How to choose a tent for outdoor recreation - advice from professionals. How to choose a tent for outdoor recreation Which brand of camping tent

Fans of hiking, mountain climbing, road trips and simply relaxing in nature must include a tent in their equipment. Its design, weight, dimensions, protection from adverse weather conditions depend on the purpose, season of operation, and number of residents. These can be one-, two-, or even three-layer models, and the last two varieties are considered the most adapted to the difficult life of camping. They can most often be found on sale, they are the most in demand. However, for summer and short stays on flat terrain, reliable options for single-layer structures are also quite suitable.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the wear resistance and performance qualities of the material of each layer, if there are several of them, the drying time from condensation, and the method of placing the frame. The internal arrangement allows you to quickly dry the tent from moisture, but such models take a little longer to assemble. For external fastening of arches, the exact opposite situation is typical.

As for the shapes of popular devices for tourism, manufacturers offer such types as sphere/hemisphere, barrel/half-barrel, cube, umbrella, less common house, or combined ones. Our rating is based on the target principle of using collapsible tourist housing, according to which it is easy to choose the ideally suitable model.

The best tents for fishing

Fishing tents are small models designed for 1-3 people. This kind of product should protect the user from bad weather, especially from strong winds, which are typical in winter conditions.

3 "STEC Cube 2"

Best price
Country Russia
Average price: 6200 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The third line of the rating is occupied by the STEC Cube 2 model, which has the best price in the presented category. You can buy this tent for fishing in winter starting from 6,000 rubles. The design is designed for two people. As the name suggests, the geometry of the product is non-standard and looks like a cube.

Users consider the advantages of the model single-layer awning, which is made of windproof and waterproof synthetic fabric.The frame is made of fiberglass mixed with carbon. It is quite durable and does not bend even with powerful gusts of wind.A skirt is sewn along the bottom of the tent, which protects from drafts.Inside, the model has convenient pockets for storing things.

2 "Lotus 3 Station Wagon"

Reliable 3-seater model for summer
Country Russia
Average price: 10,000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

This model is perfect for fishermen and hunters for use in summer conditions. The hemispherical type allows you to comfortably accommodate 3 fishing participants at once. The internal frame is made of durable but lightweight aluminum alloy, therefore, according to reviews from owners, the product does not cause inconvenience during transportation. Its weight of 5.3 kg is one of the smallest in its line. The advantages usually include the presence of a moisture-resistant polyester awning, as well as a windproof skirt, which is quickly attached and strengthens the entire structure.

Air exchange in the tent is maintained by special ventilation holes, which minimizes the likelihood of condensation. Despite the absence of ordinary windows, it is quite light inside, since the awning is made in the appropriate color scheme. There is no vestibule, but all small items fit well in the existing side pockets and on the hanging shelves. The quick-assembled tourist structure is additionally equipped with storm guy ropes.

Useful tips for choosing a camping tent:

Single or double layer tent? Each option has its own pros and cons. Single-layer ones have a one-piece awning, so they weigh little. True, without ventilation, condensation often forms in them. Double-layer ones consist of an outer and inner (breathable) awning, with approximately 10 cm between them. Such models are heavier, but no condensation will accumulate inside.
There are usually two types of materials used in tents: nylon and polyester. The first is less durable, does not protect against UV rays and is vulnerable to rain, but is inexpensive. The second one is much stronger, is not afraid of moisture, has ultraviolet protection, but is more expensive.
The bottom of the tent must be resistant to mechanical damage, wear-resistant and waterproof. Most often it is made from the same materials as the awning. To increase strength and reliability, weave Oxford or Rip Stop threads (reinforced thread that does not weigh down the structure)
The design of the tent must correspond to the assigned tasks. The “house” option has already become a classic, but cannot compete with modern forms. Such tents are unstable in the wind and difficult to install. The half-barrel option is preferable for camping. Such models will not withstand all bad weather. They are spacious and often have a vestibule. The “hemisphere” option is the most common. It ensures good rolling of drops and snow and guarantees strong stability even in strong gusts of wind.
Consider the weight of the tent. If you are going to go to the mountains, then you should choose the best option. For long hikes with backpacks, lightweight models are also needed. But for traveling by car, heavier structures are also suitable.

1 Mitek Nelma 3

Minimum weight in its category
Country Russia
Average price: 9000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The leader in the rating in the category is the Nelma-3 model. This 3-person hemispherical tent is designed for fishing in winter conditions. It has the lightest weight compared to analogues - 5 kg. It is convenient to carry it in the bag that comes with the kit.

The advantages of the product include 8- millimeter duralumin frame. Its quick assembly will allow you not to stay in the cold for long.The tent awning is made of waterproof Oxford weave material.To ensure safety, the model is equipped with a bright dome and reflective elements. This makes the structure visible both day and night.The tent door is quite wide and closes with a zipper. A convenient loop allows you to open/close it even with gloves.Inside the model has special pockets in which it is convenient to store fishing accessories.

Best Camping Tents

Camping tents are designed for long outdoor recreation. Usually they are large in size, allowing you to place furniture inside, drive a bicycle or even a car. Such models must first and foremost provide comfort.

3 Tramp SPHINX FG

High level of water resistance
Country: USA
Average price: 13,500 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

This 4-seater design will be a very convenient temporary shelter for the whole family. It has a fiberglass internal frame, the arcs of which form hemispheres. Modern material tolerates moisture, temperature changes, and direct sunlight well, without deforming, cracking, or changing its shock-absorbing qualities. In addition, such a frame is not characterized by increased weight, which is often typical for camping models. The entire 10.5-kilogram structure when folded does not take up much space in the trunk of a car and can be transported to the installation site without much physical effort.

