A great alternative to relying on groundsheets and securing a traditional tent with pegs and weights, truck bed tent camping means that you simply set up a tent in the back of your truck. When you need to stop and bed down for the night, just park and set up camp in the back of your truck.

Sleeping outdoors always has an element of excitement, but when you camp out in a truck bed tent you’ll avoid some of the less welcome forms of excitement, such as unwelcome furry visitors in the middle of the night. This camping method also has the advantage of being more secure than a separate tent. If you’re sleeping in your truck, no one’s likely to try and take your belongings or your truck!

It might sounds obvious, but setting up camp in the back of your truck means that you don’t have to deal with problems such as rain-sodden or cold ground. You’re shielded from the elements while still enjoying the environment around you. Storage also couldn’t be simpler – fold up your truck bed tent and store it behind your seat as you drive away to another adventure.

Another appealing aspect of truck bed tent camping is the ease with which you can erect your living space for the night. Truck bed tents only take 10-20 minutes to set up, leaving you more time to enjoy your vacation. Depending on the type of truck bed tent you buy, you may need to be inside the tent to set it up on the truck. Remember that it’s always worth a quick practice session before you set off on your first truck bed tent vacation!

Truck bed tents are offered with or without floors. There are benefits to both styles. Those without floors mean that you don’t have to empty your truck bed before setting up home for the night. However, those with floors give you an additional sense of snugness and an extra layer of insulation. Throw in a couple of air mattresses and you’re all set for a good night’s sleep outdoors and off-ground. The sides of the truck mean that you have extra protection from the wind – it’s also a good idea to park facing into the wind for this reason.

Manufacturers now provide tents for almost any make of truck but don’t forget to check that the truck bed tent you want to buy fits your truck!

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Choosing tent camping in Arizona as your family vacation will allow you to enjoy canyons, deserts, forests, mountains, and other beautiful scenery. Arizona has many state parks that provide public campgrounds for setting up your tent as well as providing other amenities such as restrooms, exhibits, programs, electricity, grills, and water. Arizona also has national parks that are great for tent camping, as well as a few private campgrounds. Directories of campgrounds located online can provide you with many camping ideas.

If you will be tent camping in Arizona, be sure to equip yourself and your family with the right types of tents. Arizona has high elevations where the weather will get cool during certain times of the year, as well as canyons and deserts that often see cold nights. Tents that offer wind protection are a good choice for cool nights, and other tents offer great ventilation, allowing breezes to pass through, which is helpful if you will be camping during the summer months. If you are camping with your family of three or four, a six person size tent is a good option, allowing some extra room. Try shopping online to find the exact tent you want and also enjoying savings. Remember, purchasing a tent for your upcoming camping trip is a one time cost, and each subsequent camping vacation will be that much more cheap.

When tent camping in Arizona, what else will you need to bring with you to the campground? A tarp is a great purchase to make before heading for the outdoors. For a low cost, the tarp will keep your tent dry and protect it from damage from the ground. Other items to keep your eye out for when online shopping for camping supplies are lanterns or other camp lighting, camping cook ware sets, sleeping bags, and an emergency first aid kit. Camping cook ware sets come in compact forms for easy traveling, and will allow you to prepare great food for the family while at the campground. A first aid kit that includes items such as bug spray, aloe treatment, anti-bacterial cream, bandages, and gauze, will keep your prepared for any unplanned mishaps that may arise during your time at the campground.

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Parents have discovered finding a sleeping bag specifically designed for children that provides adequate protection has gotten better over the years. This is a blessing for active families. For many a kid, sleeping bag sleepovers -indoor or outdoor- meant using a bag that was just too big. This was okay for the sleepover but not very good for campouts, as there is too much area in a large sleeping bag for a small body to warm up. As sleeping bag companies recognized this, they began to design and market bags with features that could better protect children during outdoor excursions. Now if you’re a kid, sleeping bag features include extra insulation in areas such as the foot of the sleeping bag and the chest. Not to mention snag-free zippers, fun little pockets and bags that easily re-pack into the stuff sack to keep frustrating struggles at bay- something that can easily lend a hand in ruining a child’s impression of camping.

