Camping High Life » Tents

How To Find A Family Camping Tent That Is Guaranteed For Life

Bill — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:46:21 +0000

Have you been searching for the perfect family camping tent? I can say with confidence that if you walk into any quality outdoor store like REI and throw at dart at the nearest large tent and you will have a winner. Modern Technology has made tents so incredible compared to the old canvass “Army” tents that I camped in when I was a kid.

What The Discount Stores Will Never Tell You About Family Camping Tents

Major discounters like Walmart sell tons of camping and outdoor equipment for family camping trips and some of it is actually good quality. If you can get a Coleman or a Eureka tent from them, you are in good hands. However, most of the time, all you will find are tents selling for under $50 that are the size of a Quonset hut. The seams are rarely sealed. The tents will fall down if a butterfly lands on it, and they are water proof only if it does not rain. Does this sound familiar? The other thing that I have noticed about inexpensive tents is that they are very hard to put up. The tent poles usually not connected together with with elastic. The tent stakes break easily. We purchased a huge tent that had an odd shape that was not symmetrical. It took about an hour to put up and tore during the process. Thankfully the discounter gave us a full refund.

Before you hop into your car and drive to the nearest Bargain Mart, hear me out for 5 minutes as you read through this family camping tent primer. Big box stores sell cheap tents. They do not sell high quality tents for cheap.

6 Critical Things About A Tent That You Should Ask Yourself Before Making A Purchase

How much does the tent weigh?
Will the tent be comfortable to sleep in through out the night?
Is the construction of the tent stable enough to handle a summer storm?
Will the tent really fit your entire family?
How long do you expect the tent to last?
How To Buy A Tent That Is Guaranteed For Life

Both REI and L.L. Bean have the best warranty on the planet when it comes to camping gear. If you are ever not satisfied with your family camping tent, simply return your purchase. They will ask you what you did not like about your camping equipment. Whether you purchase camp stoves, double sleeping bags, battery LED flashlights, etc., you can return your products.

Both companies offer excellent choices on light weight sleeping bags, flashlights, air mattress, and camping stoves.

Never Purchase A Tent That Does Not Contain The Following Items:

A rain fly to keep you dry. If you have a water proof tent without a rain fly, that is not good enough because a good quality tent needs to breath. A rain fly is 100% water proof and provides a barrier that does not directly touch the tent to keep you dry and allow body moisture and condensation to escape.

Tent stakes to secure the tent. If you get a tent that does not have stakes, you may have a free “blowing” tent that will be swept away by the wind when you are not on the inside.

Take your time and read online reviews. Buy the tent that will work for you, not the reviewers. Make sure that the warranty is good. Don’t ever settle for a “cheap” tent.

How a 2 Man Tent Will Save you Time, Money and Stress–Backpackers

Bill — Fri, 13 May 2011 14:34:11 +0000

Many 2 man tents are some of the smallest tents that you can buy. They are designed for ease and not usually comfort. They are great tents for backpacking and backwoods hiking. Engineers today have made some amazing advances in tents and have literally made many tents smaller and lighter that a lot of gear that a typical backpacker would carry. If you are a backpacker or backwoods hiker, we will discuss why these tents will save you time, money, and stress.

I recently backpacked down the Grand Canyon. On our way down we pick up a solo day hiker from China. He wanted some company on his hike and we were friendly so we invited him to hike with us. While getting to know him we found out that our new friend was planning to hike in and out of the Grand Canyon in 1 day. Many people think this is crazy but it really isn’t too hard if you are in decent shape. This doesn’t take into account that many people per month get stuck in the Grand Canyon without water and shelter because they had no idea what they were getting themselves into.

Here is where a 2 man tent will come into play. Our friend had been hiking downhill into the canyon for 2 hours, we were halfway down and it was only 2:00pm. He was at the canyon only for a day and really wanted to make it to the bottom but, by this time he was getting nervous that he would get stuck in the canyon without any shelter or lights. He asked the ranger and the ranger advised against it. Our friend decided against the ranger advice. If our friend would have prepared and bought a 2 man tent (they can make them as little as 2 lbs.) he would not have that much more weight and he would not have the problem of getting stuck in the canyon.

The good news is that our friend made it out of the canyon safe and sound. However, it was dark by the time he got back and he had no flashlights. Many times this situation can end up very bad and does for many hikers all the time. A little preparation for backcountry hiking can go a long way.

If you find a high quality, lightweight 2 man tent it will save you time, money, and stress while backpacking. If you are ever in our Chinese friends position you will not stress that you will be stuck on your hike. This will also save you time by not having to find help when you are stranded in the backwoods and you can wait until morning to plan your next move. Lastly, a good quality tent will last years and maybe decades. A cheaper made tent will start to show stress within a few camping trips. In the long-run a better quality tent will save you money.

