All About Tents

The parts to a tent consist of: The flysheet, the inner tent, the vestibule, the groundsheet, the poles, the stakes, the air vents and the groundsheet protector.

The flysheet is waterproof and protects the tent from water. Be careful not to allow the flysheet to have any contact with the inner tent otherwise the inner tent will become very wet if raining. The inner tent is the main body of the tent where people sleep and do whatever else they want to do inside the tent.

The vestibule is a section outside the inner body of the tent with no flooring or groundsheet. It is however still covered and can be used for the storage of equipment or the actual cleaning of gear. Most people use the vestibule as a place to cook however. The groundsheet acts as the base of the tent protecting the sleepers from damp floors or insects getting inside the tent.

The poles are used to support and shape the tent. These are usually made of metal or fiber glass.

Perhaps the best type of pole is the collapsible version. These are easier for transportation and storage. The stakes are made out of wood or metal or plastic. They are used to secure the tent to the floor and are also used with guy ropes to support and shape the tent. Air vents are required to let out water vapour and condensation from the inside of the tent. If its colder on the outside of the tent than inside the water vapors we breathe out when sleeping turn into condensation which will soak everything inside the tent.

The vents provide an invaluable service despite the fact that they do allow the cold into the tent. And finally we have the groundsheet protector which is used to protect the groundsheet.

Especially good when used on rough terrain and adds added protection from insects that want to come inside the tent. Ok so now we have all the necessary tent parts, the next stage is to erect the tent.

Follow all instructions very carefully for the first couple of attempts. When you have been camping a few times the need for instructions will no longer be required. Erecting a tent will be as easy as riding a bike. Now when you decide to actually go camping, be very selective in your place of erecting of you tent. Use a specified camping site with proper grading. If deciding to camp on farmland always remember to ask the farmer for permission.

And especially when leaving your place of camping please do always clean up after you and dispose of any rubbish properly. And finally one last piece of advice is under no circumstances pitch your tent in a field full of bulls. I'm sure no explanation for this advise is required. So go enjoy your camping, and as long as you don't forget any parts it should be a fun and memorable experience.