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INTENTS OUTDOORS at ADVENTUREXPO 2018

The Cloud, Auckland CBD

Saturday - Sunday, 1-2 December

adventurexpo.co.nz

Intents Outdoors will be at the upcoming ADVENTUREXPO at the Cloud in Auckland on the weekend of Dec 1-2.

Come on in to see some of our new ultralight tents and gear. We’ll have some giveaways and great show specials only for XPO visitors.

Curious about our ITO and Orson tents and tarps? Great chance to touch and see our gear in the real world and have a chat about any questions you might have.

We’ll be sharing a space with dancingmoose and ninerbikes and there’s heaps of adventure gear exhibitors and action going on. Water, wheels, wind, mountain … something for everyone.

Some amazing activities and demos.

And prizes.

All in one place.

Come say hi and see you there.

Roof racks now come in all shapes and sizes. We get lots of questions about roof top tents and one of the most common is “what sort of roof racks do you need for a roof top tent?”

Not hard to see why people love the idea of roof top tents - adventure, fun, freedom, nature, comfort, convenience ... awesome!

But then there are some practical things to think about.

A few quick pointers on roof racks.

• Square bars are easier to work with than the oval shaped whisp bars. The width of square bars is narrower and most mounting plates supplied with a tent will fit them. Whisps are wider and not all plates will be suitable for them and you may have to look around for some alternative to the supplied ones.

• You need about 85cm of clear, straight bar to work with. For Orson roof top tents the mounting tracks under the tent are about 80cm apart and you need clear bar to bolt them onto – no plastic fittings or curves in the racks that will get in the way.   
• Check weight ratings on roof racks. A roof tent can weigh 60+kg so best to get racks that have a load rating of 75kg at least or 100kg even better. These ratings are for dynamic weights when a vehicle is moving to cope with braking and turns. The static weight on the racks is usually much higher.
• Try to get racks that will leave a reasonable gap between roof and the racks. You have to get your hands in there to fasten/loosen the bolts. The more room the easier it will be.
• Make sure that the height from ground to the top of the roof racks is within reach of the roof top tent ladder and annex you’re after. Most ladders are around the 2m mark and annexes fit a set up around 2m in height or XL ones around 2.2m. When the racks are set at 2.4m then something’s gotta give.
• Get advice from a roof rack retailer. You can fit a set of racks (and a tent) on most vehicles but you should seek advice and also check the load capacity of your vehicle roof with the manufacturer. 

Other options

• Ute back frames – some guys are building racks and frames over the ute trays to sit the tents on. We hope to have a frame that can be fitted to ute backs in the near future.
• Rooftop baskets – need to check that the bars will hold the weight as weren’t really made to take the weight of a tent. And also check that the roof top tent ladder is tall enough with the extra height that baskets add to the set up.  
• Trailers – some are setting up the roof tents on a trailer. Gear underneath, frame and bars with roof tent and then using removable H bars over the packed tent to carry kayaks etc.
• Awnings – vehicle awnings are a cool and easy way to add a massive living area to add to your bedroom upstairs. You might want to think about a roof rack that can handle both a tent and an awning.

Sorted! Yeah nah? If you still have any questions we can help out with then give us a call 0210405991

The popularity of adventure sports and activities has led to a rise in ultralight gear. Ultralight tents and tarps, bivvys and sleeping bags, ultralight airmats, clothing and related equipment are becoming more common. The gear may be changing but the safety rules when hiking and tramping remain the same.

Weight alone is not a determining factor in how ‘good’ a tent is. In many cases ultralight tents are better than their older counterparts. They are constructed using lighter fabrics and materials like silnylon and carbon fibre, which is lighter and stronger than polyester and fibreglass. Designs may prioritise lower weight and give up some ‘comforts’ of heavier tents like size and space but performance is still the ultimate goal.

We were recently asked about the rise of ultralight hiking for an article LandSAR team warns ultralight hikers to prepare carefully this summer reminding people about safety outdoors.

Ultralight camping and hiking is about being more mobile, carrying less weight and being smarter in how you interact with the environment. A key part of being smart is safety ... making proper plans and preparations, taking the right gear for your trip, expecting the unexpected.