Steel racks strengthen the structure, as do reliable fastenings and a windproof skirt. There is an open canopy under which it is pleasant to spend time in good weather. Such a one-room product for tourism is also protected from negative factors. The awning not only has a high level of water resistance (4000 mm H.C.), but is also impregnated with a fire-resistant composition. The polyethylene bottom of the tent, as well as taped seams, protect against moisture and insects. For the same purpose, the model is equipped with a mosquito net.

2 Canadian Camper GRAND CANYON 4

A large number of ventilation windows and entrances
Country: Canada
Average price: 18,000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The design is made in the shape of a hemisphere, there are 3 entrances and the same number of ventilation windows. This allows small groups on a trip to move more freely inside without creating a crush, and in hot weather it provides the necessary level of ventilation. One of the doors can serve as a hanging canopy, creating shade and protection from precipitation. A model with a vestibule and a spacious sleeping compartment allows each user to feel comfortable.

Also available in Possibility of using a tent without a sleeping compartment.The arches have high strength, but at the same time they do not weigh down the structure, which weighs 11 kg. This indicator is ensured by the use of fiberglass as the main material.The awning, bottom and perimeter skirt are made of durable polyester, which protects from wind, rain, and ultraviolet rays. Included in the packagemosquito net for protection against insects.

1 Alexika Indiana 4

Ergonomic 2-room design
Country: USA
Average price: 30,000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

This 4 person camping tent is equipped with 2 internal hanging bedrooms. The user has the opportunity to use various options for their placement. You can leave only one or remove them completely, turning the tent into a warehouse, dining room, etc. The presented model comes with a vestibule, which comes with a removable floor. There is a canopy for the entrance.

The product is equipped with durable external frame made of carbon fiber, which allows even a beginner to install the structure in a matter of seconds. The diameter of the arcs is 11 cm.

The awning and bottom are made of wind and moisture resistant polyester. There is also fire-resistant impregnation. The tent is two-layer, the geometry is half-barrel.The model is equipped with a snow/windproof skirt, mosquito net and storm ropes.

Best Trekking Tents

For those who regularly relax on the plains or along hiking trails You will need a trekking tent. It is light in weight and compact, so it can easily fit in a backpack without weighing it down. But it is unlikely to provide complete protection in bad weather.

3 Alexika Tower 4 Plus

Interesting design solutions
Country: USA
Average price: 19,000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The 4-seater device is designed for a whole group of travelers. The interior space is represented by one room measuring 215x220 cm, accessed through 3 entrances. Therefore, almost each of the participants gets their own area where they can relax. The aluminum frame is covered on both sides with moisture-resistant fabric, and the outer awning is additionally fire-resistant. Reinforced corners contribute to good stability of the entire structure.

This tourist tent is equipped with a very spacious vestibule where you can store essentials or even sleep for guests. True, the flooring for it must be purchased separately. Everything else is placed in special pockets indoors or on hanging shelves. There are no windows, but it is possible to attach a flashlight. Among the shortcomings in the reviews, the owners highlight the lack of a windproof skirt and the unhindered penetration of sunlight inside.

2 Greenell Kerry 2

Effective UV protection (UPF 50+)
Country: Ireland
Average price: 7000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The product is great to use in hot weather. The top material of the awning has a special impregnation that prevents 90% of the penetration of ultraviolet rays inside. It also prevents the spread of fire, which provides additional safety for vacationers.

The two-layer model is based on an awning and bottom material made of waterproof polyester. The outer frame arches are made of fiberglass, resistant to strong external influences.The tightness of the seams is ensured by sizing.The tent is made in the form of a hemisphere and has a vestibule.

1 Btrace Bike base

Maximum efficiency in single seat design
Country Russia
Average price: 3900 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

For those who are used to traveling without companions, the single-seat model of the new, but already popular Russian brand will appeal. It has everything for a safe and enjoyable time in nature. The optimal diameter arcs of the internal frame are made of wear-resistant durapol, which does not make the structure heavier, but also does not bend or is prone to breakage. The two-layer polyester product features sealed seams and reinforced corners. The awning is inert to ultraviolet radiation and open fire, along with the lower part of the structure it is characterized by maximum resistance to moisture (6000 mm H.C.).

If you prefer a sphere shape, then this option will evoke positive emotions. In reviews, users point out as advantages the presence of 2 entrances and ventilation windows, storm guy ropes, which ensure the stability of the tent in unfavorable wind conditions. A special mesh provides good protection from insects in the summer. The single device weighs only 1.7 kg.

The best extreme tents

Extreme tents are small size designs characterized by the special strength of the materials used. They are usually designed for no more than two people.

Tramp Rock 3

Safe design
Country: USA
Average price: 10,000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

This series of tents was specially designed for expeditions in non-standard weather conditions. The materials used in manufacturing have excellent characteristics that meet all safety requirements. The outer frame has arches made of aluminum. They are practically not deformed and can withstand any bad weather.

Durable polyester (RipStop) is used for the awning, which allows you not to weigh down the tent, but at the same time provide reliable protection from wind and moisture. Its outer side has good protection against UV rays. Fireproof impregnation will prevent the spread of fire in the event of a fire. Heat shrink tape used to seal the seams ensures complete sealing.Ventilation valves open both from the outside and from the inside.

Alexika Storm 2

Device with 2 vestibules
Country: USA
Average price: 28,000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The tent for extreme hiking is equipped with two vestibules and bedrooms. This model is suitable for people who love privacy. It is quite spacious and has independent entrances for each zone. Int. The front frame is made of durable aluminum alloy, the arcs have a diameter of 8.5 cm. This allows the structure to withstand prolonged pressure from strong winds, snowfall and heavy rain.

The product has two layers of fabric: the awning is made of nylon, and the bottom and interior are made of polyester (Oxford). The material is moisture-resistant, not blown through and fire-resistant thanks to the applied impregnations. All seams are treated with a special adhesive that fills voids, ensuring tightness. In design eThere are reinforced corners and a protective skirt around the perimeter.

