Backpacking tents – introduction on how to choose your first backpacking tent
In this video the guys over at REI, gives a short introduction on how to choose a backpacking tent. In this article I go over the main points in the video and it will be a short and sweet backpacking tents buyers guide.
I really enjoyed the video, because they very quickly go over what to look for.
A backpacking tent is not your average tent for camping. You need to make some tough decisions on what your needs are. More so because you are going to carry the tent your self (duh!). I made some notes about the video below.
Also look at our top three recommendations for backpacking tents in our “Backpacking tents review” article. It’s our top recommendations for either the beginner on budget, for the pro and the best value overall.
Notes from the video
The three things you should consider when choosing a tent for this type of trip:
- Weight
- weather conditions
- Space
How to account for space
Space in the tent depends on floor dimensions as well as what type of poles your model has. Triangular tents are more likely to feel less spacious due to the angular walls. But the upside of this structure is that you get a more compact tent. Remember to take a long hard look in the mirror and have a discussion about personal space before leaving with your traveling companions (if any) about how much space and private space (read: how cosey and close together you are comfortable with).
Ho to account for weather conditions
Your skills and determination decides what your needs are. Tents are designed for three or four seasons. If your trips are the occational summer backpacking tour in the country side and you are not hiking high up in the Alps, then go for a three seasonal tent.
Weight – how to account for your pound-by-pound packing
Three season tents are lighter and more fragile. Four season tents are more sturdy, but heavier. Again – take a hard look in the mirror and figure out where you want to go on your backpacking trips. This also answers the question: should you look at the easy to erect, but heavier free standing tents? Or the lighter non-free standing tents, that requires a little more skill, or at least that you spend some time practicing putting the tent up and down. The non-free standing tents are lighter.
The rule of thumb is that the tent should be no more than three pounds per person.
I liked the last rule, that made my research so much easier.
You can head over to Amazon and check the current selection —-> Click here
Or read our Backpacking tents reviews article.
source http://www.wildzilla.com/blog/backpacking-tents-introduction-on-how-to-choose-your-first-backpacking-tent/
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