Tents – They’re Not Just For Vagabonds
Tents are the best way to travel. I gave up on over crowded hostels years ago, opting instead for a clean, well kept tent. The variety of tents continues to increase; from single person to family multi-plies, the choices are staggering. Here are some ways you can select the right tent, and keep in working in fine order for years to come.
If you are looking for a tent that is inexpensive and long lasting, think the classic A-frame camp. I used to orchestrate tenting travels for groups of 13, and found A-frame tents ready to restore, and plain to set up. Assuming you have a set of pliers and some camp wire, you can exchange broken poles in a matter of minutes.
Zips stuck? Camping stocks trade zipper lubricant which works like a charm. The “road warrior” answer is to employ warm, soapy water. When the zipper is stuck, don’t try to force it open; you’ll more probably to split the tent than fix it! Employ the soapy water and expect five minutes for it to do the trick… if the zipper is still stuck, reapply and expect new five minutes. An extra bonus to the soapy water (other than avoiding the smell of lubricant) is that it is a natural bug repelant (unless you got the flowery smelling soap).
Camper’s note: I once camped with a guy who used bacon grease for his tent zipper. While it did work, I wouldn’t recommend this in bear country…
If you’re camping for a few days, it’s always wise to bring at least two spare poles. There is nothing worse than trying to fix a broken tent pole in the middle of a rainstorm (with the exception of a snowstorm, but hey, I’m from California). In order to replace the broken poles, you’ll need a pair of scissors (or wire cutters, pliers, etc.) and tent wire. Weave the wire through the pole and pull until there is about two to four inches sticking out the other end. Tie the end into a knot to prevent it from slipping back out, and you’re good to go!
While you can purchase tents from a wide variety of places, I’ve found that the best place to find quality goods at a discount is an army surplus store. Here you’ll find tents that have been road tested in a variety of situations, and are standardized, which makes finding replacement parts (especially poles) a snap.
Before you purchase a camp, set it up in the store. Ensure that the zippers make, the canvas has no tears, and it is clean on the inside and the out. It takes sense to “test drive” the tent too, before heading out on a travel.
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