Another great aspect for parents and their pocketbooks is the fact that some bags offer adjustable features. Is there anything that grows faster than a kid? Sleeping bag purchases are often for leisure purposes and many parents find their children have grown rapidly between uses. Adjustable features, such as an extendable footbox, mean that the bag can be lengthened to fit the growing camper while providing the same necessary level of protection. This is quite economical for the parent who now does not have to worry about investing in a sleeping bag that may or may not be usable from one season to the next!

Sleeping bags can come in a variety of fun and bright colors and can help kids to feel more independent, enticing them to be more involved in an outdoor camping trip. Things that are their size are much more manageable and therefore give a bigger feeling of confidence. This leads to a willingness to take part in the sleeping bag sleepover experience, whether indoor or out!

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Florida Tent Camping Tips

* Hunting in Florida’s natural parks is only allowed during specific times of the year. If you would like to set up a tent and hunt, make sure you travel during the right time of the year and have the necessary permit. Because Florida’s wildlife and its parks are protected property, it is increasingly important that you know what to expect.

* There may be a fee. Florida tent camping often has a fee that allows you to camp on the state’s park land. This fee is rather inexpensive at under $20 for most families. You should ensure you get the necessary license to protect yourself from trouble with the rangers.

* Do you plan to fish while camping? In Florida tent camping can be much more fun if you take a rod and reel with you. Teach the kids how to catch a few fish. There are many locations throughout the state where you can fish. More importantly, there is an abundance of fish in those lakes and streams for you! If you are over the age of 16, you will need a fishing license to fish, though.

* If you are worried about Florida tent camping, or perhaps not everyone in your party wants to actually sleep in a tent, there are overnight lodgings available for many of the best parks. You’ll find a number of these available throughout parks around the state.

* Picnic shelters and facilities are located around the state, too. If you would like to have a family get together while you are tent camping, then you’ll find a number of different locations available. Call the state parks to make reservations for the use of the pavilion so that there’s no worry about having space available.

For those that want to enjoy a weekend on the trail or would like to just take their child on their first camp trip, Florida offers many wonderful locations that can be considered a real treat to experience. The vast number of parks, all 157 of them, that you can camp in are well worth the journey. Florida tent camping is an ideal experience and one that should not be missed.

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Campers will bring ATVs with them on their camping trip in order to reach spaces where they want to camp that are not easily accessible by car. With an ATV camping tent trailer, you can unload your ATV and quickly reach a campground with your tent and other camping supplies ready. Off-road locations often make for the best campsites, so for a great camping adventure you may need an ATV camping tent trailer to get your tent and other camping supplies to your campground. By using an ATV camping tent trailer to transport your camping supplies, you can bring much more camping equipment and gear with you. You will be able to find room for your favorite grill, dutch ovens, camping cook ware sets, camp lighting, emergency gear, and possibly even folding tables, chairs, and other camp furniture.

An ATV, or All Terrain Vehicle, is a popular outdoor recreation vehicle, especially with campers. By taking an ATV and ATV camping tent trailer with you on your camping trip you will not only be able to reach your campsite with all of your desired camping supplies, but you will also be able to enjoy the recreation activity of ATV riding. Today, riding ATVs has become common with all age groups. When going on camping trips and getting away from the city, you can easily find outdoor areas that are great for riding your ATV. Some camping areas may even have a special ATV course for you to use.

A great place to shop for an ATV camping tent trailer is online. Web sites can allow you to browse different trailers to pick one that will be exactly right for you. By shopping online, you can compare trailers of all sizes and company brands. Online shopping also allows for easy price comparison to ensure that you get the best deal possible.

Before setting out with your ATV camping tent trailer, check to see that ATV riding is allowed in the area. Some campgrounds may prohibit these type of outdoor activities. Also, make sure you are prepared for safe ATV riding by bringing a helmet along with you.

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A Vango sleeping bag uses what is called 3D construction for enhancing not only the loft in a bag, but its ability to retain heat. Omega construction puts the zippers at the bottom half of the sleeping bag so that warm air is better retained and the wider top creates a weave effect, thereby keeping the camper warmer for a much longer period of time. A Vango sleeping bag for women has all the fabulous features of every other sleeping bag yet is tailored to be shorter, with more room in the chest and hip area with extra insulation in the footbox.

