In many camping tents, the inner sleeping pad is made from a combination of mosquito net and fabric. Pay attention that the mesh does not start too low from the floor, as lying in such a tent, feeling a cool draft on your face, will not be very comfortable. It is desirable that the sides that form the bottom of the tent be located as high as possible, especially if the edge of the awning is not lowered to ground level. Winter tents are often equipped with a windproof skirt. In my opinion, it is more than justified for winter hiking. However, the skirt adds weight to the tent and significantly worsens its ventilation, so it will be very humid inside. Therefore, many manufacturers do not use a skirt, but simply lower the edge of the awning to ground level. The entrance to the inner tent must be duplicated with a mosquito net. This advice can be neglected if you are going to use a tent for high-altitude ascents in the mountains or for winter hiking. A mosquito net is not only a protection against insects, but also fresh air inside if it is stuffy and hot outside, and a window to the world that you can admire while lying inside the tent. Pay attention to the presence of ventilation windows. There should be at least 2 on different sides of the tent and the higher they are, the better. In lightweight models, you can do without them - good ventilation is ensured by the high edge of the awning and the abundance of mosquito nets on the inner tent. The shape of the awning should be such that water does not accumulate on the outside above the entrance and when it is unfastened, it does not spill onto your sleeping bag or into your boots. In some tents, you can even find special drains for water. Manufacturers often specify the water resistance parameters of the awning and bottom for tents. To be honest, I don't look at them. Of course, you yourself understand that the higher the parameters, the better. But now all materials, even with the lowest values ​​like 3,000 mm, are able to withstand prolonged rains. In addition, some manufacturers indicate the water resistance of the tent at the time the tent is put into operation, while others indicate it by the end of the expected service life. The presence of additional loops on the tent will allow you to stretch the tent more. This, firstly, will help keep your tent in shape in strong winds, and secondly, the awning will not flap much. See if the awning is well stretched on a properly set up tent in the store. It should not sag and touch the inner tent - in such a place the sleeping canopy can get wet from condensation. In addition, a loose awning can flap a lot in the wind and prevent you from resting. I highly recommend paying attention to how the zippers are sewn. You will be much more comfortable on a hike if you can open the doors with one hand, and the zippers will not bite anything, for example, a rain protection bar. It is desirable that two sliders are used on the zipper of the awning - from below (standard) and from above. Then it will be possible to make a window - to see the weather and for additional ventilation. Check how well the seams of the tent are taped and, in general, the overall quality of the stitching, fittings, and slings. The height of the inner tent should allow you to sit so that you do not touch the ceiling with your head and can calmly straighten your shoulders without slouching. The presence of pockets for things in the inner tent, hanging shelves or eyelets also makes life easier when traveling. Especially - in the process of "days", when you are waiting for the right weather or relaxing after a hard day on the route.

A mandatory attribute of any hike or just outdoor recreation is a tent. The question of choosing a tent is quite complex and is determined by many different factors. It will not be difficult to buy a tent, because, today, a huge number of options are presented on the market - tourist, expeditionary, camping and others. Each tent has certain parameters and features: size, weight, number of places, entrances and vestibules, quality of fittings and seams, water resistance, impregnation quality and others. All this matters and affects the cost.

First you need to decide: for what purposes do you need a tent? The answers can be summarized in three main ones:

- Amateur tourism. You are planning mountain trekking for your pleasure, without conquering difficult peaks. Here, with a few reservations, we can include cycling and kayaking.

- Professional tourism. This active travel, sometimes "on the verge of possibilities", climbing above 3000 meters, mountaineering and records. Such trips require the most thorough preparation, any mistake in choosing equipment can stand in the way of climbing or even lead to serious consequences.

- Camping or auto-travel. You are not going to move from place to place, the tent is set up permanently, for example, for a week. Or you are an auto-traveller and will periodically remove the tent from the trunk of the car.

If you have clearly formulated the purpose of your travels, it will not be difficult to determine the basic requirements for a tent.

Types of tourist tents:

It's no secret that tents are made for a variety of purposes. In this article, we will look at the types of tourist tents. But tourists are also different. There are many different types of tents. Consider the most common of them, which is used by many manufacturers. Which tent is best for you depends on what type of vacation you prefer.

By appointment distinguish tourist tents:

for the highlands;

for the middle mountains;

for the plain.

In each of the above three categories there is a conditional division into "upper", "middle" and "low" tents. This gradation depends on the materials used for arcs and awnings, technologies, impregnations and construction.

Alpine tents are divided into expeditionary and assault. High altitude tents are specially designed for extreme conditions: strong storm wind, high altitude, frost, etc.

Expeditionary - these are tents for, so to speak, the "Himalayan" style of climbing, when several base camps are created during the ascent. An expedition tent is designed to stand in one place for a long time, so it must be wind and moisture resistant, and its construction must be rigid enough to withstand the pressure of wind and snow.

Assault - tents for the "alpine" style, when the base camps are not broken, and the tent is carried with you throughout the ascent (which is why it should also be as light as possible). A good assault tent will withstand any weather conditions. Assault tents are light, moderately roomy, and quickly assembled.

Mid-mountain tents combine the qualities of expedition and assault tents: they are more comfortable, therefore, heavier than assault tents, although lighter than expedition tents.

Plains are simple small tents for light hikes and overnight stays along hiking trails, in the forest and on the plains. Not very resistant to heavy rain and wind. Most often, the company's catalogs indicate the recommended purpose of the tent (for example, for mountain tourism, mountaineering, caravanning).

Tents for the middle mountains and plains are divided into:

camping tents

If you like equipped campsites or you go out into nature by car for quite a long time (or at least do not plan to move often from place to place), then you can safely buy a large camping tent.

camping- These are large, spacious, high tents (often equipped with vestibules and windows) for permanent installation. The main advantages are comfort (in such tents you can stand to your full height) and spaciousness. Of the shortcomings - a lot of weight, poor warming. Camping means that the tent does not need to be moved, assembled and disassembled daily. Often, it, like the rest of the equipment, can be taken to the place of rest by car, therefore, the weight of the tent (more than 7 kg) is of no fundamental importance. Also, an important role in camping is played by a large vestibule, which allows, for example, on a rainy day, to cook food in it on a gas burner and not get wet in the rain.

