How to make camping in a tent comfortable. Choosing a place to set up a tent

Setting up a tent

Setting up a tent – what could be easier, it would seem? Even an inexperienced tourist, using the instructions, will cope with this task. But there are several subtleties and nuances that novice tourists overlook, but these techniques can extend the life of your tent and, most importantly, provide you with a restful and comfortable sleep.

Before setting up a tent, you need to choose a suitable place for this - the quality of your sleep, and sometimes your safety, will depend on the choice of site for installation. When choosing a location, you need to remember a few rules:

Do not place your tent under overhanging rocks or slopes where rockfalls are possible. In winter, it is also necessary to take into account the possibility of avalanches.
Don't pitch your tent too close to rivers. This is especially true for mountain rivers. Firstly, the overnight stay will be cold due to the humidity coming from the water, and secondly, rain falling upstream can turn even a small river into a roaring torrent or even a mudslide that will simply wash away your camp.
It is dangerous to pitch a tent under old tall trees - in a thunderstorm they attract lightning, and in a strong wind branches can fall from them.
You should not set up a tent on roads, even if they look abandoned. The same applies to animal trails - an animal that sees your tent on its trail may come to inquire about such an innovation.
The tent must be installed so that the entrance and ventilation holes are located in the direction of the wind - then there will be more air in your tent.
Do not place your tent in low spots, depressions or holes, as water may accumulate in them when it rains.
In addition, you should not pitch a tent in close proximity to a fire - sparks can easily burn through a synthetic tent.
We do not recommend placing a tent under power lines, near landfills (even abandoned ones) and in close proximity to emergency buildings.
It is not advisable to set up a tent in a swampy area, because the rain can flood your camp and cut off the exit routes from the swamp.
And of course, if possible, one should not forget about convenience: the place for the tent should be level, cleared, without a strong slope, with mandatory access to water and fuel.
In hot climates, shade over the tent is also key. This affects not only the comfort of the tourist inside it, but also the service life of the tent itself, which is exposed to the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and heat.
Your campsite should remain as clean as it was before you arrived.

They not only provide stability to your tent in strong winds, but also provide the necessary tension for the awning, which increases its waterproofness. Drops of water roll off from well-stretched fabric much better than from sagging fabric. Sometimes, during prolonged rain, the fabric stretches from getting wet, then it is necessary to rearrange the guys, pulling them tighter.

It should also be added that the tent can be pitched even if the pegs are lost - they can be replaced with stones on guys or made on site from wood. And if you break the poles, you can use a special sleeve or tire for emergency repair of the arc segment, which in most cases is included by manufacturers in the standard package of tents.

Particularly picky hikers can also lay an additional floor under the tent in the shape and size of the tent; it will not only protect the bottom of the tent from damage or dirt and provide your sleeping area with additional thermal insulation, but will also create a clean surface for folding the tent in the morning. An additional floor is sometimes included with tents; often it can be purchased separately. It is made of thicker fabric than the bottom of the tent and provides better insulation against moisture. In dry weather, it can be sacrificed in favor of reducing the weight of the backpack.

Shoes are usually left in the vestibule of the tent, but it is worth taking into account that this rule does not apply in places where poisonous insects or reptiles can crawl into the shoes. And before folding the tent, it is advisable to shake out all the garbage from it.

How to deal with condensation in a tent

Condensation is one of the most common tent problems. Condensation is nothing more than moisture that is contained in your breath and, when you are in a confined space of a tent, settles on the inside of the awning. Due to condensation, you can find your tent damp even in sunny weather.

How to deal with it?

How to dry a tent

This method is quite dangerous, because tents made of synthetic materials burn out in a matter of minutes, and combustion products can cause the inhabitants of the tent to simply die. But if, nevertheless, the desire to sleep in a dry tent is overcome by the instinct of self-preservation, then use this method with extreme caution, having first opened all the ventilation and entrances of the tent.

The second method of drying a tent from the inside is much less common. To do this, you need to heat stones in a pot and, placing the pot on a piece of wood, bring the resulting “stove” into the tent. The heat from the hot stones will quickly dry the wet fabric. But you should also be careful with this method, because the pot can burn the bottom of the tent. In addition, some types of stones can emit toxic fumes when heated.

How to transport a tent

Most tourists leave the tent lying in its original packaging, but I prefer to pack the tent in a compression case and then put it in a hermetic bag - in this form the tent will take up minimal space and will not wet the contents of the backpack if it gets wet. I stuff the tent into the compression case chaotically, without folding it. It would seem that a tent that is neatly and carefully folded should last longer, but in this case, neatness can do a disservice, because the tent is folded along the same fold lines. Accordingly, both the zipper on the tent and the awning itself bend in the same places, which quickly leads to their wear. When laying the tent chaotically, the zipper and awning bend in a new place each time.

How to store a tent at home

First of all, after a hike, you need to hang your tent to dry, and balconies are ideal for this. Even if it seems to you that the tent did not get wet during your hike, it is still better to dry it, because condensation and dew leave the surface of the tent wet. If a wet tent is not dried in time, it will, at best, acquire an unpleasant odor, and at worst, it will become moldy and unusable.
If somehow you were unable to protect the tent from mold, then the fabric damaged by the fungus can be treated with specialized products in accordance with the instructions.

Particularly pedantic tourists can also set up a tent at home after a hike and vacuum it from the inside, and then your tent will maintain a presentable appearance longer.

It is better to store the tent at home without packaging to minimize pressure on the zipper and awning. To increase the shelf life of the tent, it is advisable not to wash it at all. If necessary, dirt can be wiped with a damp cloth.
If you have to deal with a tent whose material has already worn out, you can use specialized products to restore the fabric’s former water-repellent properties.

And finally, a little life hack: if you stain your tent with resin, wait until the resin dries and apply a piece of ice to the stained area on the inside of the fabric - the cooled resin becomes brittle and comes off easier.

