Meet My Tents - Part 1

The 1st thing you need to do when planning a camping trip is chose the right tent. There are 3 things you need to know. 1st,you do not have to spend a lot for a good tent. 2nd, which sounds contradictory to #1, you do get what you pay for. 3rd, beware of how many it sleeps. If you are taking your family to a campground with camping pads and bath houses you can get a good tent for under $200. You have to shop off the beaten path. Unless you find a sale, going to Cabelas, REI, or other major sporting goods stores is going to cost you. Try sites like wenzelstore.com, familytentcamping.com, or many other, do your homework. If you plan on going wilderness camping you get what you pay for. It may sound crazy, but I'll pay as much or more for a 2 person tent as I will for an 8 person. When you are out in the elimates away from bathhouses, or the relative safety of a campground, your tent is your life. It is your shelter from the cold and rain. The name on your tent means everything. Get a North Face, Big Agnes or NEMO, etc.... It could save your life. If you have a family of 4 don't get a 4 man tent. You need to add a least 2 people. if not 4 so that you have plenty of room to get dressed, store gear, and just move around. You don't want to spend the whole trip stepping on your gear, bedding or each other just trying to get to your clothes bag to change. One of the biggest things you have to remember is to take care of your tent. When you 1st get it put the seam sealer on it, it really does help. Always put your tent up in your yard before your trip to let it air out and check it for tears and leaks by using a water hose. When you get home put your tent up and let it dry. Even if it didn't rain, chances are it will be damp with dew. NEVER put a wet tent up for storage. It will cause it to leak, don't ask me why. If you take care of your tent it will take care of you.