If you are looking for how to overland with a ground tent then you have come to the right place. Overlanding with a ground tent has many benefits when compared to camping with a trailer, camper, or rooftop tent, however, there are some different aspects that should be taken into account. Keep on reading to figure out the nine best tips for how to overland with a ground tent.
To learn more about how to overland with a ground tent, continue reading below to discover everything possible about the subject. All of these tips should be followed in order to have a successful trip and make sure that you have the right tent picked out.
1. Figure Out Price Range
The first tip to overlanding with a ground tent is figuring out the price range of said tent. Ground tents come in many shapes and sizes, all of which have different prices. Depending on what your needs are, you can find one for less than $50. However, if you want one that has more space and features, then they can range upwards of $500. This is a large price range, so you will want to know what it is that you are looking for before starting the buying process.
Ground tents do not have to be expensive. Even if you are on a budget and are looking for something on the cheaper end, you will be able to find the one that works for you. There is a tent for everyone out on the market, all you have to do is look. Many inexpensive ground tents are available on Walmart or Amazon.
2. Determine Weight
The second tip to overlanding with a ground tent is figuring out how much the tent weighs. The weight of a tent may not seem like a big deal, however, it can actually make a large difference in its durability and convenience for the camper. Most individuals assume that a lightweight ground tent is what they will need, not realizing the drawbacks a lightweight tent brings. Below, the pros and cons of a lightweight ground tent will be discussed.
Pros of Lightweight Ground Tents
Lightweight ground tents are appreciated by campers because they can pack the tent up easier and carry it around with them. The tent can ve folded into their backpack or be placed in the car without any trouble at all. Because an excess of materials and gear are needed for overland camping, many individuals do not have enough room for a large and hefty tent. This means that they must make do with a lightweight tent.
Cons of Lightweight Ground Tent
While there are pros of having a lightweight ground tent, there are unfortunately cons as well. They are noteworthy and important to discuss so that way you can make an appropriate decision regarding which kind of ground tent to purchase. The downside of lightweight ground tents is that they are typically not as durable as heavyweight ones. The materials they are made with do not compare, and you may find that they break sooner than you would like.
3. Determine Available Space
The third tip to overlanding with a ground tent is figuring out how much space you will need inside of your tent. Needed amounts of space can look different for any camper. Below, a list of questions will be listed that will help you to determine how large your ground tent needs to be?
- How many people will be inside of the tent?
- How much stuff will be placed inside of the tent?
- Will there be any pets inside of the tent?
Based on these questions, you will start to get a more accurate feel for how large the tent really needs to be. The recommendation given for the size of a tent is it should be made for two more people than the size for your group. For instance, if there are two people camping, then a four-person tent should be purchased. This will give each person in your party some personal space and an area to place their belongings and camping gear.
4. Keep Bugs and Animals Out
The fourth tip to overlanding with a ground tent is finding a way to keep unwanted bugs and creatures out. Many overlanders opt for a roof tent because it eliminates the number of pests that can wound up inside of the tent, however, there are ways to keep them out even with a ground tent. Each of the procedures should be carefully followed in order to ensure that the insects and critters stay out.
Do Not Bring Food Into Ground Tent
The first way to keep bugs and animals out is by not bringing any food into the ground tent. By bringing food in, you are making your tent a magnet for these creatures, as they will be instantly attracted to the smell. You will want to eat your food outside and then dispose of the trash somewhere away from your tent. If you bring food into the ground tent, it will be nearly impossible to keep the unwanted insects and animals away.
Keep the Ground Tent Closed
The second way to keep bugs and animals out is by making sure the ground tent is closed at all times. While this may seem like an obvious tip, you would be surprised to know how many campers accidentally leave their tent unzipped throughout the duration of the day. If your ground tent is left even partially unzipped, bugs will take this as an open invitation to enter. Keeping your tent closed can stop small animals from entering, but it is especially important for eliminating the number of pests that will be able to get in.
Repair the Ground Tent Regularly
The third way to keep bugs and animals out is by repairing the ground tent often. By making sure routine maintenance is done, you will be able to eliminate the number of holes throughout your tent. By getting rid of the holes, pests will not be able to enter through the slight tear. Damage can be found throughout the tent so you will want to make sure that you check it well enough to ensure there are no tears.
