An obligatory attribute of any hike or just outdoor recreation is a tent. The question of choosing a tent is quite complicated and is determined by many different factors. It will not be difficult to buy a tent, since today there are a huge number of options on the market - tourist, expeditionary, camping and others. Each tent has certain parameters and features: size, weight, number of places, entrances and vestibules, quality of fittings and seams, water resistance, quality of impregnation and others. All of this matters and affects the cost.
First you need to decide: for what purposes do you need a tent? The answer options can be boiled down to three main ones:
- Amateur tourism. You plan to trek through the mountains at your own pleasure, without conquering difficult peaks. Here, with a few reservations, you can include cycling and kayaking.
- Professional tourism. These are active travels, sometimes "on the verge of possibilities", ascents above 3000 meters, mountaineering and records. Such trips require the most thorough preparation, any mistake in the choice of equipment can stand in the way of the ascent or even lead to serious consequences.
- Camping or auto-travel. You are not going to move from place to place, the tent is set up permanently, for example, for a week. Or you are an auto-traveler and will periodically remove the tent from the trunk of your car.
Once you've clearly articulated the purpose of your travels, it won't be difficult to define the basic requirements for a tent.
Types of tourist tents:
It's no secret that tents are made for a variety of purposes. In this article, we will look at the types of camping tents. But tourists are also different. There are many different classifications of tents. Let's consider the most common one used by many manufacturers. Which tent is best for you depends on what type of holiday you prefer.
By appointment there are tourist tents:
for highlands;
for medium mountains;
for the plain.
Each of the above three categories has a conditional division into "upper", "middle" and "low" tents. This gradation depends on the materials used for arches and awnings, technologies, impregnations and construction.
Alpine tents are divided into expedition and assault tents. Highland tents are specially designed for extreme conditions: strong stormy winds, high altitude, frost, etc.
Expedition tents are tents for, so to speak, "Himalayan" style of ascents, when several base camps are created during the ascent. The expedition tent is designed to stay in one place for a long time, so it must be wind and moisture resistant, and its structure must be rigid enough to withstand the pressure of wind and snow.
Assault - tents for the "Alpine" style, when the base camps are not set up, and the tent, throughout the entire ascent, is carried with them (that's why it should also be as light as possible). A good assault tent will withstand all weather conditions. Assault tents are light, moderately roomy, quickly assembled.
Mid-mountain tents combine the qualities of expedition and assault tents: they are more comfortable, therefore, heavier than assault tents, although lighter than expedition tents.
Plains - These are simple small tents for easy hikes and overnight stays along hiking trails, in the forest and on the plains. Not very resistant to heavy rain and wind. Most often, the company's catalogs indicate the recommended purpose of the tent (for example, for mountain tourism, mountaineering, auto tourism).
Medium and lowland tents are divided into:
Camping tents
If you like equipped campsites or if you go out into nature by car for a fairly long time (or at least do not plan to often move from place to place), then you can safely buy a large camping tent.
Camping- these are large, spacious, high tents (often equipped with vestibules and windows) for stationary installation. The main advantages are comfort (you can stand at full height in such tents) and spaciousness. Among the shortcomings - a lot of weight, poor heating. Camping means that the tent does not need to be transported, assembled and disassembled every day. Often it, like the rest of the equipment, can be taken to the resting place by car, therefore, the weight of the tent (more than 7 kg) is not of fundamental importance. Also, a large vestibule plays an important role in camping, allowing, for example, to cook food in it on a gas burner on a rainy day and not get wet in the rain.
Universal tents
Such tents are quite comfortable, they do not have very stringent requirements for wind resistance, but others common to all types of quality (water resistance, use of "breathable" fabrics, etc.) must be up to date.
Hiking and Mountain Camping Tents
The specificity of these hikes lies in the fact that you have only what you carry behind your shoulders. It is not easy, so neither the tent nor you need extra pounds. In addition, the hike can be accompanied by wind, rain or snow, therefore, the requirements for tents are quite strict: the weight per person should not exceed 1.2-1.3 kg for a 3-person tent and 1-1.1 kg for a 4-person tent. At the same time, the structure must be rigid enough to withstand bad weather. It is good if the tent has a "skirt" to protect it from the snow.
Water trekking tents
It is unlikely that someone will go on such a hike in winter, which means that protection from snow in this case, most likely, will not come in handy. The weight of the tent will also not play a significant role, which means you can choose it more conveniently. Wind resistance will also not be a critical parameter, therefore, from the two classical forms - "hemisphere" and "half roll" - you can choose the latter due to the large useful volume and better habitability.
