Chapter 26

Camping - How to Choose a Tent

When you purchase a tent, get one that is not too large or too small. When you decide on size, type and weight, you must take into consideration the number of people in your party and the method of transporting your outfit and supplies.

Two practical tents with deer in yard. This is a Summer scene. However, don’t expect to find deer in your front yard after the season opens.

Two adults are enough to house in any tent with the exception of an extra large one, although a tent of medium size will often accommodate two adults and one or two children.

For general camping there are three styles of tents which are the most useful, these being the wall, the so-called umbrella or marquee, and the cruiser’s or hiker’s models. Each has its purpose.

Umbrella tent showing bobbinet door.

I recommend the wall tent if you can handle its transportation. One large enough to accommodate a camp stove is the most desirable.

For added comfort a canvas floor and fly are well worth taking along. The fly will offer protection against sun and rain, and the floor will keep the inside of your tent cleaner and warmer. Removable floor is best, because it can be taken out and cleaned.

The umbrella tent is popular with motor-campers, and most campers prefer the poleless type with sewed-in floor. It requires but little space when packed and is easy to erect. Buy one that is equipped with curtains for they provide ventilation which is so necessary during the warmer months of the year.

The hiker’s model is all right for canoe and hiking trips where weight and space is at a premium. A tent of this type is easy to erect and take down. Choose one with a sewed-in floor of canvas.

BILL GORMAN > Outfitters still use heavy wall tents, which are left in place for the season. They are used not unlike cabins. Most people don’t camp this way anymore, however. Tents, even the big ones used by car campers, are considerably lighter and easier to set up. Made of waterproof nylons and polyesters, they have free-standing exo-skeletons, which allow them to be placed almost anywhere.