military tent for camping

The Surprising Benefits Of Military Tents For Camping And Outdoor Adventures

Written by N1 Outdoors on . Posted in Blog, camping

Whether you’re with family or a group of friends, outdoor adventures bring fun, excitement, and a chance to strengthen bonds.

And, whatever outdoor activity you enjoy, it’s vital to have a good-quality tent to shelter your group from the sun’s heat or when sudden rain or snowfall occurs.

military tent with air unit

Military tents may be overlooked for camping and other outdoor adventures, but as you will see below, they provide many great benefits!

Tents are certainly known to serve these purposes, but have you ever tried using military tents for your adventures?

Let’s cover six benefits to help you decide whether to try military tents at your next outdoor event.

Durability

Whatever outdoor event you have, the durability of your tent must be considered, especially when housing multiple people and additional equipment.

Using a military shelter system as a tent offers durability, unlike standard tents. Most most of these types of tents have polyester fabrics coated in vinyl, with secure insulation that helps retain a cool temperature during hot weather.  

These fabrics are also tear-resistant, waterproof, and flame-retardant. You also won’t worry about ventilation because military-grade tents also have windows allowing for proper air circulation.

Natural light can also flood the tent, saving power during the day. Additionally, insects, mosquitos, and other critters won’t be able to get in because the windows and the entrance have a layer of thin screens.  

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Spaciousness

Camping doesn’t always mean packing multiple tents. Some types of camping even challenge the camper to keep their presence at campsites to a minimum.

But, with a military tent, you can shelter a large group of people, which eliminates the need for multiple tents.

dome military tents

Looking for more space for sheltering a large group on an outdoor adventure? Military tents can house large groups and still have room for other gear and supplies.

If you’re renting tents, you can save money, because you won’t be paying to ensure everyone sleeps with a roof over their heads, for example. When you can sleep together in one tent, it helps increase the likelihood of bonding with your loved ones.

Sleeping separately in the wilderness can be worrying to some people, especially groups with children. But, a spacious military tent gives peace of mind that you can find your team in a single place.

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Distributing supplies is also easier, because everyone will get their share immediately, as you don’t have to walk elsewhere.  

Spacious military tents also help avoid becoming cramped. Smaller parties will have more legroom and extra space for camping gear and other items that must stay dry instead of leaving them inside the vehicle. You can also use them to shelter gear or equipment.  

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HERE’s a list of camping spots you need to know!

Military Tents Are Easy To Set Up 

A good tent is easy to set up, even if it is large enough to house many people.

It doesn’t have complicated mechanisms to make it stay upright. It won’t take long to get standing if you’re a small group of two or four. After all, whether you buy or rent a tent, the last thing you want is to spend hours setting it up after arriving from a long journey.

interior of a military tent

The last thing you want is to spend a lot of time setting up a complicated tent after you arrive at your destination. Military tents are easy to setup.

So, ease of use is essential.  

And, that’s another benefit of military tents for camping and other adventures, because they are quick to set up despite their laundry list of features.

There are varying models that don’t require poles, which is also why these tents have aerated openings at the foundation. They also make cozy shelters during harsh weather, which leads us to our next benefit…

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Specially Designed For Harsh Climates

Military tents are designed for soldiers in far-flung regions of differing climates. Designers create these tents with the soldiers’ safety in mind. That’s also why these tents are perfect for camping outdoors.

The environment you’re likely to find yourself in might not be too different to where soldiers are more likely to spend their days.  

enerlayer military tent insulation

Military tents are designed for harsh conditions, which can be very advantageous in hot or cold climates.

A military tent is weather resistant and can withstand the harshest conditions. You are more likely to have memorable camping experiences knowing you’re safe and warm in the wilderness inside a military tent.

And, thanks to their heavy-duty fabric, you’re warm on cold nights and cool on hot days.

Some tents also have specialized floors that can bear extreme exposure to rugged terrain. There are insulation boards manufactured with flame-retardants ABS sheeting, which are also shock resistant. These materials can withstand hot and cold temperatures, dust, humidity, and more.  

Want to kayak? Things to consider…

UV Ray Protection 

The wilderness could mean any environment you can imagine, including the desert.

An avid camper with vast camping experience will appreciate a high-quality tent that will protect them from harsh ultraviolet rays.

A military tent can protect occupants from sunburn and heat in extreme environments like deserts, where seasoned campers often test their mettle.

At the same time, gear or equipment that is susceptible to damage by the heat of the sun can be kept in the tent.  

inside of a military tent

Extreme heat and the sun’s UV rays are always a concern. Military tents are designed to shelter occupants from both.

Check out THESE RV camping tips!

Some military surplus tents can provide you with the versatility you need.