Universal tents

Such tents are quite comfortable, they are not subject to very strict requirements for wind resistance, however, other qualities common to all types (water resistance, the use of "breathable" fabrics, etc.) must be at the proper level.

Tents for hiking and mountain hiking

The specificity of these trips lies in the fact that you only have what you carry behind you. This is not easy, so neither the tent nor you need extra pounds. In addition, the trip can be accompanied by wind, rain or snow, therefore, the requirements for tents are quite strict: the weight per person should not exceed 1.2-1.3 kg for a 3-person tent and 1-1.1 kg for a 4-person tent. At the same time, the structure must be strong enough to withstand the weather. Well, if the tent has a "skirt" to protect against snow.

Tents for water trips

It is unlikely that anyone will go on such a trip in winter, which means that protection from snow in this case, most likely, will not come in handy. The weight of the tent will also not play a significant role, which means that it can be chosen more comfortably. Wind resistance will also not be a critical parameter, therefore, from the two classic forms - "hemisphere" and "half-barrel" - you can choose the latter due to the large usable volume and better habitability.

Special tents

This type of tent includes specialized tents with non-standard conditions or design requirements: fishing and military tents, tents for winter hiking, for children, and others.

When choosing a tent, it is advisable to study this qualification. So for simple hikes and trips with an overnight stay for fishing, most of the tents from the “tourist” category are suitable. In this case, you can reasonable money. However, it is important to remember that good tent it cannot be cheap (due to the use of high-quality materials), but it is not worth overpaying either (if you are not going to use its capabilities to the maximum).

By design features, tents can be divided into two main groups:

Single layer

Double layer

Single layer tents are made mainly from waterproof synthetic materials. Their main advantages are lightness and compactness, and the main problem is the condensate that accumulates on the walls of the tent. There is a ventilation issue as it is quite difficult to make a single layer waterproof and breathable at the same time. Therefore, when choosing a single-layer tent, one should be guided, first of all, by the type and quality of the fabric (cheap single-layer tents usually have poor ventilation, you can easily wake up in a damp sleeping bag in the morning.). If the material is waterproof, but "not breathable", then a well-thought-out ventilation system is needed: mesh holes on all sides of the tent. Currently, the most widespread are numerous types of two-layer tents, as the most functional.

double layer tent, in fact, consists of two tents: an outer one (an awning, which must be durable and waterproof, as it is a protective shell covering the inside) and an inner one, which is made of lightweight breathable material. The inner layer is necessary so that condensation does not accumulate in the tent and there is something to breathe. The porous fabric removes air with moisture, which settles on the awning and flows down, bypassing the inner tent. Often, there are ventilation windows in the tent.

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

Tambour - additional space under the outer awning of the tent. Serves for storing things, dishes and dirty shoes.

The difference between tents by seasons of use

Summer tents. Used in good summer climatic conditions. The design of the tent for summer operation is very simple, and does not provide for its use in stormy winds and thunderstorms. The main advantage is good ventilation, compactness, low weight and low price.

Three season tents. Provide reliable protection even in the rain and cold. Designed for spring, summer and autumn. The price is much more expensive than summer ones.

All season tents. Designed for any weather, including cold, storm, rain and heat. Can be used all year round. Main advantages: high water resistance, wind resistance, snow skirt. The price of such tents is correspondingly high.

Types of tents in shape

In general terms, the design of the tent is a frame with an awning stretched over it. But there are important nuances, for example, the shape of the tent. The form is important not only from a decorative, but also from a purely practical side. There are such types of tourist tents in shape:

hemisphere

This is the most popular and common form of tent, due to its versatility. Semi-spherical tents are well suited for both simple outings and difficult hikes, as they are easy to set up and stable. The basis of the frame is usually two intersecting arcs. This is a fairly wind-resistant, equal-strength construction. Plus it looks great.

Half-ribbon

The half-barrel has an elongated shape in the form of a half cylinder cut along. This type of tent belongs to the category of frame products, but the arcs in it are installed parallel to the width of the tent and in the direction of the wind. Tents in the shape of a half-barrel are considered one of the most comfortable, they can conveniently equip sleeping places, place the necessary things. If you set up such a tent correctly, it can become not only a place to spend the night for one night, but a whole house for quite a long period of time. The downside of the tent is reduced stability. It is better to set up such a tent together, since it is quite difficult to do it alone.

"Coffin"

A favorite form for single tourists. Good stability, compact and lightweight. Good stability, light and compact. This is quite a successful and cozy type of tents. A noticeable difference in the arrangement of the arcs: two of them are placed parallel to each other, then crossed at two points and fixed. It turns out an elongated tent, quite high and pretty.

marquee

A tent is a favorite form of expeditionists. This type of tent has been known since ancient times. Their great advantage is the lack of a frame and a large capacity. The supporting element is the only central post, from which the awning descends to the ground.

Gable tent ("house")

Nowadays, this type of tent is popular among lovers of forest hikes and water sportsmen. This is the classic style of Soviet tents. Main advantages: compactness, light weight and low cost. But at the same time, there are tangible disadvantages: high requirements for the installation site, low wind resistance, installation complexity.

Other

The most common forms are described above, but there are others. Non-standard designs, most often, are in demand in extreme conditions, where special requirements are needed for wind resistance, landscape compatibility, and so on.

It is also important to choose the right sleeping bag - a necessary attribute for any trip.

How to decide on the size of the tent?

Many, for sure, have heard: a single tent, double, triple and so on. In the first case, this means that one person (it is customary to think, an adult man) will comfortably accommodate (with things) in the tent; in the second - two; in the third - three and so on. But for a clearer understanding of the dimensions of the tent, before buying, you should study its length and width on the Internet. Then you can "recreate" these dimensions on your floor, take a sleeping bag and try to fit in the resulting square.

Tent capacity

When choosing a tent, one of the decisive factors is its capacity. As mentioned earlier, there are one-, two-, three- and four-person tents. There are also twelve local ones, but they are intended for special expeditions. It should be emphasized that the weight of the tent is directly proportional to its capacity. That is, a four-person tent will be heavier than two local ones made of the same material. Therefore, when choosing a tent for a hike, calculate the number of places in strict accordance with the number of people. No need to take a four-person tent for two, because every extra kilogram of equipment will be felt by your body.