1 NOVA TOUR Ai Petri 2 V2

Best Performance
Country Russia
Average price: 12,000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The undisputed leader in the category rating was the two-person tent for extreme conditions - NOVA TOUR Ai Petri 2 V2. This model has the best performance characteristics, which is very important for consumers who are looking for a product that can withstand the increased onslaught of weather conditions.

Its t Polyester tape is distinguished by its durability. The material is impregnated, which does not allow moisture and ultraviolet to pass through and protects against the spread of fire.The high degree of tightness of the seams is ensured by their high-quality gluing in addition to the threads.Durable arches are made of aluminum. They are able to withstand even strong winds.There is a skirt along the perimeter that protects campers from snow and wind getting inside the tent.An improved ventilation system avoids stuffiness and condensation accumulation.

The best automatic tents

Automatic tents are attractive because their installation requires a minimum of physical effort and time. They come in winter, summer, and off-season varieties. This is an excellent option for fans of short-term recreation in nature.

3 SWD "White Night"

The best winter camouflage option
Country: China
Average price: 1700 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

The model is popular among fishermen, hunters, geologists and all those who lead an active lifestyle in winter conditions. It can be assembled in literally a matter of seconds thanks to a special spring mechanism. However, you should first familiarize yourself with the sequence of the reverse procedure, since it, especially for beginners, takes some time.

The shape of the tent resembles a dome, the height of 1.3 meters is quite enough, for example, for fishing without leaving the walls that protect from moisture and wind. To do this, the bottom is unfastened with a zipper. Dimensions of 2x2 meters are comfortable for a single stay and placement of everything you need. The winter colors of the external awning allow you to make your stay in nature unnoticeable. When folded, the product looks compact and easily fits into the included case. round shape, making it easier to carry.

2 NORFIN Zope 2

Welded seams
Country: Latvia
Average price: 7800 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The double model can be used as a single model, creating maximum comfort for its owner. It assembles almost instantly, despite the fact that the design includes not only a room, but also a vestibule. The outer fiberglass frame holds its shape and does not require additional reinforced fastening. The model is two-layer, each of them, like the floor, is made of polyester different types. The seams are welded, so there is no reason to worry about the seal being broken.

The travel product is a trekking type, its water resistance is not very high, only 3000 mm in diameter. Art. Features include the presence of a mosquito net and compartments for storing things. Among the disadvantages are the lack of windows and insufficient ventilation. One of the main advantages is the weight of 2.9 kg, which is important for tracking structures.

1 TREK PLANET Moment 2

The easiest trekking
Country Russia
Average price: 2700 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

This trekking tent is chosen by those who like a 1-2-day outdoor recreation in the warm season. It is a half-barrel-shaped structure, where the internal frame is fiberglass arcs. A big plus of the model is that it can be quickly not only assembled, but also disassembled, having first studied the included instructions. The awning of such a tourism device is made of polyester, and the bottom is made of polyethylene. Water resistance of the material is 1000 mm in. Art. allows the device to be used in light rainfall conditions.

The single-layer design is equipped with 4 ventilation windows to minimize the formation of condensation. One room without a vestibule can accommodate 1-2 people; there are special pockets and compartments for small items. The package also includes a mosquito net. With a folded weight of 1.6 kg, the product easily fits into a backpack or other luggage for manual transportation.

and are ready to go get your first equipment.

If you are planning to get involved in overnight trips into nature, you will inevitably have to acquire a camping tent. If it is not yet clear whether this is your type of recreation or not, I do not recommend spending money on expensive equipment; it is better to “shoot” with friends or rent. If you firmly understand that you cannot live without forays into nature, but have no experience, this article is for you.

Let me make a reservation right away that there is no talk here about a cheap Auchan camping tent for gentle “tourists” who grab the cheapest equipment on sale and go camping only in sunny, windless weather. We will look at sensible equipment for an average budget and long-term use.

For starters, forget about quick-assemble tents that fold into a round cover - they are unstable nonsense.
Don't look at a huge tent with several rooms and a horde of friends. Firstly, you will avoid “sharing” and collective responsibility for the safety of the tent. Secondly, large tents require a wide, flat clearing, and such luxury is not always available. Thirdly, experienced tourists will never buy an overly large tent; such tents are created for inexperienced buyers, and are always of very dubious quality. In ideal landscape and weather conditions, such a tent will stand, but it may no longer withstand moderate winds.
Decide how many people will live in the tent. You should not take a tent “for growth”, since the smaller the internal volume of the tent, the warmer it will be to sleep in it. That is, if there are two of you, take a 2-person tent.
Pay attention to the water resistance of the material, it is better that it is at least 4000 mm. water column at the tent and at least 6000 at the bottom. This is guaranteed to protect you and your belongings from prolonged and intense rainfall.
Avoid non-standard designs. The simpler the frame, the more reliable and quick to assemble the tent. The ideal is two cross arches; if there is a vestibule with a canopy, a third arch.
Choose a two-layer tent so that condensation from the inside of the tent does not penetrate into the living tent and wet you and your belongings.
When choosing the number of vestibules, entrances, pockets and other “pampering”, be guided by the most likely method of movement. If you are by car, then the weight and volume of the tent are not critical for you, but if you drag it on yourself, then the weight and volume will play a decisive role for you. Every extra vestibule, zipper, mesh, pocket, ventilation window and the like is an increase in weight and dimensions. However, the vestibule is convenient for storing backpacks, groceries and shoes; Pockets are convenient for storing phones and flashlights; and ventilation windows help cope with heat and condensation. Ideally, find the best option between compactness and comfort, taking into account the most likely operating conditions in your particular case.
A windproof skirt is necessary in cold, windy seasons or in snow. For summer hikes its presence is not necessary. On hot days it’s not even advisable, because the skirt prevents the tent from blowing along the bottom. But on a cold night and in windy weather, the skirt will help retain heat inside the tent with virtually no loss.
Pay attention to reinforced corners and taped or welded seams. The unreliability of these elements in the design is fraught with rupture of the fabric, and hence the failure of the tent.
The presence of storm lines is critical only in strong gusty winds. In normal weather they hang around idle.
Whether you need fireproof impregnation depends only on whether you are making pioneer fires and whether you are placing the tent close to an open fire)))
The weight of the tent and its dimensions matter only when hiking, however, if a car is usually crammed with a lot of things right next to each other, then perhaps it’s still worth paying attention to the dimensions when folded.
To reduce the weight of the tent, choose a design with aluminum poles (they are lighter than fiberglass), a minimum number of poles in the structure, with one entrance and a minimum of pockets and windows.
Don't be afraid to buy used tents that are 2-3 years old. If the tent is of high quality and without damage, it will serve you for at least another 3 years faithfully. The main thing is to check the integrity of the package and the absence of mechanical damage when purchasing.
The most important thing is to choose a tent specifically for your needs and according to your parameters. Universal tent- this is a utopia)

