Tourist hikes and family outdoor recreation is the best remedy for stress. Which tent to choose for a friendly company of 6 people, and which model will not freeze in the mountains? What should I look for when choosing a tent and how to read the product labeling? Form, weight, material - all this matters and affects not only the cost, but also the convenience in the process of operation and the duration of use.
Wrong choice of tent - it's discomfort, cold and rheumatism, irritation during installation and over-expenditure of physical forces in the campaign. Faced with this away from civilization - a complex and unnecessary test. After spending a little time studying the question, you can quickly choose a tent in full accordance with your requests and preferences.
Contents:
The best tent manufacturers
The best tent manufacturers - which firm to choose
Hurry up to the hike or just too lazy to read the material for the choice of tents entirely? In this case, we recommend that you pay attention to the products of the best tent manufacturers.
Among the most prominent representatives of the segment is:
1. Alexika
2. Bask
3. Camp
4. Coleman
5. Marmot
These manufacturers offer a wide range of products for family and individual recreation, professional expeditions.
- See also: Rating of the best tents in response to customers
Tent device
Departure to nature can take several days, and the hiking trip lasts 2-3 weeks. Without a roof over your head can not do, and the best temporary protection from bad weather than a tent, just do not find it. This temporary dwelling is used by tourists, geologists, archeologists, climbers and simple lovers of weekends outside the city.
The modern tent has a simple construction, the basis of which is a frame made of light and strong arcs made of aluminum or fiberglass. They attach a mold to the temporary structure, and a tent is used to protect them from wind, weather and cold. It can be single-layered or multilayer, but must be made of waterproof material. From the denser material, the bottom of the tent is made, which becomes a protection against water flows after rain and forest dampness. The tent can be completed with additional elements - tambour, skirt, ventilation system, windows, mosquito nets.
Types of tents
The classification of tents is diverse, among the main criteria - the purpose, shape, seasonality, material of the tent.
According to their purpose tents are:
1. Assault
Intended for climbing mountain peaks, they are compact in size, simple and fast installation, high strength of the structure.
2. Trekking
Light compact tents for hiking, used for overnight stays in prepared parking lots.
3. Camping
High and spacious tents of high comfort, designed for a long stay in one place.
4. Beach
Produced from thick material, slowly warmed in the sun, but not protected from rain.
5. Tents for winter fishing
Made of insulated material, have holes in the floor for drilling holes.
- See also: rating of the best tents for winter fishing
The main difference between tents, depending on their purpose - dimensions and weight, comfort level.
The following types of tents are distinguished in the form:
1. Hemispheres
Tents in the form of a hemisphere are able to withstand a strong wind, from the surface of the canopy water easily rolls down, and a large volume increases the degree of comfort. The disadvantage of hemispheres is the relative complexity of the installation, high energy costs for heating.
2. Semi-slats
Tents in the form of half-shells have a frame of arcs that do not cross each other. This simplifies installation, but reduces stability. Most models are large, which makes them the best option for camping.
3. Hinged
Shaped tents have a two-paned frameless design, which makes them lightweight, but difficult to install. Manufacturers produce single and double tents of this type, they have a small internal volume, which allows them to quickly heat their air with their breath. Among the disadvantages - poor resistance to wind gusts.
It is customary to go on hiking trips not only in the summer, so the season is important for the tent.
According to this criterion, the following models are distinguished:
- summer ones - are made of thin materials, have a competent ventilation system;
- three-season - designed for use in the spring, summer and autumn, are made of dense materials;
- winter - tents of reinforced construction, are characterized by stability and the presence of an awning made of dense material.
Winter tents can be used at any time of year, they are able to withstand strong gusts and rain.
On the materials used, all tents are divided into two types:
- polyamide( made of nylon);
- polyester( made from polyester).
Nylon is durable, has a low weight, low cost. Among the disadvantages - sensitivity to ultraviolet and the ability to stretch when wet.
Polyester has increased strength and is resistant to all negative factors. Polymeric materials are created from threads of different weaving. Manufacturers in marking necessarily indicate the technology of fabric manufacture.
There are the following types of weaving:
- Taffeta - twisted threads are used;
- Oxford - weave knitting, has increased strength;
- Rip Stop - reinforced weaving.
The weaving density is indicated in the marking with numbers followed by the letter "T".The tent of 280T will be stronger than the 210T model, but its weight will be greater. The fabric is impregnated to protect it from moisture by polyurethane or silicone. Polyurethane( PU) has a lower cost, silicone( SI) - more durable and reliable.
Parameters of the choice of tent
The main parameters for choosing a tent are:
Capacity
Manufacturers produce 2, 3, 4-seat tents and models designed for a much larger number of tourists. In a three-person tent with comfort can accommodate three people with luggage.