A Vango sleeping bag is constructed in a range of materials that can meet the needs of every hiker or camper and arise to the challenges of any environment. The shell of every bag is made of a fabric that is windproof, water and tear resistant; while the inside lining consists of lightweight fabric that is conducive to not only staying toasty warm but to staying breathable and contributing to the washing process.

Vango uses both natural down insulation and synthetic insulation in the construction of its sleeping bags. By using a mix of 90% quality down and 10% quality goose feathers, each bag comes with a fill power rating of 600+. A range of synthetic insulations such as Thermolite Extra, Thermolite Micro and Vango’s very own Insulite and Insulite Micro, are used to create a product that also keeps campers warm unlike any other sleeping bag. These insulations create a hypo-allergenic, easy-to-dry alternative to down while remaining light and extremely compressible.

Every Vango sleeping bag undergoes extensive testing and is required to pass a number of rigid levels before being given the okay. The bags come in 4 categories: family, adventure, mountain and travel. Each category offers a bag for each range of use and experience. After all, family campers do not require a sub-zero bag for a weekend sleepover and serious hikers and campers need a bag that has all the necessary survival features. Every sleeping bag demonstrates Vango’s years of experience and is built to be an asset to the camper.

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For those who like to camp, sleeping bag care sometimes requires more than the usual shake and airing out. Body oils, dust and other grime will eventually cause odors and break down the bag’s fibers. Unless one has an alternative bedding idea for the outdoors when they set up camp, sleeping bag maintenance is key! One should always pay close attention to the manufacturer’s suggestions for cleaning. However, here are some general cleaning guidelines:

Machine Washing
* Down bags will require a gentle soap- such as Woolite- while synthetic bags can cope with a mild detergent. Use the recommended minimum amount.
* Since dirt and oils collect there most often, give the head and foot area of the bag a good scrub before putting the bag in the washing machine.
* Use front loading machines to wash the sleeping bag only. Top loading washing machines are too hard on a bag’s fabric.
* Wash the bag in warm water and rinse in cold.
* Run two or more rinse cycles to ensure the soap is completely out of the bag. Any remaining soap can weaken the fibers of the bag.

Hand Washing
* A bathtub is the perfect place for hand washing a sleeping bag.
* Use warm water and a minimal amount of mild soap, such as Woolite
* As with the step above, give the head and foot area of the bag a good scrub.
* Avoid commercial stain removers as they break down a sleeping bag’s fibers.
* Knead the bag to work the soap and water around.
* To rinse the bag, refill the tub three or four times. Only press the bag to get rid of any soapy water. Never twist or wring the bag.

Drying
* Roll the bag and press out as much water as possible.
* Carefully move the bag to a large plastic trash bag for transport to the nearest Laundromat.
For those who regularly camp, sleeping bag liners help absorb the dirt and odors during use and can be easily thrown into a washing machine after a trip.

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Moonstone was a company that found inspiration in the needs of a mountain rescue team in Northern California. The team’s challenges brought on by a wet coastal climate spawned the very thing that has made Moonstone the industry leader it is today. Previously, campers and hikers only had a choice between either synthetic insulation or down. However, a Moonstone sleeping bag constructed of half synthetic insulation and half goose down really made an impression in the world of outdoor gear. Goose down is well-known for losing its insulation properties when wet and therefore was not an option for those camping in those environments. With a Moonstone sleeping bag, synthetic insulation, which handled moisture well, was placed on the bottom while natural down filled the top of the sleeping bag. Now campers and hikers in wet climates could have the down filled sleeping bag they had always dreamed of. It was the best of both worlds.

A Moonstone sleeping bag sleeping bag uses state-of-the-art water and wind resistant fabrics in the construction of its shell. Inside the bag, the ultra-light fabrics provide comfort and warmth. A Moonstone sleeping bag also comes with a number of handy features such as glow-in-the-dark zippers (great for middle of the night trips to the bathroom), full length draft tubes, hoods, draft collars and much more. Those who have experience with a Moonstone sleeping bag are more than pleased with the amount of quality and features they get with the bag and consider it money well spent and purchase very worth making.

