Choosing the right backpacking tent is a complex decision that's influenced by where and when you camp, and also how you camp. The three big items that affect your pack weight are your pack itself, sleeping bag and your shelter. Investing in a lightweight tent can be one of the most cost effective ways to reduce total pack weight. This article describes the advantages and disadvantages of different types of tents and materials, and addresses specific features to look for when selecting a tent.
Shape
Tents come in four basic shapes: A-frame, umbrella, geodesic or “dome”, and wall. The A-frame is the common “pup” tent shape, but can also be quite large. The umbrella is a very commonly used family camping tent, as it has lots of standing room, with large windows and a rain fly over the top. The geodesic comes on many shapes, but all look like combinations of connected triangles. The wall tent is like an A-frame tent, but is generally much larger and has vertical side walls.
Tents with square floor shapes are more efficient when laying out sleeping and gear arrangements. Because of other factors, it is not always possible to have a square floor. If you buy a round floor, or nearly round like with the geodesic dome tents, you should allow some extra floor area to make up for the less efficient layout.
Weight
Backpackers should opt for featherweight varieties since they will be carrying them on their backs. Those pitching their tent next to their vehicle don’t need to be concerned about the extra pounds, so they can choose a tent with extra features.
Climate
Tents made with mesh and ventilation are ideal for warm, humid weather. But winter campers should opt for four-season tents that will help protect them from wind, cold and snow.
Poles
Poles are made from aluminum or fiberglass. Most tents have poles that are linked together with an elastic shock cord. This helps when setting up the tent. Poles can bend or break, so many tent manufacturers provide emergency repair links for you to carry along on the trip.
Fabric
Nearly all tents are now made of nylon. Coated nylon is used for waterproofing. Nylon mesh is used for inner walls. No-see-um mesh is used for the window screens. Better tents use thicker fabric and rip-stop fabric.
Zippers
When you are shopping, test the zippers. They should open and close freely, and should not catch and bind up on the tent fabric. The zippers should not be of a rusting type material.
Other Considerations
Check the construction of the roof and floor, making sure the top and rain-fly seams are taped at the factory. This will help to prevent leaking at the stitch lines, Scott notes. She also recommends shoppers look for styles that lift the floor seams a few inches off the ground.
Shape
Tents come in four basic shapes: A-frame, umbrella, geodesic or “dome”, and wall. The A-frame is the common “pup” tent shape, but can also be quite large. The umbrella is a very commonly used family camping tent, as it has lots of standing room, with large windows and a rain fly over the top. The geodesic comes on many shapes, but all look like combinations of connected triangles. The wall tent is like an A-frame tent, but is generally much larger and has vertical side walls.
Tents with square floor shapes are more efficient when laying out sleeping and gear arrangements. Because of other factors, it is not always possible to have a square floor. If you buy a round floor, or nearly round like with the geodesic dome tents, you should allow some extra floor area to make up for the less efficient layout.
Weight
Backpackers should opt for featherweight varieties since they will be carrying them on their backs. Those pitching their tent next to their vehicle don’t need to be concerned about the extra pounds, so they can choose a tent with extra features.
Climate
Tents made with mesh and ventilation are ideal for warm, humid weather. But winter campers should opt for four-season tents that will help protect them from wind, cold and snow.
Poles
Poles are made from aluminum or fiberglass. Most tents have poles that are linked together with an elastic shock cord. This helps when setting up the tent. Poles can bend or break, so many tent manufacturers provide emergency repair links for you to carry along on the trip.
Fabric
Nearly all tents are now made of nylon. Coated nylon is used for waterproofing. Nylon mesh is used for inner walls. No-see-um mesh is used for the window screens. Better tents use thicker fabric and rip-stop fabric.
Zippers
When you are shopping, test the zippers. They should open and close freely, and should not catch and bind up on the tent fabric. The zippers should not be of a rusting type material.
Other Considerations
Check the construction of the roof and floor, making sure the top and rain-fly seams are taped at the factory. This will help to prevent leaking at the stitch lines, Scott notes. She also recommends shoppers look for styles that lift the floor seams a few inches off the ground.
No comments:
Post a Comment