Ba Kiwanuka
LOCATION
Avoid camping in low places--Air flow gets stagnant and
typically moisture settles more. Also, if it rains whilst your
tent is up, there's a greater chance of water collecting when
you're camped in a low lying area. Lastly, position your tent so
that your head is uphill wherever you camp (seeing as most
locations are rarely ever flat).
Ventilation--It's better to face the tail of your tent
into prevailing winds. This will maximize air flow. Scrutinize
the area--Check the area for sharp objects that may damage your
tent before setting up camp.
Set Up-- Once your tent is set up, if you notice wrinkles
running from one corner to the next (interior), this means that
you've pulled the tent too tightly in that direction. Reposition
the stakes until the floor evens out.
Looking Good--Last but certainly not least: If you've
never set up your tent before, it's best to practice at home
until you can do it in your sleep (bit of an exaggeration...but
you know what I mean). This will save you any embarrassment
later on in the 'Real World'.
TENT CARE
Keep it dry-- Never store your tent when it's wet or
damp! Consequences of forgetting this cardinal rule is mildew
damage and tent stink. So, dry it after use (but not in direct
sunshine).
Reduce condensation build up--Sometimes condensation may
become a real issue, especially in certain types of tents. One
of the ways to combat this, is to spray the outside of your tent
with a product like ReviveX which beads up water so it rolls off
the tent's surface (think of water rolling off a duck's back).
Ground Cloth--Use one. It will protect your tent bottom from
protruding objects.
Sweep out your tent--accumulated dirt between your
sleeping bag and the floor will gradually erode the tent floor.
Sunshine--Don't leave your tent in the sun for prolonged
periods--ultra-violet rays damage the tent fabric and its
waterproofing capabilities. If you can, set up in the shade.
Seams--Seal them all. In this particular case, water is
not your friend. Keep it out!
Transporting your tent--Constantly folding your tent the
same way will eventually cause creases that will compromise its
weatherproofing and ultimately crack the fabric itself.
Solution? Stuff it for transportation.
Packaging of your tent--The keyword here is "carefully"
(assuming you have any concern about its lifespan). Poles dent,
break, chip and cords stretch. Also bear in mind that poles and
stakes can tear and poke holes in the tent fabric.
TENT TYPES
The following is not an indepth treatise of the types of tents
available but rather a brief review.
Dome Tents
This type of tent has a rudimentary dome shape formed by inward
curving walls that meet atop at the apex. Advantages: ample
headroom and ability to sit upright. Disadvantages: Two pole
design leaves a significant portion of unsupported tent material
restricting this type of tent's use to moderate weather
conditions.
Modified Dome Tents
Same as the dome tent with a few variations: addition of more
poles plus cross-section rods, as well as tapered ends.
Advantages: better able to withstand harsh weather and mounting
wind levels.
Pyramid Tent
In essence this is little more than a waterproof tarp staked to
the ground and draped over a central pole. Advantages: easy to
set up. Disadvantages: it's sheer simplicity does not accomadate
for the presence of bugs and other crawlies.
Tunnel Tent
As the name suggests this type of tent is designed in the shape
of a tunnel. Usually the front has the most ceiling height (just
enough to sit up) and tapers towards the rear. This tent type
incorporates a single or dual pole design with the longer pole
upfront. Advantages: Very lightweight. Disadvantages: Design
type tends towards being cramped
Ba Kiwanuka http://www.gorillahub.com
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Ba Kiwanuka http://www.gorillahub.com
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