Choosing the right Tent

Family, Back-packing, stand up, lightweight etc.

What tent you buy is really down to your specific needs. You can purchase the 'quick pitcht' hiking type (open, throw and the tent takes shape) to the larger Frame and Dome/Tunnel tents sleeping up to 12 people or more.

Here's a quick guide;

These are very sturdy and, having higher more vertical walls, will give you more standing space. Made out of heavier, stronger material, the only downer is that they are a lot larger to store and carry in the back of a car. They assemble with rigid poles and can take a while to set up. I would suggest a couple of try outs in the garden and colour code the poles. There's nothing worse than arriving at a campsite when it's raining and find yourself fiddling around. Ideal for families and the 'sit down with a bottle of wine' types.

These come in sizes from one man to rwelve man. They are lightweight with elasticatedpoles and usually quite easy and fast to set up. Because of the small carrying size, they are suited to back packing and hiking holidays in general. Dome/Tunnel tents will usually have more floor space than most other tents, but it has to be remembered that because of the shape, there is little less standing space.

Much the same as the above, but a lot easier to set up. Very good for a large lounge space.

The packed size and weight of hiking tents has come down drastically, as the necessasry equipment as well. Gone are the days of 70lbs being humped around the countryside and everything can be carried quite easily. For 'sleep only', you can get the bivvi type which you set up and slide in, these being not much more the size of your body. Most have a small area outside the sleeping compartment where you can light your camp gas oven without getting too wet. Sizes are from 1 man to 3 man.

Available also are the tents you don't have to erect as such, you take them out the bag and they literally put themselves up. See here

There are other designs of tent available. A popular choice is now the 'Red Indian' design where everything is open plan.

Whatever you decide, it's important you choose the right one and it's usually worth that extra few pounds to buy a known brand and get the guarantees which go along with it.

Another option is to holiday at a campsite where the tents are already up for you - and often 'furnished' as well. All you need to take are your bed sheets / sleeping bags and clothes.

Some amusement from the US Forest Commission

A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call.

Escalators would help on steep uphill sections.

Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness

The places where trails do not exist are not well marked

It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds for the opportunity to rain on a tent.Dave Barry
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