I chose two tents for myself:

1) Canadian Camper CYCLONE 2 AL for traveling by car or if I take my dog with me. This is a fairly spacious and comfortable two-room apartment with a spacious vestibule for storing things, while being very reliable and easy to install, with reinforced corners and fire-resistant impregnation. She weighs about 3.2 kg. It costs around 11,000 rubles. Over 5 years of use, absolutely nothing has been worn out or damaged.

2) Splav Jaguar 2 v. 2 for wearing on yourself. It is light, comfortable, ventilates well in the heat, fits on a small piece of land, and is easy to install. Only small people, or a person and a dog, will be comfortable in it. And it’s very comfortable for one person in such a tent and you can put a backpack inside. Weighs approximately 2.1 kg. Costs 8500 rubles. Over the 2 years of use, it hasn’t leaked anywhere either.

Here is a guide for choosing a camping tent. What should it be like to avoid freezing in the mountains? Which tent should you buy for a family holiday? And what does the tent marking say? The answers to these and many other questions are in this article.

Want to get to know someone better? Go camping with him.

Many people love camping, but few know how to choose a good tent. Size, weight, design, material - all this matters and affects the cost. Find out how to choose a tent that suits your travel preferences from this article.

Do you need a tent on a camping trip?

In short - yes. Of course, you can spend the night in a sleeping bag under a canopy, but this:

uncomfortable (at night, even in summer, it’s cold outside, it can rain or a strong wind can rise - weather forecasts do not always come true);
unsafe (insects, snakes, small rodents - this is not a complete list of sources of “thrill” when spending the night in the open air).

Therefore, take it as an axiom: a tent is necessary when camping.

Which tent is right for you?

The answer depends on the answer to another question: what type of outdoor recreation do you prefer?

If you like equipped campsites with car parking, then you can safely take a large tent.

A camping tent is a large, tall tent, often with a vestibule and windows. Designed for car tourism, family holidays and overnight stays in one place for 3–4 days. Pros: comfortable conditions (you can stand upright), large capacity. Cons: heavy weight, poor warm-up.

If you are planning a long hike or bike trip, the weight and size of the shelter are important considerations. You will need a trekking tent.

A trekking tent is a small tent used for lowland hiking and recreation along hiking trails. Pros: lightweight, easy to transport. Cons: not designed for strong winds and rain.

The dimensions and weight of the tent become even more important when hiking in the mountains or over rough terrain. Here we need an assault tent.

An assault (or high-mountain) tent is an ultra-light tent designed for serious hiking (difficult routes, long treks). Pros: very light and reliable, not afraid of strong winds, quickly installed and assembled. Cons: usually small (it can be cramped even for one person).

Konstantin Shishkin/Shutterstock.com

What is the seasonality of a tent?

Beginners mistakenly believe that if tents are divided into seasons, then there should be spring, summer, autumn and winter. In fact, they distinguish:

Summer tents. For warm or hot weather. An important point here is ventilation: the fabric is well ventilated, and the edge of the awning is usually raised above the ground. But such a tent will not protect you from strong wind or rain.
Three-season tents. The name speaks for itself - designed for three main hiking seasons (spring, summer, autumn). They are made of denser fabric, so they can withstand cold demi-season winds and heavy rains.
Winter (or all-season) tents. Designed for use in difficult climatic conditions (snow, wind), but can also be used in summer in calm weather. They are distinguished by their stable construction and dense waterproof material.

How to decide on the size?

Boas in the famous cartoon were measured by parrots, and tents are measured by men. Many have heard: single tent, double, triple, and so on. In the first case, this means that one adult man can comfortably fit in the tent (with all his belongings); in the second - two; in the third - three and so on.

“Men are different,” you say. Right. Therefore, to get a clearer idea of the dimensions of the tent, research its length and width online before purchasing. Then “recreate” these dimensions on your floor, take a sleeping bag and try to fit into the resulting square. Managed? You can take it! No? It might be worth buying a two or three person tent.

How many layers should I choose?

Depending on the design, tents are divided into single-layer and double-layer.

In the first case, the tent is made of a waterproof awning and is a single fabric. It is easy to fold and install. But there is a significant drawback - condensation. In humid or hot weather, it inevitably forms on the inner walls. If you don't provide ventilation, you'll wake up in a wet sleeping bag. Fortunately, scientists are actively working to solve this problem - they are coming up with various “breathable” and at the same time windproof fabrics. Tents with membrane awnings are already on the market, but they are quite expensive.

A two-layer tent consists of a waterproof canvas (outer layer) and a lightweight, breathable canvas (inner layer). Between them, as a rule, there is a 10–15 cm gap. This tent is somewhat heavier, but condensation does not accumulate in it, and it is reliably protected from rain.