! The number of places in the tent is calculated according to the width of the mats (tourist rugs). A 60-centimeter karemat is considered standard. But there are reduced 50-centimeter options. If two standard karemats are placed in a tent, then it is considered a double tent. If three reduced ones fit, then it will be marked as 2+1.

For light hikes, it is better to choose tents marked +1. On the rest of the place, you can comfortably fit a backpack on a rainy night, and in good weather you won’t have to crowd, but there will be a little more free space.

Do you need windows in your tent?

In general, we can safely say no. As a rule, you only sleep in a tent at night, therefore, you don’t have to look out the windows. If we consider the window as an additional ventilation hole, then with two-layer structures this is not necessary, and in single-layer structures, an ajar zipper at the entrance does an excellent job of supplying fresh air.

Camping tents are an exception. In this case, a tent with windows looks like a house and creates more comfort.

Materials. Awnings for tents

When choosing a tent, you will come across many different types of fabrics - nylon, nylon, polyester, lavsan and others. Initially, it may seem that it is difficult to understand all this, but in reality it is not so.

For the manufacture of awning materials, fabrics based on polyamide or polyester fibers are used, sometimes mixtures of the cotton + polyamide type.

Polyamide fabrics(nylon, capron).

pros: light, high strength, low hygroscopicity, abrasion resistance and low price.

Minuses: noticeable stretch when wet, low resistance to ultraviolet radiation (under the influence of ultraviolet lose up to 40% of strength per year).

polyester fabrics(polyester, lavsan).

pros: practically do not stretch when wet, are characterized by increased resistance to ultraviolet radiation, as well as higher strength than polyamide fibers.

Minuses: high price.

In the description of the tent, you can see an incomprehensible set of symbols, for example, Poly Taffeta 210T 3000 PU. How to understand what this means?

Word ( Poly) means it is made of polyester material.

Taffeta- This is the most common way of weaving a thread. It is a uniform densely woven fabric. Differs in the increased water resistance. Is there some more Oxford- a type of weaving in several threads. (increases the strength of the fabric with a slight decrease in water resistance and is often used for the bottom of the tent) and Rip stop- a thicker and stronger thread is woven into the fabric at certain intervals. (increases strength due to the reinforced thread, while not adding weight; makes the fabric more resistant to tearing, but the reduced density of the fabric near thick threads can lead to leakage).

Next comes 210T is the weave density. It is measured in tex and affects the strength of the material. The more T, the denser, stronger and heavier the fabric. In addition, the marking of the tent may contain numbers and letter D. This is the thickness of the threads from which, in fact, the material is made. This indicator also affects the strength and weight of the tent.

And finally PU means that the fabric is impregnated with polyurethane and therefore water resistant. There is also silicone impregnation ( SI), it is better and more durable, but also more expensive.

Materials are covered with polyurethane from the inside. At the same time, two layers of PU impregnation ensure water resistance of 3,000 mm of water column; three layers - 5,000 mm. The silicone coating is applied on the outside. Here, an acceptable level of water resistance is 2,000 mm.

Summarize. If you rarely go out into the countryside and at the same time stick to well-worn hiking trails, then a nylon tent with Taffeta or Rip Stop weave and a density of 190T to 210T is quite suitable for you. A worthwhile addition to this would be silicone water-repellent impregnation.

Water resistance

When buying a tent, be sure to pay attention to its water resistance. For different conditions, it should be different. The higher the water resistance, the stronger and, as a result, the heavier the material and the tent itself.

In the characteristics of the tent, you will see an indicator of the maximum height of the water column (600-10000 mm), in other words - water resistance. Usually it is indicated immediately after the name of the fabric of the tent. According to the standard DIN, fabrics with a water resistance of more than 2000 mm are considered waterproof. If the water resistance is more than 1000 mm, then the fabric has water-repellent properties. Optimum water resistance of the awning fabric is 2000-4000 mm. If it is less, there is a chance that the fabric will get wet in heavy rain, and if it is more, the tent will be too heavy. The bottom of the tent is usually characterized by a higher water resistance - at least 4000 mm.

Also, pay attention to the quality of the seams. They must be made with lavsan or nylon threads, be sure to be glued or double.

What should be the bottom of the tent?

The bottom of the tent, mainly, should be strong, as long as it is the bottom of the tent that is the hardest: you put it on sharp stones, on snow, on sand.

As a rule, the bottom is made of the same material as the outer tent. Nylon fabrics with Oxford weave are suitable for this, 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 from 5,000 mm of water column.

Sometimes the bottom is also made of reinforced polyethylene (it is designated PE, tarpauling). This material practically does not get wet, is quite democratic in cost, but much heavier than polyester and nylon.

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

Skirt - this is an additional strip of fabric around the perimeter of the tent. It is sewn on or removable.

It makes sense to buy a tent with a skirt if you are going to winter hike: It will provide extra warmth. For trekking summer tents, a skirt is an unnecessary burden. Because of it, only condensation will accumulate.

What is the difference between expensive tents and cheap ones?

Expensive tents are made of lightweight durable materials. Usually they are lightweight and better protect against moisture.

Of course, you can buy a tent in a hypermarket without bothering, but here it is important to understand that the low price of goods is important for the market. And such tents, respectively, are less practical, hardy and comfortable than those of reputable manufacturers. So tents of proven companies will be equipped with reliable fittings, many pockets, convenient design of ventilation holes and zippers.

There are a few tricks that will help you save money when buying a tent.

Do not be afraid to buy tents from little-known companies, the main thing is that the specification is true.

Old models of well-known brands are no worse than their new models, but their cost is much lower.

Before buying a tent, study user reviews about the selected model, consult with friends, if possible, test this or that tent in action before buying (for example, borrow from a friend).

After purchasing a tent, do not rush to immediately go camping. To get started, assemble it at home to understand how it works, so that you can quickly and easily assemble and disassemble it on a hike. After that, treat the seams with a water-repellent spray to be sure to protect against 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 in good faith.

