*Your tent is the most important piece of equipment for your campout as it provides you shelter from the weather, bugs and animals. You want a tent that is light and durable. Remember that this is your home away from home so you want comfort and a safe haven. Consider the following factors:

1. How many people- this will determine size and shape. A good rule to follow is to add two people to the number of people that plan to camp with you. This way you have plenty of room for gear. Dome tents are most popular as have head room and provide strength in windy weather. A-frame tents have good ventilation but less roomy at the top. Umbrella style tents are more spacious on the floor and top for large families and have great ventilation.

2. season: for spring, summer, fall (have mosquito or "no see-um" netting for warm weather ventilation)

3. season: for winter (may have extra poles for stability and thicker panels for durability)

*Most tents have rain flys that fit over the top of the tent for rain protection. It should go half way down the sides of the tent and have guy lines to attach to bottom of tent.

*Most tents have tub floors which is a heavy duty waterproof material that lines the floor of the tent and goes up the wall about 4-6 inches before it is sewn into the wall. This keeps your tent from getting wet from leaks around the ground.

*Consider the ease of putting up your tent. Dome tents are the easiest but most tents have color coding to help with easy setup.

*Lighter color tents are more suitable for warmer weather. Darker colors will absorb heat from the sun so are best for colder seasons.

*Always use a floor saver or footprint under your tent to protect the floor from rocks and twigs. Make sure the edges are tucked under your tent so that rain water will not run under your tent.

Remember to always dry out your tent before storing to prevent mildew.