By: Ba Kiwanuka
Avoid camping in low places--Air flow gets stagnant and typically moisture settles more. Also, if it rains whilst your tent is up, there's a greater chance of water collecting when you're camped in a low lying area. Lastly, position your tent so that your head is uphill wherever you camp (seeing as most locations are rarely ever flat).
Ventilation--It's better to face the tail of your tent into prevailing winds. This will maximize air flow. Scrutinize the area--Check the area for sharp objects that may damage your tent before setting up camp.
Set Up-- Once your tent is set up, if you notice wrinkles running from one corner to the next (interior), this means that you've pulled the tent too tightly in that direction. Reposition the stakes until the floor evens out.
Looking Good--Last but certainly not least: If you've never set up your tent before, it's best to practice at home until you can do it in your sleep (bit of an exaggeration...but you know what I mean). This will save you any embarrassment later on in the 'Real World'.
Tent Care
Keep it dry-- Never store your tent when it's wet or damp! Consequences of forgetting this cardinal rule is mildew damage and tent stink. So, dry it after use (but not in direct sunshine).
Reduce condensation build up--Sometimes condensation may become a real issue, especially in certain types of tents. One of the ways to combat this, is to spray the outside of your tent with a product like ReviveX which beads up water so it rolls off the tent's surface (think of water rolling off a duck's back). Ground Cloth--Use one. It will protect your tent bottom from protruding objects.
Sweep out your tent--accumulated dirt between your sleeping bag and the floor will gradually erode the tent floor. Sunshine--Don't leave your tent in the sun for prolonged periods--ultra-violet rays damage the tent fabric and its waterproofing capabilities. If you can, set up in the shade.
Seams--Seal them all. In this particular case, water is not your friend. Keep it out!
Transporting your tent--Constantly folding your tent the same way will eventually cause creases that will compromise its weatherproofing and ultimately crack the fabric itself. Solution? Stuff it for transportation.
Packaging of your tent--The keyword here is "carefully" (assuming you have any concern about its lifespan). Poles dent, break, chip and cords stretch. Also bear in mind that poles and stakes can tear and poke holes in the tent fabric.
Tent Types
The following is not an indepth treatise of the types of tents available but rather a brief review.
Dome Tents
This type of tent has a rudimentary dome shape formed by inward curving walls that meet atop at the apex. Advantages: ample headroom and ability to sit upright. Disadvantages: Two pole design leaves a significant portion of unsupported tent material restricting this type of tent's use to moderate weather conditions.
Modified Dome Tents
Same as the dome tent with a few variations: addition of more poles plus cross-section rods, as well as tapered ends. Advantages: better able to withstand harsh weather and mounting wind levels.
Pyramid Tent
In essence this is little more than a waterproof tarp staked to the ground and draped over a central pole. Advantages: easy to set up. Disadvantages: it's sheer simplicity does not accomadate for the presence of bugs and other crawlies.
Tunnel Tent
As the name suggests this type of tent is designed in the shape of a tunnel. Usually the front has the most ceiling height (just enough to sit up) and tapers towards the rear. This tent type incorporates a single or dual pole design with the longer pole upfront. Advantages: Very lightweight. Disadvantages: Design type tends towards being cramped
