How To Tent Camp Like A Pro | Full Guide

tent camping

Camping has become popular over the last few years due to the rising cost of housing and the increase of people wanting to get out of their homes. Camping can be done in many different ways. You could simply set-up a pop-up camper trailer or a tent. If you choose to go with a tent, you can choose to build your own tent or buy a pre-built tent from a store. There are many advantages of choosing to use a tent instead of a pop-up camper trailer or some other type of rv. We will go over some of the advantages and disadvantages of camping in a tent below. WE will also go over some of the tips and tricks to make tent camping more enjoyable for everyone.

Types of tents

There are several types of tents available today. These types include the following:

  • Tent Pole Tents - these poles serve as the frame for the tent. Usually they come with stakes and guy ropes to secure them and hold down the tent. Tent pole tents are often easier to assemble than other tent types.
  • Wall Tents - these tents are designed to attach directly to a wall or fence. Usually, they consist of three parts; two vertical pieces that attach to each side of the wall, and then the third piece attaches to top of the vertical pieces.
  • Canvas Tents - canvas tents are usually larger versions of tent pole tents.

Advantages & Disadvantages of camping in a tent

Just like with any other types of camping, tent camping comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Below we go over some of the advantages to camping in a tent.

Advantages of camping in a tent

  • Privacy and security
  • Camping in a tent offers privacy and safety. If you want to have some alone time, go camping in a tent. You do not need any lights at night to have a great sleep. In addition, if you camp in a tent, you do not have to worry about things getting stolen. A person cannot break into your tent.

  • Peacefulness
  • When you camp in a tent in nature, you can enjoy peace and quietness. There is no noise outside your tent. You can hear sounds of the birds, animals etc. You will feel much happier after spending some good quality time with yourself.

  • Fresh air
  • An open environment provides fresh air. When you camp in a tent you get to breathe and enjoy clean air. Also, you avoid breathing polluted air. Camping in a tent gives you the feeling that you are away from the world.

  • Safety
  • If something goes wrong out there then you will stay safe. You can call for help if anything happens. Also, you can save money because you do not need a campsite. You can also use the bathroom without buying toilet paper.

  • Warmth
  • One of the best features of camping in a tent is that it is warm. When you camp in the desert, you will have to wear layers of clothes. But when you camp in a tent your body gets heated by the sun. Therefore, you do not need extra clothes.

  • Convenience
  • Campsites are expensive. Sometimes people do not have enough money to go camping. So they choose to camp in a tent. Since you do not have to pay for a campsite, you can camp in a tent whenever you want.

  • Low cost
  • You can buy tents online and save money. You do not need to spend money on renting a place. You can even rent a room if you want to. However, you need to make sure that it has proper facilities and a bed.

Disadvantages of camping in a tent

  • Tents don't have much insulation if any.
  • If you stay in a tent while sleeping, you will feel cold at night. And if you use a thin sheet for insulation, then you will sweat profusely. You need to bring blankets for warmth. To

  • Tent floors get dirty fast.
  • You will always find food crumbs spread around your tent floor and dirt gathered from shoes. If you want a clean tent floor, you will need to vacuum it daily.

  • There is not many ways to dry clothing inside a tent.
  • It takes a long time to dry clothes inside a tent since air circulation is minimal.

  • It is hard to store things inside a tent.
  • You cannot place anything inside the tent except sleeping bags. So keep tents small for storage purposes.

  • Sleeping bag size is fixed in a tent.
  • There is not much space for storing your belongings. Your sleeping bag size is fixed.

  • A tent is not suitable for family vacations.
  • Family vacation means spending quality time together. But a tent is not the best option for family camping trips.

Materials Used for Tents

Tents are often the first type of shelter a person encounters. There are many varieties of tents, ranging from small, lightweight tarpaulin shelters to multi-roomed structures. While each tent serves its own purpose, they all have similarities. Every tent is comprised of four basic elements; fabric, pole/stay, stakes and ground cloth. The size of the tent, the number of people who need shelter, and how long they plan on being out in the open play a large role in determining what materials should be used.

  • Fabric

The material that makes up the tent structure is called fabric. Fabric is extremely versatile and comes in a variety of thicknesses and weights. Usually, tent canvas is considered the thinnest fabric, while drop cloth is considered the heaviest. Fabric thickness is measured in millimeters (mm). Thin fabrics are generally not durable enough for outdoor use unless treated properly. Fabrics thicker than 2 mm are usually recommended for outdoor use.

