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For as long as people have been living indoors, we’ve been escaping to the great outdoors for a break from regular life and a new perspective on the universe. The fresh air and physical exertion that accompany a camping trip are among the best ways to relax and enjoy your free time.

Along with camping goes a whole host of special equipment and supplies. The sporting goods store can seem like a foreign country when you’re new to outdoor activities. It’s not easy to break through all of the lingo and myriad options to get the camping equipment that you need.

Tents are an especially tricky area for beginners. There are weird numbers and letters designating different features, and there are so many different shapes and sizes that it can make you want to take up gardening instead.

Never fear! Pick out the perfect tent for your first camping excursion by being armed with just a few basic pieces of information.

First, know how your tent will be carried. Will you be driving right up to the campsite, hiking, biking or boating? If you’re driving, frame tents are the first choice of many campers. They are usually large enough to walk around in and can feature separate bedrooms, cooking facilities and a living space.

Ridge tents are also a perennial favorite among campers who don’t have to carry their equipment very far. They feature a horizontal post that is held up by two vertical posts, with canvas stretched over all of them. The resulting triangular tent is great for pleasant weather, but isn’t suitable for rain or high winds.

Hiking tents and pop-up tents are great for campers who will be using bikes, boats or sturdy boots to get to their campsite. They are both lightweight, easily collapsible and small enough to carry on one’s back.

The sizes listed on camping tents are typically listed as 1-man, 2-man and so forth. This refers to the number of campers that can be squeezed tightly into the tent, not necessarily the number of campers who can fit comfortably into the tent along with all of their gear, muddy boots and wet dogs.

Some larger tents have a public area along with separate sleeping chambers. These public areas are a great place to spend time when the weather outside isn’t nice enough for sitting around a fire and gazing at stars.

If you are going to be using your tent in inclement weather, such as snow or high winds, you’ll need a specialty camping tent that is designed to withstand these conditions. Camping tents that will be used in harsh weather should usually be double-walled and constructed of reinforced fabrics.

One of the most important qualities to look for in a tent is water resistance. The water resistance is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). This number refers to the amount of pressure that the water can exert on the material. Higher numbers are more water resistant and will keep you dryer on wet and stormy nights.

Armed with this basic knowledge about camping tents, you should be able to comfortably shop for a new tent. If you still aren’t sure what you are looking for, take a trip to your nearest sporting goods store and explain your circumstances to a salesperson. With any luck, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for. When you do, you’ll be well on your way to a great first camping trip.

Warren L. Smith offers a fountain of information on Camping, such as Camping Tips, Family Fun, Hunting, Fishing, Tents, Equipment, and Wilderness Tips. For the best, up to date information, go to: http://www.CampingBreak.com

The great outdoors: for centuries we’ve headed outside when we want to relax. There’s no better way to change up your routine and get away from the rush of everyday life than camping. You don’t need fancy, expensive equipment to enjoy yourself on a camping trip, but the type of tent that you use is an important part of the experience.

When choosing a camping tent, the different varieties can be confusing. Do you need a three-season tent? Do you need a hiking tent? What size tent do you need? What shape is the best?

The type of camping tent that you choose will depend largely on how you plan to use it. If you are going on a single summer camping trip by yourself, a small and basic tent may be right for you. A small tent doesn’t allow much room for moving around or storing supplies, but it is easier to carry and set up.

Campers who don’t have a lot of experience with camping equipment will find that pop-up tents are easy to use. They also allow more time for having fun. When you don’t have to spend hours figuring out how to set up the tent, you can get to other activities sooner. Pop-up tents are especially popular with young campers since they don’t require much skill or strength to set up or take down.

If you plan to hike to your destination, a hiking tent is ideal. Hiking tents are lightweight and waterproof, making them excellent shelters for most camping situations. Many hiking tents are also low-profile. This makes them a great choice for camping in inclement weather since they won’t be greatly affected by high winds. They are among the most expensive choices in camping tents, but hiking tents are usually of very high quality.

When you are taking your family or friends along with you, a multi-room tent is your best bet. Multi-room tents feature ample space for your entire party along with separate sleeping chambers. Although the thin walls don’t allow for complete privacy, they do provide some personal space. You can fit anywhere from two to eight people in standard multi-room tents, and some specialty tents can sleep even more campers.

Camping tents also come in several different materials. Lightweight nylon or polyester can make wonderful weatherproof tents, but they do tend to degrade as they age. Cotton is a traditionally popular and rugged material for tents, but it is very heavy. Cotton isn’t well suited for some camping tents because of its weight. However, it is superb for military encampments or other semi-permanent settings.

Another thing to consider when shopping for camping tents is the ground cover or groundsheet. The groundsheet is built-in on most camping tents. This configuration protects the tent from water seeping in between the walls and floor. Some hiking tents utilize separate ground sheets so that the weight of the two pieces can be shared between two hikers. This feature is handy, but may not provide much protection from precipitation and insects.