Setting up a tent is a responsible and important task. After all, it depends on how well you will rest after a long journey, or how easy and fun you will spend time in nature. But not only comfort and convenience will be provided to you by a tent, but also safety and coziness.

To set up a tent, choose a dry and level place, without hummocks and mounds (although they can be cut off with a shovel), protected from the wind. Also pay attention to the presence of an anthill nearby and ant trails within a radius of 1-2 meters. Being around ants is not always a joy. They are capable of occupying your backpack, things and tent in a matter of hours. And getting rid of them will cause you a lot of trouble and will take a lot of time. Remember, you are visiting them, not they are visiting you. The forest is their home, their territory. On my last trip to the sea with a tent, I made a mistake: I set up the tent right on the ant trail. As a result, after 3 days my backpack was swarming with ants. They got into my clothes and tent. It took me another 3 days to get rid of the ants.

If you are putting up not one, but several tents, then make sure that there is a convenient area for other tents. Think about your friend!

After you have chosen a place for the tent, prepare the site itself. Remove branches, stones and pine cones. Not only are they uncomfortable to sleep on, but they can also tear the bottom of the tent, which will be more unpleasant and dangerous.

On trampled or clayey soil around the perimeter of the tent, under its very walls, dig a shallow groove (4-7 cm) to drain water, which would otherwise flow under the bottom of the “house” and get it wet. This especially needs to be done if the soil is clayey; moisture will penetrate the bottom and remain there until you remove the tent, since clay does not allow water to pass through. This will cause you a number of inconveniences: at night the bottom of the tent will become very damp and wet, and in the morning an unpleasant cold will come from the bottom, the inside will smell of dampness and mold, and the fabric of the bottom of the tent itself will rot. Again, on my last trip, we did not follow these instructions and experienced all the “delights” of our mistake.

Place your dwelling with the back wall facing the wind and the entrance on the opposite side from nearby ravines, holes or the shore, since at night, crawling out of the tent, you can fall (or be happily drunk).

On a non-steep slope, the tent is placed along the line of water fall with the entrance facing upward, otherwise tourists will slide onto each other. It is convenient to hang the tent by the ridge ropes between the trees.

Be sure to lay a piece of polyethylene under the tent that matches the size of the floor. Otherwise, during heavy rain, the bottom of the tent will leak. Even tents with a bottom of 5000 mm allow water to pass through perfectly if a lot of it accumulates below.

How to arrange your “bedroom” so that it is warm to sleep in a tent?

First, foam is laid on the bottom, and only then sleeping bags or air mattresses (if you like comfortable outdoor recreation). Foams (or they are called tourist rugs) will save you from dampness and cold that come from the soil at night, protect you from cooling and soften the surface for more comfortable rest. Your lower back must be on foam, otherwise you may catch colds and other diseases.

You can place soft and dry things on the mats under your sleeping bags to make your sleep warmer and more comfortable. Place ropes under your feet, spreading them evenly, “soft” and well-packaged products - cereals, dry mixtures, concentrates. A soft backpack is usually placed under the head, covered with a rain jacket or sweater. But it is not always convenient to sleep on a large backpack. A very good option is to put your clothes in a sleeping bag to create a comfortable and soft pillow. Another option is an inflatable pillow. It is easy to inflate and deflate and takes up little space in your backpack. I took a pillow with me, it helped me a lot. Read more about the inflatable pillow in the article “Useful “little things” for traveling and hiking.

Setting up a tent. We provide safe and comfortable sleep

There are different types of tents, and accordingly, the way to set them up is different.

Of the “Soviet” ones, the most common are two- and three-seater ones with a collapsible frame.

Set up a gable tent like this:

Attach the lower guy wires to the ground with pegs so that the floor rests tightly and without distortions on the mat.
Then take the racks and place one at the entrance and the other at the rear end, overlap them with guys attached to the roof ridge.
Tie the ends of the guy ropes to pegs driven into the ground at a distance of 2-3 meters from the tent. The direction of the guy wires should be along the center line passing through the end of the roof.
Pull the roof on, zipping up the entrance to the tent first. Guys should represent a continuation of the diagonals of the slopes. Therefore, drive the pegs at an angle of 45 degrees to the sides of the tent.

If you are setting up a tent in the forest, first stretch the main guys of the roof ridge between the trees, and only then stretch the floor and guys of the slopes. Use thin tree trunks and bushes as pegs. Instead of wooden pegs, you can also use metal pins that can easily be stuck into the ground. In water trips, oars can also serve as racks.

And so everything is ready! Have you set up the tent correctly? The tent should have a flat roof, without wrinkles or folds, the walls should not sag, and the floor should not be raised.

To properly install a two- or three-person tent, first lay out the bottom and secure it with guy pegs. By inserting spacers 150 cm long, using guy ropes, the roof of the tent is pulled so that there are no wrinkles, folds or sagging fabric. Attach guys to nearby trees or stakes

The most common modern tents are hemispheres or “half-barrels”. The principle of their installation is as follows:

Carefully lay out the inner tent. Moreover, you place the bottom on the ground, and the “roof” should be on top.
Secure the bottom with metal pegs (usually included with the tent) by pulling guy ropes.
Install the arcs.
Throw an outer awning, tie it to the inner tent and tighten it with guy ropes so that there are no wrinkles, folds or sagging fabric on the tent. Also attach guy ropes to nearby trees and stakes.

If you have an “economy” version of a tent, then do everything the same, only you won’t have an awning.

When purchasing a tent in a kit with a cover, poles and pegs, instructions for installing it are usually included.

How to sleep?

