How to choose a tent for outdoor recreation – expert advices

It is impossible to travel for days on nature without having the appropriate equipment, and, above all, a tent. It will become your dwelling for this short period of time, it will protect you from precipitation and wind, and at night it will provide a reliable shelter from the cold and ubiquitous insects, thus ensuring a sound and healthy sleep in the fresh air. However, maximum comfort is possible only when the tent for outdoor recreation is chosen correctly, and its characteristics fully comply with the conditions of use and season.

content

1. The best tent manufacturers – which company to choose
2. The device of the tent
3. Types of tents
4. The main criteria for choosing a tent
5. What tent to choose?
6. How much does a tent cost?
7. Video on choosing a tent

The best tent manufacturers – which company to choose

Producing fishing and travel equipment is currently engaged in a huge number of manufacturers, and therefore the sale can be found a huge variety of models, ranging from low-cost, budget models made in China, and ending with professional models from reputable manufacturers of sports equipment. Speaking of 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 right choice of model is played by feedback from customers who have tried out this or that model in practice. It is on their basis that we can conclude – the device is suitable for your conditions or not.

Tent structure

Since the main purpose of the tent is to provide maximum comfort during outdoor living, its design pays special attention. Practically always a tent is a strong and durable tent made of modern synthetic materials, the shape of which is held by a system of high-strength arcs. The tents are made of fiberglass, carbon fiber or aluminum alloys. Depending on the design of the tent, the manufacturer may provide a single sleeping quarters, and several full rooms, as well as 1 or even 2 vestibules, designed for storing luggage and various equipment.

Types of tents

There are a lot of tents on sale now, 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

Models designed for professional use. Widely used for mountaineering, climbing and all kinds of expeditions in harsh conditions. They are characterized by small size, low weight and do not cause discomfort for long journeys.

Advantages

• Easy and fast setup;Idea
• High water vapor permeability;
• Excellent protection from cold, wind and rain;
• Compact size;
• Low weight;

Disadvantages

• Very expensive;

Trekking tents

Models designed for multi-day expeditions and trips to the countryside, and are designed primarily for tourists and lovers of outdoor activities. In their characteristics they are somewhat inferior to professional storm tents, but even that is more than enough to ensure maximum comfort in all situations.

Advantages

• Perfect protection from cold, wind and rain;
• Small transport dimensions and weight;
• Variety of sizes and models;
• Unpretentious design;

Disadvantages

• Expensive;
• Time-consuming installation;

Camping tents

Tents, which are currently the most popular. They can be considered a truly popular and versatile models. At its relatively low cost, they provide decent protection from precipitation and wind. Of course, we don’t speak about extreme conditions, but for a night in a warm summer night such models are more than adequate.

Advantages

• Compact size;
• Affordable price;
• A wide variety of models;
• Unpretentiousness in care and maintenance;
• Ease of installation;
• Low weight;

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for extreme conditions;
• Some models get wet in heavy rain;

Beach tents (shelters)

Tents that do not have a lockable entrance and consist of a tent that is insulated on three sides. Shelter from sun, rain and wind with outdoor activities, and are especially popular with anglers waiting for a bite to catch for days.

Advantages

• Low cost;
• Compact size and minimal weight;
• Good protection from precipitation and wind;
• The simplest design;

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for overnight stays;
• Do not protect from the cold;

Tents for winter fishing

Highly specialized models, designed for long-term accommodation on the ice while fishing. Made of durable material with multiple layers, and therefore provide excellent protection against extreme cold, precipitation and wind. They are quite spacious – they allow you to stand up to the full height if necessary, as well as to use a large amount of equipment, without embarrassing yourself

Advantages

• Spacious and roomy;
• Great protection from wind and cold;
• “Breathable.”
• Set up in seconds;
• Comfortable in operation;

Disadvantages

• Bulky and heavy;
• Expensive;

The main criteria for choosing a tent

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 operation.

Tent design

1. Hemispherical models are currently the most common. They are based on 2-4 intersecting with each other arcs, through which the tent and holds its shape. Easy, comfortable and very good protection against strong winds. The disadvantages include a rather high price;
2. Barrel tents. The most real “hangars” whose structure is held by non-crossing bars which are parallel to one another. As a rule, this design has a roomy model, designed for long-term accommodation in nature in one place. Excellent protection from precipitation, wind and temperature changes. The disadvantages are the difficulty in assembling and disassembling, as well as large transport dimensions and weight;
3. Tents – tents are also considered to be one of the most popular models nowadays. The construction of such models is almost always double-sloped, resting on four poles that converge under an arch. This makes it quite easy to transport, but significantly increases the total time of assembly;
4. Tents – umbrellas. Or semi-automatic, as they are called by many manufacturers. Models that have gained enormous popularity, primarily among winter fishing enthusiasts. Assemble easily and simply, with a design reminiscent of an umbrella, a flick of the wrist and the tent comes together. The disadvantage of this model is a significant bulkiness and large size, as well as the cost – the price of such models is much higher than their classic counterparts.

Seasonality

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

1. Summer tents are thin, light and comfortable. They keep warmth well and protect from wind and light precipitation;
2. Seasonal tents are usually two-layered models, suitable for use not only in summer but also in spring and fall. They are more functional than the above-described counterparts, but their cost is much higher;
3. Winter tents are the warmest and most durable, they are well protected 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 one, as a rule, is used inexpensive models, the second one is a bit more expensive, but provides much higher characteristics.

Tent capacity

chosen according to the estimated number of campers. There are one-, two-, three- and four-person tents, as well as larger models. The bigger the tent, the more expensive, heavy and massive.

Weight

Parameter, which has a very important impact on those who plan multi-day hiking. The smaller the tent, the easier it is to transport. The best in this regard look assault tents – in the folded state they weigh about 5-6 kilograms;

Waterproof

Defined in the number of millimeters of rain a tent can withstand without leaking. The higher the number, the more tent is resistant to rainfall, and therefore the more expensive it is. You should 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, so this parameter should also be considered. Whether you need one bedroom or several rooms? One entrance is enough or you should consider models with two entrances? All these issues need to be thought through before buying.

What tent to choose?

1. If you need a good storm tent for expeditions, you must give preference to models weighing about 4-5 pounds, moisture resistance which will be at 6000-8000 mm2, carcass which is made of lightweight carbon fiber arcs;
2. Small trekking tent chosen on the basis of weight of 5-7 pounds, moisture resistance at 3000-5000 mm, the availability of aluminum or carbon fiber frame and hemispherical design;
3. Camping tent is a great model for outdoor living and recreation. Its weight should not exceed 15-20 kilograms, the construction is barrel-shaped. Moisture resistance of such models have at least 4000-6000 mm2, as well as one or more vestibules, equipped with separate entrances.

How much does a tent cost?

1. Advanced assault tents are the most expensive. Their cost can be up to 50 thousand rubles;
2. Trekking models are a little cheaper. Depending on the manufacturer and characteristics, their cost can be at the level of 5 to 30 thousand rubles;
3. Camping models are the most popular, primarily because of the excellent value for money. With sufficiently good functional characteristics, the cost of such models is 7-20 thousand rubles;

In the following articles our experts tell you how to choose a binoculars secrets of selecting a sleeping bag.

Video on choosing a tent