How to take care of your tent

to prolong its service life

The tent is not very whimsical in operation. However, there are some simple rules for caring for her:

1. In order for the tent to last longer, it is advisable to treat it with impregnating substances at least once a year.

2. If the floor in the tent is made of polyethylene, try to set it up a little differently each time, avoiding rubbing along the fold lines.

3. After you brought the tent back from your trip, be sure to dry it well, even if it has not been set up.
4. Do not leave fiberglass or plastic poles in direct sunlight.

5. Do not store your tent in a compression bag or in direct sunlight. The compression bag is only for ease of transport.
6. When choosing a tent, pay attention not only to its cost. Not only the amount of money spent, but your health and even life may depend on this choice.

7. You can not ignore the rules of fire safety (this applies to fires, cigarettes). The tent burns down in 3-4 seconds, leaving behind only arcs and a floor.

Necessary little things

Stretch marks . Practically on any tent there are stretch marks, when installed, the awning stretches well and does not come into contact with the inside of the tent. This protects against condensation, and in windy weather additionally strengthens the structure of the tent. As a rule, guy wires are installed with the help of pegs, but if there is not enough space, the guy line can be fixed to a tree or a bush. The standard number of stretches is 4-6, but in tents for serious climbing it can reach 20.

Coating. An additional benefit is the fabric's water-repellent coating (designated WR). It should be said that the coating can be purchased separately and handle the tent yourself.

Impregnation . It is made of polyurethane (PU) or silicone (SI) and increases the water resistance of the fabric. Some brands offer for those who like to play it safe and refractory impregnation, which prevents the tent from catching fire, although it does not insure against the appearance of small burns in places of direct exposure to fire.

Ventilation . Paying close attention to protection from the rain, do not forget that the inside of the tent should "breathe" and the ventilation windows should open. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting wet from condensation. Ventilation windows or flaps should be comfortable, easy to open and close, without interfering with the compact packaging of the tent.

Now the matter remains small: decide on the purpose of the trip, set a financial limit and choose a tent that will be comfortable and cozy!

KNP club

My material will be useful to those who are puzzled for the first time by choosing a tent and who want to approach this process more consciously. Here's how to choose a camping tent designed for camping, fishing, hiking and travel from a few days to longer trips. I do not consider tents for specific and extreme conditions: I have no such experience.

About appointment

We will analyze here only the choice of a tourist (trekking) tent. These are tents used by travelers, tourists, cyclists, hikers, fishermen, hunters and other mobile people. You can carry such tents with you for many days, quickly put them up, quickly dismantle them. Actually, the entire article “How to choose a tourist tent” is dedicated to them.

Main characteristics

To choose the right tourist tent, you will have to understand its characteristics. It is quite simple and even interesting. Having correctly selected these characteristics “for yourself”, you, firstly, will remain healthy, and secondly, you will spend your money rationally.

Number of seats

Classical tourist tent for a campaign 2-seater. A single can already be perceived as extreme, and a 3-seater as camping. But this is certainly a rough judgment, it all depends on the situation. How many places to choose a tent, you will have to decide for yourself from your needs. For example, I have two types of tents in terms of capacity for different situations, but a two-person tent is the main and most in demand.

Approximate dimensions of various beds for comfort are shown in my figure below.

Some reflections and observations from experience

• A double tent is the most versatile option. When you decide to choose a tourist tent, remember that a two-person tent can be used for solo trips, trips for two, and even three. If desired, it can accommodate more people. A living example is our overnight stay, when four adults of average build spent the night in a double cheap Chinese tent. Uncomfortable but warm.
• It’s good when you are autonomous while traveling. Even if my fellow traveler takes a double tent with him, I will also strive to take my own tent in order to be completely independent.
• A single tent will always find a place for its installation: a 1x2 m site is easier to find than 2x2 m.
• The number of places in a tent is assigned based on a comfortable stay in it, but in reality you can spend the night in a 2-person tent for three people, in a 3-person tent for four. In principle, it is possible to spend the night with a larger number of people, but this is already according to the principle “just to change the edge somehow”.

Weight

When thinking about how to choose a tourist tent, be sure to pay attention to its weight. This is a very important characteristic for those who will carry their own things and at the same time walk far and long, less critical for cyclists and motorists. The lower the weight with the same other characteristics, the more expensive the tent. So in this regard, motorists are very lucky: you can reasonably save money. In general, if the weight of the tent is more than 3 kg, its place is in the trunk of a car, and not in the backpack of a traveler, who is best to look for something closer to 2 kg. But for two or three, the weight of the tent of 3-5 kg ​​seems to be scattered for everyone.

Although situations may be different. For example, I have to carry triple tent weighing 3.2 kg, because there is no budget lighter alternative, and a double tent for a family of four (2 adults + 2 children) is too small.

The optimal weights of budget and high-quality tents are roughly distributed as follows:

It is unlikely that you will find a budget lighter option without sacrificing quality. But motorists, as I said, are lucky: their weight is not critical, which expands the options for choice. They can opt for a camping tent that is heavier, but with decent performance, made from heavy, cheap, but reliable materials.

Number of layers of tourist tent

single layer tent- a tent in one layer of material, which is an awning. Ventilation occurs through a small window at the top of the tent, covered with a cape.

• Pros: cost, weight, the tent is quickly set up and removed.
• Minuses: more condensate accumulates, among the representatives of such tents there are a lot of low-quality Chinese consumer goods.

There are times when the choice of such a tent is justified.

double layer tent consists of an inner tent (first layer) and an awning (second layer). Between these two layers, when setting up the tent, a gap is formed, which provides ventilation and condensate rolling off into a non-residential area. The inner tent is breathable (ventilated), and the awning protects residents from rain and wind.

The inner tent can be set up separately (without an awning). We sometimes do this when it's hot during the day so that the tent is blown through, and we spend the night without an awning when it's stuffy.

• Pros: less condensation.
• Minuses: more expensive, heavier, the tent takes a little longer to set up and take down.

As you understand, all these troubles with two layers are mostly due to condensate. When the tent is not sufficiently ventilated, water drops accumulate on the walls. If there are a lot of them, then it is very uncomfortable - damp. And in winter, frost forms in the tent. If you choose a camping tent with two layers, this will reduce such undesirable phenomena to the maximum.

