May
27
Lorena B. Angell asked:
With the summer approaching us, many families will take to the hills to go camping. If you yourself have never truly camped in a tent before, you are missing out on the purest form of camping. Taking a tent with all the trimmings to the forest is an experience like none other.
However, it is not something that you just up and do one day without learning a few basics. Where to place your tent is surprisingly important on your camping expedition. There are so many ‘Hollywood’ shots of the perfect campsite that are misleading. A crackling fire with the opening of the tent facing the fire which is only a few footsteps away. Sorry, but that is not advisable in the real forest with real animals and real natural elements such as smoke.
To give you a good idea of where to pitch your tent when camping, I’ll tell you about a pack trip that we went on into Bechler Meadows. The trailhead is located in the south end of Yellowstone National Park and will actually take you to Old Faithful if you want to follow it that far.
We were in the ‘real’ forest, not a forested commercial campground. The trail had designated campsites to help with the overall impact of the area. Ours was located in a bend along the small river and came complete with a campfire area with log benches. There was also a ‘high hide’ for us to string up the food at night. No picnic table, no bar-b-que grill, no faucet with clean water and no outhouse. It was pure camping and we were planning on staying three days and two nights.
This type of campsite allows you to choose where you place your tent. We did have some guidelines from the Park Ranger, that we met with prior to departure, on how to choose our tent site.
We chose our tent site based on the factors outlined by the Ranger. First we didn’t want to be too close to the water. Low lying areas near streams and creeks are susceptible to flooding if Mother Nature dishes out a heavy rain storm. Up in the mountains, what looks like a moderate rain storm can compound quickly if the run-off gathers to your particular stream.
Next we checked the area for dead trees. We certainly didn’t want a big gust of wind knocking a tree down on us. You know the saying, ‘if a tree falls in the woods…and no one’s around…” the point is, trees fall. We made sure that our tent was not in range of any dead trees.
Our fire and food prep area needed to be far enough away from our tent to keep us safe from hungry animals. If a bear smells your campsite, you certainly don’t want him rummaging through your tent, too. We kept all aromatic food items, even toothpaste, dangling 15 feet above the ground. However, we made sure that our tent was a good 30 yards away from that.
The last factor in the decision of where to place our tent was the latrine. In the backwoods, there aren’t any outhouses. You are truly roughing it when you have to find a suitable place to ‘take care of business’. But you want privacy at the same time. We didn’t want our ‘bathroom area’ to be too close to our tent and certainly not upwind.
So with all those factors in mind, we came up with a space that was situated out in a meadow, away from the standing dead trees, water, fire, food, and privy. Our next task was finding the smoothest, most level ground to situate our tent on. Once we found a good spot, we positioned our tent door away from the main wind direction. We were already far enough away from the fire that smoke would not be an issue for us. The ground would provide adequate drainage in the event of a rain deluge so we didn’t need to dig a trench around our tent.
We had one other factor to consider when looking for our perfect tent site, our horses. We were on a pack trip and as such, the horses have to be taken care of also. The meadow was the perfect place to ’stake’ our horses, however it was also the best place for our tent. We made sure that there was ample space for both of us to cohabitate without getting in each others way.
Our camping trip was awesome and we had a great time. My advice to all of you that want to venture out into the woods this summer is plan ahead, follow the advice of the Forest Rangers when given, and use plain common sense.
www.learn-camping.com
Reginald
With the summer approaching us, many families will take to the hills to go camping. If you yourself have never truly camped in a tent before, you are missing out on the purest form of camping. Taking a tent with all the trimmings to the forest is an experience like none other.
However, it is not something that you just up and do one day without learning a few basics. Where to place your tent is surprisingly important on your camping expedition. There are so many ‘Hollywood’ shots of the perfect campsite that are misleading. A crackling fire with the opening of the tent facing the fire which is only a few footsteps away. Sorry, but that is not advisable in the real forest with real animals and real natural elements such as smoke.
To give you a good idea of where to pitch your tent when camping, I’ll tell you about a pack trip that we went on into Bechler Meadows. The trailhead is located in the south end of Yellowstone National Park and will actually take you to Old Faithful if you want to follow it that far.
