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With so many choices and options available, buying a tent can be a complex decision for any camper to make but it’s impariative to pick the right one. If you buy a tent with all of the features available, the tent may be comfortable but could also be large and heavy-which is not necessarily the best choice for backpackers. If you buy a lighter tent, there may be less features and purhaps not a lot of protection from natures natural elements; when a tent is used under the wrong conditions it could take the fun out of any camping trip. The key is to find the right balance for your specific needs and you will have a tent that you can enjoy for years to come.

Parts of a Tent:

Body
The body is the main bulk of the tent once it is deployed. Tent poles provide a frame which holds up the walls and forms the body.

Rain fly
A rain fly is a waterproof covering that goes on the outside of the tent. A good rain fly extends to the bottom of the tent in order to protect the entire tent from rain and water damage. Some even extend out from the tent to channel the water away from the tent body. A good rain fly can mean the difference between a wet and a dry experience.

Vestibule
A vestibule on a tent is very similar to a covered porch. This space acts as a buffer between the tent entrance and the snow and mud, allowing a person to remove soiled clothing without bringing the mess inside the tent. Vestibules also provide extra storage space and protection from the elements.

Footprint
A footprint is an extra piece of material that fits below the tent and protects its bottom from wear and tear. Many manufacturers make footprints that are fitted to a particular tent, but it is easy to make your own with plastic sheeting (usually available by the roll). Another option is to use a standard tarp; it will not look as professional as the first two options, but it will work just as well in dry conditions. Replacing a worn out footprint is much more cost-effective than replacing the entire tent.

Note – In wet conditions, using a tarp or any footprint that extends out from the tent will enable the rain coming off of the roof to form puddles on the footprint’s surface. Depending on the slope of the ground, these puddles can travel under the tent, allowing water to get inside.

Stakes
Tent stakes are placed in various loops or holes around the tent and pounded into the ground. This allows for the tent to remain taut and anchored to the ground.

Guy lines
Guy lines are tension cords that attach to the ground and keep the tent anchored in high winds. Some tent constructions require guy lines to keep the tent’s shape.

Vents
Ventilation is a camping necessity. Most tents have mesh openings that allow the air to flow in and out of the tent while protecting against bugs and dust kicked up by the wind. This circulates the air and prevents condensation buildup inside the tent. Most mesh vents can be closed to help keep out wind and keep in heat.

Doors
Tents can have either a zippered door, or just a flap. While a flap is a functional door, it does not provide as many benefits as a zippered door. A zippered door will keep out rain, snow, wind, and insects as well as control the flow of air. When buying a tent, consider the number of doors you will need. If you need to save space and weight, then one door might be all you need. If you plan on having a large number of people staying in the tent, then two or three doors might be a better option.

Poles
There are two basic types of tent poles: rigid and collapsible. Rigid poles are typically stiff, tubular poles that slot one-into-another to form a frame over which the tent wall hangs. Collapsible tent poles are typically lightweight, flexible, and strong. Tent poles come in a number of different materials including: fiberglass, aluminum, aluminum alloys, and carbon fiber. Collapsible poles are generally tube shaped and can break down into small, 1-2 foot, sections. An elastic shock cord runs down the middle of the tubes in order to connect all of the pieces.

Collapsible Tent Pole Materials:

Fiberglass
Solid fiberglass poles can be prone to breakage and deterioration and they are frequently found in cheaper tents. Fiberglass loses its flexibility in cold weather and can break with little applied pressure. The benefit of using fiberglass is that it is incredibly light-though they should not be used for anything more than casual camping.

Fiberglass tubes
Fiberglass tubes are collapsible fiberglass poles that are often reinforced with aluminum ends. They are held together with an elastic cord that helps to improve flexibility in colder weather. More reliable than solid fiberglass poles, fiberglass tubes are a popular, cost-effective style of tent pole.

Aluminum
Tent poles made of aluminum are stronger, more durable, and generally more reliable than fiberglass poles. Aluminum poles are just as light as fiberglass but they don’t lose their flexibility in cold. Aluminum poles are more expensive than fiberglass, but they are a sound investment for anyone that plans to do extensive camping.

Aluminum alloy
Different metals can be added to aluminum in order to produce a stronger and lighter pole. Aluminum alloy poles are even more costly than standard aluminum poles but they are worth the cost if added strength, durability and light weight is desired.

Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber poles are very strong and very durable, and they are often half the weight of aluminum poles. Carbon fiber poles are the best option for the serious camper, though they can sometimes be the most expensive.

Tent Types: Single Wall Tents vs. Double Wall Tents

Double Wall Tents
A double wall tent is essentially a tent within a tent. There are two layers called the tent body and the tent fly. The tent body is usually made of nylon and mesh and is supported by poles that attach to the body using external sleeves or clips. The tent fly (or rain fly) is then attached to the poles and staked to the ground. Double wall tents provide excellent ventilation because the tent body contains a lot of mesh.

