If you are scouting for the perfect backpacking tent that you will use on your next outdoor adventure, follow these steps so you purchase a backpacking tent with confidence and grace.
Step One.
When do you plan to hold your hike or camping? Rarely do people go camping during the winter season, thus three season tents are more ideal that those that have the exact four seasons.
However, if you would still want to camp during winter, purchase a two man tent for your guests as they can be more comfortable with two man tents than one man tents because the latter can be very crammed.
Step Two.
Are you sleeping alone? 'How much space do you need?' is the most common auxiliary of the former question.
Solo backpackers tend to bring with then one man tents which can give them the best ultra lightweight advantage.
If you're not sure of what type or brand to purchase, you can always go to your nearest home improvements stores, and scout for tents that are already set up and displayed in shopping malls.
Test the width and length of the tent by lying on the floor, sitting up; and tossing and turning around.
The best tent would always be the one where you can sit up erect without your head touching the top of the tent.
For two man tents, consider the location of the door before your proceed with your purchase.
Step Three.
How much weight can you take? A lot of people pitch their goals to less than 3 lbs.
for single tents and two man tents to a max of four pounds.
The challenge here is how to get the most floor space for the least weight.
The total weight includes the rainfly, canopy, stakes, poles, stuff sacks and guy lines.
Get aluminum poles instead of the usuals for a lighter weight.
Step Four.
What specifications do I need to consider? Freestanding tents are ideal as they do not require being staked before they can be set up and moved.
Two man tents are ideal for couples but can also work perfectly well with solo backpackers to keep their valuables intact.
Does color matter to you greatly? Bright colored tents to more than add lights to the interior but can also make you visible in case of emergency.
Also make sure that your tents have slips to the poles.
These clips are very easy to set up and it increases the air flow between tent and rainfly.
These, on the other hand, guarantees lesser condensation that can dampen you or your sleeping bag.