The range of tents available for outdoor activities is wide and varied, depending on how much you prioritise space, protection, durability, weight and use. Here are some tips to help you choose the best one for your needs.
An important factor to consider is weight: unlike camping, a tent for trekking has to be carried on your back for many hours and days.
And this is where the first problem lies: the lighter the tent, the smaller and less durable it is. On the other hand, a larger and more durable tent at a similar weight is much more expensive.
Although this is important to bear in mind, the most fundamental factor you need to consider is how the tent will be used.
It makes no sense to buy an expedition tent if you plan to use it for summer camping in Europe, for example. Not only is it more expensive, but some of the features will actually cause discomfort.
Let’s take a look at the different features that need to be considered:
If you plan to use a single wall tent in a milder climate, ensure it has a good ventilation system to prevent the build up of condensation.
For this reason the vast majority of tents are made with the double wall system.
Some factors will be more important than others, depending on the use. As a general rule:
4-season and expedition tents (sometimes called 5-season tents) are very durable. They are usually quite spacious, in case you are stuck inside for multiple days in bad weather. But the specifically designed features which make this sort of tent ideal for expedition use are often a drawback if used for other activities.
Extreme winter conditions require a tent that is durable and able to withstand heavy snowfall and constant winds. In most cases, it will feature snow flaps, which limit breathability and have a greater number of poles, thicker in diameter, which makes pitching more complicated. The inner tent has fewer mesh areas, to keep in the heat, and this can be unbearable if it is used in warmer climates.
Used in the right conditions, this kind of tent becomes an essential item for your protection and survival. But the extra weight, lower breathability, higher condensation and heat retention become a hindrance in milder conditions, where 3 season, tents are more suitable.
Quality 3-season tents are the most popular type of tent. They can perfectly withstand rain, storms, snow and strong winds and the inner tent is designed with large mesh areas, to avoid heat accumulation and increase breathability.
The waterproofing capacity of fabric is measured by placing a tube over the taut textile, and pouring water into the tube until the pressure of the water passes through it. The height the water reaches in the tube is measured in mm and this is referred to as the hydrostatic head.
An outdoor jacket with a membrane has a waterproofing capacity (hydrostatic head or HH) of 20,000 to 30,000mm (the higher the number, the more waterproof). A tent usually has between 1,200mm and 3,000mm, yet it is still waterproof. Why?
Jackets and similar garments rub against your inner layers and also externally, against your backpack, rocks, branches, etc. This increased friction increases the water pressure against the membrane and for this reason, a greater level of waterproofing is required.
The fly sheet of a tent does not suffer friction either internally or externally, although many campers will know not to touch the walls as this has the same effect as above and lets in humidity.
The groundsheet is subjected to the weight of yourself and your gear and so it has to withstand greater pressure. For this reason, the hydrostatic head is usually higher compared to the fly sheet, but still lower than a jacket, because the humidity comes up from the soil, rather than directly from rain.
Three-season flysheets are usually between 1,200 and 3,000-4000mm. Four-season and expedition tents are less waterproof, as they are designed for high altitudes, where it snows more than it rains.
So high waterproofing capacity is not always the best solution. You need just the right amount, no more and no less, for the activity in question: this way you will prevent condensation and be much more comfortable.
You will also need to consider the number of people a tent sleeps. Bear in mind that most brands calculate space for a very snug fit.
You also need to consider if the tent has enough space for your gear, unless you plan to keep it outside under plastic. Most people store the gear in the space between the inner tent and the fly, to keep it dry and away from animals.
There is a trend among mountaineers to make do with tarps (we will talk about these later), and from there, extras can be added according to their needs, choice and economic capacity.
This trend works mainly with solo mountaineers, who cannot split the weight. If two people can divide the weight of a 2-person tent between them, the load will be lighter than each carrying an ultralight single tent.
Separating a tent into two loads is not always the most practical solution as the tent bag keeps the contents tight and compact. It is often preferable to keep the tent whole and share other items to divide the weight.
Another factor to bear in mind is the weight indicated by the manufacturer. In most cases there are two:
The weight of the pegs and guy ropes make up a considerable part of the total weight and not all tents carry the same quality or quantity of pegs or guy ropes, so the trail weight is very useful for a more realistic comparison of the different tents and models.
So, comparing the trail weight of different tent models it is easier to choose the tent you are looking for. Then, if the stakes included seem heavy, they can be replaced by lighter ones, at a fairly small cost.
The design of the vestibule and doors is very important.
Mountain tents do not stand out for being comfortable. The front opening and vestibule means you have to climb over each other to reach your gear in the vestibule or get in and out of the tent.
However, many of the latest tent designs now feature dual side entrance doors: a full-length door on each side of the tent, so that each person can roll out of bed and leave the tent in one swift movement.
If you are able to share the weight of this type of tent, the improved comfort and livability is well worth the slight increase in weight, which can be as little as 100 grams each.
The side entrance design is so successful that even the lightest double tents now feature a single side opening.
We can also find some hybrid designs that save weight, by featuring just one vestibule and two side doors.
Double door designs are becoming lighter (some 2-person tents weigh under 1,800 grams and have two vestibules) and, except for those looking for the most radical minimalism, the additional comfort of use is greatly appreciated by outdoor enthusiasts.
In general, regarding livability vs weight:
You can choose between an ultralight tent or a tarp.
Poles are not usually included as these types of tents are designed to be pitched with your trekking poles.
You can also find tarps that are compatible with tents (mainly by Vaude), to increase the living space of the tent and sit outside for dinner, etc.
It is highly recommendable to look for quality stakes, especially if you plan to pitch your tent on difficult terrain: not only do they save weight, but they make pitching quicker and they won’t bend or break in the process.
The strength of the poles is another factor as is their length and curve capacity. Small, ultra-light tents often use the minimum thickness which is usually an acceptable strength.
Poles can also be made of fibreglass. This material is heavier and more fragile than aluminium and is used in more economical tents, due to its lower price. Having said this, if well-constructed, fibreglass poles offer excellent value for money in these kinds of tents, such as those by the brand, Hannah
On-line store: www.barrabes.com/en-gb/
Most Recent Articles
Leave a comment
Be the first to comment on this article.