From Bulgarian to English the word "shatra" is translated as "shelter", which means "roof", "shelter".
Canopies is a temporary shelter required in the field, which is easy to carry and install. It is used in various outdoor activities related to tourism, mountaineering, mountain trips, camping, hunting and fishing, scientific expeditions, emergencies, festivals and outdoor events, as well as for the needs of the army. The tents protect against sun, rain, dew, and sometimes wind - depending on the model. They can be used for both entertainment and commercial purposes.
Different types of tents
Tents are used when one is out in the midst of nature, exposed to various weather conditions, and needs a place to hide and protect. Most often, this is required during camping, longer hunting and fishing, picnicking in nature and generally for tourist purposes. The main difference between tents lies in their narrower application -some tents are not suited for sleeping but events.
What are the main components of a tent?
Most tent models are made up of scaffolding that is covered with fabric or other roofing material. The roof part is called the canvas, and the side roof materials are the so-called tent sides. Cheap tents are available on the market, with polyethene roofing and sides. This option also protects against rain, but is relatively durable and not particularly stable.Fabric and waterproof polyester are used for the covering material for both the sheet and the sides.
* Polyester is a synthetic (artificial) fibre fabric that does not crumble, dries quickly when wet, and is easy to clean. Synthetic fibres are durable and retain their shape but do not withstand heat as they are easily melted and can burn. That is why polyester fabrics should not be ironed. The advantage of polyester fabrics is also their durability over time and the fact that their colour does not fade.
The scaffolding of the standard type of tent is made up of rails - they form the frame of the tent, distinguish its shape and size, and above all ensure its strength and stability. The rails can be made of fibreglass, aluminium, carbon or steel. Interconnected, they form the structure of the tent.
Also important are the safety rings, which add extra strength to the structure. Through them, the tent locks to the ground and becomes more resistant to weather conditions such as high winds and storms. Depending on the type of tent, there are different types of security pins - plastic pins, steel pins, aluminium pins, expandable pins and more.
Types of event tents and canopies
On the market are typical garden tents, which are used for placement in the yard, to protect the garden furniture from rain or sun. Most tent models, however, are multifunctional - they can be used for events as well as for camping and any outdoor recreational or commercial activity. They are designed to be compact and easy to use, can be assembled quickly without the use of additional tools.
These types of tents can be divided into several categories:
Tents by roof shape: tetrahedral (pyramidal), trapezoidal, oval
Tents by weight: light tents and massive tents
Tents by design: tents without sides and tents with sides
The most common type of side-free tents is the so-called tent (or canopy) type, whose construction does not include poles. This type of tent is a waterproof fabric, most commonly polyester, at least 3-4 m in size, which essentially provides the so-called "movable roof". They are lightweight and easy to fold and unfold, weighing about 1-2 kg, depending on size. Metal rings are arranged at each end which can be clamped between two parallel trees, two cars or other stable handrail. These types of tents are mostly used for protection from the sun and light rain. Their advantage is that they are suitable for a mountain hike - they can fit in any backpack. Often used as a car shed.
There is another popular and widely used type of side-free tent - a folding pop up canopies. The construction of this model is more stable, folding and unfolding takes a short time (2-3 minutes). It is mainly used to provide shade during hot summer days, to put in the garden, for the beach and other activities that require sun protection or light rain. Such a tent can be ordered online here.
Tents with sides are the more reliable option. The most often two-sided canopies provide additional protection, especially from rain, wind and insects. If the marquee model consists of, for example, two sides that do not cover the entire space, the construction allows the attachment of one or two more, which are usually sold separately. In this way, a fully enclosed space can be formed. Of course, the reliability of any tent with sides lies not only on the fabric but also in the quality of the material from which the frame of the structure (stakes) is made. So we come to the last classification.
Tents by design (materials used to make the poles)
The poles are flexible tube sections that are connected by an elastic cord. They form the construction or scaffolding of most tent and canopies. Depending on the different types of tents the poles vary on types as well.
The cheapest option is fibreglass rails. Fibreglass is a type of material composed of glass fibres (very thin glass fibres, which are very strong in this form) and a polymeric binder (thermoplastic polymers). Fibreglass is a lightweight and durable material with good weather resistance. The most common, but not the best option for making tents and canopies are precise with fibreglass rails. The result is a product of medium quality at a good price, but care must be taken, especially if the rails are thin (for example, up to 7mm). Thick rails (over 8 mm) are more durable, but this affects the weight.
Aluminium rails are both lightweight and reliable. They have maximum resistance to breakage and freezing. Therefore, tents and canopies, constructed of aluminium frames, are many times more durable and with extended life. Due to its physical and chemical properties, aluminium is a commonly used structural material as it is soft, durable, flexible and light metal. All types of tents and canopies with an aluminium frame are usually more expensive as they are of a higher class. Not only do they give you shade in hot and sunny days, they can be carried in any outdoor activity and protect from even heavy rain and wind. Assembling and disassembling usually takes up to 10 minutes. Medium size tent with aluminium frame (3m x 3m) can be purchased online here. A larger tent with aluminium frame (3m x 6m) can be purchased here.
Tent and canopies accessories
Various accessories can be added to each tent. Important accessories are the security pins - any tent or canopies owner should have a spare, the choice is big between plastic pins, steel pins, aluminium pins, expandable pins and more. Walls or sides can be purchased additionally for each canopy. They provide additional protection against rain and wind. Nets can be placed against the insects. Another useful accessory is a set of poles. To improve the water-proofing properties of tents and canopies, a waterproof spray can be purchased as well as an insect spray and a disinfectant spray. A set of cords and tensioners are also a useful accessory.