Of course not everyone is off to conquer the highest peaks and roughest terrain but no matter where you’re headed to, proper planning and safety is key to having a great trip.

Make sure you follow simple rules laid out in the adventuresmart outdoors safety code …

• Plan – know where you’re going, expected times and what gear is required
• Tell others – let people know where you’re going and expected times
• Be aware of the weather – check forecasts and expect changes. The weather and can be amazing one minute but also potentially fatal the next.
• Know your limits – know your physical limits and experience and what you can realistically achieve
• Take sufficient supplies – make sure you have sufficient and suitable food, clothing and gear, communication and emergency rations.  

The ultralight trend is about packing light and packing safe no matter what activity you're into. Love the experience outdoors, but above all, be safe and come home to tell everyone about it.

How do you choose a great roof top tent that’s going to be just right for you and your next adventure? Here’s 13 points to help you choose a roof top tent that is best for you.

You’ve probably already done a bit of research, had a look at roof top tents pros and cons, and pictured yourself kicking back up in your ‘room with a view’ on a beautiful beach watching the sunset, or waking up in front of a stunning snow-capped mountain.

At Intents Outdoors we’ve been designing, importing and working with roof top tents for years. So here’s some things to think about to narrow down the choices to find a roof top tent that will work for you. Catch our next blog for a list of exactly what to look for when checking out a rooftop tent in person.

But first here’s our list of things to consider beforehand to decide what kind of roof top tent will be best for you.

Budget

Like most things these days the sky’s the limit. See what's available your price range. High end tents have a lot of features and branding. And also be aware that really cheap roof top tents aren’t going to be great quality or last a long time.  

Design

There are lots of designs around. Lots of soft top styles and ‘clamshell’ hard tops mounted on roof racks. Some soft shells have an extended awning over the entrance, useful in the wet and some don’t with a clear view front and rear. Some open up by unfolding, some pop up, some are manual, some automatic, some are custom built into the roof, some open to the side or rear or both. Do some research, see what you like, know what you want. 

Use

What are you going to be using the tent for? Campsites or hardcore 4x4 offroad mud? How often are you going to be heading out? Summer camping or out in winter snow? Are you easy on your gear or give it hell? How are you going to get it on and off the roof? Have you got somewhere to store it? Will your vehicle with roof tent on top fit in the garage? Will you be leaving it up on the roof for the summer months or taking it off after every trip? Uses and needs are not the same for everyone – answers to these questions help you decide which tents are a good fit for you.  

Capacity

How many people will be using the tent? Most models are for 2 people, but 3 and 4 person ones are around. 

Weather

It hot and sunny, sometimes windy, and rains a fair bit in NZ. Is the tent weatherproof and waterproof? Make sure it has a decent rain fly over the top. If the main tent is a lighter polyester fabric, it should be PU coated and tape seamed or if a heavier canvas should be ‘weathered’ or ‘seasoned’ to become completely waterproof. Check that the internal ridge poles are sturdy or can be supported with stabiliser bars. 

Tent base

The base of the soft shell tents is aluminium - thicknesses vary. To handle knocks and scrapes from putting it on and taking off the roof racks aluminium tread plate bases are sturdier and have a more rugged look. Make sure that the sandwich base of the tent is made of waterproof polyurethane materials and not of cheap MDF or wood which if wet will not last.

Packed Tent Profile

Roof top tents add extra height and weight to your vehicle.The bigger the profile the greater the drag and higher the centre of gravity when driving. Have a look at photos and the measurements of packed tents. Square slide ladders have a big profile, telescopic ladders a low profile. Some tents also have raised hinges to allow more bedding to be packed away, but this will also mean a higher profile. 

Fabric

The rain fly over the top of the tent is usually polyester and should be a good thickness and waterproof to keep rain off the main tent (PU1500mm is usually minimum to be considered waterproof). The main tent is usually a durable polycotton canvas - 280gsm to 380gsm is fine (too light is not great but heavy canvas can be overkill, too). Some tents are polyester so will be lighter and should have an adequate PU coating to be waterproof. 