Awning (second layer of the tent)

I recommend taking the water resistance of the awning seriously. Actually, this is its main purpose. Simply put: one awning will let water through during a downpour, and the other will not get wet. Numerically, this is expressed in maximum height water column (mm w.st.) that the awning material can withstand.

If people now ask me how to choose a tourist tent and correctly take into account the numerical value of the water resistance of the awning, then in general I recommend taking tents with an indicator of at least 3000 mm w.st. A gusty wind and a half-hour downpour my personal tent with such characteristics endured, the rest of the rains were ordinary, he also coped with them. There are no claims yet.

Start from this value - 3000 mm w.st. For myself, I decided this: if the tent needs to be used in places where rains are rare, then you can underestimate the indicator, and if there is a possibility of serious rains in strong winds, then it’s not a sin to play it safe and lay at least 5000 mm w.st. in the tent.

Among the materials for the awning, polyester is in the lead, surpassing nylon in its characteristics. A suspicious attitude has developed towards awnings made of membrane fabric. This is a fabric - two in one: "breathes" and at the same time has a water-repellent property. Many believe that over time, the fabric gets dirty and loses these virtues.

The awning fabric can be impregnated with polyurethane (in a simple way, rubber). Fabric with such impregnation is marked as PU.

Bottom

Here again, it is important to pay attention to water resistance. The characteristic is the same - in millimeters of the water column. Decent water resistance of the bottom starts from 3000 mm w.c. Now I have tents with an indicator of 5000 mm w.st. - I kind of reloaded. I didn’t specifically try to put them in a puddle (although you can check in the future), but they were placed on wet soil after rain. Everything is dry.

The strength of the material is another important thing to pay attention to. The load on the floor is always high. Firstly, we walk on the floor ourselves, and secondly, it is not always possible to prepare a site for a tent: remove branches, bumps, sharp stones that can break through the bottom.

How to choose a tourist tent taking into account the material of the bottom? In budget tents, reinforced polyethylene is used, which increases their weight, in more expensive and lighter tents - nylon and polyester.

I now have tents with a polyester bottom. Visually, the bottom is very thin, and it seems that if some strong knot comes across, it is about to pierce the bottom. But so far there have been no punctures, maybe because I always try to prepare the place for the tent as carefully as possible, or maybe because of the sufficient strength of the material.

There used to be a cheap Chinese tent with a reinforced polyethylene bottom. Really strong material, but loses a lot of weight.

Tent shape

How to choose a tourist tent, taking into account its shape? Which is better? The question is philosophical, and it all depends on where and how it will be used. However, the pulusphere is the most common and popular form of tent, which has proven itself worthy. The design and shape of such a tent is very convenient and has good properties: it is quickly installed and disassembled, it has good wind resistance. But the most important thing is that it can be placed on any surface: sand, stones.

For a trip to the Middle East, I was looking for a tent of this design: it does not have to be stretched by driving pegs into the ground.

I will not talk about other forms of tents here. But if you have a desire, you can get acquainted with them on a separate page. I have analyzed this issue in detail.

Arc tents

How to choose a tourist tent, given the material of the arches? The frame of the tent is assembled from the arcs. Necessary properties: lightness and strength, and in winter they should not yet become brittle in the cold.

• arcs from aluminum alloys are leading in popularity. I present alloys for arcs according to the increasing “price-quality” characteristic: the cheapest and lowest quality alloy is D16T, alloy B95 is slightly better, then alloys with the addition of zinc (marking 7xxx) or magnesium (marking 6xxx) come, and the last word in tent building belongs to the alloy with the addition of scandium (marking Sc). If the arcs are anodized, then T6 is added to the marking.
• arcs from CFRP(carbon) lightweight and durable.
• arcs from fiberglass light, strong, cheap, but fragile in the cold.

additional characteristics

Storm Guys

In calm weather, I can not use them - I just throw an awning on the tent and that's it. But when the wind, and even more so a strong wind, and even with rain, then it is simply necessary to stretch and secure the tent, otherwise it may be blown away by the wind. In a good way, it is necessary to do this even in calm weather, because an unstretched awning touches the inner tent, and the ventilation property and condensate removal are reduced from this.

mosquito net

No comments. Until the bloodsuckers are listed in the Red Book, it is better that the tent has a fine mosquito net.

Hanging shelves and interior pockets

A very useful little thing. I put glasses on a hanging shelf at night so as not to crush them during sleep, or I attach a flashlight for illumination. The interior pockets are great for keeping things organized. When I first thought about how to choose a tourist tent, I simply did not pay attention to the presence or absence of these devices - I was lucky, they were there. Many manufacturers by default supplement their models with them, but it will not be superfluous to check.

The presence of a vestibule

A tambour is something like a non-residential separate compartment in a tent. It may be very large, may be slightly marked, or may be absent altogether. Depending on the size of the vestibule, it can be used for various purposes: you can store equipment in it, leave shoes, dishes, hide a bicycle there, cook food.

Since I watch the weight of my backpack, in my tents the vestibule is either completely absent or tiny. By the way, I try not to leave things in it at night, otherwise you can wake up without equipment. Once in Turkey in the morning I did not find my shoes: the dogs were stolen.

Seam sealing

In order to prevent water from entering the tent along the seams, they are glued or boiled in high-quality tents. Welded seams are more reliable than taped seams. You can choose a tourist tent without sealing the seams: you can glue the seams yourself with a special tape. In general, of course, this requires skill, but if you want to get confused with this, then you will find the tape in tourist shops.

Conclusion

I hope I was able to clarify the question "How to choose a tourist tent" for you. You may have noticed that the choice explanations were mostly around the hemispherical tent. This does not mean that other forms do not have the right to exist. It's just that the hemisphere is the most in demand and popular (in second place is the half-barrel), and the described characteristics apply to all forms without exception. Well, it's like the characteristic "engine size", it is important for all cars, regardless of their brand.

Now not a single long hike is possible without a tent. Currently, there are many varieties of tourist equipment. To make it easier for you to decide on the choice of sleeping equipment on a camping trip, we have compiled a ranking of the best camping tents in 2020. This list will help you deal with all the varieties.

