Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Hiking Tents Choices




Hiking has become a favourite pastime for people of all ages. Whether alone, or with friends, backpacking can be a fun and adventurous way to spend a weekend. It gives you a chance to escape the madness of the city, explore natural surroundings and get some great exercise to boot.

If nature and the great outdoors appeals to you and you enjoy hiking long distances with overnight stays, then it is time to start looking at hiking tents, as they are an important piece of your hiking gear. Adventure hiking and backpacking off the grid and in the wilderness will require hiking tents which provide a comfortable balance between weight and packing capacity. Make sure to prepare yourself for the worst possible type of weather you'll encounter.

First determine what type of hiking you'll be doing and in what seasons. Also decide how many people will be sleeping in the tent and get one which accommodates one extra. Tents are used to keep nasty weather, annoying bugs and even potentially dangerous predators away, so you may want to store your gear inside.

Different hiking tents are also made for the different seasons and climate. Some tents are made to withstand strong winds, some to keep you cool in the hot sun, keep you warm in winter, keep you dry in the rain or protect you from a combination of these natural elements.

Snow and rain are quite different, and when travelling to areas that have lots of either, it is important that the tent is waterproof. But there is another important difference also. Areas with lots of snow require a tent made of material that is suited for keeping the warmth inside. Areas with lots of rain are also areas with lots of humidity, often requiring a tent to have a good balance of waterproofing and ventilation.

Cold, harsh climates require a 4-season classification tent. A 3-season tent is appropriate for all weather conditions except for extreme cold. Most people will opt for an all-season tent unless they're serious campers who will camp in any type of weather. Bright colored tents do more than add light to the interior of the tent; they also make you visible in case of emergency.

Look for the following features in a good backpacking tent:
• Should at the very least be lightweight
• Good waterproof floor designed to keep the water out
• Tent poles manufactured from ultra light materials
• Excellent ventilation, for when you need to cook inside
• Pockets inside for storing gear
• Easy to set up, easy to take down, and easy to store.
• Double stitched seams, for better water resistance and strength.
• “Rip Stop” material, so that small tears do not become large tears.

Try to get a hiking tent that is as light as possible but remember to consider the natural elements what you are likely to be subjected to. Having a hiking tent which does its' main function of protecting you, is far more important than the weight itself. Consider spending a bit more on a quality tent to make sure you have all the features and accessories to make your overnight stays comfortable.

Your tent is your home when you are backpacking. It is the place you go to get out of the weather and get a good night’s sleep. So, it is important that you like your tent and you choose the best one for your needs.

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