military tent for camping

The Surprising Benefits Of Military Tents For Camping And Outdoor Adventures

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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.



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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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…




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.  



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.



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.  



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.





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!

best stoves for backpacking header image

Hot And Light! | The Best Stoves for Backpacking

Backpacking is one of the most unique ways to experience the outdoors. By accessing some of the world’s remote areas, you can certainly experience unforgettable moments outdoors.

However, backpacking is tough and requires a fair bit of knowledge and gear.

man backpacking in the wilderness

There are many camping stoves for backpacking on the market, and you need one that is reliable and of high quality. After all, these directly affect whether you can eat hot food on the trail or not.

One of those important pieces of gear is… a stove.

So, let’s take a look at best camp stoves for backpacking!

MSR PocketRocket

MSR pocketrocket backpacking stove

The PocketRocket stove from MSR is compact, structurally sound and efficient.

We will kick off the list with one of the most common backpacking stoves on the market… the MSR PocketRocket.

If you walk up to any campsite on the trail, there is a good chance they are cooking with the PocketRocket or a similar MSR model.

This is because the PocketRocket is efficient, versatile and easy to use.

As compared to other backpacking stoves of this size, this one comes in near the top. The PocketRocket is pretty compact, and has decent structure to keep the pot stable.


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It’s an overall steady camping stove and has good marks on about every subset you can apply to it.

However, one of the faults of the PocketRocket is the ignitor.

There are many reviews that say that the built-in ignitor is not reliable and does not work after a certain amount of time. So, always have a backup plan with matches or a lighter.



Jetboil Flash

jetboil flash stove for backpacking

The Jetboil stove is engineered to boil water and other liquids quickly, giving you a fast hot drink or additive to dehydrated food.

One of the newest types of backpacking stoves is the Jetboil.

Jetboil is a brand of compact and efficient camp stoves that are perfect for those who want to save space and quickly heat up food.

The Flash model specifically is one of the best, but there are other models to fit various budgets.

What makes the jetboil different is the amount you can cook and how fast it happens.

The Jetboil pot is specifically made for boiling water quickly. Then, you can apply this water to dehydrated food or whatever else you need cooked.



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Traditional camp stoves allow an open pot to sit on top to cook the food, but the entire Jetboil design is to specifically boil liquids very quickly, which is different.

The biggest drawback to the Jetboil is the amount of liquid that can be heated up at once. It is a small pot and really only serves one purpose.

So, if you want something that will make coffee or just enough water to add to a bag of dehydrated food, Jetboil is the stove for you.



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MSR WhisperLite Universal

whisper lite stove for backpacking

The WhisperLite Universal camp stove is a pricier option, but is known for quality and reliability.

MSR is making another appearance on our list with the WhisperLite Universal camp stove.

This is a pretty high-end backpacking stove, as it carries a heftier price tag than many other stove options out there.

However, MSR carries a reputation and product quality control system that guarantees a good experience for a majority of users.



The WhisperLite uses a hosed approach that puts the burner and stand right on the group and not on top of a fuel can. This adds stability and improves performance.

Going with an MSR stove with MSR fuel optimizes performance on the trail. This is important, as on longer treks it is crucial to have something reliable and steady.


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Soto WindMaster

soto windmaster camping stove

For the price-conscience backpacker, the Soto WindMaster is not only affordable but super light, weighing in at only three ounces.

Our pick for the most efficient backpacking stove for the price is the Soto Windmaster.

For what you get, the Windmaster is a very affordable backpacking stove.

When a normal backpacking stove is faced with strong wind, the light will either go out, or the flame is so altered that cooking is slowed dramatically. But, as the name implies, the Windmaster is made to work well during high winds.

The stove itself is just three ounces, which is super light. The only other weight would be the isobutane or propane bottle that screws into the bottom of the bracket.


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The brackets on the burner are not the best, but you are reducing weight, which is a plus for backpacking.

If you are trying to save a lot of weight and may be hiking in windy areas, the Soto WindMaster is for you.



BRS Ultralight Camping Burner

BRS ultralight camping stove

The BRS Ultralight Burner is certainly super light, but is often outperformed by other backpacking stoves on the market.

One of the more unique offerings is the BRS Ultralight Camping Burner.

This “stove” is not the whole setup, but rather an attachment that goes on top of a propane bottle.