Moonstone is very well-known for not being afraid to use many pioneering techniques and going down avenues that other outdoor gear companies could or wouldn’t go. The company created sleeping bags with removable hoods and built-in sleeping pads that afforded campers and hikers to make their own adjustments and be comfortable. Creating products with the serious outdoor enthusiast in mind is how Moonstone has managed to put itself at the forefront of the outdoor industry.

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The North Face sleeping bag is a bag mostly for colder weather venues with temperature ratings from above 15 degrees Fahrenheit to below zero ratings. Because of that, the bags come mostly- but not always- in a mummy shape bag. This is the shape of bag that retains the most body heat. For the bags that do not use natural down as an insulator, The North Face uses Heatshield Optimal Technology and Polarguard in their construction. This synthetic insulation offers a great warmth-to-weight ratio, the ability to compress well and will remain extremely durable all the while. These insulators are considered by some to be lighter and efficient, thermally speaking. They do not shift as much and leave room for cold spots in the bag.

Once inside the unit, campers will be further protected by waterproof shells, overlapping shingle construction and a lined zipper column. The bags are designed to fit any sized camper and women’s and child’s fits can be easily found. The women’s fit has just the right amount of space for female shoulder and hip proportion as well as length. A handy feature is the ability to zipper to bags together at a time. This useful option creates a larger sleeping space and can also be used at times when extreme weather conditions require extra body heat for campers to stay comfortable.

Comfortable and efficient features on the North Face sleeping bag further increase its value to a hikers and campers. These include:

* Vaulted footboxes that offer a good amount of ergonomic comfort for tired hikers
* Oversized down-filled draft tubes to block out chilly drafts
* Easy one-hand pull cord for making trouble-free hood adjustments
* No snag glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls
* Head-level watch pockets
* Safe kid features, like easy-grab zippers and no elastic or cords in the head or neck area

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Tent Ratings

Tent names usually include a seasonal and occupancy rating. Warm weather, or 1- season, tents are for summer use when good ventilation is a major requirement; however, many 1-season tents won’t keep you dry during a heavy rain. 3-season tents are the most versatile, providing good ventilation and protection against heavy rain and light snow. 4-season tents utilize sturdier fabric and poles and can withstand high winds and heavy snow. When you rent a camping tent for winter use, consider a convertible. These winter tents convert into 3-season tents through the removal of panels. Tent ratings also include weight, an important consideration if you’re backpacking. If you don’t like sleeping snugly, rent a tent with an occupancy rating one person higher than the number of people who’ll be sharing the tent.

Rental Logistics

When you rent a camping tent at a local store, look at availability far in advance of your trip to ensure they have the model you want; the selection may be limited. When you rent from a chain, you can pick up the tent at a local outlet or a store near the campsite. Use the store’s web site to determine whether the model you need is available at a convenient location. You can also rent your camping tent from vendors specializing in direct online rental. These vendors often have a larger selection than gear stores that focus primarily on equipment sales. They’ll ship the tent directly to your door, but you’ll have to repack it and ship it back after the trip. Camping tents are also available at camp stores and gear outlets at popular parks and trailheads and as option at private or concessionaire-run campsites where site fees and equipment rental can be combined into vacation packages.

Long before you need to rent your camping tent, check on the vendor’s reservation (or shipping-time) requirements and cancellation policies. Some vendors will add a cleaning fee if you return a tent dirty or wet.

Personal Style

When you rent a camping tent, you can opt for creature comforts and space or for a minimalist style. When you’re backpacking or spending most of your time hiking, climbing, fishing or kayaking, a utilitarian tent may suffice. When you’re car camping or spending time with family and friends around the campsite, a more spacious tent may be more convenient. When you rent a camping tent, you always have the luxury of selecting the exact model you need for the people, the season, the weather and the trip.

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Those in the market for a camping sleeping bag should first consider the geography of the location they will be camping and its weather. Cold and windy environments will of course require a heavier and more protective sleeping bag than an environment that is warmer and dryer. Moisture is also an aspect that deserves consideration, as certain materials such as natural down, lose their insulating properties when wet. Any chance for moisture such as rain, even humidity, should be considered in choosing a camping sleeping bag.

