BWCA 101, Part 4: Take a Good Tent

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BWCA 101, Part 4: Take a Good Tent

June 28, 2009 by Scott Nelson

Chris Walden continues his quest to help others plan and prepare trips to the majestic waters and rugged lands of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

If the canoe is not the most important piece of gear on a BWCA trip, your tent is. Anyone who has sat inside a tent during a rainy night understands this completely. Whether you were wet or dry, you understood the value of a quality tent.

Most good quality tents are made of a breathable nylon material, which allows airflow though the tent to prevent condensation on the inside. The downside is that a steady rain can also penetrate this material so you must also use a “rain fly.” This is a secondary piece of waterproof nylon that covers the tent with a few inches of clearance, providing the needed weather protection while protecting the tent’s ability to breathe. Ensure the tent you use comes with a rain fly that reaches low enough to cover any windows, or even all the way to the bottom of the tent.

Other materials include heavier polyester/cotton blends that are typically used in large cabin tents. These tents tend to be less expensive than nylon, but they don’t breathe well, leading to heavy condensation on warm summer nights. Poly/cotton tents are also heavier, and unnecessary weight is an enemy on a BWCA trip.

A two or three person dome tent is perhaps the most versatile tent shape and size. They tend to have ample size and stability while staying small and light enough to not be burdensome. 4-5 person tents mean carrying fewer tents as a group, but they can be tough to find a place to pitch them properly. Larger multiple-room family tents are heavy behemoths that I would not recommend taking.

Another thing to consider when buying a new tent is a “footprint.” This, like the rain fly, is a tough piece of material to put on the ground below the tent. It protects the bottom of the tent from wear, and provides a little extra water resistance to the tent floor. I once woke on a rainy morning to learn that I mistakenly pitched my tent in the path of water running off a nearby hill, directly under my tent. Without the footprint, I may have had a wet night. Not all tents come with footprints, so ask the retailer about the specific tent model. Another option is to simply use a tarp from any local hardware store. Again, make sure it fits the base of your tent.

Finally, when it comes to tents, you get what you pay for. A $30 tent from a big blue box store may be enticing, but will not be nearly the same quality as a well made $250 tent from a specialty store. Even if it means renting a canoe the first few trips, do not skimp on the tent. Spend the extra dollars to make sure you stay dry and comfortable.