Ladder

Check that ladders fit the height for your vehicle. Roof top tents usually have an aluminium two piece sliding ladder or a telescopic ladder. Sliding ladders come in 2 pieces and extend out before locking into place. One half sits on top of the other half, so the roof top tent has a bigger profile with a large rectangular ‘bump’ in the middle. Telescopic ladder heights can be more easily adjusted and the ladders have a much lower profile when packed away. 

Vehicle Heights

It’s important to work out the height of your vehicle set up - measure from the top of the roof racks to the ground. Make sure that any tent annex and ladder are ok for your set up. 

Annex (Annexe)

That room option under the tent - some people love them and some never use them. Annexes are useful but require a bit of effort to set up and pack away.  They can give you an extra room, a space to sleep, get changed or store extra gear. They come in different setups with doors, windows, awnings and back access to the vehicle, floors, no floors, detachable floors ... see which layout appeals to you. And again, make sure the height will suit your vehicle.

Travel covers

An important and often overlooked part of the tent that needs to be watertight and waterproof to keep the tent dry. Hardshells usually have popup fibreglass or aluminium covers which double as the tent roof. Softshell tents usually have heavy duty PVC covers secured with zips or Velcro – both have pros and cons. See how the cover hangs and is stored when the tent is open. Black covers may end up getting really hot in the summer sun, grey or khaki less so. 

Extra Features

Other things to look out for are … gear lofts to stow gear, shoe hammocks to keep your shoes dry and in reach under the tent base overnight, bungy cords to help pull the tent sides in to make pack up easier, comfy mattresses with washable covers, colour combos, LED lighting, even remote controls … and make sure that the supplier carries a range of accessories and spare parts just in case.

Now you know what to look for check out our range of great Orson roof top tents. Arrange a time to come out and view one. We’ve ticked off all the boxes to come up with some great roof top tents with some unique features to fit your needs and put you on the road trip(s!) of a lifetime!

Wind can be your tent's biggest enemy! Don't let wind shred your tent and your holiday. Here are some tips for dealing with windy weather when you’re out camping.

Before you buy

If you’re buying a tent to handle windy weather you should get a good tent and gear suitable for the task. Consider …

• Tent functions. Different style tents have different priorities - family tents prioritise size and comfort rather than aerodynamics, tents for casual weekend camping aim for convenience, and ultralight tents focus on light weight … all are less likely to deal with high winds. Look for the right tent for the conditions you’ll be facing.
• Tent design. Dome style tents are more aerodynamic and will handle winds better than traditional cabin style tents. Tents higher in the centre with sloping walls, and a low profile will handle winds better. Some tents are all-rounders and some specifically designed to deal with extreme conditions. You can check out more about tent designs.
• Tent fabrics. Canvas, polyester or nylon? Each has its pros and cons. Canvas is very tough but heavy and more commonly used in family cabin tents and swags. Nylon is light and strong and polyester a little heavier and bulkier. Both are commonly used for dome tents. Check out Ripstop and fabric Denier – generally the higher the Denier the thicker and stronger the fabric will be. Check out our info on pros and cons of tent fabrics and tent fabric specs for more info.
• Tent poles. Generally the more poles used and the more times poles intersect the stronger the framework will be. Check how the poles are secured to the fly. And check the material and thickness of the poles.  
• Tent tie out points and pegs – make sure there are adequate tie out points, rope and pegs.
• Ask the seller for advice if you have any questions.

Before you go

• Check the weather forecast. Decide if you’re going or not. You can’t beat nature and sometimes it just might be better postpone your trip. Safety first.
• If you’ve just bought a new tent set it up at home and learn how to pitch it and have a good idea of what it can handle before you go.
• Prepare for the worst if bad weather is expected. What can you do beforehand to cope? Take the right tent if you have more than one, a repair kit, bigger or different tent pegs, more guy rope, a tarp, duct tape, sandbags … plan B.

