Friday, June 17, 2011 - Blog on a Log

Summer Hazards: Midnight Tent Confusion

Can you feel it? Summer is finally here, and it's time to pull out everyone's #1 camping item: the tent.

During the long, cold winter months, we dream of warm summer nights under the canvas (or polyester). Tenting is a well-loved joy; the evening campfires, the sound of gentle rain on the fly as your warm and snug inside, waking up with the sun-there's no shortage of great reasons to go camping. But for all the wonder of a tent, camping in the great outdoors does hold dangers and troubles - and none are to be feared more than midnight tent confusion.

We've all been there - it's late, it's dark, you wake up in your tent, and you have no idea where the door is. Maybe you've misplaced your headlamp. Maybe your tent buddy is a fitful sleeper, and you're trying not to wake them. Maybe you shouldn't have drank that last beer around the campfire, and need to find a conveniently placed bush ASAP. Whatever the details, the great outdoors are calling from just beyond an elusive zipper - if only you knew where to zip.

Don't let the darkness oppress you - freedom is waiting! Just follow one of these sure-fire methods and you'll be out before you can say "mummy bag":

The Glowing Zip - for those well-prepared, a glowstick tied to the tent zipper ensures no need for night time fumbles (or only the good kind). Crack the stick before settling in, and you're good to go! Just be sure to get a long-lasting one; that 3-year old freebie from the bottom of some gift bag is pretty much guaranteed to run out long before you actually wake up and need it.
The Goggle - for the technophile, darkness poses little challenge. It may cost you dear, but for full dark tent visibility without waking others, there's no beating a set of night vision goggles. Find your way out without causing any fuss - just be sure a helpful tent buddy doesn't hear your moving around and decide to guide your way by flicking on a flashlight.
The Toe-Tie - Like Perseus, the tent is your labyrinth, and the only way to be sure of knowing the way out is to use a guide. Before bed, take a moment to tie a string from your toe to the tent zipper. Length is recommended if you're a fitful sleeper, but you can always be sure to locate the way out, even in the darkest night. Combines especially well with those fond of venting their feet out the bottom of the bag.
The Blind Grope - when all else fails, there's nothing for it but to start at one tent wall and follow the side around until you hit a zipper. This pretty much always works, but use with care - it's not popular amongst sleeping tent buddies, and is pretty much guaranteed to leave the inside of your tent awash with the ravaged remains of the gear you've tossed out of the way. Should only be attempted when all other methods have failed.

Midnight tent confusion is an oft-neglected danger facing even the most confident campers. Do not be taken unawares - preparation is everything. With one of our sure-fire methods, the ever-present fear of lost zippers and full bladders can be a thing of the past. Asses your risk - know your enemy. Only you can prevent midnight tent confusion.

Of course, you will never know the pleasure of a successful zipper-location without a tent to camp in. If your backcountry home is in need of a replacement, why not join us at our Tent Expo in Winnipeg this weekend (June 17-19). Over 50 tents have been set up for your browsing convenience - it's the perfect place to find your new favourite home-away-from-home!