Scout Skills

Types of 0845 300 1818

known as an 'A' frame). More commonly, the INFORMATION SHEET upright at the back is lower than at the entrance making access easier, and yet allowing for movement. Most ridge tents that are sold (with Tents are the most expensive part of the exception of the patrol outlined above) equipment. A good tent is an investment which, are made of a lightweight nylon material and it is with care, lasts many years. There are many because of their lighter weight that they can be different types of tents on the market, each made used for backpacking as they take up a very for a specific purpose. It helps to know what small amount of space when folded. They are these different types of tents are, so that you can often found as one, two or three person tents choose the best tent for the situation. usually consisting of an outer tent and an inner one, with a sewn-in groundsheet. There are usually two main purposes for tents within Scouting; firstly, there is the traditional standing Troop camp which normally uses the large, heavyweight patrol tents which sleep up to six people and, secondly, lightweight one, two or three person tents ideal for smaller camps and expeditions where the tents need to be carried in or on rucsacs.

There are seven main types and shapes of tent: Bell Tent – This has a single upright pole in the Patrol tent - This is the tent most commonly used centre of the tent, and is then guyed out from it. for Scout camps. Made of a heavy canvas There are very few lightweight bell tents material, it is particularly robust and hard- available, most are made from the same heavy wearing. It is a very basic tent with none of the canvas as the patrol tent. The groundsheet is added extras that come with none of the added not sewn into this tent. (Many of the ridge tents, extras that come with more modern and have a 'bell end', which means a curved back to lightweight tents, and has been made in this style the tent, to allow for the storage of equipment.) for many years. It does not have a sew-in Bell tents are used less these days and tend to groundsheet so a separate one must be used. have been replaced by the dome tent. Patrol tents can sleep up to six people with kit and because of its size, normally requires at least three people to erect it. Technically it could be considered as a ridge tent as it has a horizon- tal pole going across the top of the tent.

Tunnel tent - It is made up of two or more hoops along its length, giving the appearance of a fabric tunnel. These hoops are of equal size, and usually this tent does not have a set front end. This is a lightweight tent with a large Ridge tent - This tent, as mentioned above, is working area inside. There are various tunnel any tent which has a horizontal pole going across tents that will sleep from one to six people, and the top. The upright poles that support it may be the outer layer can be of many weights of a single upright pole, or two sloping poles (also canvas.

1/5 Scout Skills Types of Tents Ó The Scout Association 2000 – Item code: FS315086 (Format Revision Aug 2000) The Scout Association, Information Centre, Gilwell Park, Bury Road, Chingford, London E4 7QW. Email: [email protected] Website www.scoutbase.org.uk Direct: 020 8498 5400 Local rate call: 0845 300 1818 Fax: 020 8498 5407 provide a small Patrol with a self-contained unit at camp.

Hoop tent - This is a cross between the tunnel and the ridge tent with a single hoop at the entrance and an upright pole at the far end. Having no ridge pole means that the tent takes up less space, but it is less rigid. The advantage is that these tents can offer less resistance to the wind, and have a better access area to get in and Tricks of the trade out of. The hoop tent is usually a small tent and is used for lightweight camping and expedition When buying a tent - remember to minus one work, and would normally sleep from one to person from the manufacturer's three people. recommendations. So, a two person tent would be comfortable for one with kit, a three person tent, would be comfortable for two with kit and so on.

Further information

Outdoor equipment suppliers such as Camping Dome tent - This tent looks a little like a bubble and Outdoor Centres will usually help you with and its design has only been possible with the any queries that you may have about types of introduction of strong flexible materials. It tents, and many of their catalogues have consists of several hoops going across the tent in information sections that help to describe the different directions; this shape means that with various features and uses for each type of tent. no corners, sharp edges or flat surfaces, these dome-shaped designs are better at shedding If you are considering using or buying a tent, water and standing up in high winds. These tents speak with Leaders in the Group or District about are usually used for lightweight camping and different types available. They may be able to walking and are made of lightweight materials give you some hints and tips on what they have rather than a heavy grade canvas. purchased and what to look for.