Out camping

• When to pitch your tent? Depending on your situation, you might wait for the wind to weaken before setting up your tent.
• Find a sheltered spot if possible. Look for natural windbreaks. If car camping you could use that as a windbreak.
• Avoid trees. Pick a spot clear of any falling branches and potential hazards.
• Clean up the area of objects that might get blown into you and your tent.
• Having a helping hand will make things easier.
• Check the direction the wind is coming from and pitch the tent with the smallest, lowest end facing into the wind to minimise the profile. Avoid setting up sideways to the wind creating a ‘sail’ to catch the wind’s full force.
• Pitch with the main door facing away from the wind if possible.
• Pitching in the wind depends on tent design and set up. Think about the best order of steps to set up the tent in the wind. Organise your gear and have what you need ready at hand.
• Generally, it’s a good idea to assemble poles first, have pegs in a pocket and stake out the side/end of the fly facing the wind before working through set up.
• Guy out the tent properly to add strength to the set up. Set pegs at a 45 degree into the ground and adjust guy rope to keep the fly taut. Loose, flapping parts are more likely to tear.
• Avoid leaving the door or flaps open that might catch in the wind.
• Throughout the night you may need to check your tent and make adjustments
• Do what you can and accept the weather – try to get some sleep.
• If your tent is not going to beat Mother Nature it might be time to pack up and come back another day. Stay safe.

When you get back think about what you could have done to improve your set up and keep that in mind the next time you go camping in windy weather.

Merry Christmas to everyone from Intents Outdoors! Almost there. Time to get your camping tents and holiday plans sorted.

We make every effort to make sure that orders are dispatched as soon as possible but once they leave our hands, final delivery depends on the courier companies. Most orders should be delivered on time but couriers will be swamped and delays can be expected.  

We recommend allowing at least 2 extra working days to account for any potential delays. Better still, get orders in as soon as possible to make sure things get delivered ahead of time.

We will be working through the holiday period and pick up may be possible with prior confirmation.

As usual all orders will be shipped as soon as possible but we will not be able to dispatch orders on statutory holidays. The courier companies will be closed from Saturday 23^rd – Tuesday 26^th Dec. and for the New Year holiday from Dec 30^th – Jan 2^nd  

For deliveries needed before Christmas …

North Island services - For orders placed before 2pm we can do same day dispatch and it’s usually next working day delivery. We recommend placing orders by Tuesday 19^th Dec. to allow a couple more days in case of delay.  

South Island services - For orders placed before 2pm we can do same day dispatch and it’s usually takes 2 working days for delivery. We recommend placing orders by Monday 18th Dec. to allow a couple more days in case of delay.

*Rural services - Delivery to rural addresses requires an extra 1-2 working days on top of the times above.

Have a great Christmas and New Year!

What are the advantages of roof top tents? Are there any disadvantages? Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons to help you know if they're right for you. Then check out answers to a lot of common questions for people considering one of our Orson Roof Top Tents. 

What are the advantages of a roof top tent?

• Mobility – Great for a road trip. The perfect adventure on the road if you’re moving from place to place. Set up wherever your vehicle can go. Top choice for people who often head out for weekend trips, surfers moving from beach to beach, 4x4 enthusiasts and anyone looking for a bit of adventure and fun.
• Quick and easy set up – park and your tent can be set up in a few minutes. Another 10 minutes to set up the annex if required.
• Comfort – sleeping on a luxurious double mattress up off the ground for a great night’s sleep. And leave your bedding in the tent when you pack up.
• Durable – made of tougher, more durable and longer lasting weatherproof materials (like canvas, steel and aluminium tread plate) compared to ground tents which often focus on being light and portable.
• Off ground – like your own tree house - no mud or flooding, catches breezes for ventilation.
• Frees up storage space in vehicle – having the tent on the roof means you have more space in your vehicle for other gear.
• Security – up off the ground makes things less accessible to animals and people.
• Cheaper than RV – enjoy some of the comforts and mobility of an RV on a budget.

Are there any negative points to think about?

• You can’t drive off to the nearest shops if the tent is set up. If you’re planning on camping in one spot for a long time that’s not so convenient. Bring your bike.
• Getting the tent on and off the roof – a tent weighs about 60kg so will require 2 strong people to lift it up on and off. I leave mine on the vehicle for the whole camping season.
• Road handling – affects the centre of gravity on your vehicle and fuel efficiency but nothing too noticeable.
• Height – the height of the tent may make some parts difficult to access – I keep a small folding chair handy.
• Higher cost – more expensive than a ground tent.

What’s the verdict?

