Tent set up
Proper set-up is critical to make your shelter efficient and comfortable. Freestanding tents are popular because the entire structure can be transported after set-up. After picking a site, make sure the tent body and covering are well anchored to ensure your protection from protected strong winds.Tunnel tents can also be moved to different locations without taking them down. It requires people on both ends of the tent to move it. Depending on the season and the site, the tent anchors will vary. Use pegs on ground that will securely hold them. On surfaces like bare rock, loose sand or snow you'll have to improvise. Try using rocks, roots, weighted packs, or stuff sacks.
Tents and sunlight
Use fabrics that are highly resistant to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight. Some tents have pigments or inhibitors to protect them. UV combined with hot weather can damage all types of fabrics. Keep a tent out of the midday sun by taking it down, setting it in the shade, or putting a plastic tarp over it.
Storage and Cleaning
Never store the tent until it's completely dry. Damp storage breeds mildew, which can destroy fabrics and weaken threads. Store the tent in a cool and dry place. High temperatures damage fabric coatings. Brush dirt from poles, stakes and the tent bottom before storing. If poles were exposed to salt, rinse them in fresh water and let them air-dry to prevent rusting. To clean the tent, set it up and wipe it with a sponge and mild detergent, rinse it well and air-dry it completely. You should never machine-wash it.
Tent size and weight
If you'll be spending several days inside the tent because of bad weather, consider a tent for one or even two more people than the actual number of occupants.
If you need additional living or storage room, consider a tent with a large vestibule. A vestibule is similar to a porch on a house. Vestibules are available in all sizes and can be built in to the tent fly, or sold separately.
If you'll be transporting your tent briefly now and then, you can go with a bigger and heavier model.
Environmental impact
Use established campsites whenever available. If campfires are allowed, build them in existing fire rings. Don't put fresh marks on the land.
Safety
Don't pitch a tent under dead trees or limbs that might fall in a storm. Stay out of gullies that could channel flash floods. Camp away from lone trees, mountain tops, and high ridges, the most frequent targets for of lighting.
Size
The site should be large enough for your tent and cooking area.
Shelter
Look for shade from the sun and protection from the wind. At night, damp air and insects tend to settle toward valley floors. A campsite part way up a hill may be breezier, drier, and have fewer mosquitoes. The tops of hills can catch the force of bad weather.
Water
You must have water for drinking, cooking, and cleanup. That amounts to several gallons a day for each person. Public water supplies are the safest. Water taken from streams, rivers, or lakes must be purified before use. In high mountains and during the winter, you can get water by melting snow. Camping in dry areas is possible if you are willing to carry water to your site.
Ground
Does the site slope gently for good drainage? Leaves, pine needles, and other natural cover help keep campsites from becoming muddy.
Firewood
If fires are allowed, look for a supply of dead twigs and fallen branches. If fires aren't permitted use a backpacking stove .
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