Compare to single wall tents:

Pros:

1. Warmer
2. Cheaper
3. More durable

Cons:

1. Harder to set up
2. Heavier
3. Bulkier

Single Wall Tents
A single wall tent consists of just a single layer of material between you and the elements. The material needs to be impermeable enough to keep rain from coming in while remaining breathable enough to let moisture out. Single wall tents are typically very light.

Compare to double wall tents:

 Pros

1. Lighter
2. Less Bulky
3. Easier to set up

Cons

1. More expensive (sometimes twice the price of their double wall counterparts)
2. Colder
3. Less Durable

Seasonal Tents

Summer Tents
Summer tents often include a lot of mesh in the construction of the body. The rain fly on a summer tent is not as long as those on multi-season tents; this allows the tent to have more ventilation during the hot summer months. Summer tents usually use a two-pole construction in order to save weight.

Three Season Tents
Three season tents are designed to be very versatile. These tents usually include a full rain fly that can be removed in order to improve ventilation. Three-season tents typically use a three-pole construction because it provides extra durability during heavy winds. These tents are very popular due to their versatility; however, they are not designed for cold winter weather.

Four Season or All Season Tents
Four season tents are basically three season tents that are better equipped for winter use. They are usually constructed with four poles for excellent durability under heavy winds and snows. Four season tents are the most versatile tents available, but they are also costlier than three season tents-a fact which has limited their popularity.

Tent Shapes

Rigid Frame Tents
A rigid frame tent utilizes a sturdy frame made up of stiff, tubular poles that slot one-into-another to form a frame over which the tent material can hang. Guy lines typically hold the tent in place and keep it from blowing down rather than holding the tent up. Frame tents are usually large and roomy, perfect for lots of gear or people. This type of tent is used more for casual, family camping because they are heavier and bulkier than other types of tents.

 A-Frame Tents
A-frame tents use two triangular shaped frame sections that are connected by a pole that runs down the center, or ridge, of the tent. This forms an elongated, triangle shaped tent that is fairly simple in construction. A-frame tents are becoming increasingly rare among hikers and campers due to the fact that dome tents are roomier than a-frame tents with comparable floor sizes.

Dome Tents
Dome tents are popular for hikers and campers alike. Like most tents, dome tents consist of a tent pole frame and a lightweight tent body. These tent poles are evenly spaced and curved in order to form the dome shape. Dome tents usually use between two and four poles as the frame. Because they are overlapping and evenly spaced, the tent poles change the geometry of the floor depending on the amount of poles used (two poles would create a square floor, three poles would make the floor hexagonal, and four poles would mean an octagonal floor). Using three or four poles increases the amount of usable space inside the tent, but it also makes the setup a little more complicated. Dome tents are lightweight and sturdy, and they provide a large amount of internal space while retaining structural integrity under inclement weather.

Hoop Tents
Tunnel, or hoop tents, use two to three hoops arranged in sequence as the frame. This creates a tunnel on which the tent body can hang. Hoop tents are popular among hikers due to their simple construction, large proportion of useable space inside and durability under high winds. The hoop construction allows the weight to be distributed among all of the hoops evenly, thus creating a very strong and stable structure.

While these are the basic styles of tents available today, it is by no means a complete list. There are many variations and combinations of these styles available as well. It is important to select the tent that will be most beneficial to you.

Capacity and Size
It is always a good idea to buy a tent with a capacity greater than your anticipated need. If there will be two people using a tent, it is a good idea to buy a tent built for three or four people. This is important because even though you can generally fit two people in a two person tent, the size of the people and sleeping bags need to be considered. Other things might affect your decision when it comes to capacity and size including: the amount of gear you plan on having inside the tent, the amount of roll or tossing and turning space desired, the amount of vertical space required, and whether or not there will be pets inside the tent. It is always better to have too much space rather than not enough.

Color
The choice of tent color might seem insignificant, but it can be an important choice. More than just a cosmetic decision, tent color can dictate the temperature of the tent. A tent that is brightly colored will reflect more sunlight and create a cooler environment inside. A tent that is darker colored will absorb more sunlight during the day and keep the tent warmer. Also, bright colors will enable rescue workers to easily spot a tent in dense forests or snow should the need arise.

