There’s more to a tent than meets the eye

You are so right so we’ll try and save you some “school money”. Don’t let your initial budget or what you think you can or should spend on a tent influence your decision. First speak to experienced hikers or campers or an accredited dealer before act on the wrong perceptions during your buying process.

First, of many things to consider, is where and for how long a period at a time you want to chuck the rat race. Will you go it alone – with a partner – family – just for an irregular overnight hike? If, for hiking, the weight factor becomes quite important too? Yeah – many questions in one all-important sentence?

If you decide on a two-man tent – buy a three-man one. Why? What happens to you gear or if the weather turns nasty and you are forced to live in the tent for a couple of days?
The best tent is one that offers the best trade off in-between comfort when you in it and comfort when you have to carry it – as in long hiking trips. If you are primarily going to be stationary for the duration of your camping – the rules, of course changes somewhat. Another alternative for camping with larger numbers of people/family is to have more than one, but still small tents.

A waterproof fly sheet is a wonderful extra during camping and so is a netted (rather than a solid) ground sheet. A small repair and or sealing kit should be part of your tent kit. The thickness of the material of which the tent is made will indicate its durability and water resistance but will also add to its weight. To add extra guide ropes and pegs are, again, always wise to have in your kit.

So how much would a decent tent kit for four people cost you? According to Outdoor Warehouse – about R10 000. Your taste for luxury – or not – will most probably determine the final amount on your invoice and as I wondered through a number of supplier shops, I realised that gadget freaks may sustain some injuries during their tent-camping buying experience.

It is a wild, wild world out there so be sure to do your homework and rather sleep on your shopping list before your hit the suppliers. The nice-to-haves will test your willpower – believe it!