Tent Repairs :: How To Fix A Torn Tent

The "Just In Time" approach to repairing a nylon tent won't get you very far. You are either going to get very wet or have a gale blowing through your tent. Tents are subject to heavy stresses from rough ground, high winds and just normal use. Take a deliberate approach and you won't be sorry. A standard sewing machine should easily handle the work, but if you don't have experience with sewing machines, consider finding someone who does. Seam-sealing glue and heavy-duty nylon cloth are available at camping supply stores.

Things You’ll Need:

• Dishwashing Liquid
  
• Seam-sealing Glue
  
• Dishwashing Liquid
  
• Heavy-duty Nylon Cloth
  
• Sewing Machine With Heavy-duty Nylon Thread
  
• Scissors
  

Step 1

Clean the torn area with dishwashing liquid and water, then thoroughly dry the tent.

Step 2

Cut two patches of heavy-duty nylon cloth about 2 inches (5 cm) larger than the tear (see A).

Step 3

Coat one side of each patch with seam-sealing glue. Let them dry until the glue becomes tacky.

Step 4

Apply one patch to each side of the torn area. Be careful to keep the tent material under the patch as flat as possible. This will ensure watertightness.

Step 5

Using a sewing machine, zigzag-stitch completely around the edge of the patches. Continue stitching over the patches in a dense zigzag pattern (see B).

Step 6

Apply additional seam-sealing glue to the stitching, both inside and out.

Geodesic Tents :: Geodesic Tent Designs

Tent designs underwent a revolutionary transformation around seven decades ago in the name of geodesic dome tent, which was the creation of late Buckminster Fuller. He basically introduced the principle of geodesic dome to buildings, but the design gradually became more popular in tents. Geodesic Dome Tents can be best described as a concept, which is one step further to the traditional dome tent design. These tents not only come with maximal inner space but also assure exceptional resistance to wind.

Geodesic dome tents resemble to hexagonal dome tents when it comes to the layout of the floor. These tents are freestanding. However, in order to prevent them from blowing away with the wind they are required to be staved properly. The geometric shapes of geodesic tents render maximum headroom and promises greater usable floor space than a similar sized tent because of the parallel walls.

Geodesic dome tents have one or more supplementary pole section that encloses the tent around the sides and at angles. This feature of these tents generates additional surfaces for the wind to pass, dispersing the forces and curtailing tension on any one wall. This creates a steady profile that can encounter snow, wind and rain from several directions. This kind of tent design is considered equivalent to the mountain tents, as they are unparalleled in terms of strength and steadiness.

A geodesic dome structure has the remarkable capability of enclosing large area with the least quantity of material. Considering the fact that they have smaller area to lose heat, they are very energy-efficient. These tents are either patterned like an igloo (i.e. very round), or are lengthened in one direction. The snow easily sweeps down its walls and elevated headroom makes this tent livable when the weather is bad. Though establishing these tents takes a little longer time than other designs but they are extremely stable in the wind. These tents can come in a rectangular, six-sided or eight-sided ground layout and can employ at least four poles. The various attributes, which make Geodesic Dome Tents the perfect investment, are:

Strength
Geodesic tents are the strongest as their poles makes for an aerodynamic pole structure brought together with equally uptight inner and fly. These structures are sturdy than any other structure made of the same materials because of their curved shape with no corners, there are no weak points. They are waterproof and wind-resistant.

Easy Set Up
One person can set up these Dome Tents without tools, since, its cover is freestanding and does not require any guy lines and can be shifted into the desired position or location without taking it down.

Durable Materials
Good quality geodesic dome tents are fabricated of superstrong, tear-proof, woven ripstop film, which does not rot or mildew. The covering effectively excludes rain, dampness, wind, cold, and sun.

Comfortable Living Space
These tents are light filled and well ventilated and promises pleasingly bright interiors.

These tents have numerous other comfort features also, like, the interior can be divided into rooms, the shape is more heat efficient, air circulates more evenly etc. However, strength and stability are the most important consideration for which a geodesic design is essential.

Camping in Comfort

Feeling like your annual camping trip could use a few amenities? Thanks to new products designed to help make your vacation under the stars a little more civilized, a trip to the great outdoors can have the same luxuries as an indoor hotel stay. Whether you're looking to create a safari-style sensation or simply bring a few of the comforts of home with you, here are some ideas to add some comfort to your campsite.

