a light coat of silicone
lubricant will protect your poles from corrosion and help the sections
to engage more easily.
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