Some can bear strong gusts of wind up to 65 mph and temperatures up to 160 °F. A-frame and squad-type tents can also serve as a multipurpose camping tents and are easy to set up. But, the downside to these is that they don’t have any flooring. That means you’ll need to use camping mats or other sleep gear.  

Are you a beginner hiker? Check THIS out!

Military Tents Are Rentable

Try camping with a military tent by renting one first, so you can be sure it will work for you. Renting one can also be helpful for those considering buying one for their next outdoor adventure.

Of course, If buying one is out of your budget, renting is also very practical.

Renting a tent also saves you storage space. After your adventure, you can pack it and return it to the company. You won’t have to worry about making room in a crowded garage or room in your house.

Some rental rental companies can even deliver the tent to the campground and assist you in setting it up.

Check THESE things on your car before you leave for your trip!
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Final Thoughts On Military Tents For Camping And Outdoors Adventures 

A military tent can be a valuable addition to your outdoor adventure because of its make and quality.

These tents can endure harsh environments and various kinds of terrain. Most importantly, they’re weather resistant, temperature regulating, and protect you from the elements.

Military tents are spacious, which allows a group to stay together under one roof for safety. And, despite their seemingly complicated design, the tents are easy to set up and won’t take you hours to get the shelter you need.

All in all, these military tents make the ideal outdoor shelters.

Enjoy camping and adventuring with family and friends in God’s great outdoors!

how to tie the trilene knot

Be A Fishing Knot Maestro! | How To Tie The Trilene Knot

The Trilene knot, which is sometimes called the “Two-Turn Clinch Knot,” is a very strong fishing knot that every angler should know. Let’s show you how step-by-step!

trilene knot finished

Want to learn this strong fishing knot called the Trilene Knot? Well, let’s get started!

Time needed: 1 minute

How to tie the Trilene Knot

  1. Insert tag end of line through hook eye.

    Insert line through hook eye, leaving about 8 inches to work with.

    trilene knot insert line into hook eye

  2. Insert tag end through the hook eye a SECOND time.

    Insert the line through the eye of the hook a second time, making a loop.

    trilene knot Insert into hook eye second time

  3. Pull tag end to make loop smaller.

    Pull the tag end of the line until the loop shrinks down to the top of your thumb and hold the loop in that position.

    trilene knot pull line to thumb

  4. Wrap tag end line around main line.

    Wrap the tag end of the line around the main line 5-8 times.

    trilene knot wrap line around 5-8 times

  5. Insert tag end through both loops.

    After wrapping the tag end around the main line, take the tag end and insert it through both loops that you have been holding with your other hand.

    trilene knot insert tag end through both loops

  6. Lubricate and cinch down.

    Lubricate the knot area with water or saliva and while holding the tag end, pull the main line to cinch down the knot.

    trilene knot pull line to cinch knot

  7. Trim tag end.

    Trim the tag end of the line to desired length… and you’re done! You’ve just tied the Trilene knot! We hope you put a hook N1!

    trilene knot trim tag end

May all your Trilene knots yield big fish!

Learn what makes a great fishing guide HERE!

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You can check out the Trilene Knot Instructional video here!

Other fishing knots you should know:

Learn to tie the Uni-knot

Learn to tie the Palomar knot

8 fishing movies you need to see!
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These rod wraps will spice up your boring fishing rod!

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03/06/2024 08:35 pm GMT
arrow with broken nock in target

Pin-point accuracy | How nock tuning your arrows can be a game-changer

See if this sounds familiar…

Deer season is coming up. You know you need to get out and shoot your bow but you can’t seem to find the time. There’s just so much going on with work and/or with family.

So, you don’t get in the reps in shooting your bow like you need to.

two arrows near bullseyes on foam target

Nock tuning your arrows can be the X-factor in achieving superior arrow flight.

The next thing you know, deer season is here. You’re in a deer stand and Mr. Big walks by and you let an arrow fly.

You either miss, or that arrow doesn’t do exactly what you thought it was going to do, and you make a bad shot on that animal.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

I’d like to share how the flight of one arrow made me pay much more detailed attention to each of my arrows prior to hunting with them.

This is the story of how I decided it was time to start nock tuning my bare shaft arrows.

Click here to jump straight to the step-by-step nock tuning process with the N-Tune™ Arrow Wraps!

Did the arrow fail? Not quite, but it wanted to!

Shooting at a deer is not a good time to find out that your arrow is not flying true.

On one of our bowhunting retreats to South Georgia, my business partner, Josh Wells, was able to take a whitetail buck, but it was not without a little bit of drama.

buck laying down in high grass with lighted nock arrow flying toward it

When we reviewed the footage of the shot on this bedded buck, the lighted nock allowed us to see the corkscrew flight path of the arrow… not what you want to see.

When we reviewed the footage of the shot, the lighted nock allowed us to notice some pretty severe corkscrew movement on his arrow.