Lighting
Light up your campsite with a practical, ambient and safe rechargeable outdoor lantern. Visually appealing, battery-operated lights give off more light than the traditional flash light. Use them to create a romantic mood, as make-shift table lamps or to add task lighting. Whether you hang them from trees or line them along the path to your tent, these lanterns are definitely a camping "must-have."

Curl up near the fire
No campsite is complete without a proper campfire to gather around and cook over. Consider trading up from the traditional fire with an all-in-one portable fire pit and grill. A light weight luxury should come complete with a no-spark screen, iron stand and detachable chrome grill for added safety, comfort, and convenience.

Mood music
If campfire sing-a-longs aren't your cup of tea, you can still set the mood around your campsite with music. Take your iPod along with a portable, weather resistant, set of outdoor speakers.

Naptime
Take a break from hiking and fishing with a rejuvenating rest in a double hammock. Comfortable for one but roomy enough for two, it's the perfect spot for any couple to curl up together for a nap, a good read or to simply relax.

Dining al fresco
Set a stylish table with a folding version and all-weather tablecloth. Thanks to new weather resistant fabrics that mimic the sophisticated look of linen and cotton, dining al fresco can be an elegant experience. Dress up a light-weight, portable aluminuim dining table with an innovative, easy-to-wash, easy-to-clean fabric tablecloth. Keep things classic with white, add contrast with pop colors like hot pink and purple or tune in to your environment with earthy shades of green and brown. Both practical and attractive, tablecloths will add stylish sophistication to your outdoor spread.

Set a beautiful table
Trade in those environmentally challenged paper plates and Styrofoam cups for new and improved tabletop versions made of bamboo, plastic, wood and stone. Innovations in outdoor party ware such as "unbreakable" plastic champagne flutes, faux-silver plated flatware, and patterned "china" have given the idea of outdoor dining a new life. So, dump the disposables and give your campfire meal an elegant new twist.

Fabulous furnishings
Camping doesn't have to mean sitting on the cold, wet ground, with so many fabulous and functional seating options for your campsite. Deck chairs with attached side tables and a modern flair, folding loungers and portable side tables let you furnish your base camp with style.

A good night's sleep
Sleeping on the ground can be a real letdown when you're dreaming of a nice soft bed after a day of hiking and swimming. Thanks to the portable Aero Bed you can have the comforts of your nice down-filled bed in the wilderness. Although this water resistant delight comes equipped with a weatherproof mattress pad for added comfort, add a little style with a down-filled comforter and pillow or use a pair of down-filled sleeping bags for a cozy retreat.

Clean up
There's nothing like a shower to help you feel refreshed after a day in the woods. A portable, shower-in-a-bag is just what your campsite needs. Simply fill the bag with water and let the sun heat warm it while you're having fun. Some are equipped with a thermometer for added comfort. This compact amenity is sure to make keeping clean in the wilderness a whole lot easier and more fun.

Stylish shelter
While sleeping in a tent is part of the fun of camping, create a stylish shelter from the sun with a portable gazebo. Easy to transport and easy to assemble, this outdoor structure lets everyone gather under one roof. For an upscale safari look, decorate the sides with gauzy outdoor fabric or netting. Not only will this give your campsite an ethereal look, it will also keep the bugs away. Hang battery operated string lights or lanterns from the ceiling for ambience and you'll have your own living room in the wilderness.

Pillows and throws
Nothing adds style to a space like the pop of accessories. So, don't neglect the details just because you're in the rugged outdoors. Inject a little comfort and color to any campground by peppering furnishing, beds, and outdoor rugs with some attractive pillows and throws. Available in different shapes and sizes, outdoor pillows are made with weather resistant fabrics ranging from faux velvet to basic canvas. Choose stripes, bold colors or traditional damask prints for the perfect accent.

Rugs
Outdoor rugs are possibly one of the quickest and easiest way to add color and comfort to any camp site. New options for outdoor use are more attractive and durable then ever before. Portable and weather resistant, these rugs are available in styles ranging from classic Orientals to geometric shapes to natural sisals. Spread them over the grass or dirt in your tent or sitting area and these rugs will keep your feet clean and dry, even when you want to kick off your heavy camping boots.

Camping Air Beds - Camping On A Bed Of Air

Although there are many people out there that seem to enjoy the suffering part of camping out, for most of us it's simply easier to enjoy nature's beauty when you're well-rested! Fortunately, with a variety of camping air mattresses to choose from, there's no reason to suffer through one more restless night outdoors, and no excuse for sticks and stones poking and prodding you through your sleeping bag whenever you try to get comfortable.