Resources

Scout Camping - The Scout Association (available from the Scout Information Centre). SCOUTING Magazine Training Chart SP6 (Tents).

Frame tent - This tent is considered to be a larger, 'family tent' and, not surprisingly, is used by families for camping holidays. As the name suggests, it is comprised of a basic frame which is built first and then covered with the canvas. They are fairly bulky when packed away, but when erected take on the appearance of a small chalet, with an inner sleeping area that is at the back, a large area in the front for cooking and relaxing, unlike all other tents where this is very minimal. Due to this size and shape, it can often

2/5 Scout Skills Types of Tents Ó The Scout Association 2000 – Item code: F315086 (Format Revision Aug 2000) The Scout Association, Information Centre, Gilwell Park, Bury Road, Chingford, London E4 7QW. Email: [email protected] Website www.scoutbase.org.uk Direct: 020 8498 5400 Local rate call: 0845 300 1818 Fax: 020 8498 5407 TEACH YOURSELF Can you do it? Check. how you are doing and see how many of the following you can answer: Tents come in all shapes and sizes for a variety of different purposes and great care needs to be Can I list seven main types of tent? € taken in finding the right tent for the right Can I describe the sort of occasion that they purpose. You will need to have read the might be used for? € Information Sheet about the specific types, if you Can I state the things to consider when buying or have not already done so. selecting a tent? € Time and equipment So you want more? This will depend upon the method chosen but in Visit camps of other Troops within the District. the case of tents, it's easier to go to them, rather See what tents they are using. than bringing them to you! Speak with camping and tent suppliers and/or Learning all about it obtain various catalogues to find out about the current developments and availability of tents. There is no substitute for actually looking at, and examining different types of tents to understand their advantages and disadvantages. Indeed, sleeping and living in a tent will provide you with first hand knowledge of the tents.

There are several options for finding out about the different types of tent available: · Spend some time at a camp and identify and examine the variety of tents that are in use. · Visit a camping exhibition with displays of different types. Examine them, inside and out, and ask questions. · Speak to the Quartermaster of a Scout Group who has a variety of tents that they can show you and discuss the merits of. · Obtain camping catalogues which list and describe different tents. Compare the details of each type.

You may like to have some or all of the following questions in the back of your mind when looking at different types of tent:

Is it easy to put up - in calm weather? - in wet and windy weather? Is it light to carry for backpacking? Is it easy to get in and out of? Will it withstand a lot of 'wear and tear'? Is it easy to get replacement parts? Is it appropriate for the purpose or use you have in mind? Is it designed to withstand the most severe of weather conditions (if necessary)? Has it sufficient space inside? How much does it cost?

3/5 Scout Skills Types of Tents Ó The Scout Association 2000 – Item code: F315086 (Format Revision Aug 2000) The Scout Association, Information Centre, Gilwell Park, Bury Road, Chingford, London E4 7QW. Email: [email protected] Website www.scoutbase.org.uk Direct: 020 8498 5400 Local rate call: 0845 300 1818 Fax: 020 8498 5407 If it is possible, arrange a visit to a camping HOW TO TRAIN OTHERS exhibition or local camping supplier. If contacted, a camping equipment supplier may be interested in coming along to you and putting up This section is designed to give some practical examples of different tents. ideas about how you can help other people to find out about types of tents. This might be Have a go at one or more of the training games Leaders or Scouts - either in an informal way on outlined below. As there is little factual a Troop night or more formally on a skills information to put across, there is no reason why workshop, training course or something similar. these should not be introduced early on.