We were in the ‘real’ forest, not a forested commercial campground. The trail had designated campsites to help with the overall impact of the area. Ours was located in a bend along the small river and came complete with a campfire area with log benches. There was also a ‘high hide’ for us to string up the food at night. No picnic table, no bar-b-que grill, no faucet with clean water and no outhouse. It was pure camping and we were planning on staying three days and two nights.
This type of campsite allows you to choose where you place your tent. We did have some guidelines from the Park Ranger, that we met with prior to departure, on how to choose our tent site.
We chose our tent site based on the factors outlined by the Ranger. First we didn’t want to be too close to the water. Low lying areas near streams and creeks are susceptible to flooding if Mother Nature dishes out a heavy rain storm. Up in the mountains, what looks like a moderate rain storm can compound quickly if the run-off gathers to your particular stream.
Next we checked the area for dead trees. We certainly didn’t want a big gust of wind knocking a tree down on us. You know the saying, ‘if a tree falls in the woods…and no one’s around…” the point is, trees fall. We made sure that our tent was not in range of any dead trees.
Our fire and food prep area needed to be far enough away from our tent to keep us safe from hungry animals. If a bear smells your campsite, you certainly don’t want him rummaging through your tent, too. We kept all aromatic food items, even toothpaste, dangling 15 feet above the ground. However, we made sure that our tent was a good 30 yards away from that.
The last factor in the decision of where to place our tent was the latrine. In the backwoods, there aren’t any outhouses. You are truly roughing it when you have to find a suitable place to ‘take care of business’. But you want privacy at the same time. We didn’t want our ‘bathroom area’ to be too close to our tent and certainly not upwind.
So with all those factors in mind, we came up with a space that was situated out in a meadow, away from the standing dead trees, water, fire, food, and privy. Our next task was finding the smoothest, most level ground to situate our tent on. Once we found a good spot, we positioned our tent door away from the main wind direction. We were already far enough away from the fire that smoke would not be an issue for us. The ground would provide adequate drainage in the event of a rain deluge so we didn’t need to dig a trench around our tent.
We had one other factor to consider when looking for our perfect tent site, our horses. We were on a pack trip and as such, the horses have to be taken care of also. The meadow was the perfect place to ’stake’ our horses, however it was also the best place for our tent. We made sure that there was ample space for both of us to cohabitate without getting in each others way.
Our camping trip was awesome and we had a great time. My advice to all of you that want to venture out into the woods this summer is plan ahead, follow the advice of the Forest Rangers when given, and use plain common sense.
www.learn-camping.com
Reginald
May
18
How do you unstick a tent zipper?
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Gretchen P asked:
I have a 13 year old tent and last time I used it I found the zipper had corroded a bit and is difficult to zip. Any ideas?
Kevin
I have a 13 year old tent and last time I used it I found the zipper had corroded a bit and is difficult to zip. Any ideas?
Kevin
May
18
I am new to tent camping and need help. How do you use an electrical hookup in a campground?
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romancegirl1963 asked:
I am going to camp in a Yogi Bear campground in a site that says “Water and Electrical Hookup”. Does that mean I can use an extension cord with a strip on the end of it that has plugs in it?
I can find lots of info on tent camping on the internet, but nothing that explains electrical hookup. I’m a single mom. I hope I can find a veteran camper who can help me with my camping questions.
Dennis
I am going to camp in a Yogi Bear campground in a site that says “Water and Electrical Hookup”. Does that mean I can use an extension cord with a strip on the end of it that has plugs in it?
I can find lots of info on tent camping on the internet, but nothing that explains electrical hookup. I’m a single mom. I hope I can find a veteran camper who can help me with my camping questions.
Dennis
May
17
How much does it cost to take a tent and camp at Yosemite National Park?
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kriste_01 asked:
My family is wanting to plan our first trip to Yosemite National Park. We are wanting to take a tent and do the whole natural camping thing. How much does it cost do this? I know you can rent lodges but we want to bring our own tent. Where can we stay if we bring our tent? We want to be near the water. So if you have any answers or suggestions, I would gladly appreciate them. Thanks!