With so many types of camping tents to choose from, it’s easy to get lost. These recommendations are just the basics to get you started on your quest for the perfect camping tent. There are plenty of resources online to point you in the right direction for finding the camping tent that fits you, your lifestyle and your camping plans perfectly.

Warren L. Smith offers a fountain of information on Camping, such as Camping Tips, Family Fun, Hunting, Fishing, Tents, Equipment, and Wilderness Tips. For the best, up to date information, go to: http://www.CampingBreak.com

Tenting has changed over the last decade. Canvas once prevailed as the fabric of choice for tent construction. Over the years, though, new technology introduced the use of other materials in tent-making. Nylon is popular today, along with polaris, gala and realite. Each material has unique qualities and may serve well under various conditions. However, many die-hard campers still swear by canvas tents. Here are a few of the reasons why:

* They’re strong. Canvas, which can hold up against the wildest of circus elephants, is also ideal for use in camping tents. It’s perfect for the hunter who spends days in the wild. It can take all of the abuse that nature throws its way. It will withstand wind, thunderstorms and even hail. Even curious forest creatures will have trouble penetrating a canvas tent.

* They’re durable. The average life of a nylon camping tent is about three to five years, depending on frequency of use. By contrast, a canvas tent may last 10 years or more.

* They’re breathable. Canvas is made from cotton. Unlike other common materials used in tent manufacturing, cotton breathes. Nylon, polyester and other fabrics do not allow air to pass through easily. This can create a sauna-like atmosphere inside tents made from these materials. By contrast, canvas allows for the exchange of air between the interior and exterior of the structure.

Canvas is so durable that it is also used in the construction of some semi-permanent structures. Canvas covers are frequently used over traditional cement foundations and wooden frames. These “cabents” last for decades and provide a way to maintain low-cost housing. In poor countries where extreme weather variations are rare, canvas or part-canvas homes are the norm. They stand up well to moderate weather conditions and are a cost-effective alternative to bricks and mortar.

When choosing a canvas tent, look for the following features. They will ensure that your canvas tent will get years of use:

* Strong seams. A canvas tent is only as strong as its seams. Make sure they are double-stitched. Not only does this create a more streamlined seam, it adds an extra barrier against separating and tearing.

* Durable zippers. Often the first thing to go on any camping tent is the zipper. Make sure that zippers are top-quality. Nylon zippers with large teeth that can be zipped up and down easily are ideal. Zippers should be securely sewn into the fabric.

* Durable flaps. Inspect door and window flaps closely. Flaps should have strong mechanisms with which they can be secured, whether opened or closed. Toggle-style flaps should be securely fastened to the canvas in order to withstand pressure from inclement weather. Flap zippers should be strong and durable.

* Weatherproofing. As already mentioned, canvas holds up very well under many weather extremes. Do you expect that you’ll be using your tent in very rainy conditions? In these situations, extra weatherproofing may be necessary. It may need to be treated with a rainproof coating. Another option is to purchase a tarpaulin that can be hung or draped over top of the entire structure to keep rain out.

Canvas tents come in a variety of sizes and styles, with many options for features. This makes it easy to find one that perfectly suits any need and any use.

Warren L. Smith offers a fountain of information on Camping, such as Camping Tips, Family Fun, Hunting, Fishing, Tents, Equipment, and Wilderness Tips. For the best, up to date information, go to: http://www.CampingBreak.com

For the true outdoorsman, only tenting will do. Forget the RV. Getting in touch with nature means leaving the microwave and HDTV at home. There’s nothing better than listening to crickets chirping in the stillness while you’re inside a great canvas tent. Whether your tent is a pop-up or other type, tenting is one of the best ways to commune with the environment.

Unfortunately, some people still have the outdated image of the bulky, circus-style tents of yesteryear. Unwieldy steel poles and the sheer weight of the canvas discouraged some from even trying camping. Luckily, camping technology has come a long way. Today’s tents are lightweight, but sturdy. Plus, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to put one up. Pop-up tents are exceptionally easy and convenient to use. They can even be assembled by one person.

Pop-up tents are exactly what the name implies. They are erected by pushing poles through fabric channels. They’re so simple, in fact, that they are often referred to as “self-erecting” tents. The poles are typically made of light, flexible materials, making them nearly foolproof to work with.

Pop-up tents are designed to be extremely compact. The poles usually break down to shorter lengths. They may separate completely to create shorter sections. They may also “fold” down via a cord that runs inside the hollow tube that comprises the pole. The fabric itself folds easily. Pop-up tents are the perfect choice for a tenting excursion that includes a hike. Compact and light, they add only minimal weight to a backpack. They’re also a good choice when space is limited, such as when being transported in a smaller vehicle.

