Campers Info Source

I’ve slept in may different kinds and sizes of tents in my life but as my family grew and the kids grew and the number of their friends grew, I know I needed to get a large tent.  So I ended up buying a 2 room family tent years ago.  Now there is a gigantic, 2-room family camping tent called the N!ergy 1310 family camping tent.  This tent sleeps 10 people comfortably

SwissGear Falera Family Dome Tent

in the 2 rooms of this spacious straight wall tent that is powered for comfort! 

The added benefit of straight walls maximizes interior space, making this tent ideal for using cots on camping trips.  A removable room divider easily ties back to convert 2 separate rooms into one large space when needed. 

Clear skylights in the ceiling let additional light inside or cover with toggled panels to keep light out. 6 windows, 6 mesh roof vents, and 2 low wall vents provide high/low ventilation and light.  

And the Jumbo size gear loft and 8 storage pockets keep essentials close at hand, yet conveniently tucked away. 

You will end up looking at a lot of family camping tents but you simply can’t go wrong with this as your next family tent.

This is the fourth in a series of 5 BLOG posts that will introduce you to some fun games to play outdoors while camping.

Game # 4 – You can’t go camping unless you bring……

Imagine you and you’re camping buddies walking out of your camping tents after a great dinner at your camp site and a short evening nap.  You are all sitting around the campfire sharing some small talk and you say “Hey, let’s play a camping game called “You can’t go camping unless you bring….”.  Then you explain the rules like this.  I’m thinking of an object here at the camp site or in our camping tents and you need to guess what it is.  You need to ask a Yes or No question to help figure out what the object is.  Everyone needs to listen to the questions and answers.  If I answer your question with a ’Yes’, you get to guess what the object is that I’m thinking about and you get another turn.  But if I answer your question with a ’No’, the next person to my left takes their turn asking a question.  For example.  Let’s say you are wearing a white sweat shirt and that becomes the object you want others to figure out.  You would start by saying: “You can’t go camping unless you bring…..”.  Now the person to your left asks a question like this.   Can the object be worn?  You would answer Yes.  They would then say “I know I can’t go camping now but what if I bring…. and then they make their guess of what they think the object is based on all previous answers to questions.  Regardless of their guess, that person gets another turn.  But if you answer their next question with a ‘No’, the next person to their left takes a turn asking a question.  You keep going around the circle of people until somebody finally guesses the object correctly and then they get to think of the next object.  People can talk among themselves between guesses if they want.  It’s a really fun camping game for adults and kids.  Give this game a try next time you are camping with others.

This is the second in a series of 5 BLOG posts that will introduce you to some fun games to play outdoors while camping.

Game # 2 – I’m Going Camping and I’m Gonna Bring……..

This game is the most fun when you have a group of 5 or more people at the camp site and everyone is sitting around the campfire with their camping tents and sleeping bags ready for the night.  The objective of the game is for the entire group to individually identify things they would bring camping that start with each letter of the alphabet.  For example, one person in the group would start by saying “I’m going camping and I’m gonna to bring an “Apple” camping”.  You then move clockwise to the next person in the group and that person would say: “I’m going camping and I’m gonna bring some “Beer”.  Note that the top two letters in the alphabet have now been used.  The next person in the group has to provide a word that starts with the letter “C”.  So they would say: “I’m going camping and I’m gonna bring a “Canary” camping.  And so on.  Some people struggle to find words that start with certain letters such as X, Q and Z but it’s always fun to see what they come up with, especially kids.  If you want, you can also choose a category like fruit, camping tools etc and the word has to be in that category.  If you reach the letter “Z”, start over with a second game and try a new category.  People sometimes come up with very funny words.  Make sure you limit everyone to providing an answer within 15 seconds and if they don’t provide an answer, the next person in the group is responsible for providing a word with that letter.  Lastly, in order to keep everyone fully engaged and prevent them from going into their camping tents early, you must repeat all responses before providing your response.  For example, If the category was cars and the first two people already said “Aero” and “Buick”, the third person would say: “I’m going camping and I’m gonna bring an: Aero, a Buick and…… a Chevy”.  Now all three letters of the alphabet have been used and the next person would have to repeat all three reponses and end with something like “Dodge” that starts with “D”.  Try this game before calling it a day and going to sleep in your camping tents.  I think you will really enjoy the game.  And remember, “The Joy is in the Journey”.