Valerie
My family is wanting to plan our first trip to Yosemite National Park. We are wanting to take a tent and do the whole natural camping thing. How much does it cost do this? I know you can rent lodges but we want to bring our own tent. Where can we stay if we bring our tent? We want to be near the water. So if you have any answers or suggestions, I would gladly appreciate them. Thanks!
Valerie
May
10
Rachel Nunez asked:
Winter camping can only end up into two experiences: fun and safe or horrible and devastating. Needless to ask, campers, regardless of experience and purpose for going out in the winter would choose to have fun and safe camping. Choosing a camping site, buddies and foods to bring are basic considerations. Yet the importance of choosing a tent is unquestionable. Thus, campers have to seriously take into account the primary considerations when buying camping tents.
The first consideration should be the type of tent. Experienced campers recommend four-season tents which are specially designed for winter camping. Most of such type has geodesic dome design that enables the tent to withstand heavy snow loads, extreme cold temperature and high winds with its ability to shed snow. One has to be aware that four-season tents, also known as mountaineering tents may come in double-wall or single-wall models but the latter is recommended because they are literally lighter. The tent has a roof line that significantly allows snow to fall off, thus, preventing it to collapse due to heavy snow load. Most winter campers use four-season tents due to its versatile and specialized ventilation system.
Your camping tent should be durable due to the bare reason that it must be able to withstand heavy snow and high winds. Normally, four-season tents were designed to have stronger poles but it is recommended to choose the ones with extra poles. Durable ones are those with collapsible poles. Those made with aluminum, carbon fiber, tubular fiberglass and high-strength aluminum are highly recommended. Avoid buying tents with cheap fiberglass poles because they literally break and shatter easily. They must be freestanding and can be set up easily on rocks and snow. Tents made of nylon or polyester fabric with factory seam-sealed seams are durable and light.
The tent’s room and its size really matter. You will not certainly sacrifice comfort during the winter camp, will you? For comfortable camping tents, one must choose a slightly bigger than other types of tents. Winter camping would require one to bring in bulky gears which require more space. The height of the tent must also be considered. So you should choose the one that will allow most of your camp buddies to stand inside the tent. Most often than not, you will stay longer than normal inside your tent during winter so it is best to have extra space inside for ultimate comfort. Although it would mean extra dollars, tents with storage pockets and gear loops would be very helpful.
Choose a tent with waterproof rainfly. The waterproof rainfly outside the tent wall will help reduce condensation. Because breathing will allow the accumulation of humid air inside the tent, you should expect fine particles of ice that will get over your body and your gears. The rainfly can provide better insulation as it relatively increases unmoving air space layers, thus, can make the inside tent’s temperature ten to twenty degrees warmer. The bottom line is, buy camping tents that are simple, durable and comfortable.
Alfred
Winter camping can only end up into two experiences: fun and safe or horrible and devastating. Needless to ask, campers, regardless of experience and purpose for going out in the winter would choose to have fun and safe camping. Choosing a camping site, buddies and foods to bring are basic considerations. Yet the importance of choosing a tent is unquestionable. Thus, campers have to seriously take into account the primary considerations when buying camping tents.
The first consideration should be the type of tent. Experienced campers recommend four-season tents which are specially designed for winter camping. Most of such type has geodesic dome design that enables the tent to withstand heavy snow loads, extreme cold temperature and high winds with its ability to shed snow. One has to be aware that four-season tents, also known as mountaineering tents may come in double-wall or single-wall models but the latter is recommended because they are literally lighter. The tent has a roof line that significantly allows snow to fall off, thus, preventing it to collapse due to heavy snow load. Most winter campers use four-season tents due to its versatile and specialized ventilation system.
Your camping tent should be durable due to the bare reason that it must be able to withstand heavy snow and high winds. Normally, four-season tents were designed to have stronger poles but it is recommended to choose the ones with extra poles. Durable ones are those with collapsible poles. Those made with aluminum, carbon fiber, tubular fiberglass and high-strength aluminum are highly recommended. Avoid buying tents with cheap fiberglass poles because they literally break and shatter easily. They must be freestanding and can be set up easily on rocks and snow. Tents made of nylon or polyester fabric with factory seam-sealed seams are durable and light.
