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Family Camp Tents: How To Buy The One That Is Right For You

By: Michael Skatoli Click author's name for more of his/her articles

There a few different factors which will dictate which is the perfect camping tent for your requirements. If you do not camp that often and conditions will not be too harsh, then something cheap and cheerful should do the job. On the other hand, if your camping tent is going to see a lot of use in all kinds of weather then it really is worth investing in good quality and the right design. Nothing is more unpleasant than having your camping tent falling to bits around you in the middle of a stormy night.

One of the first things you need to think about is the number of people your camping tent needs to hold. Tents can range in size from one-man, with just enough sleeping room for one person, to large family tents with a few rooms.

The second thing to consider is ease of use, both in terms of the weight of the tent and how easy it is to erect. If you are hiking you will want something that is not too heavy, certainly weighing no more than five kilograms. One-man camping tents can weigh as little as one and a half kilograms, though lighter tents usually cost more.

How easy your camping tent is to assemble should also influence your decision. If you plan on setting up camp somewhere for a week or two, then this is not a serious worry. On the other hand, if you need put up your tent every evening, possibly sometimes in bad conditions, you will need something that you can assemble quickly. Some camping tents literally pop up in moments, while cheaper models could take a good 15 minutes to erect.

There are a few different tent designs and some are better built for certain conditions and needs than others. If you are a fair weather camper this needn't be a big concern. On the other hand, if your camping tent will regularly be exposed to extreme weather conditions, design can make all the difference.

Geodesic - This is regarded as the most durable of the camping tent designs. Intersecting tent poles ensure it has excellent strength to withstand extreme weather conditions. This is the tent for the more adventurous outdoor expeditionist.

Dome - This is possibly the most popular tent design. It is lightweight, is not expensive, is easy to put together and offers great overall strength. A common pick for backpackers.

Tunnel - Another popular choice, though weighs a bit more than the dome tent. That said, it is a good deal more spacious.

Finally, it is vital that your tent's fabric is made from the right fabric. Lightweight nylon or polyester are the perfect fabric for the purpose, and, of course, they should be completely waterproof. Also, it is often a good idea to waterproof the seams of the camping tent yourself as a final precaution.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Michael Skatoli is a reporter with more than a dozen years writing experience. Michael is currently engaged as a national correspondent with fuzing.com and has become the local expert on the outdoors. Be sure to visit our web portal for more information on Camping Tent and 4 Person Camping Tents.