The material of a camping sleeping bag is important in that the ability to keep or vent body heat will be central to achieving a good night’s rest- something that most people don’t realize is an important aspect of enjoying the outdoors. Natural down or synthetic insulations both have their own pro’s and cons as does the shell lining of each camping sleeping bag. Natural insulation is great against cold windy environments while synthetic insulations still do their job even when wet. Nylon shells are extremely durable yet don’t provide as much protection against cold winds as microfiber, a material that can make a sleeping bag more costly. Cotton breathes better than both fabrics but is heavy. These aspects alone are why every camper needs to research which kind of bag they need.

The shape of a camping sleeping bag should also be considered as each shape has its own properties that contribute to the comfort of a camper’s sleep. A rectangular bag leaves much air space around a camper’s body that must be warmed. However, these types of bags can be zippered together to create a large family bed. A mummy bag fits snugly on a camper. This bag is typically used by the more serious camper in a colder environment; and those who prefer to be able to move around while they sleep probably would not like this type of bag. A tapered sleeping bag that is wide at the shoulders and narrow at the feet provides much warmth and is very light. It is not as restrictive as the mummy bag but provides less movement than a rectangular sleeping bag. A sleeping bag liner inserted into a bag can be easily washed and extend the lifespan of any sleeping bag by years.

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State parks, while less well known to many tourists, provide an even more impressive number of locations for tent camping in California. The state manages 270 park units with almost 15,000 camp sites and 3,000 miles of trails on 1.4 million acres of land. Swimming, fishing and boating enthusiasts will find tent camping opportunities along some 280 miles of coastline and 625 miles of lake and river frontage.

The web site for the California Department of Parks and Recreation provides easy-to-find details, descriptions and directions to tent camping locations throughout the state park system at: http://www.parks.ca.gov/ . Here, you’ll find such gems for your tent camping in California trip as Andrew Molera State Park (SP) in the Big Sur, Benbow Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) on the Eel River, Castle Crag SP on the Sacramento River, Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP on the Smith River, and Silverwood Lake SRA on the 2,650-mile Pacific Coast Trail.

If you prefer tent camping near a convenient city or within a favorite environment (desert, forest, lake, mountain, ocean, river), search for campsites and related recreational activities within one of California’s twelve geographical regions:

* Shasta/Cascade Trinity (Alturas, Chico, Redding)
* North Coast (Crescent City, Eureka, Sonoma)
* Central Valley (Bakersfield, Fresno, Sacramento)
* Gold Country (Jackson, Nevada City, Sonora)
* High Sierra (Bridgeport, Mariposa, Tahoe City)
* San Francisco Bay (Napa, San Francisco, San Jose)
* Central Coast (Carmel, Monterey, Big Sur)
* Deserts (Barstow, Needles, Palm Springs)
* Los Angeles County (Burbank, Long Beach, Los Angeles)
* Inland Empire (Hemet, San Bernardino, Temecula)
* Orange County (Anaheim, Hunting Beach, Mission Viejo)
* San Diego County (Carlsbad, La Jolla, San Diego)

Federal, State and privately owned campgrounds very widely throughout these diverse regions, from those with primitive facilities to others with showers, restrooms, camp stores, laundry rooms, and visitor centers. Note that many sites have occupancy limits and require reservations. A little advance research will help make tent camping in California a memorable adventure in the spirit of old John Muir and your new explorations throughout the “Golden State.”

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The beauty of an inflating camping tent is not only that it requires practically no effort to set up and dismantle but also that this can be done at any time. Even if you reach your camping destination after dark, the inflating camping tent will set itself up and be ready in seconds for you to stow your gear and relax. Inflating camping tents have no additional parts that risk being broken or lost and they fold down for compact storage. Their simple design also makes them a very affordable option for camping in all kinds of vacations, from the beach to backpacking.

