The backpacking tent is going to be one of the most important pieces of gear you have when out on your adventure. It is also going to be one of the most expensive pieces of gear you own. That’s why choosing the best tent for you and your adventure is so important.
How to choose the best tent?
When researching for tents you will find there are a lot of different styles, price ranges, and sizes ranging from “minimalist” to “glamping”. It can definitely be overwhelming at first so let these few guidelines help you when searching for the best tent.
- TENT SIZE – capacity of people sleeping in the tent
- SEASON OF TENT – the design of a tent to withstand different weather conditions
- WEIGHT OF TENT – how much are your willing to carry vs how much you willing to spend
- TENT MATERIALS – types of fabric and construction of the tent
Note: This article is part of a series on how to backpack. See more on Backpacking 101
TENT SIZE
When choosing a backpacking tent you need to know that every brand is a little different and some are more “livable” than others. Layouts differ, as well as dome height, from brand to brand.
Backpacking tents are sized by the capacity of people that can lie down in the tent. The 1-person model tent will only be able to sleep 1 average-sized person. 4-person model tents will be able to sleep 4 average size people. The capacity of the tent is usually within the name of the model. Example: The North Face Stormbreaker 2 is a 2-person tent.
If you like to have space for gear in your tent with you or are larger than the average person, sizing up may be the best option. When I take my two boys on trips we always bring the 4-person tent. It allows for a little more space on the floor and a corner for their gear.
SEASON OF TENT
When choosing a backpacking tent by season, you really only have two choices, 3-season, and 4-season. The majority of beginner backpackers go with a 3-season tent which will be cheaper, lighter, and more versatile than a 4-season tent. A 3-season tent is designed to withstand the weather and temperatures that spring, summer, and fall have to offer which makes it a great choice starting out.
3-SEASON TENT – designed to keep weight low while still handling downpours, light snow, and breezy conditions. Constructed with more upright walls to increase the headroom of the interior. Usually has more mesh panels and ventilation flaps to increase the breathability of the tent. Uses fewer poles and lightweight materials to reduce weight.
4-SEASON TENT – also known as “Mountaineering tents” are designed to withstand the fierce winds and heavy snowfalls that winter can bring. Constructed with a dome shape top to withstand winds and no flat spots for heavy snow to accumulate on. Fewer ventilation flaps and less breathable to help contain warmth. Uses more poles and heavier materials which increases weight.
WEIGHT OF TENT
The tent is one of the heavier items that you will be carrying during your adventure. It is also going to be one of the bulkier items as well. Depending on how you pack it will depend on how its weight is distributed.
Backpacking tents are designed with this in mind and have made so many variations and types for beginners and experts to find a tent that feels as good on their back as laying in it at night.
When researching the weights of the tent, keep in mind the Minimum Trail Weight and Packaged Weight. Minimum Trail Weight includes the bare essentials, the weight of the tent body, poles, and rainfly. Packaged Weight includes everything that came with the purchase of the tent (tent body, rainfly, poles, stakes, stuff sack, instructions, and more).
The actual weight you carry on your back will be somewhere between these two weights. To lighten the weight up by a few more ounces you could leave the stuff sack at home. Another way to spread the load would be to have your partner carry the poles and stakes, while you carry the rainfly and tent body.
TENT MATERIALS
Modern tent fabrics can be made of materials like Polyester, Nylon, Canvas or Cotton, Poly-Cotton, and DCF (formerly known as Cuben Fiber). Depending on which type or types your tent is made from will affect the quality of waterproofing, breathability, durability, and tear resistance.
WATERPROOFING – tents need to be designed or made of materials that keep the people using them dry. Materials used can be waterproof, fabrics can be coated in waterproofing, or parts of tents may be waterproof. Often though the more a material is waterproof the less breathable it is. DCF is the most waterproof followed by Polyester, Canvas, and then Nylon.
BREATHABILITY – the most important reason to design a tent to be breathable, is to avoid condensation build-up on cool nights. It will also help with keeping your tent cooler on warm nights.
DURABILITY – being durable is important for obvious reasons. Some materials however are more durable than others. Also manufacturing processes like Ripstop will improve your tent’s durability.
TEAR RESISTANCE – materials used should be strong enough to avoid easy tear and wear. A 4-season tent will be stronger and more durable than a 3-season tent.
Most backpacking tents have poles made of high-strength, low-weight aluminum. Depending on the metal used in manufacturing, the weight will vary.
CONCLUSION
Finding the best backpacking tent for you and your adventure doesn’t have to be hard. Know how many will be sleeping in it and generally what the weather will be like. The good thing is there are so many options and manufacturers that I’m certain the best tent is out there for you. Remember to take care of your gear so it can repay you on the trail.
Backpacking is an experience all should have in their life. If you are looking for great tips and information about backpacking, check out the recent articles on this site. Remember to research, plan, and prepare so you can answer the call to adventure.