AY Honors/Tents/Answer Key

1. Classify three types of tents and how to put them up. List their advantages and disadvantages.

Traditional A-Frame Tents

A-frame tents look like an ‘A’ shaped when erected. They are lightweight usually with a tarp for rain protection. However, they can be a little heavier to carry around. Inside they aren’t very spacious due to the steep sloping sides. They are a simple shelter, and are the easiest type of tent to improvise. Not very sturdy in strong winds. Typically, they consist of two poles at each end to form an apex with a single ridgepole running down the center. Stakes hold out the sides.

Modified A-Frame Tents

Modified A-Frame tents differ from traditional A-frame tents in that they use curved poles instead of straight poles. Curved poles in increase stability and improved head and interior space. A modified A-frame tent may include full coverage rain flys so no tarp required.

Tunnel Tents

Tunnel tents are great for high wind areas (like mountain climbing) when pitched end-on to oncoming winds. Typically made up of two or more poles running the width of the structure, this shape makes for much better interior space and head room then an A-frame.

Hoop Tents

Hoop tents have curved poles at either end to help retain shape and stability. Guy ropes need to be tied with pegs, staked carefully for optimum pitching. Typically, they are made up of three arched frames for spacious interior areas and head room. Snow and water slides off the hoop tent. Make sure to support any fabrics because if they are not staked down properly, they will rattle and flap in the wind. This type of tent is the lightest and most compact back packing tent on the market.

Single Hoop

Single hoop tents are made up of a single curved pole. They are usually small and designed to sleep one or two people. Single hoop tents are not designed for strong side winds but are quite sturdy if the wind runs against the spine of the tent. These tents are ideal for cycling or backpacking as they are lightweight and require little space.

Dome Tents

Dome tents are the most popular style for family and group campers. Distinguished by multiple collapsible poles passing over each other across the center of the roof, they may also have side areas supported by hoops or porches supported by straight poles. Generally dome tents offer spacious living areas, great head room and larger models may include separate rooms and porches to store gear and equipment. Dome tents are easy to pitch, stable and can handle snow conditions such better than some other styles. Another advantage is that Dome tents are usually free standing on their own without pegs. Therefore you can pitch the dome tent on concrete or indoors, and move the entire (empty) tent without pulling it apart if there is a change in the wind.

Other types of tents are available, such as yurts and safari tents.

2. Describe the materials used in tent making.

Tents come in a wide variety of materials. Originally animal skins were perhaps the most common material, but woven animal hair tents are mentioned in the Bible.

Modern tents are made from canvas (heavy event tents like you might see at a Campmeeting mostly), various nylons and other synthetic fabrics. Water resistance and light weight as well as affordability govern the types of fabric blends chosen by manufacturers.

Canvas is durable, but very heavy. Nylon is much lighter, but designed for calm conditions because it does not stand up to wind well. Polyester is good for tents that will be exposed to extended time in the sun.

Pole materials have become lighter weight over the years. Lower priced or very heavy tents may use steel pools but aluminum, plastic, and carbon fiber are all common in lighter weight tents.

A strong tent will be invaluable against strong winds and other conditions. Strong tent poles, high quality pegs and secured fastenings will help keep your tent in place. Choose a tent with double sewn seams for overall durability.

Rope is an important component in many tent designs. Rope comes in a variety of materials. Tent pegs are often made of steel or heavy plastic.

4. Choose a specific tent model that you would like to purchase and justify your choice.

Your choice of tent to purchase will depend on various factors including:

1. Intended function - family tent, cooking tent, individual tent, backpacking vs load in a car, or perhaps an event tent.
2. Size - intended function leads to the size of the tent. It needs to be big enough for sleeping comfortably and big enough to store camping gear and accessories. Head room, eating space and living space is optional, depending on what you require.
3. Budget - how much can you spend?
4. Frequency of use - how often will you use the tent? A person that takes regular extended backpacking trips will want a better quality tent then someone that drives to one weekend campout a couple times a year that can get by with a cheap tent
5. Available materials and quality - you can only buy what is available in the market
6. Expected weather conditions - While you can't predict all the weather you may face, you can predict how you intend to handle extreme weather. Do you intend to stay on a mountainside a day's walk from the nearest road toughing out a storm, or will you be throwing all your gear in your car and heading home if it starts to sprinkle in the campground? This will impact the type of tent performance you need.
7. Ease of Use- Is the tent easy to pitch? Can you pitch it alone, or do you need help?
8. Reputation - Has the tent received good reviews online? Does it come with a warranty? Is the manufacturer well respected?

A good way to complete this requirement is to pick a tent and then write an extended review on Amazon or similar site. Note both the pluses and minuses of in your evaluation, remembering that a positive for one application is a negative for another.

6. Put up and then take down a tent in the following situations:

Strong wind

The key to pitching a tent in strong wind is to stake it down as soon as you can. First spread it out on the ground, and then stake it. Do not try to raise it until it is staked. That way when the wind catches it, it is firmly anchored to the ground and will stay in place.

Likewise, when striking a tent in strong winds, leave the stakes in until the tent is down. Only then should the stakes be removed, and even then, you could leave one or more in the ground as you roll it up for storage.

At night

Familiarity with the tent makes working with it in the dark much easier. You don't want to have to check the directions in the dark. Track your tent pegs carefully because they can be hard to spot even in daylight.

It is always a good idea to set up and take down a new tent (or one you have not used in a long time) at home before you head out to make sure you have all the parts and know how to put them together. That way you are not stuck when you arrive at your campsite after some delay and are forced to figure things out in the dark.

9. Know how to keep and properly care for tents.

Every Pathfinder needs to know how to care for tents. The most important thing to remember is to only put away a dry tent. If you can't put the tent away dry, take the tent home and open it up again to dry it out properly. A wet tent will mold, rot, and stain.

A tent missing poles, pegs or other pieces is completely useless and very frustrating. Failing to put all the parts together in the tent bag will cause much frustration on the next camping trip.

"For instance, we know that when these bodies of ours are taken down like tents and folded away, they will be replaced by resurrection bodies in heaven—God-made, not handmade—and we’ll never have to relocate our “tents” again. Sometimes we can hardly wait to move—and so we cry out in frustration. Compared to what’s coming, living conditions around here seem like a stopover in an unfurnished shack, and we’re tired of it! We’ve been given a glimpse of the real thing, our true home, our resurrection bodies! The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less." 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 The Message