The inflating camping tent design works by having inflatable tent poles already built into it. Therefore, it only requires you to unpack it and attach a source of air to the built-in valve. The tent and the air source require only a small amount of storage space and fit easily into any car or other vehicle. Air sources can include:

* Air-compressor – anything that inflates car tires will work
* Air tank – can be filled at any gas station air pump
* Air-exchanger
* CO2 dispenser – a more expensive option but has many other uses
* Diving tank – perfect for the scuba diving camper!

You can even use a bicycle pump to set up your inflating camping tent – it just requires a little more effort.

All the inflation methods above are safe and environmentally friendly. Inflating camping tents are also designed so that cannot be overfilled. Once they reach optimum pressure the valves prevent overfilling. When the tent is inflated, all you need to do is stake it to the ground if the weather seems a little windy!

Deflating the tent is just as easy as inflating it. In fact, the whole process is as simple as that of an airbed. Once you release the valve, the air will escape and you can roll up the tent and store it.

A good inflating camping tent is lightweight and durable. The design tends to be domed rather than walled, for ease of set-up. Don’t forget that a good quality sleeping mat and sleeping bag are essential for making the most of your camping experience. Sleeping pads and bag liners will ensure a good night’s sleep, as will a proper outdoor sleeping bag. Make sure to buy a bag that is appropriate for the coldest expected outside temperatures.

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A military sleeping bag that has the Military Specification Modular Sleep System (MSS) comes with the following features:

* A temperature rating of 50F to -30F
* A Patrol bag made of water resistant nylon that offers a temperature rating of 50F to 30F
* An Intermediate bag for colder weather made of water-proof nylon that offers a temperature rating of 30F to -10F.
* The ability to combine both the Patrol and Intermediate bags for greater protection and warmth for a temperature rating of -30F
* Stuff sack with compression straps to reduce the size of the pack
* Gore-Tex Bivy sack to help protect from intense weather changes or climates
* Polyester filament insulation
* Insulated draft tube
* Snap closure system for integrating units

A military sleeping bag that has the Variable Component Sleep System (VCSS) comes with the following features:

* A temperature rating of 30F to -30F
* A Delta bag, made of water resistant nylon that offers a temperature rating of 30F
* A Gamma bag for colder weather made of water-proof nylon that offers a temperature rating of 30F to -10F
* The ability to combine both the Delta and Gamma bags with the waterproof bivy sack for greater protection and warmth
* A bug protector made of mesh for enhanced protection and comfort to ensure a good night’s rest
* Polyguard insulation for the best in warmth and comfort
* Construction that does away with cold spots
* A ’secondary closure system’ that allows a speedy way in and out during brisk weather that can be worked even when wearing big bulky gloves
* Large rectangular footbox that allows the camper to leave their boots on
* Insulated draft tube
* A compression stuff sack to keep the pack conveniently small

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One of the most important things to consider when looking at a tent for camping is where you plan to use it. In the US, camping tents are generally divided into two categories; three season and four season. As the names imply, three season tents are made to be used in only three of the seasons – spring through fall. They are not made of materials and construction elements that make them useful in the colder climates during the winter. If you plan to do winter camping or even cold altitude camping in warmer climates, then you would want to look for a four season tent.

Secondly, the tent you select depends on the number of people that you want to have in your tent or tents. If you are alone, then obviously you won’t need as much space as if you need to fit a family of six into your tent for camping. Plus, you may want to consider dividing your group into separate tents. Or, if you prefer, you can still have some privacy for the people in your group while camping under one ‘roof’ by purchasing a tent that has flaps which act as dividers inside the tent in order to create 2 or more interior ‘rooms.’ Also consider the activities that you’ll be doing inside the tent. If it’s going to be used just for sleeping, then that would mean you’d need less room and less height than if you plan to need to walk around inside the tent.

Tent fabric is important because it determines your protection from the elements as well as the weight of the tent for camping. Cotton gets heavier when it’s wet, so most tents are made from nylon and polyester blend now. Checking the ‘hydrostatic head’ that is labelled on the tent for camping tells you how waterproof the tent will be. The higher the number, the better. You can increase the weather resistance of a tent if it has more than one ’sheet’ or layer. These layers are also called ’skins’ and stretch down around the tent and funnelling water away from the roof. You should also invest in a good ground sheet to reinforce the tent for camping and protect it from rips, tears and wear, as well as to keep the groundwater away from you.

