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After originally being used as a mainstay shelter for the nomads of by gone eras, the humble tent gave way to sturdier buildings of wood, stone and marble. However, somewhere on the way to extinction, tents began to rise in popularity once again.

Perhaps the biggest and grandest pergola belonged to Alexander the Great. He made a marriage tent that hung from 50 thirty-foot columns of silver and gold, making it large enough to house 100 couches and host 9,000 friends. The roof was a dome and had amazing portrayals of the sun, moon, stars and all of the deities of heaven. It was named the cosmic tent and went on to inspire Nero to build one just like it. Luckily, it does not need to be that spectacular or big to get the job of sheltering done.

With all of the pomp and circumstance that can be associated with tents being used on parade grounds or for an outdoor wedding reception, you may not realize exactly how versatile a tent can be. They are used at county fairs, at golf tournaments, at The Worlds Fair and for perhaps the best use of all, as part of ones camping gear. Surely a tent is among the equipment.

It appears that most people think the best use of a tent is for camping. But what makes one better than another, and what should you look for when buying one? Naturally, when you are looking at tents, size is important. How many people will one sleep comfortably? A good rule of thumb is to get a tent suitable for two more people than will actually be occupying the shelter. When considering the height, you will want to make sure that you can stand up straight, unless of course you enjoy walking around bent over or slouching. Check for durability, inspect the seams for reinforcement and look for a little extra storage with pockets or hangers. It is also an excellent idea to practice setting your tent up at home first.

Instead of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, it should be marshmallows roasting on an open fire. Camping is an activity quite like any other. The serene quality of being out in nature is one that thousands of people take part in when the weather gets warmer. The tents become unfurled and sleeping bags make their way out of storage. Warm weather signals a great time to make camp and get out of the house. The long winter is over and now it is time to get outside and get active. Are you a camping enthusiast or are you a novice to this great pastime? If you are a novice then you are in luck. The rest of this article will cover the basics of what you will need while camping and what to expect of the great outdoors.

What type of things should I take with me camping?

Let’s see…you will definitely need to take some extra clothing and depending on the weather will depend greatly on the type of clothing you will need. You will need to bring along the following items no matter where you go camping: sleeping bag, food, water, small hatchet for chopping firewood and matches. Other items that some people pack are: coolers for food, fishing poles, tents and a radio to listen to at night. What you take depends largely on how you want to camp and what you want to carry with you.

Are there expeditions that involve camping?

There are some great expeditions that involve camping. Some try to make it a fun filled activity by including horse back riding, canoeing, rafting or even mountain climbing. You should check into some of the different excursions that are available. One of the most popular in recent years involves being flown out to a small island and then being left there for three days or so. You get to experience what true camping is like by providing for yourself during that time. If you are taking small children or elderly you may want to find a more sedate expedition that is a little safer.

How do I keep wild animals out of my food stuff?

The best way to keep animals out of your food stuffs is to keep it in your car if you are in a campground. If you are the enthusiast who likes to hike into the woods away from everyone you will want to tie your food stuff out of reach so small animals, and even big ones, can not reach the food. Keeping a campfire going will also discourage animals from getting into your food supplies. Always keep scraps and other food wastes buried or far away from camp to discourage them as well.

What are some typical foods that are eaten while camping?

Who could possibly not go camping and not have hot dogs and marshmallows roasted over an open fire? It is just tradition to have those two staples. Other food items will depend on what type of camping you are doing. Many people love to catch their own food and roast them on the fire. Fish is an excellent food source and if you are near a river or stream it is a great way to hunt for your food. No matter what food you take, you will swear it is much better outside than if you were to cook it at home.

How much do tents cost?

Small tents average around thirty dollars. The larger, more sophisticated tents can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type and brand you buy. There are also tents that are designed to be shades from the sun and will be where you set up your table. If you purchase one of these awnings, make sure it comes with mosquito netting to keep those pesky blood suckers away from your delicate skin. Any outdoor sporting store will have a variety of tents for you to choose from.

To learn more go to Camping also Camping Hammocks and at Camping World