It is better to sleep in a tent with your head facing the exit, unless, of course, your head is lower than your feet. This makes it more convenient to climb into the sleeping bag and look outside. Very often, when tourists lie with their feet towards the exit, the bag often gets knocked out and gets wet...
Remember that if you sleep in a sleeping bag, it is better to dress lightly at night (according to the weather). A person dressed too warmly quickly sweats and freezes. If your underwear is wet, no sweaters or jackets will keep you warm. It is better to insulate yourself from below by placing film or warm clothes under the foam.
In good weather, it is better not to zip the entrance to the tent all the way. If your tent entrance consists of 2 layers: fabric and mesh, then it is better to leave one mesh fastened so that no one crawls in or flies in.
If you are tightly sealed, the moisture exhaled by people will begin to condense on the inside of the walls and roof; the tent will seem to sweat, and water will begin to drip onto your face and sleeping bags.
It is colder to sleep on the edge, so men or the healthiest of women sleep there. In addition, a small amount of condensation accumulates on the side walls of the tent overnight due to the breathing of sleepers, and by morning the edges are damp and humid.

When the tent does not have an awning, you cannot touch the roof in the rain, otherwise it will begin to leak in this place. Then run your finger along it from the inside from the place of the drop to the bottom - the water will flow along the trace of your finger and stop dripping.

In cold weather, you can warm up a piece of ground before setting up the tent. To do this, light a small but wide fire from thick logs and warm the ground for 1.5-2 hours. Then the fire is removed, coals and ash are swept away from the ground, a bedding is made of branches or spruce branches, and a tent is installed in this place. In such a tent, even at sub-zero temperatures, you can relax comfortably and warmly.

Fighting bloodsuckers

After setting up the tent, be sure to treat its surface with products against mosquitoes, ticks, midges and other insects, especially the entrance.

In order to drive mosquitoes, midges and other harmful bloodsuckers out of the tent, punch several small holes in the bottom of an empty tin can and attach it to a stick. Place a few hot coals from the fire in a jar, and then a piece of wet moss or resin from a pine or spruce trunk. “Blow” the coals in the jar, the thick smoke from which will drive the bloodsuckers out of the tent.

At night, place a smoker at the entrance to the tent on the leeward side, this will drive insects away from the tent. Several smokers can also be placed near the fire to ward off bloodsuckers.

Blooming bird cherry trees can also repel midges. Its leaves and flowers have a detrimental effect on small organisms. Therefore, set up your camp near the bird cherry bushes, place or hang fresh leaves and a few twigs at its entrance. But remember, don’t do this if your friend is allergic to bird cherry, which is very common.

The stems of wormwood and tansy have similar “repellent” properties. To prevent midges from bothering you around the fire, throw chamomile stems into it.

After resting and sleeping, be sure to dry the sleeping bags and the tent itself inside. To do this, take the sleeping bags out of the tent and hang them on ropes (if available), or simply throw them over the tent lid. Also remove foam from the outside of the tent. Open all entrances to the tent to evaporate any moisture that has accumulated overnight.

Fold the tent in a dried, clean state to avoid damage to the fabric during storage. If there is no way to dry it, then be sure to do it when you return home from a hike...

Do not place your tent under overhanging rocks or slopes where rockfalls are possible. In winter, it is also necessary to take into account the possibility of avalanches.

Don't pitch your tent too close to rivers. This is especially true for mountain rivers. Firstly, the overnight stay will be cold due to the humidity coming from the water, and secondly, rain falling upstream can turn even a small river into a roaring torrent or even a mudslide that will simply wash away your camp.

It is dangerous to pitch a tent under old tall trees - in a thunderstorm they attract lightning, and in a strong wind branches can fall from them.

You should not set up a tent on roads, even if they look abandoned. The same applies to animal trails - an animal that sees your tent on its trail may come to inquire about such an innovation.

The tent must be installed so that the entrance and ventilation holes are located in the direction of the wind - then there will be more air in your tent.

Do not place your tent in low spots, depressions or holes, as water may accumulate in them when it rains.

In addition, you should not pitch a tent in close proximity to a fire - sparks can easily burn through a synthetic tent.

We do not recommend placing a tent under power lines, near landfills (even abandoned ones) and in close proximity to emergency buildings.

And of course, if possible, one should not forget about convenience: the place for the tent should be level, cleared, without a strong slope, with mandatory access to water and fuel.

In hot climates, shade over the tent is also key. This affects not only the comfort of the tourist inside it, but also the service life of the tent itself, which is exposed to the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and heat.

Your campsite should remain as clean as it was before you arrived.

Having taken these rules into account and choosing a suitable place to set up the tent, you need to set up the tent correctly. If you are setting up a tent for the first time, it is better to read the instructions in advance, and even better, try to assemble the tent right at home in advance. Then during the hike you won’t have to waste time deciding where the racks are inserted. When the tent is already standing, it is necessary to stretch the wind guys, which are so often neglected by novice tourists. They not only provide stability to your tent in strong winds, but also provide the necessary tension for the awning, which increases its waterproofness. Drops of water roll off from well-stretched fabric much better than from sagging fabric. Sometimes, during prolonged rain, the fabric stretches from getting wet, then it is necessary to rearrange the guys, pulling them tighter.

How to deal with condensation in a tent

How to deal with it?

If you wake up and find condensation on the tent, open the entrance of the tent wide open (if there are two entrances, open both), and the wind will quickly dry the tent;

Remove the awning and hang it on the inside in a sunny or windy place;

If your tent has a snow skirt, roll it up - the ventilation of the tent will improve and there will be less condensation;

If you need to quickly close the camp and have no time to dry the condensation, you can simply wipe the inside of the tent with a towel made of;

Do not bring wet things into the tent; the moisture will evaporate and settle on the tent flap.