A camping air mattress keeps you up off of the ground, sleeping comfortably on a cushion of air. Camping air beds are easy to travel with, since they can be folded up neatly for transport. You can bring sheets along, or use a sleeping bag on top of the air mattress.

If you only plan on camping infrequently with your air mattress, a more inexpensive model will probably work out great - but if you want to use it repeatedly, your best bet is a better-quality model, such as a Coleman. They're made out of tougher materials, and will hold up better to the rigors of camping.

The reason air beds usually work well is because of the air chambers that gently cushion your body, which can provide relief to pressure points, back pain, neck, shoulders, hips, etc. These air chambers allow the mattress to distribute your body weight evenly, which is why they are highly recommended for people with back pain.

Here are some features to look for in a camping air bed:

Inflation method. Larger air mattresses require substantial amounts of air for maximum comfort, which means the user must spend time and effort on inflation. The cheapest air mattress models on the market may require the owner to use his or her own lung power as the inflation source. If blowing into a smaller air mattress is not a problem, at least look for a model with a one-way inflation valve. This is a specially designed valve which contains a flap to trap air in the mattress. If you have to squeeze the valve in order to blow air into it, the air mattress probably has a one-way valve assembly. Without one, some of the air blown into the mattress may escape between breaths, turning the task into a real chore.

Better air mattress systems feature a manual or electric air pump for easier inflation. One such manual pump looks like a set of spring-loaded bellows. The user steps on the bellows repeatedly until the air mattress is completely inflated. High end air mattresses intended for guest bedding often uses an electric air pump to inflate the unit rapidly.

Construction and durability. Plastics used for air mattress construction can appear thin but prove surprisingly strong. What is more important to consider is the quality of the welds which hold the mattress together. This information may be found on the box as a positive feature of the air mattress model. Inferior models are most likely to fail along the seam lines. Some air mattress models use thicker plastic (similar to the reinforced vinyl of an exercise ball), along with a softer fabric coating for comfort. Repair kits should be available for whatever model is purchased. Small punctures and seam leaks can be patched.

Storable and cleanable. Some high end models allow users to select the level of firmness. One consideration for hosts is the availability of clean linens for guests. Most air mattress models use the same dimensions as standard beds- twin, double, queen, king. Those who plan on using these mattresses as guest bedding may need to invest in fitted sheets and comforters. Those on a budget may want to select air mattress sizes which correspond to existing linens and accessories.

Choosing a Camping Tent

Family camping tents come in all shapes and sizes. The right one for you will not necessarily be the right one for someone else. Hence, the wide variety being sold in stores and catalogs.

Size

Tents are advertised as two man, four man, six man and so on. However, at best this is the maximum number of persons you can cram into the tent for sleeping in close company with no personal gear. This rating method might make sense for backpackers who are traveling light, but it is terrible for all others.

Why be cramped? Divide the advertised rating by two, and you will have the real capacity of the tent. Therefore, most four man tents are really only comfortable for two adults, or perhaps two adults and two very small children.

You should plan a minimum of 3 square meters of floor space per person. Make this even higher for longer camping trips, unless reducing weight is important.

Actual length and width are also very important. If you are 1.8 meters tall, you will need a space of at least 2 meters in order to stretch out and not be crammed against the tent sides. You will need at least one meter in width just for sleeping. This equals only 2 square meters. A "two man" tent might be advertised which measures 1.4 by 1.7 meters.

Adding space for clothing, and a space to stand up without walking on your tentmate, will result in a more livable situation. Think more like 2.5 by 2.5 meters as a basic two man family camping tent. This gives you 6 square meters per person. Still not overly generous.

A 3 by 3 meter tent is ideal for two adults. You will have enough space for cots or a double air mattress, plus space to stand up when changing clothes.

Kids can fit comfortably in smaller tents. Once they are old enough, about seven or eight, they will probably want to sleep in a separate tent anyway. Parents will appreciate the privacy provided by this arrangement too. A 1.4 by 1.7 meter tent is adequate for young kind. Teenagers should be considered as adults when fitting a tent.

Be cautious about tents that are larger than 3 by 3. You will find three problems. First, it will be much more difficult to find a smooth and level spot large enough to set up the tent on. You need a spot as level as possible. Second, big tents can get heavy. This is not a problem for your car, but think about how much work it might be for you in loading and unloading the car. Finally, do you really want everyone to sleep, and dress, in the same tent. Privacy becomes an issue with the bigger tents.

