If you ask a first-time camper what he needs heading into the woods, most likely the first answer will be "a tent and a sleeping bag." More than likely he will be thinking of those old canvas contraptions with the wooden poles, ropes and tent pegs to hold it up. And he might even recall with some horror all those situation comedies where poor Dad can't erect the shelter without turning himself and the stubborn tent into a twisted strait-jacket even as the rain begins to pour down on his hapless, wet family. But today's outdoor shelters are not your father's tents.
That's the good news. The better news is there is no bad news about today's tents. First of all, they won't cost you an arm and a leg, they're easy to pitch, and they come in all sizes and shapes to comfortably house from one to perhaps as many as six campers. They even have family style "multi-room" tents for family and/or close friends.
And forget about the inverted V shape. Today's tents are usually domed or oval-shaped, and made out of double-walled polyester or nylon with zippered flaps and screening. They literally snap up, and because of their aerodynamic shape are less likely to collapse in windy weather. They keep you warm at night but are far cooler in the day than the old-fashioned heat-retaining canvas shelters.
Often new campers forget to include room for their backpacks and other needed equipment, which is then relegated to the outdoors - fine until it rains. That's why experienced campers will tell you to invest in a tent that is big enough to house everyone comfortably and their gear.
And speaking of rain, look for a tent with a one-piece nylon or polyester "floor." It will keep ground water out better than a flooring sheet with seams that can leak. Also, a "rain fly" should cover most of the tent and extend over the entrance to act like a mud room, keeping moisture out of the tent itself.
Sleeping bags come in all sizes and varieties, from lightweight one-person "mummy styles" and fold overs, to couples' units comfortable for two. You can also choose from the more expensive down insulation or a synthetic fiber filler. As a rule of thumb, a medium-grade filling will provide enough warmth for most camping ventures. And don't be afraid to try out several sleeping bags at the camping store before you buy one. Of course, you won't be able to judge its warmth outdoors, but you will get a sense of how comfortable it is, (and if you are at all claustrophobic) and that's important, too.
While backpackers will opt for lightweight sleeping bags that they can tote all over the wilderness, campers who set up tents and stay in one spot for several days often invest in fold-out cots, and can sleep on them in a sleeping bag or with blankets and a pillow.
The overall idea is to get as good a night's rest as possible. You don't want to toss and turn all night and awake with a back ache to boot.
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