Camping Tents really doesn’t require much in the area of maintenance, so long as you keep them clean and dry.  They just need a little Tender Loving Care (TLC).

1. Clean up – After each camping trip, set your camping tents up and check for excess dirt and debris. If it did get dirty, sweep it out first then use a damp sponge and mild soap to clean it.  Never use a washer or dryer!  Let it set up until it has completely aired-out and dried. Never store your tent wet!

2. Preventive Maintenance - You may want to clean your poles to keep them sliding together easier and through the pole sleeves more smoothly. Especially if you’ve used your tent in a lot of rainy or snowy weather.  While cleaning is enough, a little car wax (or anything to keep them “slick”) can’t hurt either.   Do not use WD 40 or any oils.  The zippers are also pretty maintenance free, but a little silicone spray on the teeth (not on the fabric) will keep the zippers running more smoothly from trip to trip and year to year.

3. Storage – A cool dry place is best for storage of camping tents.  Avoid a location like your attic that may get really hot, because the heat can damage the coating.   Keep your camping tent stored in an area where there is very little traffic.  For example, if you store the tent in your garage or shed, do NOT store it right next to the shoves, rakes or lawn mover where there is lots of traffic.  Put it wake back in a corner out of site.  You don’t want to accidentally puncture any holes in the tent with a rake.  Consider hanging the tent up off the floor as well.

4. Use – Something that may cause the most harm to your tent, and you’ll never “see it”, is UV damage from the sun.  Just don’t get lazy and let your tent set up all week in your backyard as it’s drying out from your last trip. These extended exposures to the sun will weaken your tent and fly sheet.

In November of 1987 my employer transferred me from Minnesota to Texas.  At the time, the Minnesota Twins were on the verge of winning the World Series and eventually did that year.  My wife, Kay was carrying our third daughter Lisa who was born January 4, of 1988.  When Lisa turned 5 in 1993, we joined a YMCA program called Indian Princesswhere dads and their daughters spend time together with other dads and their daughters learning about Indian culture and pretending to be Indians.  Many tribes were formed and I was the chief of our little tribe.  The Indian Princess program sponsored two camping trips each year and Lisa and I went on both trips.

One of the key things you must do to ensure girls are not afraid of camping is to bring one of their friends along with you on her first camping trip.  This is extremely important because the girls get to see how the other behaves during the times when they might become afraid.  Both of the girls wanted to act like a big, grown up girl and NOT be afraid of the dark or animals or sleeping outside in the camping tent.  Lisa’s best friend was part of our Indian Princess tribe and she came with us on our camping trip.  Lisa’s friend’s name was Melissa and her dad’s name was George.  Lisa, Melissa, George and I all slept in a small 4 person camping tent.  We had a blast.  We told stories, roasted marshmallows, played games and really bonded with our daughters.  I know we eliminated all fears of camping for Lisa on that weekend because she is an avid camper today and has her own camping tents at home.  She will be graduating college in December 2010 and will be a teacher for young children at the end of this year.  She has moved out on her own and recently purchased her own camping tent. 

When it’s time for your young child to go camping for the first time, make sure you bring one of their friends.  You won’t regret it.

If you are in the market for a new tent there are a few things that you should consider as you are browsing the different types of camping tents. When you are tent shopping it isn’t enough to just consider the size and style of the tent, you need to think about the fabric your backpacking tent, family tent, and expedition tent or dome tent is made of. There are 6 main types of fabric that many manufacturers use to make their tents. Each material has its own set of characteristics and knowing these characteristics can impact the type of camping experience you have.

Nylon

Nylon is the most popular tent fabric and there is good reason for this. Nylon is strong and durable yet lightweight. Nylon is also easily waterproofed. The breathable fabric allows water vapor to pass through while keeping you dry. Nylon can also be dyed easily and maintains its color longer than other fabrics. There is an extra benefit of Nylon, it doesn’t rot. Meaning a packed wet nylon tent would have material that is functional but mildewed.

It is important to note that mildew can eat away at the waterproof coating which will cause your tent to be useless. An important note here, uncoated nylon does not absorb water; it is water resistant, but that does not mean it is waterproof. To help make the nylon material waterproof it is coated with polyurethane which will lock out most of the water.