This helps you save money and overall weight. However, while you might be saving money, you may also be sacrificing better performance that can be found in other backpacking stoves.

The Ultralight requires a source of fuel. This burner screws right to the top of a fuel bottle, and you can then add your pot or anything else being cooked. The attachment is not super strong, but it is just about as light as it gets.


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Solo Stove Lite

solo stove lite camping stove

The Solo Stove Lite is truly a light option because it doesn’t have a fuel source, but instead is wood burning.

Another one of the more unique stoves on the market is the Solo Stove Lite.

This is the only srove featured that is wood-fired and does not use a different source of fuel like propane.

So, if you are more of a traditionalist and want to connect with nature in a unique way, the Solo Stove Lite is a good camp stove option.



The Solo Stove is a steel cylinder that holds small pieces of wood and has air intake holes on the bottom to help you regulate temperature and steady burning.

This is a very light option, coming in at just nine ounces. Although you will save weight in your pack by not using fuel, you will need to either pack in wood or camp in areas with reliable wood sources.


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Be careful how this is used, as many places will not allow campfires because of droughts and wildfire hazards. This probably does not classify as a “campfire,” but whenever using a live flame, it is best to check with someone and make sure it is okay to do so.



Final Thoughts On Best Stoves For Backpacking

Hopefully this list has helped you make an informed decision on which stove you should make it into your backpack on your next adventure.

So, whether you are backpacking hunting or just out adventuring and enjoying God’s creation, be sure to soak up the memories and stay warm!



 

view from inside of a tent

Types Of Camping | Embrace The Adventure!

on . Posted in Blog, camping

Camping is an enjoyable outdoor activity that has been around since ancient times. Of course, ancient camping was just called “life.”

Now, all joking aside, camping connects us with the outdoors and allows us to disconnect from the stressors of a daily connected life.

old compass and map

Camping doesn’t have to look like might have imagined. Let’s take a look at several types of camping that could lead to your next big adventure!

There are many types of camping, each with unique characteristics and appeal. We’ll take a look at several types of camping, ranging from prefabricated shelters like a cabin or lodge, to “bare-bones” camping. (You can jump straight to the camping style you want more information about by clicking the links below!)

Glamping

night view of glamping house

What is “glamping” you might ask? Well, it’s “glamorous camping,” and it probably looks a lot different than the camping images you have in your mind!

For many years the term “glamping” (or, glamorous camping”), was used as a dig for campers who wanted to enjoy the outdoors without the added hassle of “roughing it.”

Rather than taking the remark as an insult, campers have leaned into the concept, and now families can enjoy the outdoors while enjoying many amenities of home.

glamping yurt

Glamping involves staying in powered campsites with rigid wall structures like yurts or cabins.

While the level of luxury can change, glamping lets campers stay out of the wind, with power for lights and amenities, and sleep on beds instead of sleeping bags on the ground.

Many families who love the outdoor activities without having to worry about setting up a tent and an entire campsite will enjoy glamping as well!


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Car Camping

Car camping is one of the most popular type of camping, and is great for those who want to enjoy nature without having to go too far from the comforts of home.

view from a tent car camping

Car camping is great for those who want to stay close to a restroom and shower facilities, as well as access to electricity. Not to mention there is some comfort in being able to stay in the car if the weather turns rotten.

Car camping involves bringing a vehicle to a designated campsite via a paved or unpaved road, depending on the campground.

After campers have arrived at their designated campsite, the vehicle is unpacked. The campsite is carried to the campground by vehicle, but the tent, cooler, chairs, cooking area, and the like are assembled away from the vehicle itself (unless you have a vehicle rooftop tent).

Most campgrounds that offer car camping have electricity, bathrooms, and running water nearby.


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RV and Van Camping

vw van with rooftop camper

RV or van camping combines the mobility of car camping with even more comforts of home.

Vans and RVs (recreational vehicles) can utilize traditional campgrounds or designated RV parks with additional hookups to accommodate the vehicle’s power needs.

The bathroom convenience of RV camping is particularly appealing for those looking to not walk through a dark campground for a late-night bathroom trip.

rv for camping

Unlike car camping, where sleeping is done outside of the vehicle, RVs and camper vans provide a sleeping area inside the vehicle away from the elements.

While many campers still set up a traditional camp outside of the vehicle, many RVs are equipped with refrigerators, kitchens, and bathrooms.



Dry Camping

An offshoot of RV and van camping is dry camping.