How to dry a tent

Drying a tent is a long and rather difficult task. Of course, if you were caught in a brief rain and then the sun immediately came out, then there is nothing to think about - just wait, and the sun will dry the tent. The situation is more complicated if your tent is wet and begins to leak water, and the rain does not stop. In this case, you can try drying the tent from the inside. The most common drying method is gas torch drying. This method is quite dangerous, because tents made of synthetic materials burn out in a matter of minutes, and combustion products can cause the inhabitants of the tent to simply die. But if, nevertheless, the desire to sleep in a dry tent is overcome by the instinct of self-preservation, then use this method with extreme caution, having first opened all the ventilation and entrances of the tent.

How to transport a tent

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Many people go camping and enjoy it, but there are also those who have never been camping. If done correctly, with all the necessary equipment and knowledge, you can have a lot of fun. Camping is a great way to comfortably spend time outdoors. Below is the background information you'll need to organize your camping trip, including what to bring, what to do, and where to stay.

Steps

Find a good place to camp. You can find a place online that has good reviews and a high rating. If you know approximately what area you want to stay in, look for camp sites there on the map. Ask for advice from friends or families who have already been backpacking. Learn about camping rules and regulations. Is it possible for a large group of people to stay? Is the campsite suitable for trailers only, or can I take a tent? How big can your tent be? Is it possible to take pets with you? Find out about the possibilities. Maybe you want a campsite with good toilets, showers and water supply? Do you want to be close to entertainment, such as bars? Do you want shops or cafes nearby? Or a swimming pool? Or do you want a simpler campsite with beautiful scenery? Find the perfect location just for you. No matter where you decide to camp, you'll need to find a tent site that isn't completely flat in case it rains. Make sure the space is free and secure it for yourself.

Make sure you have a good tent. Try to find a tent with a built-in sheet at the bottom to prevent hypothermia and keep insects out. Buy a separate liner to place under your tent for protection. A good tent should have at least one window and enough space for all the people who are going to sleep there. In addition to sleeping places for people, there should also be a place to store things. Decide for yourself whether you want a tent with one main door or several. Check to see if the tent door provides good wind protection once you're inside and make sure the door is completely closed. Make sure you have enough good pegs to pitch your tent and a hammer to drive them in. You should try out your tent before you go to the camp site, so practice setting it up in your backyard. In case of bad weather, you should use a tent with a porch or awning.

Decide where you are going to sleep and on what. If you choose to sleep on cots, air mattresses, a sleeping bag on the floor, or on mats, make sure you bring everything with you. When you are practicing setting up a tent, you can try installing a bed in it to see if there is enough space inside. If you decide to sleep on an air cushion, make sure you don't forget the pump to inflate it and a repair kit in case it ruptures. Don't forget to bring anything else, such as sleeping bags, extra bedding/blankets or pillows.

Decide where you are going to eat and how you are going to cook. Buy a good camping stove. If you have a gas stove, make sure you don't forget the gas cylinder that powers it. Don't forget to bring cooking utensils, such as lightweight pots and pans, plates and, of course, the food itself. You can get water at the camp site, since almost everyone there has water supplies. If you want to make hot drinks like tea or boil water, buy a small kettle to heat on the stove. Also decide where you will eat. Buy folding chairs and tables and decide where they will go, outside or inside the tent. Place the stove outside the tent as the tent material is highly flammable and may cause a fire. Buy some windbreaks in case you can't light the stove in the wind. If your campsite doesn't have a central location for dishwashing, use a wash bowl and remove all waste to avoid attracting animals and insects. Don't forget to bring dishwashing liquid and some rags to clean the table, as well as kitchen towels. Don't forget other essentials such as can openers, openers, napkins or towels, table linens and anything else you may need.

Don't forget other essentials for your trip. Get some storage boxes for things like food. Use a few plastic bags to store open bags of food. Take a first aid kit with medicines and bandages. Bring items that will help you feel more comfortable on your hike, such as sunblock, toilet paper, baby wipes to freshen up, and insect repellent. It's a good idea to bring a bag with soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, towel, cotton swabs, and any other cosmetics or toiletries you want to take. Bring a backpack with you in case you are hiking or need to carry a lot of things with you. You'll also need water bottles or empty bottles to fill them with. You can also bring cameras, books, paper and pen, alarm clock, tape/strings, just in case. Waterproof material/cover for your oven.

Bring a light source with you. Your hike will be doomed if you forget the lighting. Imagine trying to find your way back to your tent in the dark without a flashlight. You will especially need it if you have children. Take some torches. Larger ones for a tent and smaller, waterproof ones for going to the toilet in the dark. Other lighting methods include lanterns or lamps that run on liquid fuel. Make sure you bring extra batteries or fuel for your flashlights.

You need to take enough clothes. If you go camping in the summer, don't forget clothes such as shorts, thin tops, swimsuits, flip-flops or sandals. If you're hiking in the colder months, take a jumper, coat, trousers or long sleeved tops, sneakers or boots. Don't forget warm underwear and thick socks. Take thick pajamas. Even if you're hiking in the summer, take a jumper as it can get cold at night and if you have to walk a long distance to the toilet, warm clothing may come in handy. Your holiday will be ruined if you are too cold.

Pitch your tent. You should have already practiced setting up a tent, and when it comes to setting up camp, try to do it before it gets dark. Once you have found a specific space, make sure you are pitching the tent in the right place. If not, find an open place, but preferably with a slope. Choose a place where there are no tree branches or insects.

Organize your tent. Make sure there is a place for everything you need. Set up beds, and if your tent has a separate sleeping area, zip it up to keep insects out. Place food in storage boxes and make sure they are well sealed so nothing can get inside. When you enter your tent, take off your shoes to keep the tent clean, and if your tent has a mosquito net, zip it up. Make sure you know where the first aid kit and torches are. Nail down windbreaks if you use them. These can be very useful for covering the tent and you can hang towels around it to help keep the tent dry.

Explore your camp. Find the closest toilets and make sure they are clean. If the shower is not in the same place as the bathroom, find its location. Find a laundry/cafeteria/entertainment facility if there is one near your campsite and find out opening times or other information. Take a walk around and enjoy the scenery.