Rip-Stone Nylon

The difference between rip stone nylon and regular nylon is the fact that about every 12 or so stitches there is a heavier fabric that is woven in. The purpose of this stitching is to prevent the spread of a tear. So if you are one that likes to set up camp out in the middle of the woods instead of an open clearing, you might want to consider rip stone nylon over regular nylon.

Polyester

A material that is almost identical to nylon is polyester. The main difference between polyester and nylon is that it resists UV damage better. Ultraviolet damage weakens the strength of the material your tent is made of, this happens to all materials. This is why it is recommend that you set your tent up in a shaded area instead of in an area of direct sunlight.

Cotton Canvas

Before nylon was invented, cotton canvas was the material of choice by many tent makers. Cotton canvas is an all weather material that is very durable. Originally these tents were coated with an oily or waxing coating to prevent water absorption. This coating still allowed the tent to breathe. Cotton canvas tents were not and are not waterproof. They rely on the rain’s surface tension between the fabric fibers to prevent leaks. Though you can still find canvas tents, they aren’t as prevalent as they used to be.

UV-Tex 5

This fabric has the strongest UV light inhibitor, which means it has the greatest resistance to UV degeneration. If you are someone that camps frequently throughout the year, you might want to consider a tent made from this polyester fabric. UV-Tex 5 also has a higher standard of resistance then other polyester fabrics but it is identical in all other aspects to polyester.

Polyethylene

Though an entire tent is rarely made out of polyethylene you want to make sure the floor of your tent is. Polyethylene is waterproof; water will not pass through this material unless there is a hole. It is durable but it is also bulky and rather heavy. It is also problematic to get this material back into its original form once it has been open.

Within the range of people who designate themselves as backpackers exists a more specific designation known as ultra lightweight backpackers. These people are true naturalists, preferring to live in the wild with few of the modern comforts. Most ultra lightweight backpackers don’t bring cookware, backpacking tents, or even water on their trips, instead vying for dry food, a tarp, and a water filter. Unlike most backpackers, ultra lightweight backpackers tend to have a broader knowledge of nature and much better survival skills. Just about anyone who can walk can attend a backpacking expedition, but only the true survivalist can be an ultra lightweight backpacker. In addition to their more honed wilderness survival skills, ultra lightweight backpackers have the added benefit of being able to cover more ground because of the reduced weight of their packs. Ultra lightweight backpackers are more like hikers who have the equivalent of a day pack and depend more on the wilderness for sustenance.

For aspiring ultra lightweight backpackers, it’s important to start with regular backpacking to ensure the basics are known before moving on to more advanced survival.  There’s no shame in beginning with backpacking tents, lightweight cookware, and down sleeping bags.

For those of you who love tent camping off the beaten track you are really going to want to check out North Face tents. They are simply amazing. Not only they are rugged and the most water proof tents on the market today but they can weather some of the most punishing wind you will find in any camping situation. Each tent has a vestibule where you can store gear and to help keep you from bringing any dirt into the actual sleeping area. 

The North Face VE 25 is a great tent for mountain camping and is made for extreme weather conditions while the North Face Tadpole 23 BX 2 person 3 season tent is light weight and idea for backpacking. It folds up amazingly small. All of North Face tents are color coded for easy assembly and they are easy to set up and take down. 

The makers of this tent went the extra mile to see to your comfort as well. When using the rain fly you can even keep vents open so that you stay cool without water getting in. Best of all, you will never have to buy another tent as The Northface tents come with a lifetime warranty.

Most people agree that putting up a camping tent is much more difficult than taking it down.  But there are some easy steps to follow when taking camping tents down that will make things easier when you put it up again.  Listed below are the steps for taking down your camping tent.

1. Sweep out the bottom of the camping tent while it is still up so it’s clean when you put it up again days, weeks or months away.

2. Close and tie down all the windows so even after the tent is packed away, it is also pretty well sealed and won’t collect dust inside.

3. Mark the poles if they aren’t already so you are reminded where the go the next time you put the tent up.

4. Remove all of the poles before removing any of the stakes in the ground.

5. Remove the stakes.  Note that depending on whether the stakes are seated well into the ground or not, it may be easier to remove the stakes with a claw hammer.

