Thursday, November 24, 2011

Tent Styles - A Discussion Of Family Style Tents

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Camping is an activity that many families enjoy. Being outdoors for a few days with your children is an excellent way to bond with them. However, being uncomfortable by using a tent not designed for your requirements can be frustrating. A little information on what to look for in a tent for your family can create memories for a lifetime.

The size of the tent may be the most important thing to look at. Depending on how many people will be camping can dictate how large it should be. Manufacturers produce products stating their recommendations on the number of people that can use a particular size. Typically, these recommendations are accurate for sleeping.

If you want more comfort or you bring a lot of gear, you may want to look at a larger size model. For instance, if there are four people camping you could be well served with a 4- person tent. But a 6-person tent will give additional room for pets or air mattresses to spread out and sleep on. Larger tents are typically a little more expensive, heavier and take longer to setup and take down, but can provide more comfort.

Tepees

Teepee tents may be the oldest style there is. They typically have adequate room for sleeping and storage. They are high in the middle for standing but get lower as you move away from the center. Setup and take down is fairly quick as there is only a center pole and stakes that keep it up. One thing to consider is most teepee tents do not come with a floor. An additional ground sheet or tarp should be purchased to complete the setup.

A-Frames

A-frame tents are also an older style. They are held up on each side by a pole and a pole runs down the center to complete the frame. Stakes and tie lines are usually required to secure the sides and top. Like the teepee, the a-frame models are adequate for sleeping and storage and are taller in the center. A-frames take a little longer to setup and take down due to the extra poles and tie lines.

Domes

Dome tents are becoming very popular. They are typically made with lightweight waterproof materials. Some models are made with the poles built in so setup and take down is easier. The dome design allows for more standing room. Floor plans can be square, rectangular or hexagonal allowing additional room. Some family model tents contain two separate domes with a flysheet or a living area between them. These are good designs for privacy for parents and children in separate areas.

When looking for a tent head down to the local sporting goods store. Many stores will have a number of tents setup for display purposes. Take the entire family with you so you can see how much space you may need. Find the model you have chosen in the box so you know how much it weighs and that those moving it into and out of a vehicle can handle it easily. Then enjoy your outdoor experience.

Keith Quain is a writer who specializes in sports and outdoor activities. You can check out his latest website at Quechua Tents, where he provides unbiased reviews and buying advice for a range of tents, including the Quechua 2 Second, Base Seconds 4.2, T4.1 B, and much more.

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