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Camping tents: Essential components of outdoor gear

What's better after a long day on the trail than settling in at camp? Camping tents are important pieces of outdoor equipment that can make or break your wilderness excursion. Camping tents are shelters from the wind and rain, places to tell ghost stories on a spooky night and welcome havens where we rest and renew. They come in all shapes and sizes, from a cocoon-like one-person "bivy" to a luxurious family camping model with separate rooms.

Camping tents generally divide into two classes, three-season and four-season. A three-season model will work in all but the harshest winter conditions. Single-walled camping tents are the norm for three-season use. Four-season tents are often double-walled and reinforced against snow loads and howling winter blizzards. Special-purpose tents for warm-weather camping have large mesh panels to facilitate ventilation. Super-strong expedition tents are designed for extreme activities like mountain climbing and are made from high-tech fabrics and materials.

Features to look for in camping tents include ripstop fabrics, vestibules and gear lofts. A rain fly and good ventilation are also essential. Regardless of whether it's staked or freestanding, the tent should be easy to set up and should stow compactly. If possible, it should be tall enough to sit up in. You'll appreciate that feature if you're ever stuck inside one for a day or more. Weight is a consideration for backpackers. Many multi-person backpacking tents break down into manageable pieces so the load can be shared among the group. Be sure to carry a field repair kit for your tent, a ground cloth to protect the floor, extra stakes and line.

Camping tents are fundamental necessities in the outdoor world. Make sure yours has the features you need and the comfort you want.

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