Cooking and nutrition. Set up your stove and firebreaks outside the tent and make sure the stove is on a stand. When you're done cooking, wash the dirty dishes or place them in a bowl and take them to a place where they can be washed if your campsite has one. If the weather is bad, place the stove under an awning or tent awning, but keep all the heat from the actual material. Keep leftovers safe after you've eaten. Seal open bags and make sure everything is stored in storage bins. Place waste in trash bags and keep them tightly sealed and away from the ground. You can hang a garbage bag from a branch so that it hangs high off the ground.

Develop rules for night time. Make sure you cover the oven in a waterproof cover. Fold up the chairs and table and put them in the tent for the night. Pack up all personal items, such as soccer balls or sports equipment, or put them in the trunk of your car until the next morning. If you're concerned about valuables, lock them in your car's glove compartment. Or you could put them next to your sleeping bag. Go to the toilet one last time, brush your teeth and don’t forget a flashlight to find your way back. Whether you decide to shower or not, be sure to change in the toilet block or tent. If your tent has separate rooms or compartments, you can change clothes in the tent. You can use a plastic bag for dirty laundry, or put it in an empty suitcase if you're doing laundry at home, or put it somewhere to wash tomorrow. Zip up the tent and leave a small light there so you can see what you're doing. Make sure everyone is inside and in their sleeping bags.

Do some activities outside the tent. Don't waste time sitting in a tent. Camping is all about enjoying the nature around you. So get outside and get some fresh air while you do something fun! If you brought bicycles with you, ride them. Go for a walk or hike to see some of the scenery and get away from it all. Watch the wildlife or go fishing. There are many options no matter where you are. If it's raining or bad weather, take advantage of indoor activities such as a museum or nature center. At night you can go outside and admire the stars. Or you could build a fire and sit around it all night. If you start a fire, make sure you do it safely, which is worth learning beforehand. Also, check that your fire complies with the rules here.

Make arrangements to use the shower. If you're relying on a shower at your campsite, make sure it's working beforehand. Check to see if it is open or if you will need coins to pay. Also, check if there is a hairdryer in the shower block, if you have to pay to use the shower, or if you will have to dry your hair naturally. Don't forget to bring towels, shampoo and soap. Always wear old flip flops when you shower to protect your feet from germs. To ensure the shower is always available, avoid using it during rush hour. While everyone will use it in the morning or evening, go there early in the morning, in the afternoon or late in the evening. Don't be too fussy about your appearance when you're camping. Leave your curling irons, hair straighteners and lotions at home.

Be respectful. The camping experience is for everyone, don't ruin it for someone else. This means keeping pets under control if you bring them with you. Clean up their excrement and clean up the mess. Don't play music too loud or turn it off at late hours, clean up your trash and waste, and keep the bathroom and shower clean after each use. Above all, respect the camping rules and it will be the best trip for everyone.
- Remember to drink plenty of water, warm or cold, to prevent dehydration.
- Try to find a spot where you can see the sun in the morning but be in the shade in the afternoon.
- Tie a battery-powered flashlight to the ceiling of the tent to provide a light source.
- Always respect quiet time.
- If you bring pets to the campsite, keep them under control, do not tie them to trees or campsite construction equipment, keep them on a leash when you are camping, and make sure they do not bark all night and wake everyone else.
- Attach the corkscrew with twine or fishing line to a chair or cooler at the campsite. Don't waste time looking for a knife at night when it's cold outside!
- Hang a mini flashlight around your neck. Wear it around your neck every night and you will always have a source of light with you.
- If you have a long way to get to the campsite, make frequent stops along the way.
- Bring a sharp ax with you to camping. There may not be small twigs near the tent camp to light a fire, and you will have to find twigs left over from previous campers.
- Don't forget to bring extra clothes in case you get wet or dirty.
- If you go camping with children, involve them in planning the trip and camping activities, such as fetching water or doing something fun.
- Use glow sticks for soft light at night.
- Place an old waterproof cloth or rug at the entrance of your tent to dry your feet and keep your shoes there.
Warnings
- Do not pitch your tent under trees with dead roots or dead trees that could fall on the tent!
- Never leave gasoline cans when not in use and always keep them upright in a well-ventilated area.
- Never approach wild animals as they can be dangerous and very unpredictable.
- If you are camping near a farm, always close the tent entrance behind you to prevent wild animals from entering your tent!
- Stay away from damp, grassy areas with lots of insects, and avoid wearing scented perfumes or brightly colored clothing if you are concerned about attracting insects.
- If you're camping with children, teach them basic outdoor safety rules and never leave them unattended.
- Watch out for animals trying to get closer to your products! Make sure they are always sealed and that everyone knows this. Keep them away from bears.
- If you light a fire, it should not be near the tent. Do not use flammable liquids to light it, do not leave it unattended, and always have something available to quickly extinguish it, such as water. Always extinguish the fire completely.

How to choose the right camping tent? Every tourist, both beginner and experienced, was concerned with the issue of choosing a tent for hiking, trekking or climbing. In this article you will find almost all the selection criteria that you need to pay attention to when purchasing. After reading this article you will be armed with a wealth of knowledge about camping tents. We hope that even experts will find it interesting!

A passion for hiking is not only a desire to see and learn new beautiful places, to be in nature, outside of cities, but also a certain challenge to the usual way of life. The traveler somehow goes beyond the usual boundaries of comfort. Cooking in the forest or mountains, the vagaries of the weather, the physical difficulties of overcoming obstacles force us to re-evaluate the meaning of the very concept of “comfort” in a completely different way. Comfortable hiking shoes, a good fit, dry, warm and, of course, a reliable tent - these are the main “pillars” on which the feeling of comfort on a hike rests. Today we will talk about tents.

