Tents

These portable shelters, usually made of canvas or tanned animal skin, provide shelter from the elements for weary travelers. They're easy to erect and light to carry. Here a few of the most popular small tents, suitable for one or two occupants:

• Bell Tent. This is one of the simplest tents, consisting of a single sheet of fabric arranged around a pole to form a cone. Ropes attached to stakes surrounding the bottom of the tent are pulled to stretch the fabric tight. Though quick to construct and easy to transport, bell tents don't provide much protection against strong winds.
• Wedge Tent. Also known as an A-frame tent or a wall tent, the wedge tent is built on a frame consisting of two vertical poles with a horizontal pole secured between them. The fabric is laid across the horizontal pole, then stretched with ropes attached to stakes. The wedge tent is somewhat sturdier than the bell tent, although like that tent, it provides only modest protection against severe weather.
• Pyramid Tent. Combining elements of both the bell and wedge tents, the pyramid tent frame is made of four vertical poles arranged in a square, with horizontal poles attached between them. A longer pole rises from the center of the square. The fabric extends from the center pole to form four slanting walls, secured with stakes. The sturdy pyramid tent resists light to moderate winds.
• Bundle Tent. Particularly useful in cold climates, the bundle tent consists of from six to eight ribs about five feet long, connected to each other by the tent covering. The covering consists of two layers of skin from a furry animal, such as a bear or caribou. The layers are arranged fur-side out, creating a pocket of air for extra insulation. The tent opens like an umbrella to form a domed shape or folds into a bundle.

[Complete Ranger's Handbook]