The peak inside height is very important to you comfort. For most trips, try to have a tent that is tall enough to stand in. Plan for the taller persons in your group. A 1.8 meter peak height is necessary for adults, and a 1.2 meter peak is about right for kids. Remember, the tent slopes downward at a sharp angle, so the actual spot where you can stand up will be small. Larger spaces will be provided in tents with taller peaks.

Shape

Tents come in four basic shapes: A-frame, umbrella, geodesic or "dome", and wall. The A-frame is the common "pup" tent shape, but can also be quite large. The umbrella is a very commonly used family camping tent, as it has lots of standing room, with large windows and a rain fly over the top. The geodesic comes on many shapes, but all look like combinations of connected triangles. The wall tent is like an A-frame tent, but is generally much larger and has vertical side walls.

Tents with square floor shapes are more efficient when laying out sleeping and gear arrangements. Because of other factors, it is not always possible to have a square floor. If you buy a round floor, or nearly round like with the geodesic dome tents, you should allow some extra floor area to make up for the less efficient layout.

Poles

Poles are made from aluminium or fiberglass. Most tents have poles that are linked together with an elastic shock cord. This helps when setting up the tent. Poles can bend or break, so many tent manufacturers provide emergency repair links for you to carry along on the trip.

Fabric

Nearly all tents are now made of nylon. Coated nylon is used for waterproofing. Nylon mesh is used for inner walls. No-see mesh is used for the window screens. Better tents use thicker fabric and rip-stop fabric.

Zips

When you are shopping, test the zips. They should open and close freely, and should not catch and bind up on the tent fabric. The zips should not be of a rusting type material.

Seams

Seams should be reinforced with nylon tape. The tape is stitched into each seam, and will make the seam stronger and more weatherproof. All waterproof seams in a nylon tent, such as on the fly and floor, must be waterproofed with a seam sealer. Your new tent should come with a bottle of seam sealer. Set up the tent in the yard before your trip, and apply the sealer. Let it dry before packing the tent. You will need to do this yearly.

Weather Considerations

Wind, rain, sun, heat and cold, all have different demands on the tent.

Windy areas will require sturdy poles, stakes and anchor ropes. Geodesic tents are excellent in wind. Their igloo-like shape reduces the wind's effect, and their pole arrangement provides great strength.

Rain creates two considerations. First, keeping the rain out. Second, giving you enough room so you will be comfortable if you have to "weather" the storm by entertaining yourself indoors for a while.

Your tent should have a completely waterproof rain fly made of coated nylon. The fly should wrap around the tent and reach down the sides nearly to the ground. This will keep out all types of rain, even if it is windy. The fly should extend far enough over the door, so it keeps out the rain when you open the door to enter or leave.

The floor should also be waterproof coated nylon. This fabric should cover the floor, and turn up the sides for about 15 centimeters or so. There should be a few seams as possible. This is called a "tub" floor. It will keep out any water that runs down and under the tent.

Sun and heat create the need for shade and airflow. The rain fly will provide shade for tent. Large screened windows on opposite sides of the tent, or a screened window opposite a screened door, will allow air to flow through the tent.

Cold weather brings special needs. Unless you will be dealing with snow (when you would need a mountaineering tent), you can use a "three-season" tent that has good features. The most important features will be a rain fly that fully covers the top and sides, and an interior layer made from an open mesh fabric to allow water vapor to pass through it. In cool weather, warm water vapor inside the tent, from damp fresh air and moist air you exhale, will condense on the cooler surface of the tent's exterior. The only way to prevent this is to allow the excess water vapour to escape from the tent by passing through the mesh fabric.

The tent size may also be a consideration if you plan to camp in cool weather. Your body heat will keep a small tent much warmer that outside. However, some campers will use a tent heater in their large tent. Heaters are not safe in small tents due the the closeness of the tent walls.

Cost

In general, the higher priced tents are made with stronger fabric, stronger poles, and stronger stitching. They will withstand higher winds and heavier rain. They will last longer. A good tent can last for many years.

However, not everyone needs this strength and durability. The milder and drier the climate, and the closer to home you camp ("just in case"), the more the least expensive tents will be very good bargains.

If you are just starting out in your family camping adventures, and don't know if you will really like camping, then you might want to stick with the least expensive tents. Many families do. It is very likely that you will try your first trips when the weather is warm and dry, and will probably keep close the "civilization" until you gain some experience and decide whether you like camping or not. You can always upgrade to a better tent later, and keep your original budget tent for when conditions allow.