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Everyone, it seems, has some enhanced desire for some particular piece of camp equipment. We will not even discuss the issue of guys who spend hours looking at the fishing tackle. For me? It’s tents. I think that is where the phrase – “CAMPING IS INTENSE” came from. Though I am pleased that I have reduced my inventory by half this year. So what I have left now is one Winter Alaknak with Stove Jack for Hot Tent Camping. I have one Summer Alaknak, one improved Outback Lodge for a Canoe Tripping Base Camp, one Extreme large Tee-Pee that I use when the spirit moves me, and one Orion Seven that I use for short canoe trips into the interior. Can I ask what kind of tent you use? I’m particularly interested in your rationale for the same. I figure if I can transfer the urge to purchase tents by looking at what other people use I could calm down and save a lot of bucks 🙂
Not to boast – but I think I have purchased just about every kind of tent in the marketplace at one time or another. I was at this camping show once with a Buddy and we had a salesman convinced that there was a two-story three man tent in existence. We told him how disappointed that his company didn’t have any on display because we were hoping to purchase one. He sheepishly apologized and said that he would look into it for us. [IF YOU ARE OUT THERE READING THIS OR A MEMBER OF THIS FORUM – I apologize for my rude behaviour.] To Curb My Enthusiasm [sounds like an old TV show] I ask myself a few questions – ONE – how often I’m I going to use this piece of equipment? TWO where I’m I going to use it? THREE – how often I’m I going to use it? FOUR – just how much I’m I prepared to pay AND is it really necessary? Sometimes I give my wallet to a Friend to save me from the temptation of “spenderitis”.
Photo: ND Alaknak Summer Tent taken at Tea Lake
I began paying closer attention to my attention after listening for years manufacturers tell me how great their products are. I don’t do that now. In fact, as soon as anyone tells me it’s the “best” I immediately have my back up. I’ve learned there is no best – in anything. It’s all a point of view. I know my tents because I spend time researching and examine the variables associated with a product. I’m not looking for perfection but you better have a concrete argument as to why I should buy.
It’s great to hear from folks on this forum. Autumn is now on us in this neck of the woods but the temperatures still remain high for this time of the year. This weekend is our HARVEST THANKSGIVING a time we like to think that our citizens would give thanks for the many blessings they have. I know that your holiday isn’t until November but I wish you a Happy Harvest Thanksgiving – anyway!
Pictures by ND
…is this a good time of year to be talking about tents again? Summer stock sales seem to be on everywhere and it makes it difficult for me to hang on to my credit card.
I have a tent for every situation that I would be camping in. Though I have a small, light tent for tripping/canoeing I moved into a larger tent that met my need for space and height. Because you are limited to the amount of weight you can cargo it was important to have all that I want yet at the same time accommodate the amount of inventory I bring. In view of that, I selected the Cabela’s Outback Tent.
I selected the 10 X 10 though there is a smaller and a larger one. This model permits good shelter in rainy conditions and affords the opportunity to stretch out in a chair and read a book. I can get up and walk around and exercise if need be.
So…what tent are you sporting these days?
At one time my inventory consisted of 12 tents. I would use them for a couple of years or so and then place them on the shelf and purchase a new one. A few years ago I began giving tents away, then I would purchase a new one. I’m down to a solid 5; the others I gave to a scout group who were excited to receive them.
I purchase about every three years. The next one will replace my winter Alaknak that has seen a good number of years service. Though there are other excellent models I fancy the Alaknaks. I’ve only had to replace my wood burning stove once because I follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on care.
As you know I always set up a base camp and then go into the interior with inventory suited for that kind of experience. I think I may have already shared my story about “Death a Tent”.
Very nice ! I admire the way you take Care of your equipment Dancer, I’m the Same way when it comes to my Hunting equipment. My Bow is about 7 or 8 years old my Old Bow is Still my Back Up and I actually hunted with it for 9 Seasons , I try and tell these young people if you take Care of what you have it will last for Years.
Right on huntaholic. When I instruct I always remind people, “If you take care of your equipment, it will take care of you!”
I know I’m very blest to have these wonderful opportunities to feed my hunger for the outdoors. Every one of us on this excellent website has similar feelings about their own experiences too.
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