Canvas Tent Maintenance

Bill — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 22:48:05 +0000

Camping is on of many American favorite pastimes. From weekend family camping trips to long-term military camping. Many people still use canvas tents for their camping experience. These tents make a great shelter for camping. They will last a very long time and with proper maintenance they will last decades.

Most tent manufactures supply instruction on basic maintenance for their tents. However, if your like most of us, the instruction booklet has long disappeared. So some basic care instructions will help you along your way to cleaning and maintaining your tent.

First immediately after purchase it is recommended to set up the tent to be sure all the pieces are there. Make sure there are no rips, tears, holes, and that the zippers work effectively. If you wish to apply extra water proofing now would be the time. It is not necessary, however, many people like the extra protection while camping.

Next, you want to soak the tent with water. We do this for two reasons;

1. To ensure the tent is fully waterproof.

2. Many canvas tents are larger than the frame and after the first time they get wet, they shrink to the appropriate size.

Allow your tent to completely dry and then pack it back up appropriately.

Cleaning your tent will ensure that your tent will last a very long time and will prevent mold and mildew from growing when your tent is stored. After a camping trip, unfold your tent and you might even set it back up or hang it up. Next, take a soft bristle brush and sweep any derbies off of the material that you are able to. Take a hose and wash the tent, you might also scrub the material if necessary. Once the tent is clean, let it dry. When it is completely dry then fold it up and store it for next time. Make sure the brush you use is soft. Canvas is treated for the waterproofing and a hard brush may ruin the treatment.

Obviously, your tent should be completely dry to prevent mold and mildew. Even the smallest amount of moisture can grow mold and it will spread very quickly. Another important suggestion to remember is making sure that the tent is protected from rodents while in storage. Mice can and will get in your tent if they have the ability. It is an ideal breeding ground for rodents and will gnaw holes all aver your tent to make room for their young. Off the ground and completely protected and wrapped up is the best solution.

We hope your camping experience is a grand one and that you found some great solutions for canvas tent maintenance.

Chris Reynolds is an avid camper for 30+ years. To find more information on tent maintenance and great deals on camping products go to www.2mantentsale.com.

Camping Made Easy With an Easy Up Tent

Bill — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:28:17 +0000

When preparing for a family camping trip, the list of things to do is endless. You must gather special and specific items for cooking, along with food and the ice chest. Only specific clothing is appropriate for camping and gathering all of the toiletries is also more of a challenge than travelling by plane. It’s even necessary to pack your own toilet paper!

After arriving at the campsite, the job of unpacking is the next obstacle. The very first task is putting up the tent, which is where all of your supplies will be stored during your trip. The easiest way to begin to enjoy the outdoors is by making the unpacking and settling faster. The best way to accomplish this is by using an easy up tent. This type of tent can pop up in a snap and you’ll be ready to go in a matter of two or three minutes, rather than 30-60 minutes of putting up a standard tent (depending on size).

If your camping site is a long drive from your house, then by having an easy up tent, you’ll be able to get your sleeping bag or cot ready for a rapidly approaching nightfall. Then you can build a cozy campfire and relax with s’mores and watch the stars instead of fussing with tent poles.

The next time you plan for a camping trip, buying an Easy Up Tent might be the first thing on your shopping list. Perhaps asking for one to be given as a gift for your next birthday or Christmas would be a better option, but they don’t cost as much as a standard tent and may be well within your budget. Either way, by having a pop up tent, your camping experience will be more enjoyable for you and your tent mates.

The Appropriate Way to Take Care of Canvas Wall Tents

Bill — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 03:32:55 +0000

Through the years, campers have become used to using canvas wall tents during their camping trips. These tents are a number one choice for many campers since they are easy to setup, are very strong and sturdy. Their features are excellent for those who are planning to camp for a long period of time since these tents can withstand even the most undesirable weather. However, they are not ideal for those who are backpacking since canvas tents are heavy and bulky. They can also be a bit costly due to its high quality materials. If you have your own canvas wall tent, you must learn how to take care of it properly to be able to make it last for several years.

First of all, you must clean your canvas tent regularly. Canvas wall tents need to be cleaned all the time to prevent dirt, dust and other harmful substances from growing and staying in them. To clean your tent, you must take away all the things inside it such as sleeping mats, sleeping bags and other types of camping gear that can be found. Get a broom and begin sweeping the tent floor so that dirt and other substances can be removed. Look for a bucket and fill it with soapy water made out of dish detergent and water, this should be applied to the canvas using a brush. If there are hard to remove stains, apply scouring powder unto them so that they can be removed.