Thankfully, the fletchings did their job and the arrow found its mark.

But, this really got us thinking hard about bare shaft tuning our arrows.

We had not nock tuned our arrows in the past, but we knew folks who did and who recommended it highly.

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Just give me one dozen arrows and let’s go hunting…

To be honest, like many of you, in the past we had just gone to our respective local bow shops, ordered a dozen arrows, and went hunting.

We had taken for granted that that arrow was going to fly true. After all, when it comes to bowhunting we just need to be a “good shot,” right?

Josh Wells of N1 Outdoors with a south georgia whitetail

Josh was able to recover his whitetail, but the corkscrew flight of his arrow left him wondering if he had in fact delivered a fatal shot.

Well, we were reminded of an important lesson on this hunt… when it matters most, no one wants that arrow to fly better than the person that’s actually releasing it.

So, as good as your bow shop is (and we have some great bow shops in our area), the truth is that they don’t grip your bow like you do. They don’t necessarily have the same anchor point as you, and they may not have the same release of the arrow that you do.

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So, while your bow shop can get your bow in center shot and “in tune,” there is much about your personal shooting method that can affect arrow flight.

So, it’s your responsibility to be sure that each arrow has the best chance of finding its mark when shot from your bow, by you!

Where should you aim on a deer? Click to learn!

In the moment of truth, we want great arrow flight

Now, some will argue that nock tuning is nock tuning is not necessary. If an arrow doesn’t fly true, it’s all the shooter.

Maybe it was poor form.

Maybe it was hand torque.

Maybe…

Well, while form is an extremely important part of bowhunting. We all don’t possess world-class shooting form.

arrow with nock tuning wrap in decoy

When it really mattered, we needed confidence that fletchings would not have a ton of correcting to do. This way, we could be ensured with arrow flight that is as straight as possible.

Our experience with erratic arrow flight on this hunt made us want to learn for ourselves how to get our bow, as well as our arrow shafts as tuned as possible.

Enter bare shaft nock tuning.

I had seen Troy Fowler (aka, the “Ranch Fairy”) talking about high FOC arrows and also how nock tuning bare shaft arrows was “witchcraft” and that it mattered greatly to achieving excellent arrow flight.

Now, when you start using words like “witchcraft” in regards to bowhunting, you have my attention.

So, the digging into the process of nock tuning began…

Here’s why you SHOULD care about nock tuning!
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If you are still reading, and are wondering what nock tuning is all about, I’m going to take you through the process step-by-step, so that you too can do this for yourself. Keep reading!

Why is nock tuning your arrows necessary for great arrow flight?

Nock tuning has much to do with finding the stiffest part of the arrow, known as the “spine.” The arrow most often flies best when this portion of the shaft is facing up when shooting.

The goal of nock tuning is to gradually turn the nock of your arrow to different positions on the shaft to find the one where the arrow flies the straightest.

One of the best ways to do this is to shoot a bare shaft (unfletched) arrow through paper until your find the position on the shaft where it shoots a “bullet hole.”

A bullet hole (or as close to it as possible) will give us a very good indicator that when this arrow is fletched and shot, the fletchings will have very little to correct.

After all, you may have gripped the bow too tightly during the shot, or even released the arrow abnormally.

Those fletchings will have all that to worry about without adding an arrow that is not properly tuned.

Do you know what the Kinetic Energy of your arrow is?

A word about arrow spine

We could certainly go in-depth about arrow spine, but we’ll keep it simple here.

When arrows are shot and released from a bow, a tremendous amount of stored energy is transferred from the limbs of the bow to that arrow.

arrow flexing in flight after being shot from bow

If you look closely, you can see in this picture that the arrow flexes when shot from the bow. Having the a properly spined arrow for your bow setup is critical to the nock tuning process being fully effective.

The arrow will flex during the shot and the stiffness of the spine is what determines how much that arrow will flex.

To fly properly, your arrow needs to flex, but it needs to flex the right amount. That is why having properly spined arrows for your bow setup is critical.

So, as I walk you through the process of bare shaft nock tuning your arrows through paper, I’m going to assume a few things right off the bat.

I’m going to assume that your bow is already in center shot and that you have properly spined arrows for your bow setup. Because after all, nock tuning is not meant to take the place of a properly tuned bow and setup.

Check out the “Happy Arrow” Commercial from the N1 Outdoors YouTube channel!

The N-Tune™ arrow wrap and how it makes the nock tuning process easier

Please hear me.

I am not trying to argue for or against arrow wraps.

Many of you may have also gotten interested in the nock tuning and paper tuning bare shaft process by watching the Ranch Fairy.

Troy Fowler will tell you, he is not an arrow wrap guy. In fact, he is not for anything that adds extra tail weight. And as it pertains to high FOC, we totally understand why.

