> A while back there were discussions about tents. One that I remember was
the
> Eureka Timberline. Our Outpost wants to stop buying cheap tents that only
> last two or three years so we have decided to invest in quality ones.
I got this a few months ago. Maybe it will be of some help to someone.
Kelvin
~~~~~
How to choose a Tent?
Information provided by Johnson Worldwide Associates.
Choosing a Tent:
The first thing you should consider is how do you plan to use the tent most
often? Will you be backpacking, car camping, snow camping or mountaineering?
What conditions must the tent be capable of handling? A tent should stand up
to the worst possible
conditions you'll encounter. Camp Trails tents are designed and tested for
many different purposes, ensuring we offer the right tent for you.
Tents are rated for number of persons (e.g., two, four or six person), but
more room may be needed for gear storage, so be sure to consider this when
selecting size. Weight will also be a factor. Backpackers will want the
lightest possible tent, while car campers may worry less about weight and
opt for larger, roomier tents. Do you want to be able to stand up? Center
height is another factor to consider.
Determine which accessories can be added to the tent; e.g. gear lofts,
clotheslines for hanging wet gear, and add-on vestibules or annexes.
Shapes and Styles:
Tents come in a variety of shapes and designs; Dome, A-Frame and Umbrella
style.
Dome style: Today's most popular design. Domes have 50% more internal space
than A-frame tents and shed rain and snow very well. Light weight. Domes
are freestanding, meaning they do not have to be staked to set up.
A-Frame style: Free-standing. Light weight. Choice of backpackers. Good
ventilation.
Umbrella style: Design used in family tents. Lots of head room. Easy to
ventilate. Maximum floor space.
Screen tents also provide shelter. They can provide an excellent cool
relaxation area away from bugs, sun, and rain.
While all of the tents above are freestanding, it's best to stake them down
so they won't be carried away by an unexpected wind.
How To Care For Your Tent:
Cleaning Instructions: Clean tents by setting them up at home and wiping
them down with a damp sponge and mild, non-detergent soap such as Ivory
Snow. Never use detergent, washing machines or dryers because they can
damage the tent's protective
coating and seams. Pitch or grease can be removed with a small amount of
kerosene. It's best to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet
rays weaken nylon, which is why you should use the rainfly even on clear
days. This acts as a sunscreen
to the tent and a rain fly is easier and less expensive to replace if
damaged. Be sure the tent is thoroughly dry before storing it in its stuff
sack, or mold or mildew are likely to grow - make especially sure heavier,
double-stitched areas such as seams are
dry.
Waterproofing: Even though the materials on the tent floor and fly are
coated for water repellency, tents are not waterproof. Needle holes from
stitching will allow water to come through the tent if not seam sealed. Seam
sealing uses liquid urethane to close the needle holes for protection. Just
dab on over seams with a wiping motion, dry about one hour. Even factory
sealed seams should have sealant applied for extra protection. Always use
sealant in a well ventilated area. Seams will need to be resealed about
every two years, depending upon average use. Use a groundcloth under the
tent. You can choose a pre-cut size or trace the tent on the ground cloth
and cut smaller than the tent footprint to avoid having it act as a water
collector. Ground cloths are easier and less expensive to replace than torn
tent floors. Bring a small rug or mat to put inside the tent door to wipe
off mud and catch sand. Bring a small hand broom to brush out debris.
Storage: Store your tent in a cool, dry place. Never store your tent in a
hot trunk or in bright light - this can damage the fabric coating. Aluminum
poles can be protected by a light coat of silicone lubricant to prevent
corrosion and assist sections in
engaging easily. Store the tent poles and stakes in their separate bags to
avoid damaging the tent body or fly.
Tips: Don't store food in a tent when in the back country - animals may
damage or destroy the tent trying to reach your supplies. Consider carrying
a small tent repair kit with extra stakes, pole repair sleeves and lines for
quick and easy repairs at the
campsite.
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