the travel

Avoid camping in low places--Air flow gets stagnant and typically moisture settles more. Also, if it rains whilst your tent is up, there's a greater chance of water collecting when you're camped in a low lying area. Lastly, position your tent so that your head is uphill wherever you camp (seeing as most locations are rarely ever flat).

Ventilation--It's better to face the tail of your tent into prevailing winds. This will maximize air flow.
Scrutinize the area--Check the area for sharp objects that may damage your tent before setting up camp.

Set Up-- Once your tent is set up, if you notice wrinkles running from one corner to the next (interior), this means that you've pulled the tent too tightly in that direction. Reposition the stakes until the floor evens out.

Looking Good--Last but certainly not least: If you've never set up your tent before, it's best to practice at home until you can do it in your sleep (bit of an exaggeration...but you know what I mean). This will save you any embarrassment later on in the 'Real World'.

Tent Care

Keep it dry-- Never store your tent when it's wet or damp! Consequences of forgetting this cardinal rule is mildew damage and tent stink. So, dry it after use (but not in direct sunshine).

Reduce condensation build up--Sometimes condensation may become a real issue, especially in certain types of tents. One of the ways to combat this, is to spray the outside of your tent with a product like ReviveX which beads up water so it rolls off the tent's surface (think of water rolling off a duck's back).
Ground Cloth--Use one. It will protect your tent bottom from protruding objects.

Sweep out your tent--accumulated dirt between your sleeping bag and the floor will gradually erode the tent floor.
Sunshine--Don't leave your tent in the sun for prolonged periods--ultra-violet rays damage the tent fabric and its waterproofing capabilities. If you can, set up in the shade.

Seams--Seal them all. In this particular case, water is not your friend. Keep it out!

Transporting your tent--Constantly folding your tent the same way will eventually cause creases that will compromise its weatherproofing and ultimately crack the fabric itself. Solution? Stuff it for transportation.

Packaging of your tent--The keyword here is "carefully" (assuming you have any concern about its lifespan). Poles dent, break, chip and cords stretch. Also bear in mind that poles and stakes can tear and poke holes in the tent fabric.

Tent Types

The following is not an indepth treatise of the types of tents available but rather a brief review.

Dome Tents

This type of tent has a rudimentary dome shape formed by inward curving walls that meet atop at the apex. Advantages: ample headroom and ability to sit upright. Disadvantages: Two pole design leaves a significant portion of unsupported tent material restricting this type of tent's use to moderate weather conditions.

Modified Dome Tents

Same as the dome tent with a few variations: addition of more poles plus cross-section rods, as well as tapered ends. Advantages: better able to withstand harsh weather and mounting wind levels.

Pyramid Tent

In essence this is little more than a waterproof tarp staked to the ground and draped over a central pole. Advantages: easy to set up. Disadvantages: it's sheer simplicity does not accommodate for the presence of bugs and other crawlies.

Tunnel Tent

As the name suggests this type of tent is designed in the shape of a tunnel. Usually the front has the most ceiling height (just enough to sit up) and tapers towards the rear. This tent type incorporates a single or dual pole design with the longer pole upfront. Advantages: Very lightweight. Disadvantages: Design type tends towards being cramped

The kind of backpack you bring will make a huge impact on your outdoor trips. Whether you prefer car camping, tent camping or plenty of hiking, the most important thing to remember is to choose a backpack that will fit your personal needs.

There are 3 main things to consider when choosing a backpack for camping and hiking - the capacity, the fit and the features.

Consider these factors when choosing the best backpack for camping and hiking:

Capacity

This pertains to the size of your pack, depending on how much you plan to carry and how long your trip is going to be. There are various types of camping or hiking backpacks, each designed for a different length of trip.

There's the Weekend Backpack which is typically good for short trips (1-3 nights) and for those who pack light. These can carry 30 to 50 liters. If you're not a light packer or your trip goes beyond a couple of days, you can opt for the Multi-Day Pack, good for up to 5 days and can carry up to 80 liters. This is a good choice for warm weather camping.

Lastly, there's the Extended-Trip Backpack which carries 70 liters or more and is ideal for trips that last more than 5 nights. A great choice for winter treks or families that camp/hike together.

Fit

To make sure that you are carrying the weight on your back comfortably, you should get a backpack that fits your body perfectly. Look for one that's appropriate for your torso length and has a snug grip on your hips. So when at the store, be sure that you have an idea what your torso length is and your waist size.

Features

Different models of outdoor packs offer different features. Make sure you choose one with features that you would find useful and would personally use. Some common useful features to look into include ventilation, the number of pockets, padding and attachment points. Some camping or hiking backpacks even offer cool features like a removable top lid, a sleeping bag compartment, a rain cover and a water reservoir.

To ensure that you're comfortable on the trail or while camping carrying all the gear you need, choosing a good outdoor backpack is paramount. You should be able to feel comfortable o matter how long your trip is. Here's how to choose the best backpack for your camping and hiking trips!

The most important thing to remember when it comes to camping is that you should always come prepared. Even if you constantly check the weather forecast, it doesn't guarantee a rain-free trip. Let's face it, it's not as fun to camp when it's pouring outside, but it doesn't mean that the enjoyment should stop!

Your trip will only be ruined if you don't properly respond to the conditions at hand. So here are 5 helpful tips for camping in the rain that you should practice:

Prepare Appropriate Clothing

When you're preparing to head outdoors and the forecast says the weather will be bright and sunny, that doesn't mean that you should only bring clothes for sunny weather. As mentioned, the weather outdoors is unpredictable so at the very least, bring a waterproof jacket, pants and boots. A rain poncho should always be included in your to-bring, too.

If you're expecting rain, bring the abovementioned pieces of clothing, bring a wide-brimmed hat (it's better to keep water off your face compared to a hood). It's also ideal to pack layers of clothing (bring some extra in case you get wet!) and don't forget an extra pair or two of socks!

Choose a good spot to set up camp

If you're about to camp in the rain, it's most ideal to pitch your tent on high ground. Keep in mind that water runs downhill and you don't want to get all soaked while sleeping by setting up camp on the bottom of a hill. The norm would be to choose a flat surface but during rainy weather, it would be better to set up your campsite on slightly sloped terrain.

It would also help to lay a waterproof tarp on your tent floor to collect rainwater that will eventually pool under the tent. Don't forget to waterproof your tent, beforehand, too!

Opt for no-cook meals

You know that cooking at a campsite isn't that easy, what more when it's pouring? While you can still enjoy hot soups and warm beverages, save yourself the hassle of cooking by preparing meals that don't require cooking like salads and sandwiches. Most of your meals should be ready to eat. Just think of it as less gear to carry (no heavy pans to bring!)

Keep these tips for camping in the rain in mind and even heavy downpour won't be able to get in the way of your camping fun!