The tent’s room and its size really matter. You will not certainly sacrifice comfort during the winter camp, will you? For comfortable camping tents, one must choose a slightly bigger than other types of tents. Winter camping would require one to bring in bulky gears which require more space. The height of the tent must also be considered. So you should choose the one that will allow most of your camp buddies to stand inside the tent. Most often than not, you will stay longer than normal inside your tent during winter so it is best to have extra space inside for ultimate comfort. Although it would mean extra dollars, tents with storage pockets and gear loops would be very helpful.
Choose a tent with waterproof rainfly. The waterproof rainfly outside the tent wall will help reduce condensation. Because breathing will allow the accumulation of humid air inside the tent, you should expect fine particles of ice that will get over your body and your gears. The rainfly can provide better insulation as it relatively increases unmoving air space layers, thus, can make the inside tent’s temperature ten to twenty degrees warmer. The bottom line is, buy camping tents that are simple, durable and comfortable.
Alfred
May
9
Tent Camping At Arizona - Cheap Thrills!
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Abhishek Agarwal asked:
In case you are looking for an affordable family holiday then tent camping in Arizona is the only answer. It is not only a fantastic choice but can save a lot on accommodation by putting up in your own tents and also take pleasure from the unique and picturesque scenic beauty that Arizona state offers. Camping in Arizona you can also take the benefit of an extensive range of outdoor activities like boating, hiking, trekking, biking etc.
By choosing camping in Arizona for a family holiday you can also enjoy ravines, deserts, woods, mountains and other picturesque scenery. Arizona State has a number of parks those offer public campgrounds for erecting your tent as also provide other facilities like restrooms, electricity, exhibits, activities, grills and water. Arizona has great national parks suitable for tent camping as also private campgrounds. If you browse through internet you can locate campgrounds that can provide with you different camping ideas.
In case you are tent camping in Arizona it is imperative that you equip yourself and the family with suitable tents. Arizona has high altitudes which get quite cool during certain part of the year, even ravines and deserts generally get quite cold at night. Choose the tents keeping in mind when you are going on a camping trip. Select tents that give wind protection for cool nights or tents with good ventilation which allow breeze to pass through, are suitable for summer camping. In case you are camping with your family consisting of 3 or 4 members, a tent size suitable for six is a good choice. You can shop online and find the perfect tent you want at the same time save money. Do not forget buying a tent for your forthcoming camping expedition is a one time expense so choose the right tent; your subsequent camping holidays will be that much cheaper.
Make sure you are well equipped when tent camping in Arizona. A tarpaulin is a good buy to make before starting for outdoors. For a lesser price the tarpaulin will prevent your tent from ground damage and also keep it dry. Other items on your list while shopping online for camping provisions are camping cook ware, camp lighting, sleeping bags, first aid kit in case of emergency. Camping cook ware is available in miniature form for light traveling and you can cook mouth watering dishes for your family while camping. Check that your first aid kit contains items like buy spray, aloe treatment, anti bacterial cream, bandages, gauze etc. so that you are ready for any emergency when you are camping.
Ricardo
In case you are looking for an affordable family holiday then tent camping in Arizona is the only answer. It is not only a fantastic choice but can save a lot on accommodation by putting up in your own tents and also take pleasure from the unique and picturesque scenic beauty that Arizona state offers. Camping in Arizona you can also take the benefit of an extensive range of outdoor activities like boating, hiking, trekking, biking etc.
By choosing camping in Arizona for a family holiday you can also enjoy ravines, deserts, woods, mountains and other picturesque scenery. Arizona State has a number of parks those offer public campgrounds for erecting your tent as also provide other facilities like restrooms, electricity, exhibits, activities, grills and water. Arizona has great national parks suitable for tent camping as also private campgrounds. If you browse through internet you can locate campgrounds that can provide with you different camping ideas.
