If you decided to spice up your life and start travelling, it is high time to think about buying the qualitative and long-lasting tent. Nowadays the choice of tents is very broad, there are a lot of different brands and manufacturers so it is important to decide what tent characteristics are main for you and what you will use it for. Here are the main tips for choosing the right tent to make your trip pleasant and unforgettable!
Think about the type of rest you prefer
If you like equipped camping sites with a parking lot, camping tent is right for you. Camping tent is a big, tall tent usually with the entry and windows. It is used for trailering, family vacations and short trips with staying overnight.
Advantages: comfortable conditions, large volume
Disadvantages: big weight, bad heating
If you plan a long journey on foot or biking trip, pay attention to the size and weight of the tent cover. In this case, the best choice for you is the trekking tent. It is the small tent for lowland hiking.
Advantages: light weight, easy to transport
Disadvantages: not wind and rain resistant
If you want to go hiking in the mountains, weight and size of your tent becomes even more important. The alpine tent is at your disposal! It is an ultra light tent for serious mountain hiking.
Advantages: very reliable and light, wind and rain resistant, easy to mount
Disadvantages: it is usually very small and meant for one person.
Choose the tent seasonality
There are three types of tents: summer tents, three-season tents and winter (all season) tents.
Summer tents
These tents are suitable for hot or warm weather. It has a great ventilation but it doesn’t protect from strong rain or wind.
Three-season tents
It goes without saying that they are designed for three main hiking seasons: spring, summer and autumn. They have strong material and can handle cold winds and rainshowers.
Winter (all-season) tents
These tents are used in difficult climatic conditions but also can be used in summer. They have structural stability and waterproof textile. Perfect for thrill-seekers!
Select the qualitative material
There are two types of tent materials – nylon and polyester. Nylon tents are relatively stable and budget-friendly, but they are extensible when soaking and uviosensitive. Polyester tents are more stable and waterproof, but their price is much more higher.
Pay attention to marking
The marking T defines the density of threading. The bigger it is, the stronger and more durable is the fabric. PU means that the fabric is saturated with polyurethane and is waterproof. Marking on the tents also includes the method of threading. Taffeta is the most common one. Other methods are Oxford (creates additional durability) and Rip Stop (increases the durability because of supported thread without influencing the weight).
Before buying the tent it is important to decide where do you want to use it. And remember it is better to buy more expensive but really qualitative tent that will serve you for a long period of time!