Health and other associated issues - Tips, Information and Guides
Camping Tents - What The Tent Ratings Mean
by: Chris Morris Been shopping for a new camping tent? Wonder what 3-season or 4-season
means? Confused about what a family tent or convertible tent classification
means? Let’s try to cut through all the marketing lingo and get down to
what you should really look for when you see camping tent ratings or
classifications. When you get right down to it, you should think of a camping tent as
either 3-season or 4-season. So what’s in a name? Generally speaking your average 3-season tent is built to hold up well in
light to moderate weather conditions. They are built to be comfortable in
Spring, Summer and Fall in most any location, hence the name 3-season. Three-season tents are generally more affordable than 4-season. You will
find a vast range of 3-season tent quality from the cheap units found in big
retail stores to expensive models found in specialty camping stores. The downside of 3-season tents? These tents do not hold up well in high
winds, torrential rain and heavy snowfall. 3-season tents are generally not the
tent of choice for backcountry expeditions through Alaska in January. The best 3-season tents generally come with a waterproof rain fly and a
breathable canopy. Ideally you want to find a three season tent with a
waterproof floor. The rugged "bathtub" floor is generally reserved for the more
expensive four season tent (but not always). Four season tents are great for just about any weather condition that you
may encounter, assuming its winter. The 4-season rating really should be
classified as 1-season. Why? Because a quality 4-season tent performs great in
winter conditions but may suffer from over-insulation in the summer months. Structurally 4-season tents generally have at least four aluminum poles
for strength (the more the better) to withstand sleet and snow. They are
aerodynamic in design and typically they are dark colored in order to absorb
heat. And they are generally much lighter. The roof lines on four season tents are fully defined and very strong so
water and snow cannot collect on top of the tent. Most four season tents can be
utilized free standing in the event there is no place to pound stakes into the
ground such as on the side of a mountain or in frozen terrain. Four season tents have a fully encompassing rainfly to combat the
elements. They also have excellent waterproof floors that are called "bathtubs"
as they come up to about six inches on the side of the tent. Additionaly the
seams are very hardy and strong throughout the tent. The downside to the 4-season tent? Price. You can end up paying a hefty
sum for the technology built in to keep you protected. Also, as I alluded to above, if you are camping in the middle of summer
you will want air movement through your tent to keep things cooler. 4-season
tents are generally made to inhibit the elements from cutting through the
camping tent, which is great in the winter and not so great in balmy summer. So where does a family tent fit into these ratings? A family tent is
simply a 3-season tent. What’s going on with a convertible 3-4 season tent? This kind of
tent generally has some sort of built in airflow ventilator. I would not take
this type tent into the backcountry where survival was important. If the
ventilator malfunctioned and it would not close, you could become an unhappy
camper pretty fast. Bottom line: The 3-season tent is the recommended choice for the majority
of campers. It is the most cost effective tent and will allow the user to camp
in a variety of conditions up to, but not including, severe winter weather
conditions. If you camp from Spring, Summer and Fall, a 3-season camping tent will
fill your needs. If you camp where severe winter weather is possible then you
should be getting a 4-season camping tent. A father of two daughters, Chris loves the outdoors and counts camping,
skiing and bicycling as his favorite pursuits. Chris is the owner of
http://www.camping-tent-guide.com, a website for camping tent
information, camping tips and outdoor adventure discussion.
About The Author
Chris Morris A father of two daughters, Chris loves the outdoors and counts camping,
skiing and bicycling as his favorite pursuits. Chris is the owner of
http://www.camping-tent-guide.com, a website for camping tent
information, camping tips and outdoor adventure discussion. This article may
be reprinted in its entirety. |
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