Buying Guide: Tents

There are several types of tent on the market, ranging from large family designs to smaller, lightweight backpacking tents. This guide will help you decide which one is best for you.

Types of Tent

Backpacker tent

Lightweight tents, usually tunnels, that have small pack size and are easy to carry. Space is limited.

Dome tent

Lightweight and compact enough to fit into a rucksack but with more room than a Backpacker tent. Ideal
for travelling light-such as festivals and weekends away.

Small family tent

These usually have larger porch areas for storing gear. Ideal for groups or small families on short breaks.

Large family tent

Well-featured tents with large living space, storage for gear and, typically, sectioned off sleeping compartments. Ideal for larger groups and families.

Technical tent

Lightweight, compact and highly waterproof tents, equipped with strong alloy poles. Ideal for expeditions, where the weather could be volatile and harsh.

Emergency Shelters

Waterproof shelters, ideal for any trip where conditions can suddenly change without warning.

Shapes and Sizes

The shape and size of a tent will also influence your purchase. There are two main designs:-

Geodesic and Semi Geodesic

Through their crossed configuration of poles, Geodesic and Semi Geodesic designs are recognized as the most stable structures available for lightweight tents. The fabric supports the pole configuration which in turn keeps the inner and fly sheet stretched to provide a strong and easily moveable structure.

Tunnel

These lightweight tents hang from hoop or arch-shaped poles, forming a tunnel shape when pegged out. In good conditions they can be secured with as little as three pegs. More guy ropes can be used in rougher weather. Being light with a small pack size, they are perfect for backpacking and weekend breaks.

Camping Tips

Before pitching your tent clear the ground of rocks and debris, otherwise you'll feel them underneath.
Sunlight can damage your tent, so pitch up somewhere shady
Ensure your tent is well ventilated to prevent condensation
Store your sleeping bag and clothing in waterproof sacks, in case you accidentally get them wet or have to pitch up in the rain
Carry a roll of duct tape for emergency repairs eg mending a broken pole.
Never cook inside a tent, as tent material burns and melts easily
Avoid snapping shut shock-corded tent poles. Break poles down from the middle. Also lightly lubricate joints to reduce wear.

Grangers Tent care guide

Although most tents have taped seams, UV coatings and are waterproof, prolonged use of your tent will undoubtedly pick up mud and dirt and lose waterproofness. Taking care of your tent will ensure you get long lasting performance and protection whenever you camp in the outdoors.

1. Seam Sealing

It is worth waterproofing all the seams of new tents to make sure they won't leak. Granger's Seam-sealant will add further waterproof protection from the outside.

2. Re-Proofing

Most tent fly-sheets are coated with a waterproof protection treatment on one side of the fabric (usually the inside). The outer face (uncoated side) of the fabric is exposed to the elements and will absorb moisture. When the fabric absorbs moisture it becomes heavy and takes longer to dry. Periodic re-proofing of the outer face fabric, with Granger's Fabsil will lighten your load and maintain the appearance and performance of your tent.

3. Cleaning

Prior to any re-proofing you must ensure the tent fabric is clean and free from mud and dirt. This can be done by using Granger's Fabsil Universal Cleaner. The treated fabric dries quicker, which reduces the
risk of mildew forming and the likelihood of having to pack away a damp tent.

4. Protection from UV Rays

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun damages the fabric by degrading the strength of the fibres and causing the fabric to fade. By using Granger's Fabsil UV you can protect the fabric from the effects of the sun. The Fabsil UV will also provide a waterproof coating to the fabric.