The pros far outweigh the cons. Having one on my roof, that's my opinion. We've made a lot of planned trips and spur of the moment overnighters when the sun has come out. A roof top tent will open you up to a whole lot of new adventures. The feedback from our customers has been ‘Absolutely love it!’ Roll on summer.

If you're still not sure about a roof top tent then contact us at Intents Outdoors and we'll do our best to help out with any info or advice you might need. 

Condensation can occur in any tent. But there are ways to prevent and manage condensation so that it doesn’t ruin your camping trip. To beat it we need to understand what it is and how it forms, and realise that there are ways to prevent it, minimise and manage it.

What is condensation?

The underside of your tent fly is wet! It’s covered in water. Is it waterproof? It might be a leaky seam but chances are that it’s condensation - the change of moisture in the air to the liquid that forms on cold surfaces like your tent fly.

Where does moisture inside the tent come from?

• Natural humidity in the air
• Breathing, we release moisture with each breath (anything from half a litre to two litres per day according to google)
• Wet clothes, boots and gear inside the tent or vestibule adds to moisture
• Cooking inside creates vapour from cooking fuel or steam from food
• Evaporation from exposed, damp ground or grass beneath the tent
• Pitching near a body of water brings greater humidity and colder temps at night.

How does condensation form?

The air inside a tent can become warm and humid from people’s body heat, moisture and lack of ventilation. On cold nights, temperatures can drop fairly quickly, and the tent fly will also be cold. When the warm air inside the tent hits the cold tent fabric, the moisture in the air condenses into a liquid and water forms on the cold surface of the inside of tent fly - much like the condensation that forms on the outside of a glass of cold water.

What kind of conditions bring on condensation?

• On clear, still, cold nights
• In wet rainy conditions, with no wind, and night time temperature drops
• After afternoon rain, with a clear, still night with low night temps

How do you prevent condensation?

• Ventilation. Ventilation. The key to preventing condensation is to ventilate the tent as much as possible. Allow the moisture to escape. Warm air holds more moisture than cold air. Open the vents, or entrance door, raise the fly edge off the ground. On cold nights it might be your natural instinct to seal the tent as much as possible to keep the warmth in and the cold out. Don’t! You’ll also be sealing in moisture and creating the perfect conditions for condensation.
• Pitch the end of the tent into the wind to enable increased airflow in and around the tent.
• Choose your campsite carefully. Avoid damp ground and low depressions which are often traps for moisture and humidity. Choose spots to benefit from any breezes.
• Use a footprint or plastic sheet as a groundsheet to create a barrier to the damp ground.
• Reduce the number of people in the tent. Not always possible, but consider that the more people in the tent the more moisture there will be.

Double wall tents

Double wall tents typically handle condensation better than single wall tents. They have an outer fly and inner wall to create a better insulating layer of air between the 2 walls reducing the build-up of condensation. The inner wall also lessens the chance of you and your gear coming into direct contact with any condensation on the fly.    

Single wall tents

Single wall tents are much lighter than double wall tents but new users often have problems dealing with condensation. See if ultralight and single wall tents are right for you. In a single wall tent any condensation is directly on the inside of your tent so remember to keep it well ventilated and ...

• As well as opening vents and doors, consider opening up any mesh entrances as this will improve ventilation a lot more.
• Use a microfiber cloth to wipe walls down.
• Try to avoid coming into direct contact with the walls.
• Dry your tent out before next use.
• Reduce number of people in the tent. A 2 person single wall tent faces greater challenges.
• Consider a sleeping bag with water resistant finish. Synthetic sleeping bags handle moisture better than down bags.

Condensation can be a pain, but knowing what causes condensation means you can take steps to reduce and manage it and focus on enjoying the great outdoors.   

Photo credit: Foter.com

Make your tent last longer with a bit of proper care and a few good habits. Tents are are made for the outdoors and get their fair share of dirt and exposure to the elements. Give them some love to get the best out of them. Here are some easy ways to extend the life and performance of your tent. 

Pitching

• For new tents, read the tent instructions carefully. Practice setting it up at home before your trip to familiarise yourself with the tent and know how to get the best out of it. Make sure you’ve got everything you need.
• Pick a good site to pitch your tent, not exposed to potential dangers like damaging winds or flooding.
• Clear the ground of any stones, sticks or anything that may puncture or tear the floor of your tent. You could also consider using a footprint to protect the tent floor.
• After pitching your tent check that everything is set up properly - fly taut, guy ropes and stakes secure.