Objectives Training games

By the end of the session, participants will be · Using previously pitched (put up) tents, and able to: with participants in small groups, the session I. Identify seven main different types of leader specifies a type of tent and one tent; € person from each group has to run to the II. Describe the possible uses for each of appropriate tent. The first person to correctly the above named tents; € identify the tent gets a point. III. State the features to look for when · Devise a wordsearch or anagram type puzzle selecting a tent. € which includes different types of tents and /or their uses. Time · In small groups, give participants a selection of scenarios for which they have to decide This will vary depending on whether constructing what type of tent would be most appropriate. tents or just looking at some already up, and on · Have a selection of different types of tents the training method and games chosen. available, not pitched. Ask participants, in However, 30-60 minutes will probably be small groups, to erect each of them, discuss sufficient to introduce the different types of tents their features, advantages and and discuss their uses. disadvantages, and to take them down again. After all the groups have done this, Equipment each group should then give a short report back on what they have found. Again this will depend upon the method chosen, but it is possible that you will require an example Alternatively, the putting up and taking of each tent and current camping equipment down could be done in groups, but this time catalogues if you are not visiting a camp or against the clock. exhibition. · This game requires a bit more planning - Training methods take a selection of photographs of different tents, some of which should make it obvious The most effective way of familiarising what the tent is, whilst others should be participants with the different types of tents taken from unusual angles and from inside of available is for them to see the tents for them! Get Members to guess what type of themselves. In an ideal situation, there should tent they are. be a display of each type of tent for participants to look at and, better still, an opportunity for them Checking their progress to sleep and live in and to find out first hand their advantages and disadvantages. A camp situation Ask participants if they can answer the following is, therefore, ideal for this, although this is not, of questions: course, always possible. Can I list seven main types of tent? € Here are some alternatives: Can I describe the sort of occasion that they might be used for? € Using diagrams of various tents, ask participants, Can I state the sort of things to consider when either individually or in pairs, to name them and describe the uses of each. buying or selecting a tent? €

4/5 Scout Skills Types of Tents Ó The Scout Association 2000 – Item code: F315086 (Format Revision Aug 2000) The Scout Association, Information Centre, Gilwell Park, Bury Road, Chingford, London E4 7QW. Email: [email protected] Website www.scoutbase.org.uk Direct: 020 8498 5400 Local rate call: 0845 300 1818 Fax: 020 8498 5407 So they want to know more?

Learn how to pitch a variety of tents and in different weathers. (See Tent Pitching in this series).

Learn how to care for and repair tents.

Your notes on this session

5/5 Scout Skills Types of Tents Ó The Scout Association 2000 – Item code: F315086 (Format Revision Aug 2000) The Scout Association, Information Centre, Gilwell Park, Bury Road, Chingford, London E4 7QW. Email: [email protected] Website www.scoutbase.org.uk Direct: 020 8498 5400 Local rate call: 0845 300 1818 Fax: 020 8498 5407 Choose a Family/Base Camping Tent

Car camping with family or friends is a regular summer pastime for many of us. Whether the campground itself is the main attraction or it's simply your base camp for nearby activities, here's how to find the right home-away-from-home. Types of Family Tents

Tents that can sleep four or more campers comprise the "family" or "base camp" category. ( Backpacking tents are discussed separately.) Here are the basic design options:

• Cabin-style tents: These upright styles offer the easiest in/out access. Their near- vertical walls create much livable space, which is a nice advantage. Some models come with family-pleasing features such as room dividers and an awning (or a vestibule door that can be staked out as such). • Dome-style tents: The larger cousin of the classic backpacking domes, these offer superior strength and wind-shedding abilities, both of which you'll appreciate on a stormy night. They stand tall, but their walls have more of a slope which slightly reduces livable space. • Screen rooms and sun shelters: They usually cover the camp picnic table or are pitched for a day at the beach, though they can double as sleeping shelters if needed. With all-mesh walls, screen houses excel in warm conditions and keep occupants shielded from bugs, but not rain.

Weight is far less of a concern for a family camping tent than it is for a backpacking tent, as most family tents are carried only from car to . Shopping by Price

Family tents are sold at discount stores across the land, sometimes at amazingly low prices. Outdoor specialty stores, meanwhile, can carry models that can cost upwards of $500. They look about the same, so what's the big difference?