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Sleeping bag liners can be made of a myriad of materials, such as cotton, silk or polyester; and depending on the type of fabric, they can raise the temperature inside a bag anywhere from 5-10 degrees. This can be a handy addition for those nights with an unexpected drop in temperature; or to gussy up a bag that may be too light for the environment it’s in. Aside from the ability to raise temperatures inside the bag, sleeping bag liners also prolong the life of a sleeping bag by protecting it from dirt, odors and body oils which can collect on the bag itself, prompting the need for it to be washed. The less a sleeping bag is washed, the longer it will last.

For cold weather climates, sleeping bag liners made of fleece can provide just the right amount of extra protection. Fleece has an amazing ability to trap warm air and body heat. When used in conjunction with other insulators, it offers the ability to raise the temperature inside the bag quite well. For those who have a tendency to ’sleep cold’, this is an excellent way to bolster their bag and ensure a comfortable night’s rest. Although it can add a few degrees cotton sleeping bag liners are more for moderate temperatures. Cotton’s ability to absorb moisture and body oils can prolong the life of a sleeping bag. As it is considered a poor conductor of heat, sleeping bag liners made of silk work best in hot climates, wicking away moisture and keeping things nice and comfortable. At the end of the trip, the bags get put away and the liners are washed.

Sleeping bag liners are made to fit every shape of sleeping bag there is, from rectangle to tapered and even mummy bags. Sleeping bag liners can work very well by themselves at times and are typically very small and light to carry. This is a piece of camping gear that is very handy to have as it serves more than one purpose, is light and takes up little or no room. While some opt to buy sleeping bag liners at a specialized camping gear store, some opt to find the right material and make their own!

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3. Choosing Quality Equipment: The Mountain Hardwear Sleeping Bag

A Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag comes with both synthetic and natural down insulation. Down is typically a mixture of goose feathers and is not only known for being light but for its amazing ability to trap warm air. Synthetic insulations in Mountain Hardwear bags like Polarguard Delta, Thermolite Extra and Thermic CF offer hollow filaments that also capture warm air and compresses nicely into a stuff sack. The materials are incredibly light; a bonus for the camper and hiker on the go. Each material provides a great level of comfort and protection as does the waterproof materials that are use to construct the shell of the Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag. Airy, breathable materials allow for a consistent level of bodyheat throughout the night.

The sarcophagus shape of a Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag is the best for cold weather as it retains body heat more efficiently than other shapes. It also uses less material than a rectangular bag and therefore takes up less room- even with the extra insulation in foot areas and across the chest. Those who choose a Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag will also find these extra features make the unit more comfortable and efficient:
* Insulated draft collar that will seal in bodyheat from the neck down
* Draw cords that can be adjusted with one hand on the hood and collar
* Insulated draft tube that runs the length of the bag to block cold breezes
* Face gaskets for sealing in warm air around the face
* Snag-proof zippers
* Women’s cut that provides for female proportions in the hip and shoulder area
* Can be professionally cleaned but is machine washable (special instructions and suggestions apply)

Adding a Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag certainly makes a statement about becoming a serious camper or hiker and many find that it becomes an irreplaceable part of their camping collection.

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2. Going with the Best: The North Face Sleeping Bag
3. Quality Gear: The Backside Sleeping Bag

Camping tents for families start as small as those that are created for 2 or three people and can get virtually as large as you would like them to be. However, most camping tents for families are manufactured to sleep up to 10 people or fewer. Yet you need to understand just what the manufacturer considers those sleeping arrangements would look like. In most cases, family sleeping tents that are listed as sleeping any number of people would require that those people sleep directly next to each other and in alternating directions. In other words, a six person tent means that one person would sleep with his head next to the next person who is turned 180 degrees so that his feet are next to the first person’s head and vice versa. The remaining people would sleep similarly. So if you want a little extra breathing room, then look for camping tents for families that claim to sleep a higher capacity than what you actually need.