• Camping - a high tent with a large number of places. Intended for family vacation. Such inventory is more convenient to transport in a car. Of the advantages, one can single out height (you can stand at full height) and spaciousness. The disadvantages include poor warm-up and huge weight.

• Trekking - used for light hiking on flat terrain. It is light and easy to transport, but does not tolerate strong winds and rain.

• Assault tent - is ultra light and is designed for difficult hikes and a large number of stops. It is easy to install and assemble. Can be used in rainy weather and strong winds. But there are also inconveniences. It can hardly accommodate 1 tourist.

• Tent for the sea. Such tents are taken for protection from the wind. It is recommended to take on those beaches where there are no trees. Among the advantages can be distinguished: it does not heat up much, costs little and has a light weight. Cons: Doesn't protect from rain.

Seasonality of the tent

Beginners think that tents are divided according to seasons, but this is an erroneous opinion. The real types are:

• Summer - designed for hot weather. They have a well-blown fabric and the edge of the awning is slightly raised above the ground. This tent can only be used in sunny weather.
• Three seasons - use in spring, summer and autumn. Lights are able to withstand both heavy rains and strong winds. Made from fairly durable material.
• (all-weather) - used both during calm and in extreme climatic conditions (strong wind, snowfalls).

Criteria for choosing a tent

Which tent to choose for a hike

Each target has its own separate tent. Purpose may be different:

• Bicycle trip;
• Mountaineering;
• Tracking;
• Camping.

For the first three types, camping tents are suitable, for the latter, respectively, camping tents.

Camping differs from camping in that the tent does not need to be taken apart and reassembled regularly. Almost always it is used for a one-day picnic trip, and put in a car, because its weight does not matter. A large vestibule, heavy structures, a single-layer awning - such elements are included in camping tents. Here, special attention should be paid to the size of the vestibule, because it is intended for things, or for cooking in bad weather conditions.

Camping tents are often lightweight for easy portability. Consists of a two-layer construction.

capacity

Capacity is a rather important indicator when choosing travel equipment. Tents have different capacity: from one person to the whole group. The largest tents for 12 people. They are used for special expeditions. Although if you take average students and put them in such a tent, then they will fit at least 18 people. But it's not worth experimenting. And, of course, the larger the capacity of the tent, the more it will weigh.

Therefore, when choosing such equipment, count on how many people should enter it for an overnight stay. If there are two of you, then do not take a tent for 4 people, because it will be more difficult to keep warm in it.

Most often, the capacity is calculated based on the width of the mats and rugs. The standard width of the mat is 60 centimeters, but sometimes there is a shortened version - 50 cm. If two standard mats fit there, then it is double, and if 3 are shortened, then it means 2 + 1.

Take a 1+ marked tent when you want to go on an easy and short hike. For example, if it rains at night, then you can fit your backpack there, and when it is sunny, you will get more free space inside.

Tambours

The number of vestibules also affects the size of each tent. For camping, two vestibules will be convenient. This means that the camping hut can be opened from both sides so that it is better ventilated. In 4-person tents, vestibules are used for convenience. For example, tourists can get out faster or get out at a nearby exit so as not to disturb a neighbor. If you have a tent with a smaller capacity, then the vestibule will only bring inconvenience, as well as give additional weight in the backpack.

Awning

When choosing a tent, pay special attention to water resistance. For each individual trip, it is different. The higher the water resistance, the stronger the tent and the material itself.

For example, you are going to the mountains. There, for each height, its own water resistance is needed. For a hike in the Crimea, water resistance of 3000 mm / cm2 is enough. And in the Carpathians, the water resistance of the awning must be at least 5000 mm / cm2. The higher the mountains, the more waterproof an awning you need to take. If you are hiking in difficult weather conditions, it is better to take a tent with a light color so that it is easier to find.

Optimal weight

Usually a good tent is light. There are ultralight ones, but they are much more expensive than regular ones. For a double tent, the ideal weight is 2.5 kg, and for a triple tent, 3.5 kg. Single tents are used very rarely, so we will not consider them. People rarely go hiking alone, firstly, it is boring, and secondly, and more importantly, dangerous.

But there is a lightweight view of the tents. They are produced without racks. Such inventory can be found at the Czech company Hannah. They use trekking poles as a support frame. For such tents, it is necessary to buy special stretch marks, because in strong winds they may not withstand.

How many layers to choose

Inventory is divided into two-layer and single-layer. Single-layer are made of a waterproof awning. Such inventory is easy to fold. But when the weather is humid and hot, then condensation accumulates on the walls of the tent. The sleeping bag will be wet if ventilation slots are not made in such a tent. You can also buy tents with membrane awnings, though such a pleasure will fly into good money.

A two-layer tent consists of a waterproof tent (outer layer) and a light, breathable tent (inner layer). Between the layers, the gap is usually about 15 centimeters. It weighs a little more, but it will not accumulate condensate, and it will also protect you from rain. Also in two-layer tents there is a vestibule.

Arcs of tents

They must be light and strong. If the frame of the tent is of high quality, then when one of the arcs of the tent is raised above the ground, its shape should be preserved. There are aluminum and plastic racks. Plastic arcs are made for cheap models. Other materials are also used:

• Kevlar;
• fiberglass;
• CFRP.

More durable tents with a metal frame, however, are much more expensive.

What material to prefer

In the manufacture of tents, two types of fabrics are used:

• polyamide (Nylon);
• polyester (Polyester).

The first type is durable and cheap, and also sensitive to ultraviolet light. The second type is even stronger, but much more expensive. Polyester tents do not tear when wet.

Deciphering the markings on the tent:

• Poly Taffeta 210T 3000 PU - this combination is used for marking. If you see the first word (Poly) on the package, then you know that it is made of polyester materials;
• Taffeta is the most common way to weave thread;
• In addition, there is Oxford - such weaving creates additional strength;
• Rip Stop - increases strength due to the reinforced thread, and the weight does not change;
• 210T - this marking displays the density of weaving. The more T, the denser, stronger and heavier the fabric. Sometimes a number with the letter D is applied - the combination indicates the thickness of the thread. The indicator greatly affects the strength and weight of the inventory;
• PU - water resistance of the material;
• SI - silicone impregnation.