In case you are tent camping in Arizona it is imperative that you equip yourself and the family with suitable tents. Arizona has high altitudes which get quite cool during certain part of the year, even ravines and deserts generally get quite cold at night. Choose the tents keeping in mind when you are going on a camping trip. Select tents that give wind protection for cool nights or tents with good ventilation which allow breeze to pass through, are suitable for summer camping. In case you are camping with your family consisting of 3 or 4 members, a tent size suitable for six is a good choice. You can shop online and find the perfect tent you want at the same time save money. Do not forget buying a tent for your forthcoming camping expedition is a one time expense so choose the right tent; your subsequent camping holidays will be that much cheaper.
Make sure you are well equipped when tent camping in Arizona. A tarpaulin is a good buy to make before starting for outdoors. For a lesser price the tarpaulin will prevent your tent from ground damage and also keep it dry. Other items on your list while shopping online for camping provisions are camping cook ware, camp lighting, sleeping bags, first aid kit in case of emergency. Camping cook ware is available in miniature form for light traveling and you can cook mouth watering dishes for your family while camping. Check that your first aid kit contains items like buy spray, aloe treatment, anti bacterial cream, bandages, gauze etc. so that you are ready for any emergency when you are camping.
Ricardo
May
8
Choosing a Good Tent
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Jeff Marshall asked:
While tent camping, the tent becomes your castle. It is the most important piece of camping equipment that you will buy. For this reason, a good amount of time should go into purchasing the right tent. To help simply this decision process, we have put together the following list:
1. Type of Camping Trip: Are you going to be backpacking, weekend camping, or doing some extended camping? A heavier tent can be used for longer term camping and tends to be better for larger groups. However, a lighter tent is better for short term camping and is ideal for backpacking.
2. Travel Distance: How far will you have to go to drop off your camping equipment? If it is a far distance, a lighter tent would be preferable because of its lighter weight. If you need a larger tent, it is a good idea to camp close to the drop-off point. Ideally, the drop off point should be within ½ mile if you have a large amount of camping equipment.
3. Season: What seasons will you be going camping? Most people tend to camp in the summer, spring or fall. Therefore, a summer or 3 season tent will be your best options. However, if you enjoy camping in the winter, you may want to purchase a 4 season tent or convertible tent. Each of these four types of tents has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
a. Summer tents are best for the hot weather of the summer as they have a lot of mesh for ventilation and are very lightweight weighing about 4 to 8lbs. However, this lack of insulation will not be very helpful for fall or winter camping.
b. 3 season tents are designed for spring, summer, and fall and are the most commonly used tent and weigh roughly 5 to 10lbs.
c. 4 season tents are designed for all seasons with an emphasis on winter camping. They are very good for winter camping and high altitude camping.
d. Convertible tents are also designed for all four seasons. However, they do have a large number of “convertible” parts for the varying conditions which can be a benefit and a burden at the same time.
4. Head room: Do you need a lot of headroom while you are in your tent? Do you need to be able to standup in your tent to change? The answer to these questions are largely a matter of personal preference. However, we recommend that new tent campers and older tent campers start off with a tent that provides both these features as a roomy tent tends to be the most accommodating for all campers. This will ensure you have plenty of room for all the things that you will need to do.
5. Size of Party: How many people will be going? The size of the party will dictate how many tents are needed. However, as a rule of thumb it is a good idea to always allow for a little more space in each tent for additional gear and firewood.
6. Test the Tent: In the movie, “The Ghost & The Darkness”, Michael Douglas’s character lectures the main character on the importance of never bringing an untested rifle into battle or a hunt. The same advice goes for your tent.
a. You should test building your tent at home to make sure you have all the pieces and are at a point where you know how to build it from memory. You do not want to be in a rush putting the tent together for the first time in the dark or while it is raining, only to find out you are missing a piece or can’t seem to locate the directions.
b. If you do find that you have lost a piece or broken a piece beyond repair while camping, some live or solid dead wood can be used as a substitute for stakes or a crosspiece.
