Hints and tips: Basic Essentials

Tents come in many different shapes, sizes and styles, from one person designs made to fit a rucksack, to eight berth frame tents ready to fully furnished with everything including the kitchen sink. In between there are there are numerous styles offering excellent head and elbowroom, of lightweight materials and suitable for a variety of locations. It is important to choose the correct equipment for the purpose that you intend to use it. The advantages of camping are many. The initial outlay is relatively low and the ease that a tent can be transported gives freedom.

Firstly, you need to establish how the tent is to be carried, e.g. in a rucksack or by car. The details printed with each tent will state its weight, a very important consideration if you have to walk any distance. These details will also state the height in the living area and the sleeping area. It may be essential that you can stand in the living area but not in the sleeping area or it may be necessary to be able to stand where-ever you are within the tent. The smaller lighter weight tents do not provide for standing height but the headroom when sitting is very variable so care must be taken to choose the right height for your comfort.

Tents vary in size considerably. Consider how many people are to sleep in the tent. Do you require one large sleeping area or do you prefer separated sleeping compartments? The tents are usually labelled two person or three person etc. This is based on average size adults. Do check the actual measurements given to establish that you have adequate length and width to accommodate the people who are to use the tent. The living areas are shown with sizes marked. Consider what equipment i.e. tables and chairs, that you will wish to have within the tent and check that the sizes marked will in fact be adequate.

Care & Cleaning

Clean the tent by setting it up and wiping with a damp sponge and mild, non-detergent soap. A light coat of silicone lubricant on coil zips 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 poles from corrosion and help the sections to engage more easily.

Pitching

When pitching a tent, make sure that the pitch 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 a tent. Never leave a tent set up in the sunlight longer than necessary. Ultraviolet rays weaken nylon after prolonged exposure.

Storage

Make sure the tent is thoroughly dry before storing, especially the seams. If not, mould and mildew are likely to grow, which will damaged the tent and its waterproof coating. Clean the poles and pegs of any dirt and store the tent away in a cool, dry place.

Camping Accessories

See our checklist of recommended items to take - Camping Checklist on the left.
Stuff magazine's website lists the Top 10 camping essentials.
http://stuff.tv/Top10/Camping/

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