Of course, there are a great many types of tents - commercial, military, and even entire pavilion tents of enormous size. Here we will look at tourist tents. By tourist tent we mean a mobile shelter that can protect the traveler from the vicissitudes of the weather - rain, wind, insects and small animals, cold (within certain limits, of course). A tourist tent should have a reliable design, be simple and easy to install and fold, take up little space when folded, and provide normal conditions for rest and sleep when unfolded.

Even twenty years ago and earlier, in the post-Soviet tourist space there was not much choice - most used the same type of serial structures, bulky and heavy, or they had to make tents themselves. There were few foreign models and products from a few local manufacturers, and they were inaccessible to many. Gradually, the market was filled with a large number of different models - for every taste and budget. Understanding this diversity can be difficult not only for a novice tourist, but also for more experienced travelers.

WHERE TO BUY A TREKTING TENT?

If this is your first tent purchase and you are not an experienced market expert, it is best to make your first purchase from a large outfitter. Here you can choose from a variety of models, see, touch and even install/fold the model you like. As a rule, such stores employ real experts in the tourism industry, so they sell the most suitable, functional models, and do not order everything in a row, like large online stores for “everything in the world.” Here they can really help you with advice when choosing. Sellers usually use the equipment themselves and are not theoretical consultants. The main thing is not to fall completely under the influence of the seller.

HOW TO BUY FROM THE EQUIPMENT CENTER?

Remember, there are very few real “level 1000 pumped up sales masters” who can delve into your specific request and sell what you need. In most cases, even an experienced tourist mountaineer, who is also a sales consultant, will sell you equipment “for himself.” This can lead to you falling under the “magical influence of a specialist” and purchasing something that you don’t quite need. To avoid this, go shopping as prepared as possible, draw up criteria for your choice, even write them down. Save photos of models you like on the Internet on your smartphone. You know that in photos on the Internet everything may not look the same as in reality. When forming your desires before purchasing, avoid a large number of advisers, especially those with poor qualifications - you risk getting completely confused. If possible, choose a couple of really smart people whose opinions you trust, and describe your task to them as constructively as possible. They will ask you the right questions themselves. After that, go to the store. The chosen tent must be unfolded, ask permission to climb inside - lie on the mat, sit. If you are going to become an avid tourist, remember - this is your future home in a variety of places and conditions and you must be confident in it.

Now let's look at what you definitely need to know about tents.

Basic criteria for choosing a tent:

TENT DESIGNS

Nowadays, most tents, even budget series, are made from modern, completely reliable materials. Now almost ALL tents are completely waterproof and have seams taped with special heat-shrink tape. In many cases, the material has ceased to be the No. 1 criterion in selection. The only exceptions may be the cheapest models, the so-called “supermarket tents” - they should be avoided. The first thing you will need to decide on when choosing is what kind of tent design do you need?

Most modern tents are stretched on a frame. So, by default, your tent will have a frame. But there are tents without their own frame. They are stretched using trekking poles (it would be good if you had them) or improvised means. In what cases should you pay attention to such designs?

FRAMELESS TENTS

You are a minimalist lightweight traveler and you save every gram; you are ready to sacrifice the convenience of an overnight stay in favor of weight and compactness. You will rarely need a tent on a hike or may not need it at all; you take it “just in case.” Perhaps just an awning or a bivouac bag will suit you. The type of tourist activity inexorably requires you to have a light and as compact backpack as possible - ski tours, complex via ferats, adventure races, etc.

When choosing such a design, it is worth keeping in mind the pros and cons.

Pros of a frameless tent:

Minimum packaging volume and weight.
Relatively low cost (not always, there are very expensive models).
Opportunity to use your equipment more fully (trekking poles, skis).

Disadvantages of a frameless tent:

Often less easy to install compared to self-supporting structures.
Usually poorer habitability and wind resistance.
Nowadays there are frame tents on the market weighing less than a kilogram. They are expensive, but maybe it's worth taking a closer look at them?

Frame tent structures

Most modern frame structures on the market have a self-supporting frame. In other words, these are free-standing tents; in calm weather they practically do not need guylines. However, in many models it is still necessary to stretch their individual parts to give the correct shape and maximum internal volume. The use of a free-standing tent is possible, including on camping decks, asphalt and concrete sites, soft sand - where it is difficult to fix the guy ropes. Also, tensile structures are very common, the installation of which is possible only with the help of guy wires.

Frame material

FIBERGLASS, FIBERGLASS

Suitable for tents in the lower price range. The worst option is black, matte, opaque fiberglass. If possible, choose a frame made of reinforced plastic - it is more reliable and durable. A plastic frame is suitable where weight, extreme wind resistance and use at sub-zero temperatures are not critical. If you do not want to spend a lot of money on equipment, go hiking not very often and in the warm season - this is your possible choice.

ALUMINUM

The most balanced material for the frame. It should be taken into account that simpler grades of aluminum are used on budget structures than on more expensive ones. They are somewhat heavier and have less strength and elasticity. On more expensive models, more functional grades of aluminum and aluminum alloys are used. Top models can be equipped with frames made of scandium and even CARBON. Also, some well-known and expensive manufacturers order frames from specialized developers for maximum reliability and to give their products a touch of “eliteness”. The most famous manufacturer of tent frames is DAC. You should know that this famous creator of the most durable frames has both simpler and more expensive lines. Check this point with the seller.

INFLATABLE FRAME

So far, such tents are still so rare that there is no point in writing about them.

EXTERNAL OR INNER FRAME?

INNER FRAME

The most common solution. The frame is located between the inner and outer tents. The inner tent is hung on it, and the awning is simply pulled over the top and secured.

Pros of a tent with an internal frame:

The length of the frame is shorter than with an external arrangement, which means weight and size are saved.
Installation is possible only with an inner tent, which is popular in good weather.
If you have a special kit (usually purchased separately, but sometimes included in the kit), you can install only the outer tent without the inner one with a separate bottom, which at other times can be used as a FOOTPRINT (protective bedding).
The outer surface of the tent is as smooth and streamlined as possible; snow and debris accumulate on it less.

