 |
        |  |
 |
|
| |
|
There are many types of tents, from small backpacking tents to common dome tents to huge family-sized tents. The type of tent you own depends on your personal and family camping habits. Dome tents that sleep from two to three are most common in Troop 990. We encourage Scouts to share tents to minimize the number of tents used and the amount of ground occupied by the tents.
A tent should keep you dry. A waterproof floor should preferably extend four to six inches up the wall to keep the floor seam off the ground. A rainfly is essential. The lower it extends towards the ground, the more it will protect the inside tent wall, and the people inside, from rain.
The more mesh ventilation instead of solid nylon in the inside wall, the better air ventilation and the cooler the inside of the tent will be. The more people sleeping inside the tent, the warmer the inside will be. Campers in Central Texas will benefit from a three-season tent with better ventilation instead of the warmer four-season tents.
Lightweight tents are nice for backpacking trips. These tents weigh about four pounds and sleep two. Their poles are aluminum to save weight. Good, inexpensive tents are normally larger, heavier and have fiberglass poles. These are great for car camping because they give you more room inside for changing clothes and playing cards. I recall one used at Philmont: a 7-foot by 9-foot dome that weighed nine pounds and slept three. That is not a bad weight for three people.
Because we encourage tent sharing, a Scout does not need a tent immediately when he joins Scouting. He can share a tent until he is ready to own and maintain his own tent. This is a good opportunity to wait for a birthday or Christmas present.
Why doesn't the Troop provide tents? Tents require maintenance: cleaning and drying after a campout and occasional seam sealing. It is important that Scouts learn how to properly maintain their tent. The problem with Troop tents is that they get uneven maintenance and Scouts do not learn how to take care of them. Personal tents allow Scouts to purchase the type of tent they like the most and to get the experience maintaining them.
This web site is designed and maintained entirely by the members of Troop 990. Please send comments and suggestions to webmaster. This site is always in development and will grow with time.
 |
Troop 990 Privacy and Acceptable Use Policy | 
|