Family Camping Tent Tips

Your family camping tent will serve as your temporary abode in the wilderness. Selecting the right tent is paramount, as it's likely the most crucial piece of equipment you'll acquire. A well-maintained tent can withstand the test of time.

A quality tent offers the peace of mind to sleep soundly at night, shielding you from rain, wind, insects, and nocturnal creatures. Invest in the best tent you can afford, set it up correctly, maintain it, and savor your outdoor adventure.

To get started on the right foot, here are some helpful guidelines:

Test at Home: Prior to your trip, set up your new tent at home. This allows you to inspect its condition and practice assembly without the challenges of darkness or rain at the campsite.
Seam Sealing: All nylon tents require seam sealing before their first use and periodically thereafter. Seam sealer, available in applicator bottles, is applied to the interior of waterproof seams.
Choose Your Campsite Wisely: Avoid pitching your tent near stagnant water, which attracts biting insects. Likewise, refrain from setting up on a sandbar or in a dry wash, as these areas can flood during rainstorms.
Elevate Your Tent: Select a site that isn't a low spot or depression to prevent rainwater from pooling beneath your tent and soaking through to your sleeping bag.
Bug Protection: During bug season, consider bringing a gazebo—a rain tarp with mosquito netting on all sides—to shield yourself from bugs, rain, and the sun.
Groundsheet: Place a plastic tarp on the ground beneath your tent, matching the tent's footprint to avoid rainwater accumulation. This groundsheet protects your tent floor from debris and wear.
Stake Care: Utilize specialized stake-driving mallets or a household hammer for securing tent stakes. Never use an axe, as it can damage the head or become dangerous.
Durable Stakes: Opt for robust aluminum tent stakes, especially if campgrounds have gravel terrain, as lightweight and plastic stakes may bend or break.
Rainfly Protection: The rainfly, included with most tents, is a crucial waterproof cover. It should allow for ventilation through tent windows while safeguarding against leaks.
Stake Pulling: Use a stake puller or a short rope looped under the stake's hook for easier removal from the ground.
Tent Maintenance: Keep a whiskbroom inside the tent for sweeping out dirt and leaves. Use an old towel or a small piece of carpet as a doormat to wipe off feet before entering the tent.