Weight
It is of special importance for tourists going on hiking and biking trips. Bearing on your shoulders 25-30 kg of extra weight in order to fit with a chic at night - not practical. For trekking tents, the optimal weight is from 2 to 6 kg, assault tents have a weight of 3 to 5 kg, camping models - from 12 kg and above.
Arc material
The longest operating life of arcs from aluminum alloys, polymeric arcs serve no more than 5 years.
Water permeability
Expressed in mm water column, which is able to withstand the tent of the tent, not letting the moisture inside. For the summer family vacation model with a figure of 1500 mm, if you plan to go on hikes in the spring and autumn, it is better to stop the choice on the model with water permeability of 3000-4000 mm. High-altitude and expedition tents should have this parameter not less than 8000 mm. Separately, in the specifications, the permeability of the bottom is indicated, this parameter must have the maximum values.
Length and width
The dimensions of the model should correspond to the growth of the largest of travelers, in the opposite case tourists will experience discomfort due to an unusual position for sleeping or because of the need to open the entrance of the tent for the comfortable placement of the sleeping bag.
Number of layers of the awning
Single-layer tents are produced less and less, they are used for storing things, bicycles, food. Two-layer models have a waterproof awning and an inner layer made of light material that passes air well. In such tents, condensation does not accumulate on the walls, which ensures a high level of comfort.
Height of the vestibule
In camping tents, the height of the vestibule is of great importance. This office is used as a dining room. To serve the table it is desirable to be able to stand at full height and for this reason the optimal height of the tambour is within the range of 1.8-1.9 m. Another additional parameter of camping tents is the number of entrances. If the vestibule is used as a dining room or luggage is stored here, then it is easier to penetrate into the sleeping compartment through an additional entrance.
Windows
Do I need windows in the tent? Trekking tents are used mainly at night and enjoy the views after a long day's trip the tourists will not. For extreme tents, windows are not relevant, as they reduce the strength of the structure and its tightness. They are not needed in models designed for winter fishing. Camping tents are installed for a long time and windows can add comfort, especially if they are equipped with mosquito nets.
Number of sleeping compartments
For a camping tent designed for a large number of tourists, an important parameter is the number of sleeping compartments. One of them can be allocated to children, the other is for adult family members. In the sleeping compartment is traditionally low ceiling, it will provide maximum comfort level on cold nights, as it can be easily warmed by your own breathing.
Which tent to choose
1. When choosing a tent for extreme hikes and high-altitude climbing, it is recommended to stop your choice on the model in the form of a hemisphere of small height. It well resists strong wind and rain, withstands snow load.
The tent should meet the following parameters:
- weight - 4-6 kg;
- water resistance - 4000-8000 mm;
- water resistance of the bottom of the tent - 6000-10000 mm;
- tent material - polyester Rip Stop;
- material of arches - aluminum.
2. Tracking tent for 1-2 people can have a tent, for 2-3 people, preference should be given to the half-or half-sphere of a small height.
The tent should correspond to the following parameters:
- weight - 2-6 kg;
- water resistance - 15000-2000 mm for short transitions, 3000-4000 for multi-day transitions;
- water resistance of the bottom of the tent - 3 000-6 000 mm;
- tent material - nylon with polyurethane impregnation;
- arc material - polymer or aluminum.
3. Camping tent can be hemispherical or half-shaped, the height of the vestibule should not be less than 1.8 m. Double-layer constructions must be used for sleeping compartments.
The tent should meet the following specifications:
- weight - 12-25 kg;
- water resistance - 4 000-10 000 mm;
- water resistance of the bottom of the tent - 6 000-10 000 mm;
- awning material - polyester Rip Stop;
- material of the arcs - aluminum or steel.
The number of entrances should correspond to the capacity of the tent: so for models of 6-10 people, preference should be given to tents with 2-3 entrances.
How much is the tent
The cost of the tent depends on the popularity of the brand, capacity and technical characteristics:
1. Prices for tents for extreme trips for 2-3 people vary within 25-45 thousand rubles.
2. Trekking models are the most diverse, the cost of products of well-known manufacturers can vary from 10 to 45 thousand rubles.
3. Camping tents are designed for a different number of tourists than there are more - the higher the cost. Most manufacturers offer models in the range of 15-45 thousand rubles.
4. Specialized tents for long-term camps of geologists, archaeologists can cost 150-200 thousand rubles. These models are designed for operation in difficult climatic conditions, they are equipped with powerful arcs that allow you to withstand strong wind gusts and snow load. Tents are designed for the use of a furnace or air conditioning system, so they are characterized by maximum tightness.