Special tents
This type of tents includes specialized tents with non-standard requirements for conditions or construction: fishing and military tents, tents for winter hikes, for children, and others.
When choosing a tent, it is advisable to study this qualification. So for simple hikes and trips with an overnight fishing trip, most of the tents from the "tourist" category are suitable. In that case, you can make reasonable money. However, it is important to remember that a good tent cannot be cheap (due to the use of quality materials), but it is not worth overpaying (if you are not going to use its capabilities to the maximum).
According to their design features, tents can be divided into two main groups:
Single layer
Double layer
Single layer tents are made mainly of waterproof synthetic materials. Their main advantages are lightness and compactness, and the main problem is condensation accumulating on the walls of the tent. There is a ventilation issue, since it is difficult enough to make a single layer both waterproof and breathable. Therefore, when choosing a single-layer tent, one should be guided, first of all, by the type and quality of the fabric (cheap single-layer tents usually have poor ventilation, the next morning you can easily wake up in a damp sleeping bag.). If the material is waterproof but not breathable, then a well thought-out ventilation system is required: mesh openings on all sides of the tent. Currently, the most widespread are numerous types of two-layer tents, as the most functional.
Double layer tent, in fact, consists of two tents: the outer (awning, which must be durable and waterproof, since this is a protective shell that covers the inside) and the inner, which is made of lightweight breathable material. The inner layer is necessary so that condensation does not accumulate in the tent and there is something to breathe. The porous fabric removes air and moisture, which settles on the awning and flows down, bypassing the inner tent. Often, there are ventilation windows in the awning.
Another advantage of double-layer tents is the presence of a vestibule.
Tambour - additional space under the outer awning of the tent. Serves for storing things, dishes and dirty shoes.
Difference between tents by seasons of use
Summer tents. They are used in summer in good climatic conditions. The design of a tent for summer use is very simple, and does not provide for its use in stormy winds and thunderstorms. The main advantages are good ventilation, compactness, low weight and low price.
Three season tents. Provides reliable protection even in rain and cold. Designed for spring, summer and autumn. At a price significantly more expensive than summer ones.
All season tents. Designed for any weather, including cold, storm, rain and heat. It can be used all year round. The main advantages: high water resistance, wind resistance, the presence of a snow-protective skirt. The price for such tents is correspondingly high.
Types of tents by shape
In general terms, the structure of the tent is a frame with an awning stretched over it. But there are important nuances, for example, the shape of the tent. The form is important not only from the decorative, but also from the purely practical side. There are these types of tourist tents in shape:
Hemisphere
This is the most popular and widespread form of tent due to its versatility. Hemispherical tents work well for both simple camping trips and challenging hikes as they are easy to set up and stable. The base of the frame is usually two criss-crossing arcs. This is a fairly wind-resistant, equal strength structure. Plus it looks great.
Half roll
The half-roll has an elongated shape in the form of a half cut along a cylinder. This type of tents belongs to the category of frame products, but the arches in it are installed parallel to the width of the tent and in the direction of the wind. Tents in the shape of a half roll are considered one of the most comfortable; they can be conveniently equipped with sleeping places and placed the necessary things. If you set up such a tent correctly, it can become not only a place to spend the night for one night, but a whole house for a rather long period of time. The disadvantage of the tent is the reduced stability. It is better to set up such a tent together, since it is quite difficult to do it alone.
"Coffin"
A favorite form for single tourists. Good stability, compact and lightweight. Good stability, lightweight and compact. This is a pretty good and cozy type of tent. A tangible difference in the location of the arcs: two of them are placed parallel to each other, then crossed at two points and fixed. It turns out an elongated tent, quite tall and pretty.
Tent
The marquee is a favorite form of expeditionists. This type of tents have been known since ancient times. Their big advantage is the absence of a frame and a large capacity. The supporting element is a single central post, from which the awning descends to the ground.
Gable tent ("house")
Nowadays, this type of tent is popular among forest trekkers and water enthusiasts. This is the classic style of Soviet tents. The main advantages are: compactness, light weight and low cost. But at the same time, there are tangible disadvantages: high requirements for the installation site, low wind resistance, installation complexity.
Other
The above are the most common forms, but there are others. Non-standard designs, most often, are in demand in extreme conditions, where special requirements for wind resistance, landscape compatibility, etc. are required.
How to determine the size of your tent?