Unlike traditional RV campsites that have hookups for power, water, and even a location to pump your wastewater, dry camping has none of those.

Dry camping is popular for its reduced cost compared to the nightly fees for campsites with power and water hookups.

For full-time RVers, dry camping is a great way to travel at a lower cost.



Overlanding

There is a more rugged form of car camping called Overlanding.

Overlanding involves carrying everything needed for a camping trip in an off-road capable vehicle.

car camping tent

Unlike traditional car campers, “overlanders” find their own paths into the wild and often use their vehicles as sleeping quarters, cook stations, and charging ports.

The thrill for overlanders is the ability to explore new places and get away from crowds that can frequent well-known spots.


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Tent Camping

A departure from camping with a vehicle or solid structure, tent camping involves a bit more “roughing it.”

Within tent camping, levels range from the backyard to the wilderness.

Backyard Camping

While pitching a tent in the backyard doesn’t sound like camping, it’s a great way to conduct a trial run for a more extensive camping experience.

kids backyard camping

Parents will also appreciate backyard camping when they turn a raucous slumber party into an adventure by keeping the kids outside rather than jumping on the bed.

Being able to pack it in is a nice convenience, should the weather turn foul and your rainfly isn’t as weatherproof as you thought.

Not only can you test your gear under prime conditions, but it serves as a great first step to acclimate children to camping.


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Primitive Camping

Primitive camping is the next level up from car camping and is a great way to fully immerse yourself in nature.

With primitive camping, you’ll need to be prepared with your food, shelter, and supplies.

campfire flame

Primitive camping involves leaving all of the amenities of home behind and camping in remote and secluded locations. Without a car’s storage and carrying capacity, campers need to prioritize lightweight, compact items.

If you choose to go to a campground that offers primitive campsites, you’ll need to be sure you reserve and stay in designated sites that are marked on trails in the area.



The challenge with primitive camping that also makes it the experience so rewarding is that campers must carry in everything needed.

This type of camping is great for those who want to connect with nature and have a unique outdoor experience.

For those looking at a team-building exercise, assigning each member of a camping party to carry specific pieces of gear increases the camp’s ability to have more. So, you could say that in primitive camping, “teamwork makes the dream work.”




Dispersed Camping (Go “Remote”)

The last type of camping we’ll cover is dispersed camping.

Out of all the styles of camping, dispersed camping is the most remote, challenging, and rugged.

camping vehicle in the starlight

Unlike car camping or primitive camping, dispersed camping is where you go off the grid and venture into the wilderness beyond any designated campsites.

In many areas of designated wilderness, there is a minimum distance that camps must be from the road. Without those minimums, campers would quickly overuse the areas near roadways that are critical for wildlife (and from an adventure standpoint, it’s kind of cheating to have your car just a few yards away!)



camping stars

Dispersed camping requires the most preparation. Unlike camping at assigned campsites where the ground is level and often free of any dangers like flooding, a dispersed camper needs to consider the overall safety of their campsite as well as proximity to resources like water.

This type of camping is great for those who want to experience the ultimate in solitude and remote camping.

Just like with primitive camping, you’ll need to bring your gear, food, and water.



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While fire safety should be practiced with all forms of camping, the lack of premade fire pits means that you, as the camper, must pay extra attention to how and where you build your fire.

For all of the responsibility and effort required in dispersed camping, it is no wonder why few campers attempt it. However, the challenges and rewards of total freedom and isolation are also the reason why campers who complete these trips want to embark on more.




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Final Thoughts On Camping Types

While we all may come from different backgrounds and have different outlooks on life, we can all successfully share in the outdoors.

campfire with sparks

Nature is deeply rooted in our psyche. The desire to put the phone away, hold calls and status updates for a sunrise, and take in the smells of a campfire runs through all of us.

Every type of camping listed above can be broken down into smaller sections for more niche activities. Rather than carrying the campsite on your back, you can use bikes, horses, or even llamas.

Car camping can quickly become boat, canoe or kayak camping.



No matter which type of camping you choose, from packing the family sedan full of coolers and lawn chairs for a weekend camping or planning a getaway in the wildest edge of the backcountry you can find, you’re sure to have an unforgettable outdoor experience.

So, get out there and start planning your next camping trip! And who knows, we may even see you out there because, as John Muir once said, “The mountains are calling, and I must go.”