Another advantage of two-layer tents is the presence of a vestibule.

Tambour - additional space under the outer awning of the tent. Used to store things and dirty shoes.

Do you need windows in a tent?

In general, no. As a rule, you are in a tent at night - there is nothing to look through them. If we consider the window as an additional ventilation hole, then with two-layer structures there is no need for this, but in single-layer ones, the slightly open zipper at the entrance perfectly copes with the task of supplying fresh air.

The only exception is camping tents. In this case, a tent with windows looks like a house and creates more comfort.

Which material should you prefer?

Poly Taffeta 210T 3000 PU is not a magic spell, but upon seeing such an inscription in the tent description, an inexperienced tourist may fall into a trance. What do all these numbers and letters mean?

It's actually simple. When making tents, two types of fabrics are used:

polyamide (Nylon);
polyester (Polyester).

The first ones are quite durable and very affordable, but at the same time they are easily stretchable when wet and are sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. The second ones are even more durable and do not tear when wet, but they are more expensive. Thus, the first word in the tent's marking (Poly) means that it is made of polyester material.

Taffeta is the most common way of weaving thread. In addition to it, there is also Oxford (creates additional strength and, as a rule, is used for the bottom of the tent) and Rip Stop (increases strength due to reinforced thread, without adding weight).

The next element (210T) is the weaving density. It is measured in tex and affects the strength of the material. The larger the T, the denser, stronger and heavier the fabric. In addition, the tent marking may contain numbers and the letter D. This indicates the thickness of the threads from which the material is made. This indicator also affects the strength and weight of the tent.

Finally, PU means that the fabric is impregnated with polyurethane, making it water-resistant. There is also silicone impregnation (SI), it is of higher quality and more durable, but also more expensive.

The material is coated with polyurethane on the inside. At the same time, two layers of PU impregnation provide water resistance of 3,000 mm water column; three layers - 5,000 mm. Silicone coating is applied externally. The acceptable level of water resistance here is 2,000 mm.

So, which material should you choose? If you go out into nature infrequently and at the same time stick to the well-trodden tourist paths, then a tent made of nylon with Taffeta or Rip Stop weave and a density from 190T to 210T is quite suitable for you. A good addition to this would be silicone water-repellent impregnation.

What should the bottom of the tent be like?

Durable, durable and durable again! The bottom of the tent has the hardest time: you place it on sharp stones, on snow, on sand.

As a rule, the bottom is made of the same material as the outer awning. Suitable for this purpose are nylon fabrics with Oxford weave, 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 can withstand at least 5,000 mm of water column.

Sometimes the bottom is also made of reinforced polyethylene (designated PE, tarpauling). This material is practically waterproof, quite affordable, but much heavier than polyester and nylon.

In addition, many tents have a so-called skirt, which prevents wind from blowing and precipitation from getting between the inner and outer awning.

The skirt is an additional strip of fabric around the perimeter of the tent. Can be sewn 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. This will only cause condensation to accumulate.

Which design should you choose?

There are three main forms of tourist tents:

1. Hemisphere

Consists of two or more arcs crossed with each other, thereby creating a dome. This is a universal and very popular form. Tents in the shape of a hemisphere can be used even on extreme hikes: they can withstand strong winds and water easily rolls off them.

2. Half barrel

As a rule, a large and roomy tent (often with a vestibule). The arcs of such a tent are parallel to each other and do not intersect each other. It is not particularly resistant and will not withstand all types of weather. This design is often found in camping tents.

3. House

Gable tents in the form of a house are considered a classic. Rain and snow roll off easily, but the wind resistance of the structure leaves much to be desired. In addition, this type of tent is considered the most troublesome in terms of installation.

In addition, single tourists quite often prefer single-person frameless tents. They are light and compact, in fact it is just an awning attached to trees with ropes or supported by several posts (usually sticks).

Now you know enough about tents to make a purchase. But don’t rush to run to the mall or open an online store website. There are a few tricks that can help you save money.

Old models from famous brands are no worse than their new models, but much cheaper.
Don’t be afraid to buy tents from little-known companies, as long as the specifications match reality.
Study reviews, consult with friends, if possible, try out this or that tent before purchasing (for example, borrow from a friend).

Having bought a tent, do not rush to immediately go into the forest. First, assemble it at home to understand how it works, and to assemble and disassemble it quickly and easily on a hike. After this, go over the seams with a water-repellent spray to ensure protection from moisture. And in order for the tent to serve you for a long time, upon returning from a hike, do not forget to dry it thoroughly.

HOW TO CHOOSE A TENT

So, I’m buying myself a tent... Tell me, friends of “Tramontana”, do you remember how once you didn’t have your own tent? Well, that is, there was nothing at all: not a single tent of our own. And there were only clubs, friends or parents. In which you, in fact, spent the night on your first “outings” and “hikings”. And then the moment came when you said to yourself: that’s it, I’m setting up the tent. Your own, your own.
Do you remember? And now, from the heights of our experiences, let’s try to give recommendations to those who also decided to get a tent for the first time.

First bold recommendation- look at double so-called double tourist tent(more precisely, two-layer) designs. On a frame made of aluminum tubes.

REFERENCE:

As for terms, it is customary to refer to tourist (or backpacking) tents as their most universal type. They live in this type both in the forest and in the steppe, at the foot of cliffs and on glaciers. Be it in February, or be it in June, although each will have its own peculiarities.

In addition to tourist ones, it is customary to distinguish two more types of tents: for super extreme conditions, as well as for super comfortable conditions. Accordingly, extreme tents (for storm conditions) and camping tents. This is the most general classification, since many products have hybrid properties.

There are also tents for light vehicles, all sorts of bivouacs, bivi, tents, awnings and other shelters. But these things are for special consumers. To want one for yourself, you have to go through a lot and evolve to the corresponding non-traditional needs.