Quick List of Things to Look For

• A full rain fly—the best camping trips can be spoiled by rain
• Durable material—you want a tent that can stand up to the rigors of camping
• Waterproofness—it is a good idea to water test your tent before a trip. Locate any leaks and seal them before they become a problem.
• Pockets, hooks, and gear space—places to store gear and hang lights can make a substantial difference in the level of comfort.
• During the summer, you will want lots of ventilation—extra mesh, windows, and doors will enable the tent to breathe during the hot summer season
• During rainy or snowy weather, select a tent that is built to withstand high winds and heavy rains—bad weather and snow accumulation can collapse a tent.
• A vestibule, especially if camping in rainy or snowy weather—vestibules provide an enclosed space to change clothes and store gear separate from the tent.

Jasper Mountain Outfitters has a wide selection of tents and shelters as well as all your other camping needs.  Come check us out.

Tags: Camping, Dome, JMOutfitters, Outdoor Supply, Shelters, Supplies, Tents

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There are many different types of tents used by campers all over the world.  They come in different sizes and shapes depending on its basic function.   Some are as simple as a rectangular sheet of cloth or canvas held up by 2 poles.  Then there are some that include several rooms and living quarters.  Most of us want to use a tent that falls somewhere in the middle of that spectrum.  Below is a description of some of the most common types of camping tents available. 

Pyramid or Teepee Tents

A pyramid or teepee tent has a very basic design. The teepee tent is favored by backpackers because of its light weight and simple setup.  It is very easy to setup as it is made with a single layer of waterproof fabric. It doesn’t have a complicated pole system and is usually held up with a single pole in the center, with the sides staked out securely. The center pole even doubles as a hiking stick in some models.

The teepee tent is usually floorless and can sometimes be used it as a potty or shower tent. The teepee tent has a high entrance and sloping sides, which offers good head room in the center and an excellent place to store gear as the headroom disappears with the inclined sides. This type of tent isn’t very secure against mosquitoes and other insects, though. It also doesn’t stand up well in anything less than the best of weather conditions. The teepee tent can accommodate one to three people.

A-Frame Tents or Pup Tent

Just like its name, this tent is shaped like the letter “A”. The design was actually the classic tent design with each end forming a “A”, with a single ridgepole across the top to hold up the tent’s canopy.  The sloping sides do restrict the interior headroom, but A-frame tents have an efficient rectangular floor space. The angled sides sag in wet or windy weather, so other, more weather-worthy designs have mostly replaced the use of A-frame tents.

Another popular style for lightweight tents is the Modified A-Frame tent. The difference is that this tent has a curved center pole along the ridgeline that makes it a little like the hoop tent. This provides more headroom and extra stability while maintaining the rectangular floor space.  The modified A-Frame tent will usually accommodate one to three people.

Dome Tents

The Dome Tent is shaped like an upside down bowl and is the most popular, all around camping tent for all types of camping. It is a good choice for a summer or three-season tent.   Most dome tents are moderately priced and well built. They can be found in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. The shape may vary greatly. Some include: hexagonal, square, rectangular, irregular quadrangle, or even hexagon. They all use a geometrical design with the poles to hold the tent up.  Dome tents are easy to setup and take down. Some models actually have poles built in for extremely easy setup. They use space more efficiently as they fold up compactly for packing. They do weigh a bit more than most other tent styles so packing in with one of these tents is not always particle.  However, they are good at keeping you dry during rainy weather and are good at shedding both rain and snow.  

Modified Dome Tents have a square floor area and extra cross poles for support. Some modified dome tents may have one end tapered lower for less wind resistance. Nearly every four-season tent is a modified-dome tent. The most wind-worthy camping tent style of all modified dome tents is the geodesic dome tent. It has multiple pole intersections that will stand up well to high winds or snow.

Tunnel or Hoop Tents

The tunnel tent has a structure of simple side to side arched poles like a covered wagon. It forms a tunnel with a series of hoop shaped poles (usually two or three). Sometimes an extra center pole is used to keep the walls from sagging. It is one of the lightest and easiest to pitch shapes available. Because it is a light and compact tent option, this camping tent style is extremely popular for solo backpackers, hikers, and bike campers. It is easy to setup and is relatively lightweight with a good amount of floor space. It has good headroom and steep side walls. It has more headroom than an A-frame tent. A tunnel tent works best as a summer or three season camping tent style, and is fine as long as the wind doesn’t blow hard. It tends to rock and roll in crosswinds and won’t stand up to high winds or snow. Some hoop tents, though, may be more equipped for harsh conditions. They may have more poles and lines to help hold up against the wind. Other options are available, too, such as a rain fly, a vestibule, and mesh windows. Tunnel tents can accommodate one to four people, depending on the size.

This is just a basic comparison of the type of camping tents on the market today. I hope it at leaset gets you points in the right direction once you have decided to purchase your tent.  You can find more information and our current selection of camping tents at Jasper Mountain Outfitters.  For a 10% discount on anything in stock, just enter code GTROUTDORS at check out.

Tags: Camping, Dome Tent, JMOutfitters, Outdoor Supply, Supplies, Tents