A word about camping equipment. Namely tents. As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” Of course this is true for just about anything. Then there’s the question of how much tent do I need. This largely depends on the gear you’re hauling or if this is for a full time setup. Are you going to be moving often or are you using it as a full time shelter.
I’ve seen things from simple what are called “bivies” to elaborate 4 season tents in my quest for the best tent weighing cost, construction, materials, and weather I’ll be using a tent in. Don’t always believe a manufacturers claims about size. That’s the first rule of thumb. To give you an example, my MSR tent which I use for touring on bicycle is claimed to be a two man tent. I’d say it’s more like a one man tent with just enough space to put your gear in and little more than that. A couple would be hard pressed to get themselves in this tent and not be able to get anything more than their sleeping bags out. Sure it has two what are called “garages”, but they are of minimal use to keep gear dry and clean.
If you’re going to be out camping as a couple, I’d suggest a 3 or even 4 man tent depending on design. This will provide ample space for two sleeping bags with pads with room to spare for gear. It’s always best to err on the size up instead of the size down from what you need in tents. Every manufacturer I’ve seen online uses pretty much the same formula for computing how many a tent will sleep. They figure out the most people of average height they can cram into the area of the tent design with little room for anything else. I’ve even seen this on tents going for as high as $5K. This however is on the extreme end for mountaineering base camp tents.
For those deciding on going on a family camping trip, the size of your family will determine the size of tent you get. To me a family of 4 should have a tent rated at a capacity of 6 man or larger. This will provide ample room for the kids to move about in the advent of rain during your camping trip. Not only that, but this is where I set the minimum for a single occupant if “living” out of the tent full time. It could be done in a 4 man tent, but there it’s tight. Any family larger than 4 or 4 with a pet should consider going to a tent rated at 8 or 10 person sleeping capacity.
Now as to materials and type of construction of tents. Materials will run all over the gambit. So will the coatings that some companies use to make their materials either water resistant or waterproof as they claim. In my many years of being homeless, I’ve had several tents. Most of them Coleman tents of varying size. I also have my MSR for traveling. I’ve yet to find any tent truly waterproof without some extra work. Even canvas leaks. Ask anyone who has an expensive boat with a canvas canopy.
This is where a good sealant comes in. Not just for waterproofing, but also UV protection. Best to apply these on a calm dry day with the tent set up in the back yard (without the rain fly at first and then put the rain fly on or hang it up separately) to apply the sealant. Sealants come if various forms. I’ve tried a couple. One I’ll never use again is Scotchgard. Though a good sealant, it is harmful the to person applying it as well as to Mother Nature (CFC’s). And then there’s the smell.
There are a number of spray on sealants that don’t require damaging the Earth. My next choice is going to be a marine sealant for canvas. Yes, canvas sealants can be used on other tent material than just canvas. There are of course others out there including the well known Scotchgard. When sealing the tent with your choice of sealant, make sure you get enough to cover the tent and the rain fly. The rain fly being sealed will be the most important, but do not forget the rest of the tent. Also, reseal every so often. It may take years before the initial sealant starts leaking, but it’s wise to reseal when even the smallest of leaks is noticed.
Another consideration for camping, is where and what kind of conditions you’ll be camping in. The where is just as important as the conditions. Where being a campsite or out in the wilderness. This will largely determine how large a tent and the weight of which you’ll be lugging around while hiking or in my case bicycling. The conditions will also have a contributing factor as well. Will you be camping year round (4 seaon) or just spring through fall (3 season).
Backpacking and MTB touring (think Continental Divide ride in the Rockies) requires a weight factor as well as size factor. Too light of form factor tent will possibly get destroyed in really foul weather. Not good if you’re in the middle of the wilderness. Too heavy and you’ll wear yourself out toting it on your backpacking. This is where I suggest a bivie, 1 or 2 person tent for a soloist. For a couple, a three or four person tent is recommended. In the later case, the load of the tent can be split between people.
For those that are using campgrounds that are used for RV’s and tent camping, weight will not be so much of an object. Here, you’ll look at the size of the tent for the occupancy more than the weight. Even in a campground like this you’ll want a tent that will withstand the elements (namely wind and rain). No tent will withstand a tree falling on it or a large limb falling from a tree.
Now a word about design of the tent. I’ve seen many a design. From yurts, modified domes, domes, and what is referred to as “insta-tents.” I’ve used insta-tents and domes. I’ve had friends who’ve used modified domes as well as domes. My recommendation is only based on my experience from the two types I’ve used as full on living tents. I much prefer the dome style tents with good reason. Air flow isn’t the main reason, but air flow around and over the tent contributes to how sturdy it is in severe weather conditions that may pop up. Domes will hold up much better than your insta-tents as the air flows around and over them. Modified domes just a slight bit better than an insta-tent. As to the yurt, I’ll bow to those that use them for their thoughts.
Most tent designs will work well in three seasons. If you plan on camping up in northern US or Canada, you might consider the expense of a 4 season tent. Only other reason for a 4 season tent is set it up and forget it. This is done more by mountaineers or hunting guides as blinds to hunt from. They are only lugged once because of weight alone.
Final thoughts. Choose wisely when purchasing a tent. Most tents are of good quality and will give you a few years or more service before you need to replace them. Your preference to manufacturer is yours. You’ll have to decide how much you’ll spend on a good tent. Don’t forget the sealant. On tents with fiberglass poles, I’d suggest replacing them with aluminum poles either before you use the tent or after you’ve broken a pole. Fiberglass will age from the elements much faster than aluminum, not to mention that it’s harder to get replacement or repair kits for fiberglass poles even through Amazon. The added cost of replacing poles will make the tent pack down to a lighter weight to carry. Get a 10 mil tarp of the size you need for a tent ground cloth. Most tent manufacturers either sell a ground cloth with the tent or separately. I don’t use the one for my MSR. I opted for a 10 mil tarp which is much thicker and I keep two small ones with me while touring on bicycle anyway. That and if an absolute emergency comes up (should your tent collapse while camping in foul weather) you can use the tarp as an emergency shelter.
Tags: 3 season, 4 season, backpacking, bicycle touring, families, size, tents
The Touring Frog 