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thermocouple
02-20-2008, 08:00 PM
Regular, common camping tents are often overlooked when considering emergency shelters. There are several reasons for this, mainly being that they are not very durable for long term survival, and they are not very roomy and therefore liveable. Admittedly these are indeed significant drawbacks. But there are significant bonuses to such shelters. They are by far the least expensive, easiest to obtain and smalles/lightest for storage and transport. For those on a budget, or with significant storage and transportation constraints, I will take a look at these kinds of tents. Just keep in mind that there will be no use of a wood burning stove in these tents, so good sleeping bags would be a very important companion in the winter time.

The bottom line of these tents would be the coleman-style, family camping tent. I say bottom line because these versions are the mass-produced tents, found in just about any sporting goods section, in a great range of sizes and prices. These are designed for the families who camp two or three weekends a year. They will not last for prolonged periods in the backcountry, and they do not stand up well to particularly violent storms. They are casual camping tents. But they are cheap, and after all they are indeed shelter. If you have very little money, and emergency shelter is on your mind, this should be a consideration. Can be purchased at any sporting goods store for anywhere between $50-several hundred dollars.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v19/cbatson73/dometent.jpg

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From here you would want to consider a good 4-season Expidition tent, or Mountaineering tent. This is similar to a family camping tent, but made of much better materials and designed to withstand very harsh conditions. The kind of tents used at the base camps of Everest. A notable drawback is going to be size. These tents are made to withstand extremely harsh elements for moderate periods of time. Such a tent would provide a reliable shelter for sleeping and storm sheltering in just about any conditions. They may not hold up well over the course of a year of constant exposure, but it would give you a good month or two of reliable if cramped shelter regardless of the time of year. Can be purchased at stores like REI for anywhere between $400-$800. http://www.rei.com/camping/Tents/Mountaineering+Tents?cm_re=toc*mountaineering*all
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v19/cbatson73/4-seasontent.jpg

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Another good option is the Springbar tent. Small and simple to setup like regular camping tents, but made of canvas rather than nylon, and designed to be roomier and more liveable on the inside. Springbars are very well regarded tents, and rightly so, but you are going to pay more than you will for your standard family camping tent. Springbars are going to be much more comfortable, but probably not stand up to fierce weather as well as a lower profile dome style weekend tent. Where the standard tents and expedition tents rely on anchor points around the base of the tent, and a sloped wall to deflect wind, the Springbar is more reliant on guylines to prevent the collapse of it's vertical walls in heavy winds. Much like a wall tent. However, their manufacture is very rugged and simple, and in normal weather conditions they would fare well, and be much more comfortable than the above two designs. Can be purchased in a wide variety of optional designs for between $400-$700 from Springbar. http://www.springbar.com/shop/products.php?cat=14

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v19/cbatson73/Springbar.jpg

TheSwally
02-28-2008, 01:09 PM
As far as 3 season tents, I bought the Consumer Reports BEST BUY (from July 2005, I have the PDF if anyone is interested) last summer:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41FANDSR0ML._AA280_.jpg
http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-Sunrise-Family-11-Foot-Six-Person/dp/B000EQAUX2/ref=pd_bbs_8?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1204225571&sr=8-8

We used it for 2 nights last summer. It's great for 4 people. There was a big wind storm and most of the other tents were nearly caving in, but this one held strong.

Swally

Cowboy
08-03-2008, 02:56 PM
I have the springbar family camper and love it.

http://www.springbar.com/a/px/tents/7001cr2-sm.jpg

mirkwood
08-03-2008, 07:28 PM
Our newest tent can be viewed in this thread: http://www.ldsglo.com/forum/showthread.php?t=160


We've used it several times and been happy with it. I have not used it in poor weather so I can't give a report on how it works under any but the best of conditions.

NRA
08-03-2008, 10:06 PM
Mirk, that looks like a pretty nice tent! :thumbup1:

mirkwood
08-03-2008, 11:50 PM
About a 15 minute setup and plenty of room for my wife and I and our two kids...plus all our gear. Best tent I've ever been in.

Dr.Jride
08-04-2008, 10:20 PM
I have a springbar (like Cowboy's picture) that turned 21 years olds this summer. I've used it multiple times every year. I highly recommend one. Very sturdy even in a fierce wind.

Ironyak
01-10-2009, 04:54 PM
I have a springbar (like Cowboy's picture) that turned 21 years olds this summer. I've used it multiple times every year. I highly recommend one. Very sturdy even in a fierce wind.


Here's another vote (albeit a little late) for the Springbar. Hands down the most durable tent made. Granted it's not a backpacking tent.

I have been some of the foulest weather (30+MPH wind, thunderstorms, heavy snow) with this tent and would not trade it for the world. Costs a boat load of money but it's the last tent you will ever buy.

waif69
01-10-2009, 06:10 PM
I can't believe I am saying this (given how much I hate setting them up), but an GP tent (Small or Medium) is a good tent for long term living.

ghostcat
01-10-2009, 07:06 PM
The best "tent" I've yet owned for long term occupation is one of these!!

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e386/ghostcat2/Tipi.jpg

As for durability, a springbar can't hold a candle to it. But a backpacker it isn't!

ktcottle
01-10-2009, 09:14 PM
A lot of Geodesic tents have been purchased recently - insulated, solar panel and lighting, wood burning stove etc, made right here in Utah - designed for long term survival - of permanent use/residence.

http://turtletuffshelters.com/

http://turtletuffshelters.com/images/Geo%20Domes%20034.jpg


I purchased my tent from Davis Tent and Awning in Colorado. The canvas they use is supposed to be stronger than the canvas used in spring bar tents. - they have a video demonstration on their website of their canvas vs other canvas used. I love this tent, and the wood burning stove setup. I purchased a 16x14 - great price. Although, I think I would prefer a tent like what Ghostcat has!!!

http://www.davistent.com/

http://www.davistent.com/userfiles/image/davistents_1714_8014869.gif



http://www.davistent.com/

http://www.davistent.com/davisTent/userfiles/image/5foot.jpg

Ironyak
01-11-2009, 12:06 AM
I can't win with you people! :l0 (62): I like the Glock and I take heat. I like Springbars and I get flak. What do I have to do to fit in around here!?! :biggrin (2):

I'm kidding. I do appreciate the comments whether I agree with them or not!

The good part is that this means we are all preparing, regardless of what tent we sleep in and what gun metal is under our pillow.

Go team!

ghostcat
01-11-2009, 05:11 PM
I can't win with you people! :l0 (62): I like the Glock and I take heat. I like Springbars and I get flak. What do I have to do to fit in around here!?! :biggrin (2):

I'm kidding. I do appreciate the comments whether I agree with them or not!

The good part is that this means we are all preparing, regardless of what tent we sleep in and what gun metal is under our pillow.

Go team!
LoL, I think it's a matter that we have a bunch of well rounded individuals on this site (and for those that have met me , no that is not a reference to girth, even though I probably lead in that category:l0 (20):).

Tents, shelters, handguns, rifles and calibers all are largely a matter of taste and familiarity. We each have our own ideas and requirements so one size does not fit all!!

I actually think Glocks are good guns (although I don't own one) but Glock kinda sets themselves up with their claim of "perfection":d0 (21):. As for springbar's, they have unquestionably proven their worth and durability over the years but once again I don't own one.

Ironyak
01-11-2009, 11:54 PM
LoL, I think it's a matter that we have a bunch of well rounded individuals on this site

That's why I had a wider door put on my Springbar.