Camping : Considering Hydrostatic Head And Sun Protection Factor When Buying A Tent
|
By: David Sprake
 
Date Submitted: 2009-07-13 22:36:11 - Article Views: 20147
|
|
Tents are available in various kinds of material that are suitable for different weather conditions. Fabrics can include cotton canvas, nylon, polyester and felt. Canvas can absorb water but it can also become very bulky once it takes in all the water. On the other hand polyester and nylon are lightweight and do not take in much water and so with the right kind of coating they can become completely waterproof. However as years pass by these fabrics tend to wear due to constant exposure to harsh UV rays. It is therefore necessary to see how much resistance each kind of tent fabric has against natural conditions such as the sunlight and rain.
Polyurethane is commonly used as a coating on nylon and polyester tents. The coatings are available with different resistance power and the strength of this resistance is generally measured in Hydrostatic Head. The more the Hydrostatic Head the greater will be the durability of the tent and the longer will its coating last. Resistance against rain is calculated in millimetres and the different levels indicate the force of water required to enter the fabric. A heavy down pour exerts more pressure as compared to a light shower.
If a fabric indicates a hydrostatic head of 1000mm, it can be classified as good enough for a light shower. A hydrostatic head of 1500mm in a tent fabric is appropriate for summer camps while 2000mm fabrics are durable for more weather types. Flysheets can be a good 5000mm and above while groundsheets can exceed this limit. A tent fabric with a hydrostatic head of 3000mm can be used for expeditions.
The other aspect that we must take into consideration while selecting a good quality tent is the sun protection factor. The sun protection factor or SPF shows how long you can expose yourself to the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun. The greater the SPF number the more protection you have from the sun. Just as tent fabrics are checked for their water resistance, similarly they are marked for their UV protection, which is generally between SPF35 to SPF50. You can find tents with much higher SPF protection but that also means paying that bit extra.
However it is always more sensible to buy a tent that provides you the maximum SPF protection because you are outdoors for several days and need the best safety measures for your skin. Ultraviolet rays can be very harmful to your skin, so make sure that the tent you buy gives you a good amount of safety from the suns rays by blocking the rays from penetrating the tent fabric.
While your tent takes care of you, it is also required that you take equally good care of it. To ensure that it lasts longer after beating the extreme heat and heavy rainfall, you must take care that it is stored properly without too many bends and folds. The fabric can also show wear and tear if not cared for and these are clearly visible at the folds. So make sure you protect it as much as it protects you. |
|
|
 Author Resource Required for Reprint:
Find the best camping tents at www.tents.info
|
|
Article Source:
Echievements
Back to Top
|
Tags:
camping tents  tents for camping |
|
|
Bookmark and Share
|
|
 Camping Category Rss Feed |
-
A description of the most basic part of the tent, the shell, and an explanation of how the use of two layers deals with the issue of water intrusion.
Viewed: 142 Times.
Read More ...
-
In the following lines I will discuss about some accessories which are supposed to be essential with the hiking boots. Our special focus will be on hiking socks and liners. There are some important considerations you should know, before you buy your hiking boots along with accessories.
Viewed: 142 Times.
Read More ...
-
Is new RV out of your budget? Are you planning to purchase a used RV? If yes, then consider these five points before selecting a RV of your choice.
Viewed: 143 Times.
Read More ...
-
The perfect way to enjoy the camps all over the country - a recreational vehicle.
Viewed: 143 Times.
Read More ...
-
Imagine this scenario, you just finished successfully presenting to your boss the report that you have spent countless hours completing, you are tired and all stressed out.
Viewed: 143 Times.
Read More ...
|
|
| David Sprake's Author Feed |
-
Every kind of construction material used in the European Union requires a certification of safety that is depicted by the CE marking. Tile adhesives are also required to meet this safety norm to be declared fit according to British Standards.
Viewed: 110 Times.
Read More ...
-
The virtual collapse of the property market in the UK has left many people unable to afford to move, but they are not happy with their homes. But transforming the bathroom with new tiles is not just cost effective, but can really give your bathroom a total makeover for only minimal expense.
Viewed: 112 Times.
Read More ...
-
When you instruct a law firm, what level of service should you expect to receive from them and what happens if they are failing to adhere to these minimal standards
Viewed: 113 Times.
Read More ...
-
Motorcycle accident solicitors will know exactly what elements of a case will indicate a good chance of success. This article discusses this in more detail and provides advice on whom you should trust to represent you.
Viewed: 114 Times.
Read More ...
-
If you have cause to use the services of motorcycle accident solicitors you are likely to want to know the typical amounts of compensation that are levied towards different types of injuries. This article should help to inform you of this.
Viewed: 114 Times.
Read More ...
|
|
Article use is considered your agreement of our Terms of Service.
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Thanks for visiting Echievements
Copyright © 2008 - 2011 Echievements
Back to Top
|
Print