Minuses tents with inner frame :

Perhaps slightly worse wind resistance.
If the frame breaks, it can tear the awning material.
When installed in the rain, the inner tent has time to get wet.
Installation in windy conditions is less convenient.

HUB FRAME

A recent invention. Mainly used in models of the ultralight segment. The main feature is the presence of “hubs” - frame connections that allow you to optimize its overall length, volume, and therefore weight. Typically used as an internal frame. The main advantages are low weight with a large internal volume of the tent. The main disadvantages are poorer wind resistance and higher cost. Often the hub frame is an all-in-one structure - all frame elements are connected to each other by an elastic cable, forming, as it were, one complex arc. This frame is easy to fold even for a beginner.

EXTERNAL FRAME

Located on top of the entire structure, the arcs are visible. The inner tent is attached to the outer one. There are two main options for attaching the awning to the external frame. Using PAT POCKETS. These are peculiar sleeves made of mesh or fabric into which the frame is threaded, after which it is fixed with tips in special eyelets. On the one hand, this is the most wind-resistant design that distributes the load as evenly as possible, but on the other hand, it is the most labor-intensive to install. Sometimes the final installation (stretching) of the tips into the eyelets involves such effort that some girls or teenagers are not able to complete it! So practice before you buy. The second option is using hooks or carabiners. Reminiscent of attaching the inner tent to the frame in models with an inner frame. Such a system has unsurpassed convenience and speed of installation! If you took the trouble to attach the inner tent to the outer one in advance (or you have a single-layer tent), installation will take a matter of seconds. This can be especially appreciated in stormy conditions. At the same time, carbines do not provide phenomenal load distribution of the first option. Now it's up to you to choose.

Pros of a tent with an external frame:

Possibility to install an inner tent together with an outer one.
Possibility to install an outer tent without an inner one and without a bottom, like an awning.
Good wind resistance, easier to place in the wind.
If the frame breaks, the awning usually remains intact, making repairs easier.
When pitched in the rain, the inner tent remains dry.

Minuses tents with external frame:

You cannot set up an inner tent without an awning!
The frame is relatively longer and heavier than in the first option.
Retains snow and debris (leaves, branches, serves as a basis for weaving webs, etc.)
Considerable installation effort may occur.
Typically, such structures are equipped with floor belts connecting the attachment points of the ends of the arches. Straps can get tangled and make installation difficult.
Installation from scratch, without an attached inner layer, is quite labor-intensive.

CONCLUSION: For most tourists, the option with an internal frame is preferable, as confirmed by sales volumes. Tents with an external frame are more suitable for professional use - in the mountains, cold climates, and in bad weather conditions.

SINGLE OR DOUBLE LAYER TENT?

Most tents sold have a two-layer design. Typically, this is an inner tent equipped with a bathtub-shaped (extending to the walls) waterproof bottom and a lightweight, breathable top, part of which is made of lightweight mesh. In tents for use in warm and hot seasons, almost the entire top can be made of mesh; in models for colder conditions, the amount of mesh is much less and it can be closed with a denser fabric using a zipper. An outer tent is usually a protective awning made of waterproof, durable fabric with attached guy ropes. It is usually connected to the inner tent through the frame using special fastex or other fixing devices equipped with a tension mechanism. It allows you to stretch the awning as tightly as possible, which is necessary during rain or wind. A double-layer tent forms an air gap between the inner and outer tent. This makes staying in it more comfortable in both hot and cold weather and largely prevents condensation in the living area, which is very important for keeping your belongings dry during the hike.

Single layer tent this is either a very cheap and extremely simplified “supermarket” option, or a specialized design for certain tasks. Almost all single-layer tents, one way or another, have problems with condensation, even when using special breathable fabrics, so their use in most cases is limited to winter, mountains and other places with low air temperatures where condensation is not so critical. Also, single-layer tents are cooler in the cold, and hotter in the sun than their double-layer counterparts. In return, they offer the ultimate in low weight and volume, ease of installation and folding in extreme weather conditions, and minimal installed dimensions, which allows them to be placed in the smallest flat area. As you already understand, this is not an option for everyone! It is also worth considering the often very high cost of such structures.

TENT SHAPE

Dome tent

Dome structures are the most common. For decades, such tents have faithfully served tourists, climbers, hunters and fishermen. The simplest dome design is formed by a frame of two posts crossed in the middle. This tent is easy to set up and lightweight. At the same time, it cannot boast of a spacious lobby (one or two). Often, to increase functionality (internal volume, wind resistance), one or more frame arcs or special frame struts are added to the structure. The more intersections the frame elements make with each other, the stronger the tent.

Half barrel tent

The second most common type of tent today. In popularity it lags behind the dome by orders of magnitude. The appearance of this tent is clear from the name. The main disadvantage is that the tent is not free-standing (self-supporting); guy ropes are required. Installation is usually more difficult, especially for beginners. The main advantage is excellent wind resistance (if installed correctly), good internal volume, and low weight. This type of tent is rarely chosen by beginners; mostly, its owners are experienced tourists who are able to take advantage of the advantages and compensate for the disadvantages.

tent tent

A classic that looks like an Indian tipi, wigwam or yurt. Typically mounted on the center pillar, although there are other options. This option is very common in North America, but is in little demand here. Mainly in the post-Soviet space, a similar design is used for winter trips, usually ski trips, since it is convenient for using ski equipment as a frame and installing a stove. Often there are options without gender.

"HOUSE"

Once the only option for Soviet tourists. The construction is usually single-layer. Nowadays it is not very widespread due to its low habitability, dependence on guy wires and installation difficulties. A rare guest on store shelves. In a new interpretation - a compact frameless tent mounted on trekking poles, a frequent choice of “survivalists”, “bushcrafters” and beginner light walkers.