When choosing a pop-up tent, there are two main factors to consider: size and camping conditions. First, decide on size. How many people will likely be sleeping in the tent at one time? It’s important to read labels carefully. Pop-up tents may sleep anywhere from one to eight people. The label will tell you exactly how many people it was made to hold. However, you may need to make some adjustments. For example, a tent that says it sleeps “four” generally refers to four average-sized adults. A family of two adults and three small children may still fit comfortably inside. Similarly, a tent for “four” may not be big enough for four tall men. Always check the dimensions of the tent along with the number of people it sleeps to get a more accurate gauge of size.

Next, in what type of conditions will you be using your tent? For example, if you frequently camp on windy mountaintops, you should avoid hoop tents. Hoop tents may not be strong enough to withstand a powerful wind. Instead, they are ideal for backyard camping or for use in enclosed campgrounds. Ridge tents are a good choice for backpacking trips, offering headroom without bulk. For trips when space isn’t an issue, frame tents are an excellent selection. They work well for families and have ample interior space.

No matter what the style, pop-up tents are a breeze to erect. Even the least mechanically-inclined of campers will have no trouble enjoying the great outdoors with a self-erecting tent.

Warren L. Smith offers a fountain of information on Camping, such as Camping Tips, Family Fun, Hunting, Fishing, Tents, Equipment, and Wilderness Tips. For the best, up to date information, go to: http://www.CampingBreak.com

We go camping to escape the rat race, to relax, and to learn about the natural world.

Tragically, some of nature’s cruelest lessons are learned when we are trying to become better acquainted with her, as we are occasionally reminded when people drown in a flash flood while on a camping trip.

Like any other human endeavor, successful and safe camping adventures require planning and cautious forethought.

Before Leaving

* Pack a first aid book, and a well stocked kit. Bring warm clothing layers and rain gear for bad weather.

* A short list of necessities includes: cooking utensils, insect repellents, lanterns, tool kit, sunscreen, matches in a waterproof container, toilet paper, soap, hooded sweatshirt for children, a hat, and a compass.

* Bring bottled water for drink or mixing with food. Always assume stream and river water is not safe.

* Learn as much as you can about the area’s weather patterns and hazards before you leave home. Plan accordingly. Take a radio to get weather updates.

* Have a fire extinguisher, or pail of water, available at all times.

* Teach and practice the STOP, DROP and ROLL method of putting out a clothing fire.

* Take foods that don’t require refrigeration or careful packing, e.g., peanut butter and canned foods.

* Bring emergency telephone numbers and a cell phone. Even better, carry a satellite phone or personal locator beacon, which can be rented.

* Read the labels before buying a tent. Only buy a tent that is flame resistant.

Setting Up Camp

* Arrive well before sundown to select a suitable campsite.

* Camp on high ground. Do not camp on gravel bars or near a river or creek bank, no matter how dry it appears.

* Beware of trees with dead branches, and low areas that could become muddy in heavy rain.

* Inspect the area for poison plants, nests and other dangers.

* Clear away any rocks, roots or debris that might present hazards.

* Pitch your tent at least 15 feet upwind from grills and fireplaces.

* Leave at least a three-feet area clear of leaves, dry grass, and pine needles around grills, fireplaces and tents.

* Store flammable liquids only in safety cans, a safe distance from your tent, camper or any source of heat or open flame.

* Apply insect repellent, as recommended by your doctor.

At Your Temporary Home

* In stormy weather, avoid solitary tree lines or small groupings of trees. Go into the deeper forest.

* If lightning gets close, crouch down with your feet close together (this minimizes the surface area that ground current might be able to flow through).

If you have a dry sleeping pad available, stand on it to further protect yourself. Do not lie flat or sit down. Stay as far away from any metal as you can.

* Use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside a tent.

* Develop a fire escape plan with your family.

* Use a funnel to pour flammable liquids. Wipe up spills.

* Fill lanterns and stoves a safe distance downwind from heat sources.

* Do not use a flammable liquid to start a fire.

* Don’t wear loose-fitting clothing around fire.

* Build a campfire where it cannot spread. Never leave a burning fire unattended. Put it out with water and soil. Be extra careful on windy days.

* Don’t pour fire starter on a smoldering fire.

* Do not dump hot charcoal on the ground where someone can accidentally step on it. Place coals in designated ash cans.

* Wash your hands well before handling food. Use disposable wipes if safe water is limited, or antibacterial liquid cleaner.

* Never barbecue inside a tent, camper or vehicle.

* Store food in coolers or in your vehicle, out of reach and smell of animals. Don’t encourage wild animals into your campsite by offering food.

* Teach children not to disturb or provoke any animals.

* Shake out all clothing before putting it on.

John Myre is the author of the award-winning book, Live Safely in a Dangerous World, http://www.safetytimes.com, and the publisher of the Safety Times Reproducible Articles, http://www.safetytimes.com/repro.htm.