Thursday, 24 March 2011

How To Find A Hiking Tent Intelligently

By Brett Ray


The qualities suitable in a backpacking tent are different from those tents being pitched next to a car in a camping area. The greatest difference since the backpacking tent will be deported with you and consequently, should be little and lightweight. Most modern two person tent weight about four to five lbs. whereas a spacious family camping tent can weigh twenty lbs or more. Solo or individual person tents can weigh less than three lbs and are great whenever you are hiking alone. Nevertheless, if you are hiking with someone else, it generally works out better weight wise to split the gear and take a two person tent.

The quality of the tent is more important when backpacking because there is usually nowhere dry to go if the tent starts leaking. While a top quality tent is not necessary, cheap discount store tents should only be used if the forecast calls for clear weather.

Being tired, wet, and cold knowing the next dry place is at least ten miles away on a rocky trail will quickly put a damper on what should be an enjoyable outdoor experience.

There are two common ways that tent poles are attached to the tent. One is using sleeves that the poles' slide through and the other is using clips that latch over the poles. Some tents even use a combination of clips and sleeves. In general, clip based designs are easier and faster to set up, while a sleeve based designs are stronger and can be easily repaired with a needle and thread right at the camp site. For most conditions, I believe the clips are plenty strong and are generally better because of how quickly they allow the tent to be set up and dismantled.

Free standing tents seem to have become the average. Their primary advantage is that they could be adjusted up without being staked into the ground. Stakes are still significant to keep the tent from floating around, but the stakes normally don't require to be pushed far into the ground. Staked tents tend to be a little lighter than free standing tents, simply need to follow staked solidly into the ground to grasp their shape. Staked tents can be challenging to bring about or maintain if the soil is firm or rough. I've become a convert from staked tents to freestanding tents after bending multiple tent pegs beyond repair trying to pitch the tent along hard rocky ground.

Double wall tents are tents that require a single rain fly to keep out water. Although they are somewhat heavier than their single walled counterparts and take a bit longer to arrange, they are normally less pricey, warmer, and hold up better in wet conditions. Although the lower weight specifications and small compacting size of the individual wall tents construct them attractive, the double wall tents are typically a better deal economically.

Three season tents are just that; tents intentional for Spring, Summer, and Fall camping. Few people go backpacking in the winter compared to the other three seasons, so the vast majority of tents sold are three season tents. Four season tents are made-up from greater materials in order to hold up against the winter weather and are bulkier and harder to carry. Some manufacturers offer a 3+ season tent whenever you're encamping early in the Spring or late in the Fall; merely, unless you're designing specifically to camp in the wintertime months a three season tent is much sufficient without undue bulk and weight.

If you don't have room to keep your shoes in the tent with you, vestibules are a great place to keep them dry and yet outside the main tent. Some vestibules provide enough of an overhang to allow the screen or even the door to be open during the rain. I personally enjoy feeling the breeze from a storm while I am dry inside the tent. Most people probably would not consider the vestibule worth the weight, but they are a nice luxury.

While different individuals will pick out different tents based on several factors, understanding the basic principle differences between tents can help you pick the tent design that fits your hiking style and conditions. Select a Tent that is a good fit for your camping needs, and your outdoor weekends will be truly enjoyable.




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