5. Take Seasons Into Account
The fifth tip to overlanding with a ground tent is taking seasons into account. For each of the four seasons, different precautions need to be made. Before overlanding, you will want to make sure that you are aware of the temperatures and weather conditions so that way you are accurately prepared. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a tent that is not properly designed for the conditions that you are camping in.
For instance, during the summer months, a ground tent should be purchased that will repel the heat. Nothing is worse than a hot tent that has been baking in the sun all day, so you will want to buy one that is meant to withstand the heat. Or if the season is particularly rainy, then a waterproof one that is meant to be used in moisture should be purchased. As you can see, the season that you are camping during should be a crucial aspect of the tent purchasing decision.
6. Determine User Friendliness
The sixth tip to overlanding with a ground tent is determining the level of user-friendliness. If you have never set up a ground tent before, then you will want. to purchase one that is easy to set up. However, experts in the field will likely be able to figure out the correct way to set it up without any instructions. It all depends on your skill level, but it should be taken into account in order to guarantee success.
Many tents are difficult to set up, and no one wants to take a break from their overlanding adventures to figure out how to set one up. If this is a concern of yours, then you will want to choose a ground tent that has reviews from campers saying that it is simple and easy to use. Ease of use is a vital aspect of determining which ground tent is for you, and yet many individuals forget to check for it.
7. Get a Waterproof Tent
The seventh tip to overlanding with a ground tent is making sure that it is waterproof. Many campers accidentally forget to purchase a waterproof tent and regret it as soon as they begin using it. Waterproof tents will help keep you and all of your gear dry throughout the night, even if it is raining outside. Waterproof tents will protect you and all of your belongings from getting soaked.
Many campers are misled and believe that all tents are waterproof. When in reality, most of them are just water-resistant. This means that they eventually will get soaked through unless further measures are taken to make them waterproof. A waterproof tent should always be purchased if you are camping out in the rain, because a water-resistant tent will not be able to withstand the penetration.
8. Determine Durability
The eighth tip to overlanding with a ground tent is making sure that the tent is durable. A durable tent will make your overlanding experience much more enjoyable, as you can be confident in knowing that it is reliable enough to get you throughout your entire adventure. If you do not get a groud tent that is high in terms of durability, then you may realize that it is starting to develop holes and tears early on in its use that could have been otherwise avoided.
Brand
The first way that you can ensure durability in your ground tent is by purchasing it from a reputable brand. Most brand-name tents will be long lasting and will have a long life expectancy.
Price
The second way that you can ensure durability in your ground tent is by taking the price into account. Unfortunately, many inexpensive tents do not have high reliability. This means that in order to make sure that your tent will last long enough for your overlanding trip, you should consider splurging a little bit on the tent.
Material
The third way that you can ensure durability in your ground tent is by making sure that it is made with reliable materials. The most durable tent material is nylon with a silicone coating. This combination will result in a well-protected ground tent.
9. Control the Temperature
The ninth tip to overlanding with a ground tent is making sure that you have a way to control the temperature inside of the tent. This is needed in order to maintain a comfortable temperature during all times of the day, including at night when it may get too chilly for some campers to handle. Having a way to regulate the temperature inside of the tent will make sure that you and everyone else camping has a good time.
Reduce Moisture
The first way to control the temperature inside of the tent is by reducing the amount of moisture. Adding an extra level of protection in order to prevent water from entering is one of the easiest ways to keep the tent warm. If moisture starts to seep in, you will notice that the tent will feel much colder than it really is. Because you are using a ground tent, having a tarp underneath the tent will do wonders in preventing moisture from coming up from the bottom.
Use a Mat
The second way to control the temperature inside of the tent is by using a sleeping mat. Not only will a sleeping mat make the ground more comfortable, but it will keep you warmer at the same time. Having an extra layer between you and the cold ground will help reduce coldness.
Tent Heater
The third way to control the temperature inside of the tent is by purchasing a tent heater. This should be done when there is no other way of keeping in the warmth. Tent heaters are especially crucial when overlanding in the dead of winter, and it is very effective.
