How to choose a tent for outdoor recreation – expert advice

Sports and fitness

Long-term excursions to nature are impossible without the availability of appropriate equipment and, first of all, a tent. It is she who will become your home for this short period of time, it is she who will protect you from precipitation and wind, and at night it will provide a reliable shelter from the cold and ubiquitous insects, thereby ensuring a sound and healthy sleep in the fresh air. However, maximum comfort is possible only when a tent for outdoor recreation is chosen correctly, and its characteristics are fully consistent with the operating conditions and the season.

how to choose a tent

The best tent manufacturers – which company to choose

A huge number of manufacturers are currently engaged in the production of fishing and tourist equipment, and therefore a huge variety of models can be found on sale, from inexpensive, budget models made in China to professional models from renowned manufacturers of sports equipment. Speaking about the most advanced firms, you should pay attention to the products of the following brands:

  1. Camp

  2. Bask

  3. Tramp

  4. Norfin

  5. Alaska

  6. Touristika

An important role in the correct choice of a particular model is played by customer reviews who have tried this or that model in practice. It is on their basis that we can conclude whether the device is suitable for your operating conditions or not.

Tent device

Since the main purpose of the tent is to provide maximum comfort while living in nature, special attention is paid to its design. Almost always, a tent is a durable and reliable awning made of modern synthetic materials, the shape of which is held by a system of high-strength arcs. The latter are made of fiberglass, carbon fiber or aluminum alloys. Depending on the design of the tent, the manufacturer can provide both one sleeping room and several full-fledged rooms, as well as 1 or even 2 vestibules for storing luggage and various equipment.

Types of tents

There are a great many tents on sale at the present time, and it is its functional features that should be taken into account in the first place. Depending on this, all tents are divided into several types.

Assault tents

Assault tents

Models designed for professional use. They are widely used for mountaineering, mountain climbing and all kinds of expeditions in harsh conditions. They are small in size, light in weight and do not cause discomfort during long journeys.

Advantages

  • Easy and fast installation; Idea

  • High vapor permeability;

  • linen protection from cold, wind and precipitation;

  • Compact dimensions;

  • Low weight;

disadvantages

  • Very expensive;

Trekking tents

Trekking tents

Models designed for multi-day expeditions and outings in nature and are designed primarily for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. In terms of their characteristics, they are somewhat inferior to professional assault tents, however, this is more than enough to ensure maximum comfort in any situation.

Advantages

  • Excellent protection from cold, wind and precipitation;

  • Small transport dimensions and weight;

  • Variety of sizes and models;

  • Unpretentious design;

disadvantages

  • Expensive;

  • Installation takes a long time;

Camping tents

Camping tents

The most popular tents today. They can be considered as truly folk and universal models. At their relatively low cost, they provide decent protection from rain and wind. Of course, we are not talking about extreme conditions, but for spending the night on a warm summer night, such models are more than suitable.

Advantages

  • Compact dimensions;

  • Affordable price;

  • A wide variety of models;

  • Unpretentious care and maintenance;

  • Easy to install;

  • Low weight;

disadvantages

  • Not suitable for extreme conditions;

  • Some models get wet during heavy rain;

Beach tents (shelters)

Beach tents

Tents that do not have a lockable entrance and represent an awning isolated on three sides. They serve as shelter from the sun, rain and wind during outdoor activities and are especially popular with anglers who wait for a bite for several days.

Advantages

  • Low cost;

  • Compact size and minimum weight;

  • Good protection from precipitation and wind;

  • The simplest design;

disadvantages

  • Not suitable for overnight stays;

  • Doesn't protect from cold;

Winter fishing tents

Winter fishing tents

Highly specialized models designed for long-term living on ice while fishing. They are made of high-strength material with several layers, and therefore perfectly protect from severe frost, precipitation and wind. They are quite spacious – they allow, if necessary, to stand up to their full height, as well as use a large number of equipment without constraining themselves

Advantages

  • Spacious and roomy;

  • Perfectly protect from wind and cold;

  • 'Breathe'

  • Installed in seconds;

  • Convenient to operate;

disadvantages

  • Bulky and heavy;

  • Expensive;

The main criteria for choosing a tent

Tent selection options

In addition to the specific type of tent for certain conditions, you should pay attention to many other key features that have a direct impact on the operation.