Zippers

• Be careful with zippers. Treat them gently. If stuck, it’s probably a piece of fabric or thread caught in the zipper that can be carefully removed. Never force them - broken zippers are a real pain.
• If a tent fly is set too tight, zippers can be under real strain and zipping them back up can be almost impossible. Instead of forcing them, adjust tent stakes to loosen the fly a little and make zippers easier to close.
• Dry lubricants or wax are available for ‘sticky’ zippers.

Poles

• Most poles are shock corded so should fit into place easily. Don’t fool around with poles by whipping them around. This can cause small cracks or fractures unnoticeable at the time, but ending in failure when pressure is exerted in setting up or later in winds.
• End tips of aluminium and fibreglass pole sections are most easily damaged when not properly inserted into connecting hubs and ferrules. Connect the poles one section at time and make sure ends of the individual pole sections are fully inserted into hubs or metal ferrules before exerting pressure and bending the whole pole into place.
• Gently push shock corded tent poles through fabric pole sleeves when setting up or taking down a tent. Pulling poles will disconnect them. Tent fabric can get pinched between pole sections when reconnecting them inside the sleeves.
• Don’t force poles through tent sleeves. Check out why they’re stuck rather than forcing them through and possible tearing the tent fabric (speaking from experience).
• When disconnecting and packing up poles start in the middle so there is even tension along the shock cord.
• If aluminium poles are exposed to salt water, rinse them to prevent any possible corrosion.

Sun and heat

• Sunlight and UV rays are the ‘silent killer’ that will damage your tent fly – especially polyester and nylon fabrics. If you’re not using the tent, take it down. Don’t leave it up for extended periods in the sun as UV rays will degrade the fabric leaving it brittle and paper-like.
• Consider applying UV treatments to protect your tent depending on the fabric used.
• Stay away from open wood fires and burning embers. Some campers use small controlled cooking stoves in vestibules (subject to manufacturer recommendations) but remember that some tent fabrics can melt or, if not fire resistant, be flammable.

Packing up

• Pack your tent dry. If it’s raining, dry it out when you get home.
• Condensation can occur even on fine days, so remember that the underside of the fly or floor may be damp. For smaller tents before packing consider removing the fly to dry it out, or for freestanding tents turning them upside down to dry out tent floors.
• Clean any mud of pole ends and stakes before packing.
• Fold the tent fly into a rectangular shape about the width of the carry bag. Place the pole and stake bags on the fly, roll the fly around the poles and place in the bag.

Cleaning

• When out camping leave muddy, dirty boots and shoes outside the tent to minimise dirt inside. For food spills, carefully wipe off any spills as they happen.
• When you get back home, for small spots of dirt try wiping it off with a damp cloth, or using a sponge and water to carefully remove the dirt.
• If you got caught out in a mud bath try using the garden hose to spray off as much mud as possible.
• For heavier duty cleaning, pitch the tent at home and use warm water and a non-detergent soap (Do not use detergents, bleaches, dishwashing liquids etc. as these damage or remove the coatings). Gently wash off the dirt, then rinse and leave pitched to dry before packing away.
• Do not throw you tent into the washing machine – it will destroy your tent.

Storage

• Make sure that the tent is dry and clean before packing it away. When you get home from a trip hang up your tent in the garage or shaded spot to air and dry it out completely. Any moisture will lead to mildew and mould which smells bad and can stain and weaken the fabric and waterproof coatings.
• Store your tent in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Storing in damp conditions will lead to mould. Exposure to direct sunlight will lead to the breakdown and weakening of the fabric and coatings.
• Store it in an oversized breathable bag. Don’t store it tightly rolled and compressed in the tent carry bag.
• Roll the tent fly rather than fold it. This prevents permanent creases and ‘cracks’ forming in the fabric and coatings.

 At Intents Outdoors we believe you should protect your investment in your tent. Keep your tent clean and dry, out of the sun and take care when setting up and you’ll have a happy tent. And that goes a long way to making a happy camper.