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3 Steps to choosing the right tent

March 22, 2008

Are you just getting started camping? Many people struggle 
to choose the best tent for their needs. The following 
should help you in determining what's right for you. 
 
1. Determine the size tent you need 
 
Before you make your purchase, you'll want to determine the 
size tent you need. First, find out how many family members 
will be staying in your tent. Next determine the amount of 
gear to be kept in the tent. Families with small children 
find they need more room than couples or families with 
older kids. If you're camping with children under 8 years 
old, add one person for the extra gear required. Many 
families make the mistake of thinking small children will 
take up less room when the opposite tends to be true. Now 
decide what you are going to sleep on. Lately many campers 
have dropped the idea of throwing a sleeping bag on the 
floor of the tent and have gone to folding cots. While 
folding cots make for a much more comfortable experience, 
they take up more room and you will need to consider that. 
 
2. Are you back country camping? 
 
If you plan to take your tent back country camping, weight 
needs to be considered. The longer you need to pack into 
your site, the lighter you'll want your gear to be. 
Consider an all day hike carrying around a 15 lb tent, 6 lb 
sleeping bag, 4 lb backpack, several lbs of clothes and 
food. Getting a lighter tent, even if you need two for your 
family will make your trip much more enjoyable. 
 
3. How much should you spend? 
 
Tents can range in price from under $100.00 to well over 
$1000.00. How much you should spend depends on a few 
things. First, how often do you plan to use your tent. As 
with everything, you get what you pay for. If your only 
using your tent once or twice a year in dry warm 
conditions, a less expensive tent may be right for you. I f 
you're a more serious camper and using your tent in more 
extreme circumstances, I recommend spending a little more. 
Backpacking tents that are built for lightweight and 
durability will be the most expensive, however are well 
worth the investment if you plan to go back country with 
it. Many retailers offer exceptional value in purchasing 
your gear online. 
 
Following these simple steps will have you on your way to 
camping in the best possible tent for your family. Please 
consider all the information before making a purchase. For 
great deals on all types of tents and camping gear, visit: 
www.outbackcampgear.com 
 
Jon Truskauskas 
 
http://www.outbackcampgear.com/Browse_by_Category.asp?c=9&pa=Browse_by_Category 
 
Copyright 2008 Jon Truskauskas. Please feel free to pass 
this article on to your friends, or use it in your ezine or 
newsletter. It's a shareware article. 
 
Jon has been involved in many aspects of camping for 
several years. He now volunteers with the local boy scout 
troop to ensure all their camping trips are properly 
equipped and organized. We strongly recommend getting your 
gear from him http://www.OutbackCampGear.com