Tents and Survival

Years ago, a few weeks after my high school graduation, some family friends invited me and my best friend to go on their annual camping trip with them. No, it wasn’t a “survival” trip to start out with, but, what an adventure it turned out to be! I did not personally own much camping gear, but, country born and raised, I didn’t require much. Many nights under a make-shift sheet-tent in the back yard, or family gatherings when kids slept in one lump on blankets on the floor were the stuff dreams were made of, as far as I was concerned. The Texas Hill Country, where I was born, felt like home, and this graduation gift was a major thrill to my young years.

We were a group of 10, 2 adults and the rest of us dreamy eyed, hard playing, fun loving teenagers with insatiable appetites. This was the 15^th year this family had camped at this summer hot spot. Their gear was well worn, but they knew how to set up a camp and do it quickly and efficiently. The problem was, if you can call it a problem, that their gear was getting a little outdated. The tent we stayed in was a huge, cabin type, canvas tent, designed for basic shelter, but not much else. My instructions had been to bring my own cot, which I did not have. I borrowed a sort of fold-out lawn chair that I thought would be just the thing. Most of the others had those old-timey canvas cots with wooden frames that aren’t usually seen anymore outside of an Army Surplus store or antique/junk shop.

One fabulous week of lazing in the river, cooking on the Coleman stove and open fire, drinking the best coffee in the world, climbing the hills and just loving life left me in dread of returning home and dealing with what I was going to do with the rest of my life. This, THIS is what I wanted to do with the rest of my life! And then it rained. And it rained. And it rained. At first it was a lovely sound, and the fresh breeze was exhilarating. But, as we each took our turns getting up to wonder at the beauty of the rain, we realized that the canvas tent was not totally waterproof. Each time we touched the canvas it drew water in. Before we knew it the drip, drip, drip from the roof was like a torture chamber. Survival? I was not sure I was going to survive that night. Within an hour we were soaked, along with all of our spare clothes and bedding. No sleep, no fire to curl up beside took its toll. I thought I was tough. I found out a thing or two about myself and Mother Nature.

We did make it through the night, though. The sky was clear, and it took very little time for us to hang all of our wet things out to dry. We were lucky. Our camp was far enough away from the river that we did not loose anything to the flood. Others were not so lucky, though. At a camp right on the banks one car washed away along with the tent and most other equipment. But that’s a story for another day.

Well, the days of the heavy, leaking canvas tent are far behind, but the days of Mother Nature infusing herself into our daily activities are never absent. Shelters and tents now come in every shape and size for a multitude of needs. So, the first thing to do when considering the purchase of a tent is to drill down to the basic core. Why is the tent needed? What is the purpose? Where will it be used? How many people will need the tent? Oh! There are just so many questions to ask before making a decision. Whether it’s for a one-night solo getaway, a full family vacation trip or preparation for that “be prepared for anything” survival scenario, there is a tent to fit the purpose.

Different tents for different purposes and situations

Some essential tents for outdoor survival adventures!

The first tent on the list is the Grizzly Gear emergency Thermal tent. This tent is one of those that we might all want to have stowed away for just such an occasion. Constructed of reflective mylar, it can possibly sleep two, repels wind and water and utilizes body heat for warmth. This little “tent” has a wide variety of uses ranging from ground blanket, shelter, distress signal and rainwater collector, just to name a few. Lightweight, inexpensive and versatile makes this a no brainer as an addition to an outdoor supply collection.

On the other end of the spectrum is The Core Instant tent complete with led built in lights. This tent at 11 X 9 ft and 72 inches high sleeps 6 and is built for warm climates. H20 Block technology, built-in vents and water-resistant seams make this a great choice for family or large group needs. The built-in poles facilitate easy set up and the wall organizers make this tent a good choice. The only thing not supplied is the D cell batteries for the lights. This tent is an excellent choice when a lengthy stay is required, even if it is for one or two people. Survival in the woods, beach or riverside does not have to be uncomfortable. This tent could serve as a convenient home away from home if need be.

A choice for any situation is the Big Agnes Blacktail and Blacktail Hotel. This option is all season designed and is lightweight but sturdy. It is actually a 2-room design that sleeps up to 3 people. This tent is an excellent choice for those with animals that need to share the shelter. Though roomy, it weighs only 5.9 lbs. and folds down to 21.7 inches, a possibility for backpack carry. The design helps to keep out whatever weather Mother Nature sends but offers comfort for you and your gear for short- or long-term duration.

Defying Mother Nature in a survival situation is not easy, but it can be attempted in the Crua outdoor duo combo. This insulation lined tent can help to keep the residents cool in hot temperatures, but also warm during cold weather. The insulation of this 2-person tent is designed not only to regulate temperatures but to provide noise and light control also. The materials are high quality and tents are built to last. The same style comes in a 3-person size in the event more space is needed. This tent is a little heavier and larger to carry, but in a cold, survival situation, this might be the best option.

There are scads of other tents out there from which to choose. We’ll get back to tents another time and review more options. In the meantime, check out these mentioned and see what you think.

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