  • Nylon

Tent materials are usually made of either nylon (which is an extremely durable material) or polyester. Nylon is used more commonly than polyester because polyester tends to stretch and warp when wet. Both materials provide good weather protection. However, nylon is slightly heavier than polyester, making it harder to carry and transport. Also, you should be aware that it's not possible to repair nylon tarpaulins. Polyester tents can be repaired by cutting away damaged sections and sewing the cut edges back together.

  • Poles and Stakes

Stakes are designed to hold down tents to prevent them from moving around. You can use many different materials, including metal, wood, plastic, or rope. Metal stakes are heavy and difficult to work with, though they do have their place. Wood stakes are lightweight and easier to carry, but require extra care to ensure that they don't rot if left outside for long periods. Plastic stakes are inexpensive and easy to transport, but may end up rotting over time due to exposure to moisture and sun.

  • Ground Cloth

A ground cloth is a thin layer of fabric that covers the entire ground. Ground cloths help keep the dirt off the fabric and make cleaning the floor much easier. When choosing a ground cloth, consider the climate where the tent will be set up. If the area tends to be windy, choose a thin fabric. If the ground is rocky, heavy clay, or full of debris, choose a thick material.

When selecting your materials, remember that the weight of the fabric will depend on the length of the tent, the amount of people using it, and any items brought inside.

Choosing a Tent Site

Choosing a site for a tent is just as important as choosing what kind of tent you want. First thing you'll want to consider is whether you intend to camp near water. Depending on where you plan to camp, you may want to make sure that the campsite isn't located in a flood area. Next, you'll want to think about what kind of terrain you're going to be camping on. Flat ground, rocky terrain, sandy ground, etc., all have different requirements for setting up a tent. Consider how many people you'd like to sleep in the tent and how long you expect to stay at the campsite before deciding on a tent type and location.

Gear needed to tent camp

You don't need much to enjoy camping, just a good sleeping bag and backpack. You could always get some cheap tents if you have to, but keep in mind that they require maintenance, and even if they do well the first time around, they may not last forever. If you want something durable, consider buying a high quality tent that is designed to last for years and possibly decades. When purchasing a tent, make sure that the floor is water-proof and drainable, and the zippers are strong enough to hold out over time. Make sure that the poles are reinforced with metal or plastic caps to protect them from being bent out of shape. Also, look at the weight capacity of the tent to ensure that you won't break anything while carrying it.

Here are some items that will make tent camping easier and more fun:

  • Sleeping Bag

If you plan on camping outside often, you should invest in a good sleeping bag. A good sleeping bag will keep you warm without weighing you down. Ideally, you would want one that's about 20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the temperature outside, but you can find bags that are warmer than that too. Good sleeping bags are also meant to repel moisture; therefore, you should avoid using synthetic material, since these materials tend to attract moisture. One thing to note though, is that many sleeping bags are rated according to their warmth factor rather than the amount of insulation they provide. The higher the rating, the warmer the bag.

  • First Aid Kit

First aid kits are helpful for minor injuries, cuts, scrapes, stings, bites, blisters, and sunburns. You should always carry some painkillers, bandages, plasters, antiseptic wipes, and gauze pads.

  • Tent Stakes

Tent stakes aren't necessary, but they could help prevent damage to your tent. Use nylon ones instead of metal to ensure durability.

  • Tarp/Quilt

A tarp or quilt will help keep you dry and comfortable when you sleep under the stars. Just remember to bring a ground sheet or two to cover the bottom of your tent and to use mosquito netting inside. If you experience any problems with bugs biting you, spray yourself with bug repellent before going to bed. Keep a fan on hand to cool yourself off in case you start sweating.

  • Water Bottle

A water bottle is a necessity when camping. You shouldn't drink directly from the stream or river, however, unless you know what you are doing. Instead, fill up your bottles with safe drinking water and use the filter method to remove sediment and chlorine from the water.

  • Fire Starter

Fire starters are nice to have on camping trips because they allow you to cook food easily at night. To make fire starters, make sure to buy some kindling, newspaper, and lighter fluid. After you've assembled the fire starter, put some newspaper on top of the sticks and pour the fuel on it. Now, wrap the paper around the sticks and ignite the mixture.

  • Cookware

Cookware is useful for preparing meals when camping. Look for pots that are heavy duty and can withstand the elements. Stainless steel is ideal, but aluminum is acceptable too. Do not use non-stick pans on the stove, because they clog and cause fires.

  • Matches

Matches are really useful for starting fires, keeping insects away with smoke signals, and signaling for help. Make sure you have plenty of them.

