One of the nicer things about our high-tech age is the advent of modern tent design. I grew up in the age of stinky canvas pup tents that were nearly impossible to set up correctly. Stakes, guy lines, knots and wayward poles pushed and pulled in opposite directions. One side was always droopy and the tent never met the ground properly. Pup tents had no floors, no protection from bugs and they weighed a ton. If you faced any real weather, there was no guarantee that you’d stay warm and dry because the elements could swoosh in through the flaps or underneath the walls.
The modern tent can be buttoned up tight. There is a floor and all openings are sealed with zippers. Treated canvas is long gone and replaced with light, synthetic materials that let the tent breathe. They are a snap to erect and take down. Some don’t even need stakes. With a properly fit rain fly you are warm and dry inside. 

You can do without, 
but ... Modern tents are reliable, easy to use, eliminate the possibility of getting wet, cut wind, hold in body heat (up to 20 degrees warmer than outside), keep out insects and provide privacy. 

Buy “three season” 
Tents are categorized by “seasons.” One- or twoseason tents are designed for mild days and nights.A three-season tent can handle more difficult weather and is recommended. Four-season tents are built for serious outdoor conditions that the start-up camper will not be facing soon.

Tight fit 
Tents are rated according to the number of people they hold (one, two, four, etc.).The number is based on a tight fit. If you plan to bring gear into the tent, make sure it’ll fit.

Look for
 ● Waterproof floors that come up several inches to line the lower walls of the tent.
 ● Interior features such as pockets and loops.
 ● A rain fly that covers the entire tent.

Tent types 
A–Frame:Traditional. Sheds rain and wind well. Dome: Provides the most interior space (as shown here). Hoop or Tunnel:The lightest and most compact. 
All tents come with poles and stakes. Many come with guy lines, seam sealer and a pole repair sleeve. New tents and accessories are neatly packed in compact stuff sacks.

Available in some tent types 
Vestibule:An extra sheltered space for cooking, eating or storing gear. Freestanding:The capability to be self-supporting without stakes (except in high wind).

How hard is it to put up? 
There are clip, sleeve and grommet systems. Count the number of connecting points between tent and tent poles. Count the number of stakes. The fewer the better. 

A good test 
Ask your salesperson to put up his favorite tent in five minutes or less.

Tent fabric 
Most tents are made of strong, lightweight nylon taffeta or ripstop nylon. Floors and flies are coated with polyurethane or a moisture-repellent substance to prevent moisture from passing from the ground into tent.

Tent poles 
Poles are shock-corded fiberglass or aluminum.They are threaded in segments which simply snap into place.They fold neatly into compact bundles. Fiberglass poles are less expensive and more flexible than aluminum. They provide a better packing size. 
Fiberglass can be affected by weather.Aluminum is more durable.

Workmanship Look for: 
Lap-felled seams (like Levis) that have four layers of interlocking fabric and double stitching. On uncoated nylon tents check for taped seams. Make sure stress points are reinforced with extra stitching or bar tacking.

Color (if you care) 
When you’re inside your tent: Pale blue or green are appealing in bright sun. May be depressing in overcast weather. Orange and yellow are cheery in foul weather.The trend is toward gray, white and tan.Very bright or neon colors are for extreme camping.

Modern tent physics 
A well-designed tent deals with moisture rising from inside as well as outside precipitation.A camper’s breath and skin gives off water vapor that can condense and form drops on the walls of a tent.Today’s tents have a non-waterproof wall and a separate, waterproof rain fly.The fly covers the tent leaving a space between the layers.Vapors penetrate the tent wall and exit underneath the fly.

Pointers
 ● Use a waterproof ground cloth underneath the tent to protect the life of the built-in floor. It should not protrude beyond your tent’s edges. Rain will puddle upon the protrusion and run underneath.
 ● Never bring in food since critters, bears especially, know no bounds.
 ● Use extra tarp roof for heavy rain.
 ● If it hasn’t been done at the factory, seal seams with a waterproof seam sealer (needle holes may allow water into tent).
 ● Have a patch kit handy.
 ● Dig a moat around tent in heavy rain.

An option 
A bivy bag is just big enough to fit you and your sleeping bag. It’s the lightest, most compact shelter there is. It provides a waterproof barrier as well as warmth around your bag.

Picking a tent site 
Look for a flat area or slight slope. Sleep with heads uphill. Find a sunny spot if it’s cold. Beware of dead branches overhead. After the hike Wash and dry your tent thoroughly after trips.A good washing solution: five gallons water, eight ounces lemon juice, one tablespoon bleach. 

Of old tents 
Thirty years ago I took a trek across the country and spent a night in a trailer park in Vernal, Utah.As I was trying to set up my old-fashioned pup tent about 15 very enthusiastic children came by to check me out. I immediately saw the opportunity and put them to work putting up my vintage WWII shelter. I hated erecting the thing with all its stakes, poles and guy lines. It took forever and it never seemed to look right when it was finally up.You have to wonder how our forefathers had time to win the Big One after pitching pup tents all afternoon.
The kids loved it though and they happily made a swarming effort until their mothers called them for supper. Of course, the tent was slanted and sloppy (as if I’d done the job myself) but it sufficed.The next morning one of those moms (together with a dad) asked me over for breakfast. I guess they were thrilled I let their little boy help me with the tent.
I don’t know why this story has stayed on my mind for nearly 30 years. I don’t know why I’m putting it here. Maybe it’s because the event wouldn’t happen these days.Tents are so easy to deal with now.Today you’d have a tent up before the kids even knew you were there. Maybe I remember because of the 15 helpful, happy faces and a generous family in the middle of nowhere.That smelly, problematic old tent brought me a little fellowship along a lonely stretch of road. 

Parting words
 ● Buy or rent a modern,* easily erected, name brand, freestanding tent.
Get Your Perfect tent Here!!
Get All You Need Here !!