Many have probably heard: single tent, double, triple, and so on. In the first case, this means that one person (usually an adult man) will comfortably accommodate (with things) in the tent; in the second - two; in the third, three, and so on. But for a clearer understanding of the dimensions of the tent, before buying, you should study its length and width on the Internet. Then you can "recreate" these dimensions on your floor, take a sleeping bag and try to fit into the resulting square.
Tent capacity
When choosing a tent, one of the deciding factors is its capacity. As mentioned earlier, there are one-, two-, three- and four-person tents. There are also twelve local, but they are intended for special expeditions. It should be emphasized that the weight of the tent is directly proportional to its capacity. That is, a four-seat tent will be heavier than a two-seat tent made of the same material. Therefore, when choosing a tent for a hike, calculate the number of places in strict accordance with the number of people. There is no need to take a four-person tent for two, since every extra kilogram of equipment will be felt by your body.
! The number of places in the tent is calculated according to the width of the mat (tourist rugs). A 60-centimeter cushion is considered standard. But there are reduced 50 cm options. If two standard karemats are placed in the tent, then it is considered a double one. If three smaller ones fit, then it will be marked as 2 + 1.
For light hikes, it is better to choose tents with a +1 mark. On the rest of the space, you can comfortably fit a backpack on a rainy night, and in good weather you will not have to be crowded, but there will be a little more free space.
Does a tent need windows?
In general, we can safely say that no. As a rule, you only sleep in a tent at night, therefore, you do not have to look out of the windows. If we consider the window as an additional ventilation hole, then with two-layer structures this is not necessary, and in single-layer structures, a slightly open zipper at the inlet does an excellent job of supplying fresh air.
Camping tents are an exception. In this case, a tent with windows looks like a house and creates more comfort.
Materials. Tents for tents
Choosing a tent, you will come across many different names of fabrics - nylon, nylon, polyester, lavsan and others. Initially, it may seem that it is difficult to understand all this, but in reality it is not so.
For the manufacture of awning materials, fabrics are used based on polyamide or polyester fibers, sometimes blends such as cotton + polyamide.
Polyamide fabrics(nylon, nylon).
pros: lightness, high strength, low hygroscopicity, abrasion resistance and low price.
Minuses: noticeable stretch when wet, low resistance to ultraviolet radiation (under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, they lose up to 40% of their strength per year).
Polyester fabrics(polyester, lavsan).
pros: practically do not stretch when wet, they are characterized by increased resistance to ultraviolet radiation, as well as higher strength than polyamide fibers.
Minuses: high price.
In the description of the tent, you can see an incomprehensible set of symbols, for example, Poly Taffeta 210T 3000 PU. How do you understand what this means?
Word ( Poly) means it is made of polyester material.
Taffeta- This is the most common way to weave a thread. It is a uniform densely woven fabric. Differs in increased water resistance. Is there some more Oxford- type of weaving in several strands. (increases the strength of the fabric with a slight decrease in water resistance and is often used for the bottom of the tent) and Rip stop- a thicker and stronger thread is woven into the fabric at regular intervals. (increases strength due to the reinforced thread, while not adding weight; makes the fabric more resistant to tears, but the reduced density of the fabric near thick threads can lead to leakage).
Next comes 210T is the density of the weave. It is measured in tex and affects the strength of the material. The more T, the denser, stronger and heavier the fabric. In addition, the marking of the tent may contain numbers and letter D... This designates the thickness of the threads from which, in fact, the material is made. This figure also affects the strength and weight of the tent.
And finally PU means that the fabric is impregnated with polyurethane and is therefore water resistant. There is also a silicone impregnation ( SI), it is of higher quality and more durable, but it also costs more.
Materials are coated with polyurethane from the inside. At the same time, two layers of PU-impregnation ensure a water resistance of 3,000 mm of water column; three layers - 5000 mm. The silicone coating is applied on the outside. Here, an acceptable level of water resistance is 2,000 mm.
Summarize. If you do not go out into nature often and at the same time keep to the well-trodden hiking trails, then a tent made of nylon with weaving Taffeta or Rip Stop and a density of 190T to 210T is quite suitable for you. A worthwhile addition to this will be a silicone water-repellent impregnation.
Water resistance
When buying a tent, be sure to pay attention to its water resistance. It should be different for different conditions. The higher the water resistance, the stronger and, as a consequence, the heavier the material and the tent itself.
In the characteristics of the tent, you will see the indicator of the maximum height of the water column (600-10000 mm), in other words - water resistance. Usually it is indicated immediately after the name of the tent fabric. Standard DIN, fabrics with a water resistance of more than 2000 mm are considered waterproof. If the water resistance is more than 1000 mm, then the fabric is water-repellent. The optimal water resistance of the awning fabric is 2000-4000 mm. If it is less, it is likely that the fabric will get wet in heavy rain, and if it is more, the tent will be too heavy. The bottom of the tent is usually characterized by a higher water resistance - at least 4000 mm.