Meal Planning For Camping In A Tent.

Planning meals before leaving for your trip could save you time and money while out camping. Planning your menu ahead of time will make sure you have what you need while you're out doing something fun. When choosing foods for your trip, try to avoid heavy meats and greasy snacks; instead, opt for fruits, veggies, and lean protein.

  • Beans

Beans have been a staple food since humans first started farming. If you buy dried beans, make sure they are soaked and ready to be cooked before use. You can do this either at home or in camp. Wash them thoroughly before using and cook them for about an hour or until completely soft. When cooking beans, add salt and pepper to taste. To get rid of gas, try eating beans with some brown rice. Another option when camping is to boil water, add some garlic powder and spices—like black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and oregano—and then pour over your beans. Add some shredded cheese if you want.

  • Bread

Bread isn't always going to be the best choice for meal prep. But when preparing meals for a camping trip, bread is definitely considering (if you're able). One way to prepare bread is by making toast. Simply mix together three parts flour with one part baking soda and set out to dry. Toast it in a fire or pan on your stove top and eat!

  • Pasta

While pasta does not require soaking, we recommend doing so before boiling. Boiling time varies depending on what kind of pasta you choose. We suggest buying fresh pasta rather than dried because it cooks quicker. Make sure to cook pasta just until tender. Once it's done cooking, set aside and let it sit while you go ahead and finish the rest of your meal.

  • Rice

Rice is another good choice for camping without electricity. Simply rinse off any dirt and stick it in the microwave. Heat the rice for two minutes, cover, and continue heating for an additional three minutes. After that, serve.

  • Snacks

We like to keep snacks in our campsite kitchen for times when hunger strikes unexpectedly. We like to make sandwiches, hummus, and potato chips with olive oil and sea salt. These foods are quick and easy to prepare and won't spoil easily. Since these items don't need refrigeration, they are perfect for camping trips. Try putting some of these ideas to practice when you're packing for your next camping trip.

Tips for camping in a tent

  • Use waterproof bags for your gear
  • Carry at least 2 gallons of water per person per day. Drink a gallon before leaving camp and save the rest for drinking while hiking.
  • Make sure your clothes are dry before packing them away inside your tents and sleeping bags.
  • Pack clothing items separately in plastic bags. This prevents moisture building up inside the clothing and causes it to smell.
  • Don't pack anything that you won't need. Pack a few extra socks instead of two pairs of shoes. If you don't need the pair, you'll only have to carry half the weight.
  • Bring a shovel, trowel, and pickaxe.
  • Leave some space between your food and cooking utensils. This will help keep things cool and create air circulation.
  • Keep damp foods separate from each other and from dry foods. Moisture attracts bugs and mold. Dry foods stay fresher longer.
  • Store firewood in a well-ventilated area. Bring dry wood indoors if rain threatens to ruin your campsite.
  • Put out trash once a week rather than daily. Leaving trash behind attracts wildlife.
  • Avoid using soap and detergent in lakes and streams. Washing your hands in those bodies of water pollutes their waters.
  • Never put food directly on the ground. Stovetops and campfires provide the best way to cook food.
  • Test New Gear At Home First
  • Plan meals ahead of your camping trip
  • Keep a first aid kit handy. You never know when something small could become serious.
  • Bring Duct Tape. Duct tape comes in handy when you need something to fix your tent or backpack. Whether it's a small tear or a broken zipper, duct tape can solve almost any problem. It's cheap and durable, making it ideal for fixing things on the go.

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Conclusion

Camping in a tent is nice. It's also simple, peaceful and quiet. And Tent City is better than laboring in a brick-and-mortar city where people pay insane rents to live thirty minutes from their job. Tents are cheaper than condos and sometimes a tad smaller but they're still nice. They give the owners space and privacy, something that small condos in big cities cannot. Tent camping is becoming popular with the millennial crowd because it seems like the best option for them at this point in time. I hope this article will help get you prepared for your next tent camping trip.

About Author:

image of Kevin Pommells

Hi, I'm Kevin Pommells, a lover of camping and the great outdoors as everyone says nowadays. I'm also a passionate soccer fan and the proud owner of CamperRules.com, a website dedicated to helping campers and outdoor enthusiasts make the most of their adventures. With years of experience exploring the wilderness and a deep love for the sport of soccer, I'm always looking for new ways to combine my two passions and share my knowledge with others. Follow me for tips, tricks, and insights on all things camping and outdoor recreation.

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