Chapter 24 - Tents and Shelters
On-line Lesson 

Additional Reading: Tent Information

TYPES OF TENTS

Most tentmakers now take advantage of a recent wave of new materials and technologies to produce tents that are lighter, roomier, and sturdier than ever before.  Two common forms of tent fabric are nylon taffeta and ripstop nylon.  Some older tents are made of cotton, which is cheaper but very heavy.  Some of the newer materials on the market are Gore-Tex or Klimate, which are waterproof and breathable.   Some examples of types of tents are:

·     Pop-up tents – light, collapsible, compact framework of aluminum that springs into igloo-shape quickly.

·     Wing tents – have added room through flies that extend like wings from two or more corners.

·     Alpine tents – also known as timberline, mountaineering, or backpacking tents are more suitable for trip camping with backpack or canoe.

TENTS CLASSIFIED BY SHAPE

Tents can be classified into four basic shapes:

·     Conical and Pyramidal Tents – teepee, umbrella tent.

·     Wedge or “A” Tents – pup tent, explorer tent, wall tent.

·     Lean-to Tents – camper tent, baker tent.

·     Dome, Box and Tunnel Tents – popular for backpacking and canoeing.

TENT FEATURES

SIZE AND WEIGHT

Tents vary in size from very compact to huge summer cottage varieties.  Tents are usually listed in size according to how many adults it can sleep.  It is best to choose a tent according to the type of use it will be getting. 

WATERPROOFING VS. WATER REPELLENCY

A waterproofed material is impervious to rain because the individual fibers have been treated or coated with a waterproofing substance.  Disadvantages are the material is heavier and stiffer and not breathable.

Water repellent materials are made of coated fibers or of fibers that are very closely woven.  It will repel a light rain but not a heavy or steady rain.

A combination of waterproofed rain fly with a water-repellent tent which has a water proofed tub floor construction is best.  The fly should be constructed so that it never touches the tent walls or ceiling, and it should extend well out beyond the tent eaves and walls so that a slanting rain will not blow in and the dripping from the rain will be well outside the tent walls. 

TENT POLES AND STAKES

Tent supports for backpacking should be light, simple and quick to set up.  Light poles are made of tubular aluminum, duraluminum, fiberglass, or magnesium, which is even lighter.  Each weighs 2 ounces or less.

Examples:

·     telescope poles

·     poles that come apart or nest together

·     poles that are held together by shock cords which make them easy to assemble and prevent loss

Modern stakes are inexpensive and extremely light.  Some examples are T-pegs and twisted skewer types.  If your tent needs stakes you must carry them with you.  Gone is the day when you would take a knife or hatchet to carve stakes.

SELECTING A TENT

Factors to consider when choosing a tent:

·     means of transportation

·     duration of camping trips

·     what season you will be using it

·     climatic conditions

·     need for protection from insects

·     state of your finances

USE AND CARE OF TENTS

·     Air out your tent thoroughly on sunny days.

·     Keep your tent floor clean, dirt and other debris can damage the fabric and promote mildew.

·     Avoid wearing outside shoes inside.

·     When packing your tent, fold it neatly but avoid creasing it in the same places repeatedly.

·     Avoid cooking in your tent.

OTHER TYPES OF SHELTERS

·     Tarps

·     Snow caves

·     igloos

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