After cleaning your canvas tent, let it dry first before storing it. This step is actually very important for it can help add to your tent’s longevity. Storing the tent when it is wet can cause mold and mildew to accumulate. What you must do is to let your tent face the sunlight for a couple of hours and allow it to dry properly. When it is completely dry, now is the time to pack it. Fold it neatly and leave the zippers open and then roll it in a tight way. If you have a waterproof bag, this is the perfect place to store your canvas tent. Lastly, get a container which cannot be easily penetrated by insects and put the bag in it.

There are unavoidable circumstances wherein canvas wall tents need to be packed even when they are wet. For this reason, mold and mildew now have room to grow in them. If this happened to you, don’t worry that much for there is a remedy for that. All you have to do is to apply a bleach mixture composed of one tablespoon of bleach and two cups of water to those spots and use a toothbrush to remove them. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry it properly before storing it. Taking proper care of your canvas tent is a good practice because it can help your tent last for long periods of time. This can also be an advantage on your part because you won’t need to keep on buying a tent all the time since your tent is always in good condition.

Tent Camping in France

Bill — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 01:20:01 +0000

Camping is a great way to experience France, and tent camping is a very popular choice for Europeans on vacation. Tent camping options vary from backpacking and bringing your own small tent, driving in with a family tent, or staying in a tent that is already set up on site. There are many European travel companies that can arrange this, such as KeyCamp and Eurocamp. This type of holiday is very popular with families, due to the large tents available and the convenience or arriving and having your tent ready for you.

Being the third largest country in Europe, France has something for everyone. The beauty of the French countryside is as legendary as the history, culture, and the French lifestyle. See real chateaus, go wine tasting, and have a picnic in the countryside with real French baguettes and local cheese. Visit the Alps for mountaineering, skiing and breathtaking views, or the Dordogne to see the world famous cave paintings. See the Bayeux tapestries in Normandy, and travel around Brittany to see traditional Breton music and culture, and the most authentic crepes in the world. With convenient ferry links between England and France for cyclists, foot passengers and cars, you can even vacation in two countries, perhaps starting your holiday in Devon, and traveling on from Plymouth to Roscoff in Brittany with Brittany Ferries. A new network of interlinked cycle paths is being developed as a cooperative venture between Devon and Brittany to make this a very attractive option for cyclists in particular.

If you’re planning on a family camping trip high in the mountains, you will need a more specialized mountaineering tent and camping equipment, such as those made by North Face or Mountain Hardware, but for most family camping trips a cheaper basic tent will do. You will find that campsites have excellent facilities and the shops offer plenty of opportunity to buy anything you’ve forgotten or find you need later on. You should be able to find a suitable tent for a family camping trip to France in any camping or outdoor pursuits shop on the high street. Just make sure it has enough space for everyone to sleep and store belongings, and windows for hot weather. Another thing to check before buying is how big the tent is when it’s folded up: make sure you will have enough room in your car for the tent along with all the other things you want to bring.

If tent camping isn’t for you, you could also consider a caravan holiday in France. And if you haven’t got a caravan or campervan, you can either rent a touring caravan when you get there, or book a static caravan in a caravan park.

So there are many camping options, ranging from backpacking or cycling with a one person tent, to booking a large and full featured family tent that is provided for you at the campsite, or renting a static or touring caravan. With so many choices available, France has something for everyone.

Finding Quality Cheap Tents

Bill — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:37:02 +0000

While times are relatively tight for many people money wise and unemployment is at a high, many families are looking for solutions for inexpensive vacations. Yellowstone National Park has had a record number of visitors this year. Many people are choosing to make their family vacation a camping trip this year to save on spending.

It makes sense, camping is a great way to experience family togetherness, have new experiences and see the world. The most important thing is that the family gets quality time together, not where you go anyway.

Many people are looking for great deals and if you are in the market for a new tent for your camping experience here is a great place to find the biggest bang for your buck. Cheap tents are easy to find at sporting good stores and online.

I will make the recommendations quick and painless. What we all want to find is a high quality tent (that will fit our needs) for the lowest price. Thankfully, nowadays with the internet this is easy to do. Just make a quick search for ‘cheap tents’. Tons of ad’s will pop up leading the way. I also want to make another suggestion. When it come to camping remember you can never go wrong when investing in quality. Especially, when that rain storm comes in during the middle of the night. A tent that will protect you and your fellow campers is the best thing you can have.