Double benefit

Why a two-person tent? Because a two-person tent is the most versatile size.

This one can be used comfortably alone, but if anything happens, it will accommodate three people for the night. Or maybe more, it all depends on the nature of this “If That” itself.

In terms of weight and dimensions when folded, a two-person tent does not significantly burden the owner.

A tent with a larger capacity is usually purchased for specific purposes. Let's say a large team is planning a trip to places where there are no problems with setting up a large tent. If you need to optimize the weight of your equipment, then the specific and volumetric weight of one “bed” will be less when using a multi-person tent, rather than a solo or double version. Large tents are also convenient for long-term permanent camping. Well, for regular outdoor trips for parents with small children, a large tent is better suited.

Now, regarding the mentioned double or two-layer construction. This tent has double walls. It’s like a nesting doll: there is an inner tent and an outer awning, all supported by one frame.

The outer awning is made of waterproof fabric. It stops the flow of rain and gusts of wind. The inner tent is made of breathable fabric that allows steam and air to pass through. There is a gap between the inner tent and the outer awning. This is an air gap for ventilation: all condensation from human breath leaves the inner tent, after which it partially erodes and partially settles on the inner surface of the tent. IN reverse direction fresh air comes in. It turns out that the tent is both dry and not stuffy.

This design is de facto the modern standard for tourist and camping tents. In the latter, several inner tents are often placed under one large awning - creating “multi-room” camping apartments.

Note that single-layer tents still exist in nature, and have not become extinct along with canvas or percale products. Single-layer tents are found in the segment of super-expensive tents for extreme conditions. They are sewn from ultra-modern membrane fabrics. Compact, lightweight, not universal and very expensive.

There are single-layer tents as cheap solutions: beach houses from the sun, play tents for children or shelters for fishermen and ice fishing enthusiasts. Sometimes the manufacturer (or seller) tries to position them as suitable for tourism. But these tents either get wet or don’t breathe at all. More often than not, both plus break at the first opportunity. They can sometimes be used, but only as a one-time solution for one warm night in a distant warm country, to be thrown away the next morning.

Shape: who needs a half barrel?

Having finished with the first global advice - choosing a two-person double tent - let's move on to the specifics. And then you decide for yourself what you need.

By shape, most tents for tourism and mountaineering can be divided (very roughly if) into two types: "hemispheres" And "half barrels".

In hemispherical tents, the frame arcs intersect with each other and form a self-supporting structure. And in half-barrel tents the arcs are parallel: a series of arches is created. Such a tent can only stand if it is properly stretched between two reliable points.

There are many variations within each of these types. There are also hybrid solutions, for example, a half-barrel vestibule is attached to a dome-shaped tent. Let us note that in recent years the production of half-barrels around the world has noticeably decreased.

Varieties of gable tents, wigwam tents, and house tents today are as exotic as “bivouac” shelters – purely for connoisseurs.

What are the main advantages of the half-barrel? In it more useful volume, since its walls are steeper. Its frame consists of a smaller number of elements (usually two or three arcs). That is, it is lighter and takes up less space when folded. However, as already emphasized, the half-barrel tent needs to be properly stretched. This means she needs a larger site and a more thoughtful installation process.

A half-barrel tent is good if you plan to place it on flat forest edges or in a field. That is, where there are no problems with flat and soft ground, into which it is easy to drive pegs for tying guy ropes. Plus, let the wind be weaker there. Otherwise, you will have to invent something new every time. Drag logs, stones, and tie guy ropes to them. Then cover these stones with smaller stones so that in the middle of the night a gust of wind does not overturn all your efforts on your head along with the tent. Setting up a half barrel in deep snow is almost always a pain.

Therefore, half-barrel tents are good for cyclists and, for example, watermen. In other conditions, tents that can be conditionally classified as hemispherical tents will be clearly preferable. Quite so under withor stand on your own, even without braces. But you still need to tie them down: in the mountains, where the tent can be blown away by the wind.

Here the supporting frame may already include two, three, or even more arcs. The more there are, and the more often they intersect, forming force triangles, the more significant the wind load the tent will be able to withstand.

Winged aluminum in arc

If we understand the form, let’s consider such a thing as the frame that creates this form.

First, about the frame materials. In industrial tents, aluminum tubes or fiberglass tubes (usually fiberglass, black or colored) are usually used for its manufacture. There are also steel tubes, but these are in huge collapsible camping huts (and titanium ones - in handicrafts). There are also frames made of composite materials based on carbon fiber - in expensive premium models.

As for fiberglass, it is cheap, has no residual deformation, but is heavy and short-lived. The fragility is associated with both an objective category - poor resistance of fiberglass to excessive bending, and a subjective one - insufficient quality control of materials and production, since fiberglass is the province of low-budget solutions (there are exceptions).

Fiberglass tubes are connected to the frame post using metal couplings. These couplings, on the one hand, add weight, and on the other hand, they are often of frankly poor quality (roofing iron rolled into a tube, which “creeps” along the seam under load). The fiberglass tube itself, having barely cracked, inexorably continues to crack further and further. And it “fluffs” when you try to insert it into the repair coupling. You can only repair a cracked stand at home using epoxy resin. It is believed that fiberglass does not hold the load well in the cold, but this is most likely a consequence of defects made during production.

Tents with a fiberglass frame, of course, can and should be used. They are perfect for regular, simple trips into nature: in the same, predictable weather and landscape conditions. Another “fiberglass” tent would be a good, but “disposable” solution for one season. Let's say, for a permanent camp for one summer, when the tent will not be repeatedly disassembled and reassembled and moved to a new place.

Now, in fact, there is little left to say about aluminum frames. Stronger, more durable, but more expensive.