Tent structure

  1. Hemispherical models are currently the most widespread. They are based on 2-4 intersecting arcs, thanks to which the tent keeps its shape. Simple, comfortable and very good protection against strong winds. The disadvantages include a fairly high price;

  2. Barrel-shaped tents. The most real 'hangars', whose structure is held by arcs that do not cross each other, parallel to one another. As a rule, roomy models designed for long-term living in nature in one place have a similar design. Perfectly protect against precipitation, wind and temperature changes. Difficulty in assembly and disassembly, as well as large transport dimensions and weight, should be noted as weaknesses;

  3. Tents – Tents are also considered one of the most popular models at present. The design of such models is almost always gable, resting on four posts converging under the arch. This makes it quite easy to transport, but significantly increases the overall assembly time;

  4. Umbrella tents. Or semiautomatic devices, as many manufacturers call them. Models that have gained immense popularity, first of all, among winter fishing enthusiasts. They are easy and simple to assemble, and the structure resembles an umbrella – one hand movement and the tent is assembled. The disadvantage of this model is the significant bulkiness and large dimensions, as well as the cost – the price of such models is much higher than their classical counterparts.

Seasonality

This criterion defines the lower temperature limit at which a particular tent is suitable for use.

  1. Summer tents are thin, lightweight and comfortable. They keep warm well and protect from wind and light precipitation;

  2. Demi-season tents are, as a rule, two-layer models, suitable for use not only in summer, but also in spring and autumn. They are more functional than the above-described analogs, but their cost is much higher;

  3. Winter tents are the warmest and most durable, they provide excellent protection from the cold. Such models are the most expensive, heavy and bulky.

!

In order for the tent to successfully withstand precipitation, special impregnations are used, which can be based on polyurethane or silicone. The first, as a rule, is used in inexpensive models, the second is somewhat more expensive, but provides significantly higher performance.

Tent capacity

It is selected in accordance with the expected number of tourists. There are one-, two-, three- and four-person tents, as well as larger models. The larger the tent, the more expensive, heavier and more massive it is.

Weight

A parameter that has an extremely important impact for those who are planning multi-day hikes. The smaller the tent, the more convenient it is to transport. Assault tents look the best in this regard – when folded, they weigh about 5-6 kilograms;

Water resistance

It is defined in the number of millimeters of rain that the tent can withstand without leaking. The higher the number, the more resistant to precipitation the tent is and the more expensive it is. Choose models with a moisture resistance of at least 5000 mm2.

Number of rooms

Advanced models of tents almost always consist of several rooms isolated from each other, and therefore it is also necessary to decide on this parameter. Do you need one bedroom or do you need multiple rooms? Is one tambour enough or should you pay attention to models with two entrances? All these questions need to be considered before the purchase.

Which tent to choose?

Which tent to choose

  1. If you need a good assault tent for expeditions, you must give preference to models weighing about 4-5 kilograms, the moisture resistance of which will be at the level of 6000-8000 mm2, the frame of which is made of lightweight carbon arches;

  2. A small trekking tent is selected based on a weight of 5-7 kilograms, moisture resistance at the level of 3000-5000 mm, the presence of an aluminum or carbon fiber frame and a hemispherical structure;

  3. A camping tent is a great model for outdoor living and outdoor activities. Its weight should be no more than 15-20 kilograms, the design is barrel-shaped. Such models have moisture resistance at the level of 4000-6000 mm2, as well as one or several vestibules equipped with separate entrances.

How much does the tent cost?

  1. Advanced assault tents are the most expensive. Their cost can reach 50 thousand rubles;

  2. Trekking models are slightly cheaper. Depending on the manufacturer and characteristics, their cost can range from 5 to 30 thousand rubles;

  3. Camping models are the most popular, primarily due to the excellent value for money. With fairly good functional characteristics, the cost of such models is 7-20 thousand rubles;

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose binoculars and the secrets of choosing a sleeping bag.

Video for choosing a tent


Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.

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