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What we are saying is, we have found that in the process of bare shaft nock tuning through paper is tedious. It can take several, if not dozens of shots, and knowing where you are and where you have been on that arrow shaft is critical to figuring out where that arrow will fly the truest.

marking arrow number on the n1 outdoors n-tune arrow wrap

The N-Tune™ arrow wrap allows you to put a small indicator of which arrow you are shooting, so you don’t have to write on your fletchings.

So, we wanted to come up with a way to make the nock tuning process a little bit better, so that you can easily reference which parts of the shaft are tuning better through paper. We also wanted to be able to indicate which arrow you’re working on, so that you can reference that without having to mark up your arrows too much.

So, let’s get down to business of how to nock tune your arrows with the N-Tune™ Nock Tuning Arrow Wraps!

NOTE: (before attempting to tune arrows, you should always be sure that you or your local bow shop has properly set up and tuned your bow per manufacturer’s specs).

How To Nock Tune Your Bowhunting Arrows With The N-Tune™ Nock Tuning Arrow Wraps | Step-By-Step

If you’re still reading, you’re probably wondering, “so how do I bare shaft nock tune an arrow?” Well let’s take a look at how you do it with the N-Tune™ arrow wraps!

Time needed: 15 minutes

Here’s how to nock tune your arrows through paper using the N-Tune™ arrow wrap. (estimate: 15 min per arrow):

  1. Align hole/mark on nock with line on the arrow wrap

    Line up the center of the hole in the lighted nock (if you have one) with the number 1 line on the wrap. If your nock does not have a hole, you can mark any place on the nock with a dot as a reference point.

    lining up nock with marks on n1 outdoors n-tune arrow wrap

  2. Shoot bare shaft arrow through paper

    Shoot the arrow from about 10 feet away through paper (be sure you have a heavy target, such as a speed bag or crossbow target behind the paper that will stop the arrow. Also, be sure that your target is behind your paper more than a full length of your arrow, so that the arrow will not impact the target until it has fully passed through the paper).

    man shooting bow through paper while nock tuning

  3. Mark corresponding wrap number next to hole in paper

    Next to the hole in the paper, write which position on the N-Tune™ arrow wrap you were on when you shot that hole.

    holes in paper from nock tuning through paper

  4. Mark your arrow shaft

    Once you have shot using all 8 positions on the wrap, examine the holes and see which one is closest to a “bullet hole.” Once you determine this, make a mark on the shaft with a sharpie or other marker and be sure to shoot the arrow with this mark facing up. (Note: If you are fletching your own arrows, you may need your fletchings pointing a certain direction in order to clear your rest of cables. Just be sure that t this mark can always be facing up when shooting.)

    marking the n1 outdoors n-tune arrow wrap for nock tuning

  5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 on all shafts

    Continue the above process for all 8 positions on the N-Tune™ arrow wrap. (You may have to do this process more than once on each number if you know you had a bad irregularity on one of the shots that was not necessarily the “arrow’s fault.”

  6. Fletch arrows

    If you are going to fletch your own arrows, be sure that you fletch them so that the mark you have made on your shaft is pointing UP when you nock the arrow.

    fletching arrow with nock tuning mark facing up

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03/07/2024 07:05 pm GMT
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Nock tuning your arrows [step-by-step]

Conclusion

So maybe you’re still asking, “why are you so worried about all this bare shaft nock tuning through paper stuff? That’s what’s the fletchings are for, to correct arrow flight!”

Well, that’s true. But again, if you’ve bow hunted long enough, you know that a lot of things can happen when you release that arrow.

Maybe your stance wasn’t exactly right.

Maybe you were wearing baggy clothing and the string slapped your sleeve when you released the arrow.

Maybe you had hand torque when you released the arrow.

Maybe you had facial pressure on the bow string.

All these things can negatively affect arrow flight.

Yes, when these things happen, the fletchings will help correct the flight of that arrow. But, you want them to have to correct as little as possible.

Nock tuning your bare shafts through paper is a great way to be confident of your arrow flight when it really counts.

Minimal correction is best

Would you rather your fletchings be correcting lots of imperfection because the arrow was not properly tuned? Or, would you rather the fletchings be correction small imperfections because you had taken every precaution to ensure that the bare shaft was flying as true as possible before any of that other bad stuff happened?

I’m choosing option 2, because not only do I want to be the best hunter I can be, I want my arrow to have the best chance possible of making an ethical impact on my target deer or other animal. This will result in me having the best chance possible of recovering that animal.

I hope you’ve learned some helpful information regarding nock tuning through paper.

If you’re interested in the N-Tune™ arrow wraps, just visit our online store!

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Giles Canter of N1 outdoors with archery buck
Giles Canter of N1 Outdoors.