Compared to fiberglass, the aluminum frame (aluminum grades similar to aircraft grades) is almost twice as light, and it withstands sharp bends and shock loads much better. That is, a tent with an aluminum frame is much better able to withstand gusts of storm wind.

Due to greater strength, the diameter of aluminum tubes is smaller, which means compactness.

It can be repaired on site using a pair of pads (or an aluminum tube-sleeve, which is often included in the repair kit) and electrical tape. At home, the broken segment can be replaced with a new tube or the fracture site can be “reworked” into another, new “elbow” on the arc.

Among the aluminum frames there are elite brands. It is the product of research laboratories that design and manufacture only the frames and then sell them to tent manufacturers. The common theme for their products is: quality, durability and low weight.

The most popular superframes from companies are DAC And Easton.

Korean company DAC(Dongah Aluminum Corporated, www.dacpole.com) is today a clear leader: in terms of prevalence and number of cooperations with well-known tent manufacturers.

DAC's arsenal includes particularly durable tubes with variable wall thicknesses, wide choose diameters, high-tech pressing and special technologies for joining elements. Hardening knurling, anodizing and so on, so on…

In the last few years, DAC has seriously begun to produce all kinds of aluminum and plastic adapters, tees, connectors, couplings and other accessories, which allow the craziest designers of tents and trekking furniture to play a lot. The results are fantastic! The development is called DAC Toys.

Americans from EASTON(http://tentpoletechnologies.com) are trying to keep up. In contrast to competitors, they intensified research in the field of lightweight composite materials. Super high quality and expensive. By the way, fiberglass frames from Eastorn are cool.

About rags...

So what next? Perhaps we can stop at fabrics.

Everything is relatively clear with tent fabrics. The lighter and stronger the better, but more expensive, since strength and lightness are antagonists. Rip Stop technology is welcome (reinforced threads are periodically woven into the fabric; a rupture, if it occurs, has a chance to stop faster - by “tripping” over one of these threads).

The waterproofness of awning materials is achieved both by the weaving of the fabric and by the quality of the waterproof layer applied to it. Plus treatment with water-repellent impregnations. Not only the finished fabric, but even the individual fibers from which it is made can be subjected to such processing.

Water resistance is measured in objective quantities - millimeters of water column. There are visual tests when the fabric being tested is pulled tightly onto the bottom of a tall glass tube: water is poured into the tube and monitored when drops begin to ooze through the fabric.

A sufficient indicator of water resistance for a tent awning is 3,000 mm (three meters of water column). Pay attention to this characteristic; it must be indicated in the product passport.

By the way, almost all reputable global and responsible Russian manufacturers have in practice always higher waterproof ratings for awnings. The point is the warranty for a new tent: by the end of the warranty period, the water resistance should be no lower than declared. A good manufacturer plays it safe and supplies fabric with initially higher performance.

In addition to the awning, the tent must also have a waterproof bottom: for it the indicator must be at least 10,000 mm (ten meters of water column). This is exactly the pressure that your elbow or knee will exert on the damp ground when you hit the floor.

By the way, the floor of the tent is sometimes made of so-called extruded polyethylene. Cheap and durable waterproof material, heavy and difficult to compress. (Supermarkets sell reusable shopping bags made from the same fabric.) This is a budget solution. Bottoms made of extruded polyethylene are found, as a rule, in the same tents that are equipped with a fiberglass frame. We wrote above about where and when it is advisable to use such tents. For other options, use will be associated, if not with risk, then at least with inconvenience.

...and seam taping

An indicator of tens of meters of waterproofness of fabric will be an empty and wet place if the manufacturer does not glue the seams when producing your tent. Each seam in the outer tent must be properly insulated, as well as all seams in the floor of the inner tent. Without this, moisture will ooze into them, and in huge quantities.

Typically, sizing is performed thermally using a special transparent tape. This procedure is not artisanal. Available only to owners of the corresponding expensive equipment.

High-altitude and extreme tents made from complex fabrics using silicone-filled fibers can be used without gluing seams. The hot-melt film does not stick to these, and therefore the problem of waterproofing the seams is solved here in other non-trivial ways.

Fabrics for the inner tent also need to be light and durable. Its panels may include mesh inserts for better ventilation, internal pockets, etc.

What is demis made of?seasonality of the tent

There is another parameter according to which tents are divided into two groups: seasonality. There are so-called tents three-season(not suitable for winter use) and all-season(suitable for all situations including snow camping). In foreign catalogues, it is accordingly indicated as Three Seasons And Four Seasons (sometimes All Seasons), respectively.

In “three-season” tents, the side and top panels of the inner tent are made of thin mesh fabric, which provides excellent ventilation, protection from insects and lighter weight. In general, such tents are universal and more suitable for long trips, since lighter and more compact. However, during a snowstorm, this same mesh can be pierced through by snow dust, which will certainly fly under the external awning.

All-season tents, that is, “four-season” tents, are usually are more expensive and have a more durable design: to withstand blizzards and winter winds. The outer awning may or may not have an additional protective skirt, but in any case it is designed to be longer so that the gap to the ground remains smaller than that of a “three-season” tent awning. The frame posts are usually thicker and stronger than those of “three-season” ones.

REFERENCE (observation from life):

However, this does not mean that you cannot survive in winter in a tent with a completely mesh liner. It happens that you climb inside and don’t know that the tent that your partner carries with him everywhere is a “three-season tent.” It’s surprising, of course, to discover in the middle of the night a natural draft that flows from the starboard side to the left, flows through your neighbor, through your sleeping bag and flows somewhere into a frosty, snowy night. Well, you’ll be surprised and roll up a roll of clothes in front of your nose so that it doesn’t freeze too much.