However, you don’t have to be limited to sleeping this way in camping tents for families. Now, many of these tents come with flaps that fold down into main area of the tent in order to create separate ‘rooms’ within the tent. They can be rolled up during the day time to create a large common living area and then put down at night to allow privacy for different members of your group.

Camping tents for families can also use space creatively in other ways. Many of them have optional ‘rooms’ that can be zipped on in order to expand you useable space in the tent. For example, you can zip on a screened in porch if the bugs are getting too bad to eat outdoors. Or, you can zip on a flap that will give you shade to eat under on other days.
Some tents have features such as zip down flaps that create screen covered windows or skylights so that you can get good ventilation while inside.

A quick word of warning when you are considering purchasing a family tent. Remember that the more living space that you are purchasing, the more weight that you are also committing yourself to carrying. So just be sure that if you plan to use a large tent that you are using a car to transport it to the camping site, or that it is compact and light enough that you can manage it while hiking.

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3. Family Camping Tents May Not Hold Entire Family

Since a Backside sleeping bag is especially designed to keep campers and hikers incredibly warm in the coldest of climates, synthetic and natural insulations are used in their products with a fill power of 700-750 or more. Bags with this high of a fill power are ultra-toasty, more durable and last longer. A Backside sleeping bag can also be counted on to be amazingly light and compact even with the extra insulation added to the chest and footbox of the sleeping bag. A draft tube that runs the length of the sleeping bag will help to keep out a chilly draft and many of the models come with an adjustable draft collar that creates a seal keeping body heat in and cold drafts out. Models that come with a parka style hood help to retain even more heat. The bag’s durable seams are places on the bottom to keep out chilly winds and compatible zippers allow bags to be joined together to make for a larger sleeping space, a necessary tactic in extremely cold weather conditions. Highly breathable fabrics add to the comfort.

A Backside sleeping bag can be found for all shapes and sizes, including children’s sizes and youth sizes. Each style gives all the necessary protection a camper could want. Many campers and hikers find that the features, fill power and the bag’s ability to compact as well as it does make the Backside sleeping bag worth every penny. The fact these bags can last for many seasons with proper care only increases their value even more. Other cold weather sleeping bags may offer similar features but Backside continues to deliver at a much better price, even if the bag is used only from time to time throughout the year. However, extensive use shows that this is a product that can take the wear and tear of a camping or hiking trip in cold climates and come out extremely well with no problems whatsoever.

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Camping tent trailers offer a reasonably inexpensive alternative to a traditional Recreational Vehicle and can be towed by almost any type of car, SUV or truck. For the level of comfort and space they provide, camping tent trailers can be stored compactly and are easy to assemble, some even taking less time to set up than a tent.

Taking a camping tent trailer on vacation means that you don’t have to deal with problems such as rain-sodden or cold ground, but you still have the pleasing sense of being in a tent, enjoying the outdoor environment. The tent trailer has a solid, off-ground floor and built-in windows which enhance the feeling of spaciousness. The variety of options in style and accessories for today’s tent trailers is almost bewildering. All are waterproof and relatively secure, but you can choose models with flexible canvas or even with solid walls, meaning that you can indulge in a little more luxury than traditional camping provides.

Camping tent trailers have generous sleeping space. They offer a minimum of two double beds, often with extra space to convert the dining area into another bed. They are also equipped with facilities ranging from basic stoves, sinks and refrigerators to fireplaces, dishwashers, dryers and even hot tubs. The sky really is the limit. Many companies offer detailed floor plans on their websites so that you can browse in comfort before you buy. Keep in mind that the camping tent trailer does need to be set up once you reach your destination, so try balancing the equipment options against the ease and speed with which the tent can be erected and dismantled. You should also consider safety requirements. The more cooking facilities, air conditioning and other electrical appliances you have the more you need to think about guarding against potential hazards these might cause. However, many styles of camping tent trailers already come equipped with fire extinguishers and other safety features.

The cost of a camping tent trailer ranges from about $3,000 – $15,000. Some camping purists might balk at the level of home-style conveniences available with a camping tent trailer but it’s all about your personal preference. If being able to relax in a hot tub or cook a meal with ease matter to you while on your outdoor adventure, why not choose the accessories that are important to your needs? Camping no longer needs to be about deprivation!

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