Two layers of PU impregnation provide water resistance to 3,000 mm of water column; three layers - 5,000 mm.

For rare walks along famous trails, a nylon tent is perfect, where there will be a Taffeta or Rip Stop weave type, the density of which will be from 190 to 210 T.

Forms of tourist tents

1. Hemisphere. It consists of more than two arcs that are crossed with each other. This crossing makes the tent look like a dome. Such a dome, though much larger, covers the circus site. This form is considered universal, and is in great demand among consumers. Suitable for extreme weather conditions.
2. Half-ribbon. The tent is big and roomy. The arcs do not intersect, but run parallel. Used only in calm and calm weather. This design can be found in camping tents.
3. House. This form is considered classical. Has good water resistance. Does not withstand windy conditions. The installation process is long and labor intensive.
4. Coffin - used for assault tents. Withstand strong, sometimes even hurricane winds. There are very few places.

These tips will help you save money:

1. Old models of well-known companies are not inferior in quality to new ones, and their price is much lower.
2. Do not be afraid to buy new brands of tents, the main thing is to make sure that all the characteristics correspond to reality.
3. See reviews, consult with friends and acquaintances. If possible, borrow a tent from a friend for a while.
4. The seams of the tent should be well taped.
5. Storm tents improve wind resistance.
6. For summer trips, take inventory of light colors. It attracts less heat. On extreme hikes, it is worth using bright tents so that in case of an emergency you will be found by rescuers.
7. The entrance (exit) to the tent must be closed with a mosquito net.
8. Pegs should be lightweight with maximum strength.
9. How larger size tent, the more its weight and less wind resistance.

After the purchase, do not immediately go hiking. Collect and disassemble it at home. Check with an aerosol for water permeability, and dry it after each hike. Then the tent will serve you for a very long time.

Rating of cheap and high-quality tents

Greenwood Yeti 3

This tent is designed for three people and is designed for three seasons: all but winter. The frame is made of fiberglass. The awning is made of polyester, and the bottom is made of polyethylene. It has a mosquito net and internal pockets. Weighs 3.25 kg. The average price is about 2600 rubles. Refers to the type of trekking tents. Made in the shape of a hemisphere.

Tent GreenWood Yeti 3

Advantages:

• Light;
• cheap;
• Has windows for ventilation;
• Tambour.

Flaws:

• Not suitable for winter hiking;
• The frames are made of fragile material.

Green Glade Lacosta

It can accommodate more than 10 people. Can be used as a mini hut. Weighs 8.4 kg. Has 2 entrances. Average water resistance - up to 2000 mm. Frame type - external, consists of 7 arcs. The awning is made of polyester. The frame is made of steel. It costs about 7000 rubles. Of the additional options there is a mosquito net and a hook for a lantern.

Tent camping Green Glade Lacosta

Advantages:

• Good capacity;
• Sturdy frame;
• There is additional equipment.

Flaws:

• heavy;
• Expensive;
• Not suitable for extreme conditions;
• Difficult to transport.

Trek Planet Siesta

Spacious tent with lots of arches. Has two entrances. The frame is made of fiberglass. Has 4 ventilation windows. Suitable for three seasons. Weighs 8 kg. It costs 13,000 rubles.

Trek Planet Siesta

Advantages:

• Good capacity;
• You can sit with a company.

Flaws:

• Expensive;
• The frame is made of not very durable material.

Good camping tent that can accommodate 6 people. It has a vestibule and ventilation windows. Easy to assemble and fold. Weighs 11 kilograms. It costs 9000 rubles. It is better to transport it by car.

tourist tent Narrow 6 PE

Advantages:

• roomy;
• Easy to operate.

Flaws:

• Expensive;
• heavy;
• Easy to transport by car.

Spacious camping tent, which is designed for four people. It has a mosquito net vestibule. Weighs 5.5 kg. It costs 700 rubles.

Advantages:

• Even a tall person can stand to his full height;
• There are rooms: bedroom, kitchen, hallway;
• Wind protection;
• cheap;
• Light enough.

Flaws:

• Made from cheap and durable materials.

This tent is also designed for camping. It is enough for a family, as it is designed for three people. It costs 3000 rubles. Weighs 3.75 kg. Made in the Czech Republic. Racks are made of durable material.

tourist tent Hannah Target

Advantages:

• Light;
• cheap;
• Durable material.

Flaws:

• Not suitable for a large company;
• No wind protection
• Does not withstand extreme conditions.

Ultra light double tent. Weighs 0.95 kg. It costs 4000 rubles. It has ventilation and taped seams.

tourist tent Tramp Sputnik

Advantages:

• cheap;
• All-weather (withstands all weather conditions);
• Ultra lightweight.

Flaws:

• Weak capacity;
• No mosquito net.

List of the best manufacturers:

• normal;
• Chinook;
• freetime;
• campus;
• The North Face;
• KingCamp;
• Terra Incognita.

Tents from these manufacturers are market leaders in terms of quality, but are often inferior in price to cheaper and, as a rule, slightly lower quality models. Based on the criteria for choosing a tent, it will be possible to purchase equipment that will be the best for a particular tourist in the trips, which will suit the price, quality and functionality.

You may also like:

The best cheesecakes for skiing in 2020

It is impossible to do without a tent if you are going camping. In addition, such a fabric construction is almost indispensable for mountaineering, camping, trekking or at a summer festival. In fact, the tent is an integral part of the luggage of the modern traveler. But how to choose a tourist tent for a family vacation? After all, many things matter in the choice - material, weight, shape. How not to make a mistake and choose an inexpensive, but functional design? More on this in our publication.

When thinking about how to choose a tent for outdoor recreation, first of all, you need to answer a few important questions. Among these are the following:

• Why exactly are you buying a tent?
• In what season do you plan to use it most often?
• What type of construction are you most interested in?
• What are your preferences for water resistance, size and material?

And only after answering these questions, you can proceed to the next stages: studying the technical features and choosing the best option, taking into account the cost of such an acquisition.

What exactly do you need a tent for?

The answer to the question of how to choose a tent for a family vacation largely depends on what type of vacation you are most interested in. After all, if you prefer multi-day trips and difficult conditions, then it is better to purchase an extreme tent of an assault or expedition type. What are their features?