6. Fold the camping tent material from one side to the other repeatedly until the width of the material is about 24″ to 30″ wide.  Do not fold square like a blanket.  It should appear like a rectangle when you are finished floding it.

7.  Place an old bath towel on top of the tent and at the end of the folded tent.

8. Place your hammer, stakes and poles on the towel with the ends of these items pointing toward the sides of the folded tent.

9. Now start rolling the tent up from one end of the rectangle to the other.  Start by folding it very tightly against the poles and stakes and continue to roll the tent toward the other end.  Note:  Air will fill up in side the tent so be patient and fold the tent while pushing the air out slowly.

10. The tent should now appear like a small tube shaped tent to be easily put in a carrying case.

Now you are ready for your next camping trip and an easire time setting up the tent next time.  You will not lose your stakes, poles or hammer and they will be ready for you next time.

Camping is one of the best ways for families to get out and be a part of nature and really reconnect. For many families, vacation means popping up the family tents and finding the perfect camp site and enjoying all that nature has to offer. Perhaps you are one that enjoys using backpacking tents; it is your escape from the hustle and bustle that you deal with everyday. Naturally, finding the right campsite is important for any camping trip. There are a few tips that you can follow to help make sure you find the best campsite for your family tents or backpacking tents.

The first thing to look for is a flat site; it isn’t enough to just find a clear site to set up your family tents.  You want the camp site to be flat, an area that drains well, and is dry and breezy. There are a few reasons to look for these requirements before pitching your backpacking tents. A flat surface is better for your tent and you; there will be less shifting of the tent through the day. Everything will be balanced and secure. Not that one would think of sleeping on a hill, but even a bumpy surface can make sleep uncomfortable. Making sure that you are in an area that drains well and is breezy will help decrease the number of mosquitoes and allow for a better night’s sleep. For family tents that will house small children, nothing is more important than a good night’s sleep.

For some the best camp sites are those that are by the water. Being by the water means that you can enjoy water sport activities like canoeing, swimming or kayaking. If you are using your family tents near water, make sure that you are at least 200 meters (or 218 yards) away from the water. You don’t want your campsite to contaminate the water source. You should also try to avoid game trails because you don’t want to scare away the animals from their drinking source.  Backpacking tents make it easier to hike farther into the woods or other camping area so that you may enjoy camping in an area where you can go four wheeling.

Another item to consider is electricity. Do you want your site to have electricity or not. When you are using family tents or backpacking tents, electricity may not even be an issue. Many families and avid campers enjoy getting out and being one with nature. There is nothing quite like a camp fire at night or reading or playing cards by the light of a lantern. This is an excellent way for families to reconnect and get away from the madness of technology. You simply can’t forget the joy of hiking while you are camping. Backpacking tents allow you to move your campsite each day if you want as you hike and find new and exciting places to explore. Family tents offer wonderful “base camps” so that your family can hike out and around then return to the base camp at the end of the day to relax.

For families that are camping using family tents you should consider the age of your children when you are picking a campsite. This could mean instead of hiking your way through the woods to find the most serene of camping sites, you might want to visit a campground. This will provide you with access to bathrooms and showers. There are many campgrounds all over the world that offer a place for family tents or backpacking tents to make camp. You can choose to be close to the facilities or as far away as possible. Campgrounds also offer many activities such as swimming, play grounds and kayaking. They offer the best of everything.

For families with an adventurous side or the weekend camper, using backpacking tents to get out and hike the woods or explore the side of a mountain is more alluring then a camp ground. Finding a flat area to set up camp can be a bit more of challenge on a mountain then the woods. The woods may offer a more secure place for camping, as you don’t have to worry about falling rocks while you are sleeping. The woods also tend to offer campsites that are not as rocky as the mountain camp site. This is important when you are sleeping in family tents or backpacking tents, you don’t want to get jabbed while you are sleeping should you turn over and find a rock to be hiding out under your sleeping bag.

Camping is one of the few vacations that you can enjoy that really will take you away from all the chaos of life. Take the time and reconnect with your family by camping in family tents or just get away and reconnect with nature by using backpacking tents. Whatever you are waiting for, there is a world of adventure out there!