F () R E S T A N I) S T R E A M 
547 
The Tent Plays Important Part in Camp Life 
The Problem of Selecting is 
FORE camp life gained its 
present popularity the selection 
of a tent was a simple task. 
One’s choice was necessarily re¬ 
stricted by the scarcity, of 
models. In those days a tent 
was simply a tent, which usually 
meant a great cumbersome com¬ 
bination of canvas and poles that required a half¬ 
day’s toil to set up, and a watchful wakefulness 
on windy nights lest it should blow down, and 
smother the unfortunate occupant. 
In deciding upon a particular type of tent one 
should be governed by the use to which it is to be 
put, and the sort of country into which it is to 
be taken. If the camp is to be permanent 
within easy reach of transportation facilities, then 
it would be folly to purchase one of the expensive 
“go-light-idea” models. In all other cases, how¬ 
ever the principal should be the greatest amount 
of comfortable shelter with a minimum of weight 
and bulk. But this idea may be carried to ex¬ 
tremes. While it is the height of folly to pack a 
great mass o'! unnecessary canvas, it is equally 
foolish to cut down so rigidly that comfort and 
health became secondary considerations. No tent 
should be too small to properly shelter the own¬ 
er, his personal equipment, and. in necessity 
provide lodging for a passing stranger. A 7 ft. 
x 9 ft. tent of any type will accomodate two men, 
and their duffle, or three men sleeping close to¬ 
gether, feet to the fire. 
Color is an important consideration. A tent 
should be dyed to harmonize with its surround¬ 
ings. White, the old-time standby, is being rap¬ 
idly superseded by more neutral tints. Campers 
have learned that a white tent, except against a 
background of snow, frightens game, that it is 
most trying to the eyes, and that in spring and 
summer it is a veritable fly-trap. On the -other 
hand, a green tent is cool and restful to the eyes, 
it harmonizes splendidly with the forest growth 
and it does not attract flies and insects. For the 
plains and the desert, a tan or “khaki tent will 
be more serviceable. 
Every tent should be equipped with a front 
curtain of mosquito netting, and a ground cloth. 
The object of the former is obvious, while the 
latter not only provides the camper with clean, 
dry footing, but insures him against snakes and 
other unwelcome bed-fellows as well. Wall and 
Raker tents should have an outside “flv suspen¬ 
ded above them. This should be slightly larger 
than the roof of the tent. The object of the out- 
fc, side “fly” is to afford protection from the direct 
rays of the sun. and to serve as an extrti shelter 
in heavy rain, and snow. There are many other 
accessories in the market, but for the practical 
camper most of them would be superfluous. 
In proceeding to a description of the various 
types of tents it seems only proper to begin with 
Easy to Solve if the Amateur 
and Tried Designs 
By Elmer Russell Gregor 
the oldest and most familiar model. Without 
doubt this is the Wall or House tent. It is still 
popular, especially when weight and bulk are not 
the primary considerations. For a permanent 
camp it is just the thing. On “one night stands,” 
and in general camping, however, it has been 
largely superseded by the lighter and more im¬ 
proved models. One of the disadvantages of this 
tent is the necessity of carrying, or providing 
poles to set it up. A 7 ft. x 9 ft. Wall tent should 
weigh between twelve and sixteen pounds, and 
should cost between $14.00 and $25.00; depending 
upon the material from which it is made. 
Another old-time favorite and one which still 
retains its popularity against the newer rivals is 
the Baker or Lean-to Tent. This tent is a splen¬ 
did model for general use. It is a tent of large 
The Canoeist’s Outfit. 
“sleeping capacity”—a 7 ft. x 9 ft. Baker will ac¬ 
comodate four men lying feet to the fire. By mak¬ 
ing the proper type of night-fire to reflect the 
heat, this tent may be easily warmed on the cold¬ 
est nights. The roof is pitched to shed snow and 
water. The Baker tent may be easily set up ei¬ 
ther with “forks” and a ridge pole, or it may be 
fastened between two trees. It packs nicely, and 
is light and easy to carry. A 7 ft. x 9 ft. Baker 
should weigh between twelve and fifteen pounds, 
and should cost between $12.00 and $20.00de¬ 
pending upon the material. 
The newer Camp-Fire tent is an improved type 
of the Baker. One of the advantages claimed for 
it is that it gives somewhat more head-room with 
about the same amount of floor space. This has 
been accomplished by moving the ridge farther 
back, and creating a short, slanting “porch-roof 
effect in front. Another advantage claimed for 
this tent is the steeper pitch of the roof, which 
Will Stick to a Few Tested 
should make it less likely to sag under wet snow 
or heavy rain. 
The Forester’s Tent is distinctly the model for 
those who desire to “go light.” It is a splendid 
tent for the man who carries his equipment on his 
back. While it would scarcely be suitable for a 
permanent camp, still the camper will find con¬ 
siderable room in this little shelter. As its name 
implies, it is primarily a tent for the forest. Be¬ 
sides being light and handy to carry, it may be 
easily set up, and it is stanch and storm-proof 
under all conditions. A Forester’s tent 7 ft. x 
7 ft. will Weigh between three and six pounds, 
and should cost between $5.00 and $7.00; depend¬ 
ing upon the material. 
The Canoe Tent is another “go-light” model, a 
very popular one. It is a great favorite with can¬ 
oeists, and those who are compelled to economize 
on weight and bulk. This is a dandy little tent 
with plenty of head-room. It may be set up with 
a single stick, and held up by a rope fastened to 
the limb of a tree. 
The so-called Snow Tent is one of the newer 
models, which is really an improved and enlarged 
edition of the canoe tent. This tent offers large 
floor space, and plenty of head-room, with a min¬ 
imum bulk of walls and roof. It may be set up 
with a small ridge-pole, and a single pair of 
“forks,” or, like the canoe model, it may be fast¬ 
ened to the limb of a tree. The steep pitch of 
the roof insures the prompt “spilling” of snow 
and water. This is an excellent tent for general 
purposes, and it is a model which is becoming 
very popular. A Snow Tent 7 ft. x 9 ft. should 
weigh between thirteen and sixteen pounds, and 
should cost between $14.00 and $22.00; depending 
upon the material. 
The Miner’s br Conical Tent is a favorite in 
the mining regions of the west. This model is 
ideal for use on the plains, and in modified form 
it is very popular, with mountain climbers. It 
may be set up with a single pole, and it is light 
and easy to pack. This little tent gives great 
floor space, and plenty of head-room, besides 
being stanch and serviceable under all conditions. 
It is an excellent model for all who wish to econ¬ 
omize on bulk. A 7 ft. x 9 ft. Miner’s modei 
should weigh between eight and thirteen pounds, 
and should cost between $8.00 and $13.00; de¬ 
pending upon the material. 
In closing it may be well to mention the most 
primitive model of all—the Indian Tepee. 
Although it has never been popular with the 
white man, this tent is the best ventilated shelter 
in the world. Its great disadvantage is the num 
ber of poles required to set it up. However, theic 
are those who sing its praises, and the popular 
model seems to be about ten feet in diameter, nine 
feet in height, and weighing about eight or nine 
pounds. It is usually made of heavy duck or 
“khaki” and should cost about $12.00. 
