Archive for the ‘Tent Accessories’ Category
Smart Storage
I tend to use dome tents when camping. A dome tent keeps the rain off you and out of the tent better than other types. Dome tents also tend to fit more people and have better protection from ground water. There’s also an added benefit of height, which is great for tall campers, but can mean that there’s a lot of unused space.
If you’ve ever shared a tent with multiple people, then you know how crowded it can get when everyone’s sleeping bags and gear are piled up inside. I started looking for tent accessories that might alleviate this problem. I stumbled across the Eureka Gear Loft which is essentially a mesh bag that can store all sorts of small camping items. It hangs from the ceiling so it doesn’t take up valuable floor space.
Packing a Backpack Tent
Breaking down a campsite can be a pain, particularly breaking down a tent. Most people assume that rolling or folding a tent is most effective, but that is not the case. Folding a tent is one of the worst things to do because fabric breaks down along creases, which can compromise water resistance. Simply stuffing a tent into the pack bag is the best option.
Start by unhooking the rain fly from the tent poles. Shake off any water, dirt and debris, and then stuff the rain fly into the bottom of the pack bag. Unhook the tent poles, pull out tent stakes and any other tent accessories and place those items in their appropriate pouches. Finally, pick up the tent, shake off any dirt and moisture, and then stuff the tent into the pack bag.
Always Carry Spare Accessories
Mother Nature has been described as a fickle mistress, and that notion is sometimes borne out in unpredictable weather patterns. No amount of seasonal readiness and weather report scouting can ensure adequate preparation for the elements. When camping in high altitudes, powerful winds can wreak havoc on a campsite, misplacing gear and even causing tents to rip.
When you’re already miles away from civilization, it’s hardly practical to buy a new tent. For situations like these, spare tent accessories are an absolute essential. Repair kits contain everything you need to repair minor damage to any camping tent. It doesn’t matter if the problem is pole- or canvas-related; either way, the repair kit has you covered.
Outfitting Your Tent with Necessary Accessories
Many people believe that once they’ve purchased the tent, there won’t be the need for any additional items. But this isn’t exclusively true, as there are a number of tent accessories that can accompany your purchase. Typically, these purchases are made if some aspect of the tent is lost or damaged. The first major accessory that you’ll need is a rain fly. This is absolutely crucial in case the clouds decide to open up. A waterproof tarp that fits over the tent, a rain fly will help you to stay safe and dry all night long.
Another major tent accessory is the group of stakes. You should always stake the tent down, even if the weather is nice, because you never know if it’s going to turn. There would be nothing worse than going for a little stroll only to return to your campsite and find your tent had actually blown away to some unknown location. Both the rain fly and stakes almost always come with the initial tent, but again, these are necessary purchases if any part of the tent is misplaced or otherwise ruined.