Two classic styles of camping tents include frame and dome varieties. Though they form completely different shapes, both types provide extremely reliable and sturdy camping shelters. Considerations when choosing between frame and dome tents include desired weight for carrying and durability of the material.
Structural Differences
Frame tents typically form a triangle or A-frame shape with sidewalls that curve down from the roof at about 45-degree angles. Twin upright poles situated at the front and rear slide into grommets at the ends of the ridge line, keeping A-frame tents standing. Guidelines off of the top of each pole and then staked into the ground keep the poles standing while stakes in each of the tents for corners---and in guidelines off the side walls---keep the shelter anchored and maximize inside surface area.
Dome tents use between two and four flexible plastic poles that bend into arches and meet in the center of the tent roof to form a circular dome shape. A tarp or rain fly affixed over the tent roof provides added protection from the elements and insulation for cold weather camping.
Pros and Cons
The triangular shape of A-frame tents make them among the most sturdy and weather-resistant of all camping shelters. Rain flows quickly down the sides of the sloping tent walls, eliminating chances for pooling on the tent roof and subsequent leaks to the inside of the tent. When set up into the wind, the sloping walls allow most strong currents to glance off the side, leaving the structure standing. Manufacturers often fashion A-frame tents from heavier canvass material, too heavy for packing in to remote campsites. Frame tent poles also typically are made from heavier metal or wood.
The circular shape of dome tents make them aerodynamic, meaning even heavy winds pass over these structures without blowing them down or away. Rain rolls off them without pooling, and lightweight nylon structures are easier to carry. The lighter material rips easier than heavy canvas, however, requiring greater care in set up and storage.
Set Up Basics
Setting up a frame tent begins with pulling the tent floor taut, then staking down all four corners. Upright poles then slide into the grommets at the ends of the ridge line, and the guide ropes are pulled straight out from the poles and staked in at 45-degree angles.
Setting up dome tents begins with unfurling the plastic shock cord poles. The metal peg in one corner of the tent inserts into the bottom of one of the flexible poles. The user then bends the pole into an arch until the opposite end of the pole can be affixed to the metal peg at the opposite diagonal corner of the tent floor. This step is then repeated for the other pole. S-hooks on the tent material then hook to the shock cord poles, giving the tent its shape.
Campsite Considerations
Regardless of the type of tent used, they require level ground upwind of campfire and cooking areas and latrines. Campers should clear away any sticks, rocks or other debris that can rip tent floors.
Care and Maintenance
Over time, both nylon and canvas require rejuvenation of waterproofing through commercially available aerosol sprays or creams.
After each outing, tents must be thoroughly dried before storage as nylon, canvas or just about any other material grows mildew when put away wet.
References
- Go Camping: Tent Types
- "Boy Scout Fieldbook"; Third Edition; 1984
- "Boy Scout Handbook"; 10th edition; 1990
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