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-plexes, 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, consider the classic A-frame tent.
I used to organize camping trips for groups of 13, and found A-frame tents easy to repair, and simple to set up.
Assuming you have a set of pliers and some tent wire, you can replace broken poles in a matter of minutes.
Zippers stuck? Camping stores sell zipper lubricant which works like a charm.
The "road warrior" solution is to use warm, soapy water.
When the zipper is stuck, don't try to force it open; you'll more likely to tear the tent than fix it! Apply the soapy water and wait five minutes for it to do the trick...
if the zipper is still stuck, reapply and wait another five minutes.
An additional bonus to the soapy water (other than avoiding the smell of lubricant) is that it is a natural bug repellant (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 tent, set it up in the store.
Ensure that the zippers work, the canvas has no tears, and it is clean on the inside and the outside.
It makes sense to "test drive" the tent too, before heading out on a trip.
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-plexes, 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, consider the classic A-frame tent.
I used to organize camping trips for groups of 13, and found A-frame tents easy to repair, and simple to set up.
Assuming you have a set of pliers and some tent wire, you can replace broken poles in a matter of minutes.
Zippers stuck? Camping stores sell zipper lubricant which works like a charm.
The "road warrior" solution is to use warm, soapy water.
When the zipper is stuck, don't try to force it open; you'll more likely to tear the tent than fix it! Apply the soapy water and wait five minutes for it to do the trick...
if the zipper is still stuck, reapply and wait another five minutes.
An additional bonus to the soapy water (other than avoiding the smell of lubricant) is that it is a natural bug repellant (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 tent, set it up in the store.
Ensure that the zippers work, the canvas has no tears, and it is clean on the inside and the outside.
It makes sense to "test drive" the tent too, before heading out on a trip.
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