There are many different types of camping tents, and the tent that you choose will depend heavily on the type of camping that you will be doing. The tent that you choose for a family vacation will likely differ from the tent that you would choose to take with you on a hiking trip. Before deciding on a tent, you should first ask yourself what you will need from the tent that you choose. Will you be constantly putting it up and taking it down on a hiking trip? If so, you should try to find a camping tent that is easily set up, and easily taken down to save yourself some time. There are many different styles of camping tents;

Dome Tents

Dome tents have become a very common choice for many different types of campers. These tens have a dome shape, and can be made up of several different domes in the larger sized tents. The strength of the dome tent will be dependent upon the strength of the poles, ropes, pegs and fabric used to create the tent. The poles of these tents can be made from a number of different materials, but are generally made from carbon fibre. Dome tents are known to weigh less than other types of tents, making them ideal choice for individuals who will be carrying their tent with them on trails. They also usually take up less space than other types of tents, which also make dome tents a great choice for people who are going to be placing their tent in a small camp site.

Frame Tents

Frame tents are excellent choices for individuals with families, or individuals who would like a larger style of tent. As per the name, these tents usually have a large frame that is held together by poles and ties throughout. Early frame tents were known to be very heavy, but recent innovations have made them quite light, and very easy to transport from one location to another. These tents are among the hardest tents to set up, and you should always ensure that you have enough time int he day left to put the tent up while there is still day light. These tents have a large amount of space inside of the tent, and do not use up as much ground area as larger dome tents.

Ridge Tents

Ridge tents are generally used by one person, and are not ideal for families. These tents are among the easiest to set up, and are often used by hikers and campers who will be moving locations frequently during their hike. They are shaped like a wedge, with the larger end being near the entrance, and the slimmer end near the back end of the tent. They can hold as many as three people, but it is recommended that one to two people sleep in ridge tents.

The camping tent that you choose should depend heavily upon the type of camping that you plan to do. Your tent is your home base and your shelter, so it is important that you choose a tent that is large enough, and easy enough for you to carry from one location to another if need be.

Hiking trips can be a wonderful experience for new hikers and seasoned veterans alike. However, the biggest mistake that is commonly made by hikers of all experience levels is being under prepared. Preparation is key in having the best experience that you can while hiking. Hiking is very enjoyable for individuals all over the world, but can quickly turn from an enriching experience into a terrible one if you are not properly prepared. Instead of choosing a trail and taking off for the day or weekend, there are a few things that you need to ask yourself and plan before heading out on your hiking trip.

Figure Out Where You’re Going, and Plan Your Route

It is never a good idea to just randomly wander on any hiking trail. This will increase the probability that you will wander off the trail and become lost. You should have a good idea of where you would like to go, and how you would like to get there before you even begin packing your hiking backpack. Most popular hiking trails will have information about the routes and trails online, and you should utilize these resources before heading out on your trip. Ensure that you have a backup plan. Learn what trails are commonly closed during the different seasons, and prepare for any detours that you might encounter. You should always know exactly what you are going to be doing if you run into a situation that forces you to change your plans.

Pack Everything You Might Need

It is never a fun experience to dig through your backpack only to realize that you did not bring the item that you are looking for. If there is even a slight chance that you will find use in an item, and you are not having any weight issues with your pack, you should bring the item. This ensures that you are completely prepared. Even day hikes require that you have a map, compass, water, food, and other essential hiking necessities. Prepare not only for the weather that you see as you leave your house, but for the weather that you could possibly run into during your trip. If you are wearing apparel for warm weather hiking, and a storm system makes its way into the area you will wish that you had brought a coat and other supplies to deal with the weather change.

Community Involvement Helps

Being in tune with the hiking community will help you to find trails and destinations that you normally would not be able to find on your own. This can make for many rewarding experiences. Get to know fellow hikers and ask them what their favorite hikes are. Try to pair with hikers that are around your experience level, and can offer you advice on locations and general hiking information if you require it.

The most crucial piece of the hiking experience is planning. Planning is key to a successful hiking trip, and can completely change how you view your experience. Before any hiking trip, you should always make a check list of the items that you will require.

One of the biggest mistakes that many new hikers make is hiking unprepared. Too many new hikers will check the weather report, throw on some boots with a backpack full of water and hit the trail. While it may be the easiest and quickest way to hit the trail, you want to make sure that you are prepared for the most dire situations, even on the shortest of hikes. There are a few things that every hiker should carry with them; a trustworthy pair of hiking boots (and maybe even some extra footwear), a backpack, a season-appropriate coat, sleeping bags, some form of shelter and a cooking device.

Hiking Boots

Hiking boots are a very critical item to hikers of all experience and skill levels. You want to ensure that you find a boot that will be appropriate for the trails you plan on hiking. The harder the sole of the boot is, the more suitable the boot is for walking in mud, dirt and grassy conditions. A softer sole would indicate that the boot is more ideal for climbing rocks and other hard hiking surfaces. Ensure that you find a pair of boots that is not only appropriate for the trails you will be hiking, but is comfortable. Try them on, and walk around in them thoroughly before making your purchase. Try to notice if any areas of the boot rub on your foot and could potentially cause a blister during your hike. Find a boot that fits as comfortably as you possibly can, but is still able to meet all of your basic needs.

Backpacks

First, decide what you would like in your backpack. Would you like a hydration system equipped backpack that will allow you to drink water throughout your hike? How much will you be bringing with you? If you plan on hiking overnight, you will need to find a backpack that can easily and comfortably carry your tent. How many extra supplies do you plan on taking with you? It may be a good idea to gather up all of your usual hiking accessories to get a good idea of how large of a backpack you will need.

Coats

Coats are another vital piece of your hiking collection. You want to make sure that the coat that you take with you is season and forecast appropriate. If your local weatherman is calling for rain, you should bring a coat that will not leave you soaked by the end of your hike. It may be a good idea to purchase a versatile hiking coat that can shed layers as needed to ensure that you always have some sort of protection against the elements.

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags ensure that you are able to receive a good nights sleep, and feel your best for the hike in the morning. Find a sleeping bag that is long enough to cover your entire body if need be. Most hiking bags are mummy-style, and will allow you to crawl completely inside of them if you need to. Look for a sleeping bag that is comfortable and will easily fit inside of your backpack, or at least connect to the outside of your bag.