It is great now because tents are relatively cheap these days also. Online you can find tents for 50%+ off the retail price. Another suggestion would be to know the tent size that you need. Tents generally run smaller that they say, so a 2 man tent will fit 2 people without gear, and it is usually a little snug. A 5 man tent will fit 3-4 people comfortably with gear.

Whatever you choose make sure that you do a little research on tent quality and shop around. If you find a tent at a retail location, before you buy check it out online. It may be that you can find a great discount on the same tent online.

Chris Reynolds is an avid camper for 30+ years. To find some great deals on quality camping equipment go to www.2mantentsale.com.

Tips and Advice for Beach Tent Rentals

Bill — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:02:20 +0000

If you want to have a fun weekend on the beach you need to follow some useful tips for tent rentals. You can choose from a variety of styles and models. If you have a big family you should make sure the tent provides enough space. A beach tent will allow you to enjoy the sea waves and the gorgeous beaches,

Try to check more designs and tent rentals shops. This way you can make a good comparison and choose the right tent for your family. You can choose a tent that looks exactly like a beach cabana. The material of the tent is also very important. Make sure you rent a tent with waterproof floors. A good quality beach tent should also provide strong UV protection. This is the reason why the price for renting a beach tent can be higher than for a normal camping tent. However, if you search carefully, you might find a good offer.

Before renting a beach tent you have to make sure it’s easy to install. Fortunately most of these tents have a simple design. Avoid tents with a lot of small accessories because you might risk losing them. Some tent rentals can even provide junior beach tents. These small tents are great for providing sun protection and fun.

If you want to read in your tent you should get a head torch. You will find this very useful for camping. This small accessory will also provide enough light for walking on the beach during the night.

In order to find a good quality tent for a small price you need to invest some time searching. If you look online you can find plenty tent rentals companies. All you have to do is to check their offers. Choosing the perfect tent will ensure a perfect camping vacation.

The 1 Person 4 Season Tent: Rarity with Quality

Bill — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 09:37:06 +0000

One-man tents are the crown of the camping experience. They communicate a bold commitment to the wilderness and a vigorous desire to travel light. What is more, spotting a 1 person 4 season tent is more rewarding than sighting a black bear. They are that uncommon. However, for devoted wilderness athletes, there is no replacement. One man tents alone have many advantages and 4 season tents add to the mix. Combine the two and a camper has the ultimate in camping preparedness. Four season tents are truly rare. Most companies do not offer even a single model of the 4 season tent and those who do, even fewer offer one man varieties.

Hilleberg is one retailer of outdoor gear that has crafted a 1 person 4 season tent. The Akto tows at just over three pounds and rolls out to a wonderful 87 inches. That means that in addition to being one of a few designs in its class it is even rarer for its spacious length. Tall campers will have an extra appreciation for that aspect. The ventilation system ensures that anyone sleeping inside will receive a generous exchange of air while even the windiest day will not cause draft to cool down or moisten up their sleeping space. Among the competition, Akto soars.

The next best tent to the Akto is the MSR Dragontail Tent. This brand put up a great fight, making a weather-proof, four season monster, however, the weight at four pounds, did not compare to Akto. It is true that the weight is tied to the extra room the tent offers, however, this too, is a downside compared to the Akto. With more air space, it is harder to keep this tent as warm as the smaller Hillberg tent. Nevertheless, with the benefit of the ability to sleep two (very cozily) this tent does have a few advantages and as far as protection from the elements goes, it is a perfect match.

Why I Love Big Tents

Bill — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:32:02 +0000

I love to go camping. In fact, if I could, I would probably live in a tent. Every chance I get I will head out to the lake, or state park or any other place I can pitch a tent for the weekend. There’s just something about being in nature that refreshes me. When I go camping though, I like to camp with a little bit of comfort. That is why I love camping in big tents. With small tents I feel claustrophobic. I can’t ever fit all my gear inside and I most certainly can’t stand up in a little 3 man tent. Big tents win in so many ways.

Even though large family tents are designed to sleep 6 or more people, I find they’re perfect for about half of that. 3 people in a 6 man tent gives you plenty of room to move around. You don’t feel like you’re sleeping in a can of sardines.

A large tent also gives you room to stand up inside the tent. One of the most frustrating things in a small tent is trying to change clothes. You have to do it while you’re lying down in most tents. In a big tent, you have plenty of room to stand up and move around.

Finally, large family tents are perfect for those occasions when you do have several people camping with you. You do lose out on some of that valued space in the tent, but at least you don’t have to mess with setting up another tent. With small camping tents, you might have to have 2 or 3 tents to have enough room for everyone. Whereas with a big tent, you can fit all but the largest groups under one roof.

So go give one a try. Next time you are camping, opt for a larger tent and see how much more enjoyable camping can be.