If you are going to use a tent always and everywhere, then one that is designed for “four seasons” would be preferable. It is convenient when part of the mesh panels of the inner tent are duplicated with flaps made of solid fabric (for example, fastened with a zipper). Typically, panels of “doors” are made in such composite layers. In cold weather, there will be more comfort in such a tent, although its weight will also be greater when compared with a similar three-season tent.

Emergency entrance, emergency exit and utility vestibule

Tent designs are varied. By the number of entrances and the presence of vestibules, including. The possibility of separate, say, storage of equipment and provisions greatly improves the functionality of a camp home. Here we dry our shoes, and there we pour our morning coffee. The presence of a spacious vestibule makes life much easier, but again increases the weight of the tent. And it requires additional space for its installation. So, take a closer look, try on and choose.

Philosophical: who is on top: frame or awning?

This is such a long-standing, specific and never-ending dispute. This concerns another feature of the design of a modern tent: where should the frame arcs be located - on top of the outer awning or under it? Both options are quite common among modern tents.

The main advantage of the external frame arrangement is that the inner tent can remain permanently attached to the outer awning. Therefore, by stretching the outer tent, you will automatically “set up” the entire tent, including the inner tent. And in this case, if you put up a tent in the rain, its insides will not get wet. You can disconnect the inner tent from the outer one when you want to clean it or dry it thoroughly.

With a tent whose frame is located inside, between the inner tent and the awning, this number will not work. First you need to put up the inner tent, and then pull the awning on top. If it rains or snows, then all this may end up inside the tent. Especially if you hesitate.

However, such calculations are rather theoretical. In practice, you can put up an inner tent, covering yourself with a tent that has not yet been stretched. Thus reducing subsequent drying to a minimum.

On the other hand, when the frame is external, you are faced with the unpleasant need to insert arch elements into special narrow and long pockets provided for by the design. When the turn of the second arc comes, it is very problematic to do it alone - you try to resort to the help of a partner.

In addition, the design of many such tents is such that with excessive force, the pole rests and tears the fabric of such a pocket. Attention, accuracy and sufficient illumination of the scene are required. In wind and rain, the task becomes even more challenging.

The author of these lines had the opportunity to see a “dream tent” with an external frame only in photographs by Reinhold Messner from Everest: there the tent was suspended from the frame using a thin strong cord and many hooks. Alas, such tents today are produced either individually or handicraft.

But where a tent with an external frame definitely loses is in absolute inability to fold back the awning and spend the day/night exclusively inside the inner tent. In the hot sun or stuffy weather, such a luxurious option is simply irreplaceable.

A tent with an external frame seems to be advantageous in the conditions of some multi-day hike in an area blown by hurricane winds. If a pole bursts, it (most likely) will not tear the tent apart with its debris. What would inevitably happen if the frame was located inside, under an external awning, and thereby gave rise to a lot of problems.

Little things - big and important

Having examined the tent as a whole, carefully study and appreciate the little things: fasteners, zippers, seams. The presence and number of eyelets and eyelets for guy lines. The quickdraws themselves, the packaging bag and the quality of the pegs.

All these seemingly little things are actually not nonsense, but extremely important things. If everything goes as usual, then a tent made of high-quality fabric and high-quality fittings can last five, ten, or fifteen years.

But the “lightning” that spreads under load is terrible. Just like a “zipper” that is not able to fasten under load. The threads are monstrous, sticking out in all directions and getting into the clasp slider. An unsuccessful protective cover on the “zipper” of the awning, unexpectedly getting stuck in the lock, takes away the last of your strength when you have already overcome all the challenges and tests of a good working day and are about to melt the snow for the evening soup. And then there’s such trouble!

Eyelets that come off, strips that fly off, to which guy ropes are tied. Hooks that break in the cold or heat for hanging the tent to the frame. Believe me, if they are destined to come off or break, they will come off and break at the most inopportune moment. When there is neither time nor energy to resist this mini-accident.

Choosing a tent unpack and install it and climb inside. Lie down at your full gigantic height. Is there enough space at the headboard for personal items? And in the legs - for equipment and ropes?

Inspect the cut of the tent. Is the inner tent hanging from the frame? Doesn't the awning wrinkle? If there is a hint of this, then in the rain, when the fabric is saturated with moisture and inevitably stretches, the sides of the inner tent and outer awning will stick together. And then overnight all your warm clothes will get wet. And in the wind, the flapping “sails” will tear: first the guys will fly off, and then the main fabric will burst.

If the tent is well designed, then weather changes are taken into account in advance. The tent remains beautiful and resilient in both rain and sun.

It would seem like a small thing - painting the frame arches in different colors. But when you shake out this multi-colored “bamboo” onto the mat and start building your house, you will appreciate how much faster things go with color markings. And on a frosty night, with the light of a flashlight, the color of each arc and the corresponding color markers on the fastening elements of the tent turn from a seemingly trifle into a real de luxe option.

Have a nice night!

First of all, decide on type tents. For hiking Lightweight trekking models are perfect. Spacious camping tents provide a high level of comfort. Mountain climbers should take a closer look at the storm category.
When determining the optimal capacity It is important to consider the duration of living in nature. If the trip lasts for several days, then part of the space will be occupied by things and a table. Therefore, it is better to take a tent that can accommodate more than the expected number of campers.
An important selection criterion is seasonality. Summer models are made from the finest materials. Spring-autumn designs are made from denser fabrics. Winter tents have maximum strength and high thermal insulation qualities.
Pay attention to the following parameter: waterproof. It is expressed in millimeters of water (mmH2O). In summer, a tent with a water capacity of 1500 mm can cope with short-term rain. Art., and for relaxation from spring to late autumn It is better to choose more waterproof tent models (3000-4000 mm). It is also worth finding out if the tent has a sealed bottom.
Modern tents equipped with many useful options. It is convenient to use the internal pockets, a comfortable microclimate is provided by the ventilation system, and mosquito nets will help protect vacationers from annoying insects.

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