7. Optional Tent Features: It is also a good idea for the tent to meet these other criteria:
a. Easy to assemble: Does it take a long time to put the tent together? If it takes over 10 minutes to put together, we recommend getting an easier tent to assemble.
b. Limited parts: Does it have a large number of parts? The more parts it has the greater the chance something gets lost. For this reason, we recommend the fewer the parts the better.
By following these tips, you should be able to find a quality tent that will provide you value for many years. Now, go ahead and start your search, we think you will find that you will be glad you did.
Rodney
While tent camping, the tent becomes your castle. It is the most important piece of camping equipment that you will buy. For this reason, a good amount of time should go into purchasing the right tent. To help simply this decision process, we have put together the following list:
1. Type of Camping Trip: Are you going to be backpacking, weekend camping, or doing some extended camping? A heavier tent can be used for longer term camping and tends to be better for larger groups. However, a lighter tent is better for short term camping and is ideal for backpacking.
2. Travel Distance: How far will you have to go to drop off your camping equipment? If it is a far distance, a lighter tent would be preferable because of its lighter weight. If you need a larger tent, it is a good idea to camp close to the drop-off point. Ideally, the drop off point should be within ½ mile if you have a large amount of camping equipment.
3. Season: What seasons will you be going camping? Most people tend to camp in the summer, spring or fall. Therefore, a summer or 3 season tent will be your best options. However, if you enjoy camping in the winter, you may want to purchase a 4 season tent or convertible tent. Each of these four types of tents has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
a. Summer tents are best for the hot weather of the summer as they have a lot of mesh for ventilation and are very lightweight weighing about 4 to 8lbs. However, this lack of insulation will not be very helpful for fall or winter camping.
b. 3 season tents are designed for spring, summer, and fall and are the most commonly used tent and weigh roughly 5 to 10lbs.
c. 4 season tents are designed for all seasons with an emphasis on winter camping. They are very good for winter camping and high altitude camping.
d. Convertible tents are also designed for all four seasons. However, they do have a large number of “convertible” parts for the varying conditions which can be a benefit and a burden at the same time.
4. Head room: Do you need a lot of headroom while you are in your tent? Do you need to be able to standup in your tent to change? The answer to these questions are largely a matter of personal preference. However, we recommend that new tent campers and older tent campers start off with a tent that provides both these features as a roomy tent tends to be the most accommodating for all campers. This will ensure you have plenty of room for all the things that you will need to do.
5. Size of Party: How many people will be going? The size of the party will dictate how many tents are needed. However, as a rule of thumb it is a good idea to always allow for a little more space in each tent for additional gear and firewood.
6. Test the Tent: In the movie, “The Ghost & The Darkness”, Michael Douglas’s character lectures the main character on the importance of never bringing an untested rifle into battle or a hunt. The same advice goes for your tent.
a. You should test building your tent at home to make sure you have all the pieces and are at a point where you know how to build it from memory. You do not want to be in a rush putting the tent together for the first time in the dark or while it is raining, only to find out you are missing a piece or can’t seem to locate the directions.
b. If you do find that you have lost a piece or broken a piece beyond repair while camping, some live or solid dead wood can be used as a substitute for stakes or a crosspiece.
7. Optional Tent Features: It is also a good idea for the tent to meet these other criteria:
a. Easy to assemble: Does it take a long time to put the tent together? If it takes over 10 minutes to put together, we recommend getting an easier tent to assemble.
b. Limited parts: Does it have a large number of parts? The more parts it has the greater the chance something gets lost. For this reason, we recommend the fewer the parts the better.
By following these tips, you should be able to find a quality tent that will provide you value for many years. Now, go ahead and start your search, we think you will find that you will be glad you did.
Rodney
May
4
mitanbarr asked:
I am taking a marketing class, and we are a new tent manufacturer selling our product to Academy. One of the parts of our project is to list OUR competitive advantage over other tent manufacturers. So if you have any complaints about your camping tent, it’ll give our group some ideas.
Thanks!
Linda
I am taking a marketing class, and we are a new tent manufacturer selling our product to Academy. One of the parts of our project is to list OUR competitive advantage over other tent manufacturers. So if you have any complaints about your camping tent, it’ll give our group some ideas.
Thanks!
Linda