Also, pay attention to the quality of the seams. They must be made with lavsan or nylon threads, be sure to be glued or double.
What should be the bottom of the tent?
The bottom of the tent, mainly, should be strong, as long as it is the bottom of the tent that is most difficult: you put it on sharp stones, on snow, on sand.
As a rule, the bottom is made of the same material as the outer awning. Nylon fabrics with Oxford weave are suitable for this, with a weave density of at least 210T and a thread thickness of at least 210D. But the main indicator is water resistance. It is desirable that the bottom material withstands 5,000 mm of water column.
Sometimes the bottom is also made of reinforced polyethylene (it is designated PE, tarpaulin). This material practically does not get wet, it is quite democratic in cost, but much heavier than polyester and nylon.
In addition, many tents have a so-called skirt that prevents wind from blowing and precipitation between the inner and outer tent.
Skirt - This is an additional strip of fabric around the perimeter of the tent. It can be sewn on or removable.
It makes sense to buy a tent with a skirt if you are going on a winter hike: it will provide additional warmth. For trekking summer tents, a skirt is an unnecessary burden. Because of it, condensation will only accumulate.
What is the difference between expensive and cheap tents?
Expensive tents are made from lightweight, durable materials. They are usually lightweight and better protect against moisture.
Of course, you can buy a tent in a hypermarket without bothering, but here it is important to understand that a low price of goods is important for a market. And such tents, respectively, are less practical, hardy and comfortable than those of reputable manufacturers. So the tents of proven companies will be equipped with reliable fittings, many pockets, convenient design of ventilation openings and zippers.
There are a few tricks that can help you save money when buying a tent.
Do not be afraid to buy tents from little-known companies, the main thing is that the specifications correspond to reality.
Old models of well-known brands are no worse than their new models, but their cost is significantly lower.
Before buying a tent, study user reviews of the selected model, consult with your friends, if possible, test this or that tent in business before buying (for example, borrow from a friend).
After purchasing a tent, do not rush to immediately go hiking. First, collect it at home in order to understand how it works, so that it can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled on a camping trip. Then spray the seams with a water-repellent spray to make sure they stay dry. And in order for the tent to serve you for a long time, do not forget to dry it conscientiously when you return from the hike.
How to properly care for your tent,
to extend her life
The tent in operation is not very whimsical. However, there are some simple rules for caring for her:
1. In order for the tent to last longer, it is advisable to treat it with impregnating agents at least once a year.
2. If the floor of your tent is made of polyethylene, try to set it up a little differently each time, avoiding rubbing along the fold lines.
3. After you have brought the tent from the trip, be sure to dry it well, even if it has not been set up.
4. It is not recommended to leave fiberglass or plastic bows in direct sunlight.
5. Do not store your tent in a compression bag or in direct sunlight. The compression bag is for ease of transport only.
6. When choosing a tent, pay attention not only to its cost. Not only the amount of money spent, but your health and even life may depend on this choice.
7. Do not ignore the rules of fire safety (this applies to fires, cigarettes). The tent burns down in 3-4 seconds, leaving behind only arcs and a floor.
Necessary little things
Stretch marks . Almost any tent has stretch marks, when installed, the awning stretches well and does not come into contact with the inside of the tent. This protects against condensation, and in windy weather additionally strengthens the structure of the tent. As a rule, the braces are installed using pegs, but if there is a lack of space, the brace can be fixed to a tree or bush. The standard number of stretchers is 4-6, but in tents for serious ascents it can reach 20.
Coating. An additional advantage is the water-repellent coating of the fabric (designated as WR). It should be said that the cover can be purchased separately and you can handle the tent yourself.
Impregnation . It is made of polyurethane (PU) or silicone (SI) and increases the water resistance of the fabric. Some brands offer fire-resistant impregnation for those who like to play it safe, which prevents the tent from catching fire, although it does not insure against minor burn-throughs in places of direct fire exposure.
Ventilation . Having paid close attention to protection from rain, do not forget that the inside of the tent must "breathe" and the windows for ventilation must be opened. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting wet from condensation. Ventilation windows or valves should be comfortable, easy to open and close, without interfering with the compact packaging of the tent.
Now the matter remains small: decide on the purpose of the trip, set a financial limit and choose a tent that will be comfortable and cozy!
