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Tenting

Ahh, getting back to nature: seems like a dream, really. Being prepared and taking time to plan can help make your camping experience a fun and safe one. Here are some tips to follow before pitching your tent.

Choosing a Tent

Choosing a tent is like choosing the right car: It's personal.

1. Top 5 questions to ask yourself:

  • What season/weather will you use your tent?
  • Do you plan on carrying it on your back or packing it in a car?
  • Is it just for you or is this a multi person tent?
  • Do you want a second room in your tent for boots and wet clothing?
  • Will you be tenting longer than a couple of days at a time?

2. Types of tents:

  • Dome Tents: easy to set up, easy pole design, stands up to wind and rain.
  • Tunnel Tents: Low profile, easy to carry, popular with hikers.
  • Cabin Tents: great for multi person, able to stand up, heaviest of the tents to carry.
  • Tarp Tents: usually open to the weather, use in nice weather with bug screen.

3. Tent Properties:

  • Poles: The number of poles determines tent weight and sturdiness. Two types of poles are Aluminum and Fiber Glass.
    • Aluminum poles: more expensive, not affected by UV radiation, are reasonably light, fold easy and relatively compact, will stand up to all weather.
    • Fiber Glass: heavier, longer, not a as pliable, stand up to most weather (not winter).
  • Material: Tents are generally either Nylon or Polyester.
    • Nylon: Lighter weight, more compact, may stretch when wet.
    • Polyester: heavier, more resistant to UV, less condensation, will not stretch.
  • Waterproofing: Look for models that have sealed seams and zippers for extra protection. The waterproofing of a tent is measured in water column height; it evaluates the depth of water the fabric can hold back. If a tent has a 600mm coating, it will keep water out for one minute at a depth of 600mm of water. To camp comfortably, the minimum waterproofing for tent floors is around 1000mm, and around 500mm for tent flies.

4. Buying your tent:

  • Ask to set up your tent in the store to see how easy it is.
  • While it's set up, see how many people can fit in it without touching the sides. Often the number that the tent says it will fit is not accurate: a 4 person tent only fits 3 comfortably.
  • Pack it around or try fitting it in a back pack.
  • Ask about warranties and guarantees.

Deciding Where and When to Camp:

Before you even head out the door make sure you know where you're going and what type of camping you will be doing:

  • Campgrounds vs Wilderness camping: Campgrounds are probably the best option for first time campers. If you forget something you can generally get it nearby, or ask for help with those pesky tent poles! If you choose to go further and hike-in to a camping spot make sure you tell someone where you're going, and be able to read maps, gps, and a compass. Check out our Google map for ideal BC campgrounds.
  • Check the weather and fire bans: Always check to see what the weather will be like and remember to check the forest fire website
  • Find out what condition BC Highways and Roads are in before travelling such as traffic reports, road works, washouts or fire impacts.
  • Time of season can be an important factor when planning your camping trip. For instance, summer and in particular long weekends tend to be very busy and it is recommended, if possible, to reserve your campsite at private, national and provincial campgrounds well in advance.

Packing:

Being properly prepared for your trip is a must. Often, in the excitement, we forget to bring something essential (like a first aid kit). For your convenience we have created a checklist to download and print.

Arriving and Setting Up Camp:

You have your spot, you're ready to unload, now what?

Decide your areas:

  1. Cooking area: Choose an area away from the tent. Make sure there are no trees overhead, and there is a lot of space to move back in case of flying embers. Keep your food locked up tight and safe in the trunk of a vehicle or tie it up in a tree. NEVER keep food in your tent.
  2. Cleaning area: Campgrounds typically have cleaning stations. Please don't use bathrooms or drinking fountains to do your dishes. Don't kill the flora with hot, soapy water. Use bio-degradable soap, and only dump gray water in designated areas or where it will do no harm.
  3. Tent area: Pick a spot with some shade. When you set up the tent keep in mind where the opening will be.
  4. Bathroom area: If there is an outhouse in the campground that's great, if not choose a spot far enough away from your site and remember to dig a hole and bury.

Also remember to pick a flat and smooth surface, preferably not at the bottom of a hill where water can collect

Packing up Camp:

When it's time to move on here are some tips to make it easy:

  • Dust off gear as you put it away.
  • Sweep out the tent. When packing up if the tent is wet, be sure to set it up to dry it out once you arrive at home to prevent molding.
  • Clean the cooler of water and waste.
  • Put garbage in proper bins or double bag it to make sure it doesn't leak if you pack it out.
  • Double check that fires are out.
  • Once everything is packed do another walk around to see if you have forgotten anything.

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