As is often the case, you get what you pay for. In calm weather, a bargain tent may serve you just fine—for a while. The real difference is the quality of materials, which tends to become apparent in bad weather or after your first few outings. Here are some tips to compare a tent's quality:

• Poles: Aluminum is stronger and more durable than fiberglass • Zippers: YKK zippers resist snagging and breaking better than others • Materials: Higher-denier fabric canopies and rainflies are more rugged than lower-denier ones. • Rainfly: A full-coverage fly offers better weather protection than roof-only styles. • Detailing: Guyout loops let you batten down the hatches in bad weather. • Floor design: Seam taping and higher-denier fabrics reduce the chance to leakage from below and from corners. Bottom line: If camping is an annual activity for your group, consider the long-term advantages of having a quality tent. Similarly, if you camp in areas where wind and storms are a threat, the same advice holds. Tent Setup and Livability

Headroom

This is listed as "peak height" on spec charts. If you like being able to stand up when changing clothes or just enjoy the airiness of a high ceiling, then look for a tall peak height.

Ease of Access

Does the tent have one door or two? What shape is the door, and how easy is it to zip open and shut? Cabin-style tents tend to shine in this area.

Ease of Setup

A tent's pole structure usually determines how easy or hard it is to pitch. Fewer poles allow faster setups. It's also easier to attach poles to clips than it is to thread them through "continuous" pole sleeves. Many tents offer a combination of both clips and short pole sleeves in an effort to balance strength, ventilation and setup ease.

Rainfly Coverage

A rainfly is a separate waterproof cover designed to fit over the roof of your tent. Two types are common. Roof-only rainflies are designed to cover mesh roofs, while relying on the tent's waterproof walls to block rain. Full-coverage rainflies offer far more dependable rain protection, but slightly reduce ventilation. In nice weather, you can always opt to skip the rainfly for stargazing and waking up with the sun.

Packed Size

How big is the tent when packed?

Ventilation

Mesh panels are often used in the ceiling, doors and windows. This allows views and enhances cross-ventilation to help manage condensation.

Freestanding

Virtually all family tents these days are freestanding. This means they do not require stakes to set up. The big advantage of this is that you can pick up a freestanding tent (like a huge beach ball) and move it to a different location prior to staking. You can also easily shake it out before you take it down.

Vestibule This shelter attaches to a tent for the purpose of storing your dusty boots or a keeping your daypack out of the rain. It can be either an integral part of the rainfly or an add-on item that's sold separately.

Interior Loops and Pockets

A lantern loop is often located at the top-center of the ceiling to allow you a handy place to hang your lantern. Gear loft loops on tent walls can be used to attach a mesh shelf (sold separately) in order to keep small items such as keys or a headlamp off of the tent floor, or to a attach a clothesline to air out wet items. Similarly, interior pockets can help keep your tent organized.

Guyout Loops

Higher-quality tents will include loops on the outside of the tent body for attaching guy lines. Guy lines allow you to batten down the hatches during high winds. Key Accessories

Footprint

A footprint is a custom-fitted groundcloth (sold separately) that goes under your tent floor. Tent floors can be tough, but rocks, twigs, grit and dirt eventually exact a toll. A footprint costs less to replace or repair than your tent itself. For a family tent that gets a lot of in/out foot traffic, this is especially useful.

Also, because footprints are sized to fit your tent shape exactly, they won't catch water like a generic groundcloth that sticks out beyond the floor edges. Water caught that way flows underneath your tent and can seep through even tiny holes in the floor fabric.

Gear Loft

Most tents come with a few attached pockets to let you keep small items off of the tent floor. A gear loft is an optional interior mesh shelf that can tuck a much greater volume of gear out of the way. Summary

Once you know what size tent you want, your biggest decision is really quality. For occasional outings in placid weather, an inexpensive tent might suffice. But if camping is a frequent summer activity for your crew, you'd be wise to invest in a quality tent to better ride out storms and provide years of dependable use.