Assault tent, as a rule, small-sized. It is easy to assemble if needed. It occupies a minimum volume, is able to withstand the most difficult weather conditions. Important design features are snow skirts and a strong frame. This type of tent is designed for one or two people.

The expedition tent is intended for organizing multi-day tourist bases. There are no snow skirts here, and the awning tension and bottom design are more thoughtful. This type of tent is the most expensive, because reinforced materials and arcs are used here.

Another type of tent is trekking (it is often called tourist). This is the most popular tent. Its peculiarity is that it is not designed for difficult weather conditions. However, this does not affect the popularity of such a product. This is due to ease of assembly, low cost and average weight.

Camping houses - tents of an increased level of comfort. They are spacious inside, sometimes divided into several small rooms. Some models are designed for the full height of a person. These tents are heavy and bulky. They can only be transported by car. We have collected in which we took into account all the necessary qualities.

How to choose a tent, given the season

It is almost impossible to choose a universal tent that would be equally good both in summer and in winter. Given the seasonality factor, all tents are divided into several types:

1. Summer. Their purpose is to use in hot conditions at high temperatures. Very often such a tent is used on the so-called wild beach holiday. The characteristic properties of this option are the presence of a special mosquito net, light weight, excellent ventilation, windows. The fabric must be light, with breathable inserts.
2. Three-season. This type of tent can be used in summer, autumn and spring. The optimum temperature for this is moderately warm or cool. The fabric material here is more dense, waterproof and completely windproof.
3. Winter. Their purpose is to be used in fairly bad weather conditions. Important features of such tents are the presence of a strong frame, windproof and dense fabric, double bottom, snow skirts. This design well protects the interior from gusts of wind. She doesn't get wet. Of course, you can use such a tent in the summer, but it will be too hot and stuffy in it.

How to choose the right tent design

A few decades ago, one form of tent was available for purchase - in the form of a house with a gable roof. But there are several types of such models on the modern market.

The main types of tents, given the design features, are the following:

1. Hemisphere (This is one of the most popular tents due to ease of assembly, increased resistance to gusts of wind, a good slope - neither rain nor snow lingers on its surface. This option is ideal for amateur tourists who go camping for the weekend);
2. Half-shell (This is a comfortable and spacious tent inside, the disadvantage of which is low wind resistance. Given this, this design is not suitable for extreme conditions. As a rule, such a portable house is used for overnight stays by a large company of 3 to 6 or even more people);
3. House (double slope);
4. Classic tent.

How to choose a tourist tent: size, material consumption, water resistance

The cost of a tent is largely determined by the materials used in its manufacture. But which ones are the best?

As a rule, the frame material of the tent is aluminum, fiberglass (fiberglass) or steel. The latter are not very convenient to use due to their large weight. The aluminum frame is stronger and lighter than fibergrass, but the cost is higher. Fiberglass also has its advantages. It does not deform over time, but is less resistant to fracture than aluminum.

Choice of tent fabric

Here the main factor is the choice of seasonality. Tents designed for winter period, equipped with a denser and heavier fabric. As a rule, manufacturers use the following types of fabric:

• mixed;
• Polyester fibers (polyester, lavsan) - such fabrics are resistant to ultraviolet radiation;
• Polyamide fibers (kapron, nylon, anid) - such a fabric is very durable, does not cause irritation on the skin, and has good resistance to external influences.

Requirements for the outer awning of the tent

Since such a material directly interacts with the external environment, the main requirements will be: water resistance (the ability to not let in and drain water), resistance to deformation when wet, the ability to weakly pass air flows. These characteristics are best met by polyester, which is why it is such a popular material in the manufacture of tents.

Please note: water resistance indicators are indicated by manufacturers as follows: 4000, 3000, 2000, 1500 mm w.st. This is how the units of pressure of hydrostatic raindrops on the awning are designated. 1500 mm is light rain. 6000 mm - downpour. The minimum indicator here is 1000 mm, the maximum is 7000 mm. The best option would be a tent with indicators of 2000 -3000 mm w.st.

Requirements for the inner layer of the tent

Since such a layer does not interact with the external environment, the requirements for it are somewhat different compared to the outer tent. The material here is not so dense, but it must also have the properties to drain water (not rain, but condensate formed from temperature changes).

What should be the bottom of the tent?

When thinking about how to choose a camping tent, do not miss such an important element as the bottom. After all, it is important that dryness is maintained inside, and protection from insects and creeping is also provided. As a rule, the following materials are used for the bottom:

• Polyester;
• Nylon;
• Structured polyester.

All these materials are impermeable and the ability not to pass moisture. Another important point is the presence of special sealed seams.

How to choose a tent for a hike: the optimal number of places and weight

If you are going on a spring-autumn hike on Saturday-Sunday, then use a double tent or a 2 + 1 format tent. It doesn't matter if you have to sleep alone. After all, in fact, the difference in weight for single and double is no more than one kilogram. Modern lightest tents weigh only one to two kilograms. But such models are quite expensive. However, if you are interested in hiking hiking trips, then it is better to buy a more expensive tent than to pull a heavy structure behind your back in a backpack.

The best option, given the purpose of the tent

A tent for extreme hiking must meet the following parameters:

• Weight - within four to six kilograms;
• Water resistance not less than 4000mm;
• Tent material - polyester;
• The arches are made of aluminium.

The trekking tent must meet the following parameters:

• Weight - from two to three kilograms;
• Water resistance of the awning - from 1500 to 4000 mm (depending on the duration of the trips);
• Awning material - nylon with special polyurethane impregnation;
• Arcs - made of aluminum or polymer.

The camping tent must meet the following parameters:

• Weight - within 12-25 kg;
• Water resistance of the awning - from 4000 to 10000 mm;
• Tent material - polyester;
• Arcs from steel or aluminum.

In addition, pay attention to the total number of entrances to the tent. If it is designed for 6-10 people, then it is better if there are two or three entrances, at least.

How to choose a tent: main conclusions

Summing up, we will answer the main question: what exactly should a tent be? First of all, affordable, comfortable to use, reliable, waterproof, made of quality materials, protected from rain, snow and insects.