Equipment Outfitters

Dome Tents

The most popular tent shape is the dome. It is the result of extensive research, and dome tent designers make the best of many modern materials such as carbon fibre and Ventex to produce ranges in all sizes. These materials make use of advanced technology to provide shelters of unparalleled resilience — in many cases they have a strengthto-weight ratio that can only be described as phenomenal. The dome shape is intentionally aerodynamic, and the stiffeners provide a good degree of flex; such tents can survive strong winds, even if these are accompanied by snow, hail and sleet. Many come with a built-in wind-deflector as part of the fly sheet, which, if correctly positioned, provides additional shelter and helps keep gusts away from the main opening.

Depending on whether the tent has been purpose-designed or is for general use, the weight of the different models can vary considerably.

The lightweight versions are designed for hikers who wish to carry them as night-time shelters (a 2m x 2m x 1,8m tent may weigh as little as 6kg).

But, contrary to the claims of certain manufacturers, the life span of these tents may be shortened by extended time in the sun.

If you find a tent that seems suitable, check if the material has been impregnated with an ultraviolet- resistant component and if it has been treated with a fire retardant (in any event, avoid cooking inside small tents unless it’s an emergency). Thin fabric catches fire easily, burns at a high temperature and incinerates in seconds rather than minutes. Rather cook in the shelter of the wind deflector, or at least try to remain outside the tent throughout the cooking procedure.

The larger dome tents provide a lot more comfort than do the smaller ones, although this depends on where you will be taking them. The standing room in a larger tent will be more convenient when getting dressed, and it will also provide a larger air space for the time you spend inside. In hot conditions this is a must. But if you are camping at high altitude you may value closer confines, as the temperature inside will be much easier to control. Too small a tent can induce mild claustrophobia during prolonged spells of inclement weather. You may also notice heavy condensation accumulating on the walls, and the tent will only remain comfortable for a few hours at a time.

If you want to pitch your tent for several days at one stretch, you will need one made from a fairly heavy material. The heaviest but most resilient fabric is similar to that used for army tents and seems to come only in shades of buff green. These tents are several times heavier than the hiking version, and nearly twice as expensive. They are also much more difficult to set alight, so cooking inside them is less of a danger. The four-person 2m x 2m x 1,8m version weighs about 20kg, and if unabused it should last a lifetime.

An outer fly sheet, usually made of heavier gauge material, will keep direct sunlight off the cabin and will provide an important air space between the two. If it has a veranda, this can provide momentary shelter if you are unlocking or unpacking in the rain; it will also provide shade on cloudless days. The fly sheet can be removed, but is best left on to protect what’s underneath. If you use the tent for shelter during the day, the temperature inside with the fly sheet on will be several degrees lower than with it off.

Fine gauge mesh on all openings is a must-have, as mosquitoes and their friends can squeeze through the smallest of cracks.

Frame Tents

If you and your family intend staying in one place for any length of time, a frame tent is the way to go. These tents do take slightly longer to erect, but once up they afford a high level of comfort and convenience. The smallest of these will have a single room, but the largest may have up to three separate rooms and a communal area that can be used for dining or games during spells of bad weather.

Frame tents can have numerous components, so when you pitch yours for the first time, keep the instruction sheet handy to see what goes where. The frame is erected first — it is made of light aluminium poles that connect by simply sliding into each other. The joints lock together with an ingenious little device that produces a sharp click. It’s a good idea to have some of these devices spare, as this is what holds everything together. The ends of these poles can be sharp when new, and could give you a nasty cut when you’re trying to fit them into each other. The tent frames of better models have telescopic adjustable legs — a great help. Ordinary garden gloves will protect your hands.

With the frame up, all that remains will be to put on the covering and hammer in the pegs. There is no need to over-tension guy ropes, as they will do their job as long as they are firmly connected at both ends. To ensure a good shape to your tent, make sure that all opposing ropes pull evenly against each other.

The larger frame tents may not have an integral waterproof ground sheet, but even if they do, you will still need one under it that supports the entire floor area and allows the passage of air. Unlike the sheet that forms the floor of your tent, the best ground sheets resemble multi-layered shade cloth. Many resort owners insist on these, as their sites are less likely to be denuded of grass. Apart from providing a softer surface to walk on, they also save the floor of your tent from wear by keeping it off the ground. If you ever have to pitch your tent on a hard surface, you will be glad you’ve got one of these.

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