Test a tent to match your personal needs.
Consider your priorities when choosing a tent. Test the tent for factors specific to the type of outdoor activities you plan to enjoy: backpacking, family camping, car camping or winter camping. Durability and functionality are important, but weight, space and ease of use should also be considered.
Instructions
1. Test the tent's height, which is usually listed on the specification chart. If there is an assembled tent model in the store, stand inside it and make sure the ceiling height is comfortable for you. If you like a tent that allows you to stand up, choose one with a tall peak.
2. Test the tent's ease of access. Check the door, the shape of the doorway and how easy it is to go in and out. The size and shape of a tent affects its accessibility. Typically, cabin-style tents are easier to enter and exit.
3. Check the tent's fabric. Select a tent with a temperature rating appropriate for your camping destinations. Some tents are meant for summer; others are rated for freezing temperatures. Choose a tent that is waterproof and resistant to ultraviolet rays. For summer camping, waterproof tents made of breathable fabric are best. Canvas is the best material for sun protection; polyester the second best. Tents made of nylon offer the least resistance to ultraviolet rays.
4. Pay attention to how easy it is to assemble the tent. Ease of setup is usually determined by the tent's pole structure. The more poles there are, the longer the setup will take. Some tents come with poles that attach to clips; others come with poles you thread through pole sleeves. Clip fasteners are easier to work with than pole sleeves, according to REI Expert Advice.
5. Compare tent poles. Shock-corded poles with color-coding are easier to set up. Shock-corded poles also fold into sections, making the tent more compact and easier to store. For durability, aluminum poles are stronger, but are often heavier than carbon fiber and steel poles. Avoid steel poles and fiberglass poles. Steel poles eventually rust. Fiberglass poles are prone to splintering.
6. Pack the tent in its carrying case and pay attention to how large and heavy the packed tent is. This is especially important if you plan to go backpacking. A heavy tent can be a burden. For backpacking trips, a balance between weight and function is important.
7. Pull the zippers up and down and check for durability and resistance to snagging.
8. Look at the floor design and check the stitching and seams on all corners. Seam taping reduces leakage and tears.
Tags: Test tent, come with, come with poles, pole sleeves, Shock-corded poles, Some tents