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Common Characteristics of a Camping Tent

A camping tent is the most popular of all types of tents. This is mainly due to the number of people, particularly those living in congested cities, who prefer to spend their vacation time sleeping outdoors. The idea of spending time under the sky, protected only by a sheet of fabric and a few poles, has become an “in” thing among 21st century populations.

A typical camping tent can effectively fit into a car or can be carried on the user’s back. Depending on the experience of the camper, a regular tent for recreational camping can be pitched between five and 25 minutes. Tents for camping vary in sizes depending on the number of people that they are designed for. Some are good for single users while others can accommodate as many as ten people.

The fabrics of tents used by campers are usually waterproof. They can be made of cotton, nylon or polyester. Tents that are made of cotton tend to absorb water, making them quite heavy when wet. But the resulting swelling blocks minute holes which provide protection against the rain. Nylon and polyester, in comparison, are lighter and do not absorb much water. With suitable coatings, though, these materials can be very good in blocking water.

Manufacturers of tents measure rain resistance as a hydrostatic head in millimeters; a method that indicates the pressure of water needed to penetrate the fabric. In terms of rain-resistance capacity, tents that are made of fabrics with a hydrostatic head of 1000 mm or less are considered the best. Those that have 1500 mm, on the other hand, are more suitable for summer camping. Generally, tents that are meant for a year round use have at least 2000 mm and expedition tents that are designed for extreme conditions usually rate at 3000 mm.

The person capacity of campers’ tents is indicated by phrases such as 3 berth or 2 person. The numerical numbers indicate how many people can fit inside the tent. Manufacturers often advertise their tents by counting the number of people who can take shelter under them without providing allowances for luggage, camp beds and other supplies. For consumers, it is advisable to buy a model that has a higher advertised capacity than the actual number of people who are going to use it.

A camping tent is a great product to own, particularly if you’re one of those who love the outdoors. And there are enough number of models to choose from that fit every type of camper and every kind of condition.