NUMBER OF INPUT. VESTIBULES (VESTBULGS), PLACEMENT OF THINGS IN A TENT

Many people are accustomed to the fact that a tent should have one entrance (exit). It's nice when the tent entrance allows for convenient use in the rain. Practice shows that two inputs are much better than one. Therefore, if possible, choose a model with two inputs. If you do not expect to use the tent often in narrow areas, it is better to choose a model with side entrances (provided that you have a 2-3 person tent; if the tent is larger, then the entrance/exit at the head/foot is a good option). What is the best way to organize storage space? Of course, it is better to keep small things and some clothes at hand in the tent itself, for which you will find pockets useful in it and the “mezzanine” - a shelf under the ceiling - is especially pleasant. It is convenient to keep backpacks, shoes and bulky/dirty things in the vestibules. In theory, the more there are (that is, two are better than one) and the larger their volume (for example, it’s good when a separate frame arc is “responsible” for the vestibule), the better. In practice, you are constantly balancing between the useful volume of the tent and vestibules and its weight/size/cost. Think about what will be important to you and base your choice on that. Where do you want to shift the emphasis - towards comfort or light weight?

Tent bottom material

Most tents have fabric bottoms. The bottom is constantly under heavy load - you lie on it, press, press with your elbows and knees. However, your tent is rarely placed on an ideal surface. Therefore, it is good that the bottom is made of high-strength fabric. The modern trend of weight reduction forces many manufacturers to strive more for lightening the product, rather than for its strength and service life. In some ways, it is beneficial for the manufacturer that your tent wears out faster and is replaced with a new one. If you are also looking for weight and buy an ultra-light tent, be especially careful when using it. I also advise you to use FOOTPRINT (bedding) on suspicious surfaces. The bottom material must not only be very durable, but also have increased water resistance. In the classical European measurement system, the minimum water resistance value for the bottom of a tent should be considered to be 5000 mm. But remember that pressing with your elbow will create more pressure and the tent may leak. An indicator of 10,000 mm of water column is considered absolutely reliable. At the same time, for an awning it is enough to have characteristics of 3-5000 mm. American manufacturers report significantly more modest figures. But, firstly, they are guaranteed to last a lifetime for the fabric, and secondly, the system for assessing water resistance overseas is somewhat different from the European one.

On cheap tents, the floor can be made of structured polyethylene, which looks like an oilcloth bag from a supermarket. There is nothing terrible about such a field if used infrequently. It is heavier and somewhat more cumbersome, but can be easily repaired with mounting tape. This floor is suitable for not too demanding and economical tourists. I happened to live in a tent with a polyethylene floor and a fiberglass frame on Elbrus, at an altitude of 4200 meters, for several nights in fairly fresh weather, and the tent coped with this test perfectly. True, polyethylene can easily freeze to ice.

Tent material processing

In nature, especially in the mountains, the tent is exposed not only to mechanical stress, but also to strong solar radiation. To resist ultraviolet radiation and provide better moisture protection, most tents have additional fabric treatment. Silicone coating resists ultraviolet radiation and moisture best. For internal impregnation and bottom impregnation, a polyurethane coating of fabric is often used. Different types of coating have their own advantages and disadvantages, which we will not dwell on in this review article. It would also be useful to have fire-retardant impregnation of the awning and inner tent. This will help avoid damage from sparks or careless handling of the fire inside.

OPERATING FEATURES

COOKING IN A TENT

Be very careful and careful! Avoid using burners inside the tent unless absolutely necessary. If this cannot be avoided, cook in a vestibule, making sure that there is plenty of air flow and that no part of the burner or cookware comes into contact with the tent material. Avoid cooking in a tent using integrated systems such as a jetboil, reactor and similar - they are extremely dangerous. There are many known accidents associated with this.

PACKING A TENT ON A CAMPING

You don't always have to put your tent in its cover. You can separate the tent parts and carry them separately from each other. The wet tarpaulin can be placed on the backpack while moving to dry. When packing a tent without a cover in a backpack, make sure that it will not be damaged by sharp objects.

TENT CARE

Modern tents are made of synthetic materials, they are very unpretentious and require a minimum of maintenance. At the same time, they can serve you for a very long time. Still, the tent should at least be dried after a hike. When folding, avoid stereotypical (habitual) bends - in the same places. Repair the tent as quickly as possible after damage occurs, using a suitable repair kit.

SEASONALITY OF USE

A very conditional characteristic. Extreme tents are often labeled as “all-season” tents, but their use in summer is often uncomfortable. At the same time, two- or three-season tents are often successfully used in winter and in the mountains. However, there are some things to understand. Thus, one of the main characteristics that determines the possibilities of use is wind resistance. A tent with a weak frame and large windage is hardly worth taking for difficult weather; it will not be able to withstand increased wind and snow loads. If you have a warm sleeping bag, you can use a tent with more mesh inside in cold conditions, but it is important that it is strong enough and that the flysheet reaches as low to the ground as possible. Contrary to the beliefs of some tourists, a snow skirt is not at all a mandatory attribute of “winter” tents, although it can often be of great use in snow and strong winds. However, many very well-known manufacturers sell “winter” tents without snow skirts. Seasoned campers know that a good windbreak can often be a more important factor than a skirt or a very strong tent.

You must understand that modern super-technological tents in the “ultralight” segment may not withstand heavy loads and take this into account in your travels. You also need to know that even the most expensive, heavy and durable super extreme tent can be torn and simply destroyed by hurricane winds.

Touring wisdom, knowledge and developed intuition are often more important than the latest and most expensive equipment. And while waiting for the arrival of all these important qualities and gaining the necessary experience, try to use the equipment strictly for its intended purpose, take into account the positioning of the manufacturer and always use common sense.

Good luck with your choice and pleasant travels!