Saturday, Apr. 26, 2008

Gear up: Find the right tent for camping

By Rocky Morrow

It’s the time of year when setting up camp for the night doesn’t seem to be such a crazy idea: The morning air is as invigorating as a cup of coffee and the wildlife and wildflowers are springing to life.

But whether you’re a lone backpacker or a member of a family of five, the hunt for a tent can be extensive, and expensive.

And although huddling under a thick forest canopy might keep pennies in the bank, it won’t make for an outdoors trip you or your crew will want to remember or repeat.

In its 2008 tent review, Backpacker Magazine declared the REI Quarter Dome T3 a standout for its economy in both weight (4 pounds, 7 ounces) and to the pocketbook, singling out the Quarter Dome as an alternative for campers who need more room than is provided by traditional two-person tents.

“It’s actually up and on the floor and if people want to come and roll around in in it, they can,” said Vida North, a supervisor at the REI store in Kennwick. “They can assemble it or disassemble it.”

But for even more knock-around room, there is the REI Hobitat 4 Tent that evokes the fabled shire in color — earth and sage — as well as name.

And according to several online customer reviews, it has decent ventilation — an essential often taken for granted.

Don’t expect to find the Hobitat set up on the REI showroom floor in Kennewick. “We tend to stay to the three-man tent,” North said. “The backpacking tents.”

But don’t worry, because REI can bring in any tent available in its online catalog — www.rei.com — including the award-winning Marmot Aeolos 2P tent.

A 2006 Backpacker Magazine Editors Choice, the Marmot comes in a two-tone terracotta and pumpkin with separate entrances for privacy, and two individual vestibules to keep personal gear personal.

As far as online shopping goes, don’t be fooled by the Big 5 Sporting Goods website — the Big 5 on Vineyard Drive in Kennewick has a greater selection than is first suggested.

The 2008 brands will soon be trucked in, and according to store manager Bryan Cullen, Big 5 will “make a campground in (the) store” and customers can expect some big promotions tied in with the new selections.

And the new selections?

“For the most part, the major brands,” Cullen said. “Some of the Wenger tents, Golden Bear and Hi Tec brands. And the Colemans are always pretty popular.”

He doesn’t recommend one over the other.

“All of them are pretty weather safe and will keep you dry,” he said.

Locally, Joe’s and Sportsman’s Warehouse also offer a varied selection of tents for everyone from the serious backcountry enthusiast to the casual weekend camper.

So it’s possible to stay dry and comfortable, and within your budget, and not spend nights out in the cold when camping.

While it might make for an outdoors trip you won’t soon forget, it will also make for a trip you don’t want to repeat.

— Rocky Morrow; 582-1507; sports@tricityherald.com

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