When is the best time to buy a tent. My tents. Tent care

Every year travels become more and more popular - we strive to learn the world around us, become more open to new impressions and distant countries. More and more tourists are no longer satisfied with the cultural values ​​of unfamiliar countries - they want to dive deeper into the natural world, try to get as far as possible from the annoying civilization during their holidays.

What to do if there is no hotel or even the simplest hut nearby while traveling? The most trusted and desired friend of a tourist - a tent - will come to the rescue. A properly selected tent will serve you not just as a shelter from the weather, but as a real miniature dwelling for the entire duration of your voluntary hermitage. It will protect you from wind, rain, cold, and give you the opportunity to have a good rest even in very difficult weather conditions. Tents provide shelter for tourists all over the world - from deserts and jungles to taiga, snows of the North and sky-high peaks.

Let's agree right away - in this article, the information is designed, first of all, for novice hikers who want to delve deeper into the topic and not buy anything for themselves, relying on the decency of a consultant from the store, which in any case will offer options based on what is available available assortment. Fans of camping, downshifting, winter fishing and other hobbies not related to hiking will need to look elsewhere for information. However, be patient - this thread has a lot to tell you about.

1)

The most common and versatile option. It is he who is chosen by the majority of tourists around the world, as a more or less successful compromise between the weight of the tent, its reliability, ease of living and use, and, of course, cost. As a rule, such tents have self-supporting structure- the majority is made according to the scheme " hemisphere»With some differences, they have one or two entrances, one or two vestibules for things, a simple installation scheme. Such tents, as a rule, have a well-developed ventilation system, mosquito nets, storm braces. Designed for reliable use in summer, spring and fall, and limited use in winter and stormy weather.

2)

In practice, these are the same tents as those described above, but without their all-encompassing versatility. They are designed for use in summer, warm spring and autumn, i.e., they are 2-3 seasonal. As a rule, the inner tent consists of a large amount of netting, which is not possible to close. These tents are well ventilated, there is always a lot of fresh air in them, sometimes even too much ... and on a cold night you can feel it on yourself. Such products are very popular with those tourists who do not travel in cold weather and in cold countries, who like to relax by the water. As a rule, these tents are lighter than their more “closed counterparts”.

3)

Assault tents, or tents for mountaineering and extreme tourism. These are the most hardy specimens of the tent tribe - due to their design and the materials used, they have increased wind resistance, reliability, often have a rather ingenious scheme for installing numerous arcs, which should be dealt with in advance. As a rule, such tents are designed mainly for use in cold weather, the possibilities of active ventilation are often sacrificed for a "thermo-like" design, which significantly reduces heat loss in a closed tent. Not the best option for a hot summer or warm spring / fall. They are difficult to replace during winter hiking, extreme trekking in areas with strong winds, mountaineering ascents in high mountains.

4)

Fast & light- a very popular trend lately. Whole groups appear " easy walkers"Fighting for every gram of weight won on equipment. A lightweight backpack eliminates the need for porters on tracks in Nepal or Africa, significantly increases the speed of movement and just helps to calmly enjoy the scenery without overloading your back, shoulders and knees. Especially for these light backpack enthusiasts, most manufacturers produce ultralight tents. Modern materials help to reduce weight, reduce the physical size of the tent, some design compromises (for example, the absence of a closing mesh in the inner tent, a “partial” frame, ie, the tent becomes not free-standing), as well as a decrease in the density of fabrics and the diameter of the frame tubes. Choosing an ultralight tent for serious travel is a rather difficult and responsible task. These tents are leading in terms of innovation, but not all of them have already passed the test of time (and therefore innovation), so you may be an unwitting tester. Sometimes the manufacturer is so obsessed with the idea of ​​weight reduction that they release to the market models that can normally perform their functions only in "pavilion" conditions. Also, be prepared to pay a rather large sum to get a product created "at the forefront of modern technical thought."

The main types of structures for modern tents

Double layer tents

Most modern (young) tourists do not even suspect that there are any more. The optimal layout for a tent was formed several decades ago, and it has not changed yet. The basis of the concept is that a good tent should be two-layer! Why? First of all, it solves the problem of condensation. Most people know that moisture in the air can (and does successfully) condense as moisture on cold surfaces, such as the inside of a tent. If there is no inner tent, then all this moisture will successfully drain into the sleeping bags and drip onto the head. The solution is simple - a liner with a waterproof bottom appeared in the tent - the so-called " inner tent". It is made of breathable materials, capable of passing humid air, which means that almost no condensation forms on it. Moreover, in such a tent it is warmer - a "thermos effect" is created. In the heat, it is also more comfortable in it, for the same reason.

For better ventilation, a part of the inner tent is made of mesh, sometimes it is possible to close this mesh with a material using a zipper. It is often possible to set up an inner tent without pulling up the awning; in dry, warm weather, this is enough to protect against damp ground, insects, and prying eyes. Other tents, on the other hand, may provide the possibility of a separate set-up of the outer tent without the inner one. Sometimes, this option is used to save weight on a hike. Units of manufacturers allow you to do both options with the tent, the latter - using a special bottom, which must be purchased separately.

Say what you like, but the two-layer concept, with all its advantages, also has disadvantages:

• weight gain
• the tent takes up more space when folded
• the time of setting up the tent and the ease of the installation process suffer, which is important in extreme conditions.

Therefore, in limited cases, single layer tents have been successfully used. Their designers have to solve the main drawback of such a scheme - to deal with condensation. As a rule, single layer tents are used in extreme mountaineering, which means in the prevailing cold conditions. Here the condensation is not so significant and, moreover, it is mainly in the form of frost. The main method of dealing with condensation in single layer tents is the use of membrane materials.

Due to the selective work of the membrane, it allows the tent " breathe”While remaining waterproof on the outside. Unfortunately, membrane technology does not work badly with clothes; in the case of tents, it often fails, since the membrane does not adhere directly to the warm human body, the temperature and other conditions of its operation are somewhat different. Different manufacturers solve this problem differently. For example, the well-known American company Black Diamond uses the fabric “ with a fleece»Inside, well retaining moisture and frost residues. Such high-tech solutions almost negate one of the main advantages of a single-layer circuit - low weight. But, simplicity of installation, large internal volume with minimal external dimensions, all the same make such tents popular "in a narrow circle". For classic trekking and hiking, such products are not the best choice.

In other cases, single layer tents are made for reasons of low cost. Such designs are frequent guests in construction supermarkets and large stores. They are unreliable, made from cheap materials, but quite lightweight and extremely cheap. An excellent option to buy "on the spot", in some distant country, where the prospect of a pleasant, uncomplicated trip suddenly appeared. After its completion, such a tent can be simply donated, sold, or left in a suitable place.

Another option for single-layer tents is frameless minimalist ultralight tents . As a rule, trekking poles or nearby trees are used for installation. Despite their compactness and light weight, such designs have not gained much popularity due to problems with condensation and habitability. These tents, in design and appearance, are already very close to bivvy bags - a kind of minimalistic quintisense of a frameless tent.

- usually a cocoon with a side entrance with a zipper, a little larger than a sleeping bag (or several bags if it is multi-seat). Sometimes the possibility of some kind of structure is provided to hold the fabric over the face. Also, a mosquito net can be provided in the area of ​​the face. Otherwise, the frame is not used in bivvy bags. It can be used both in the tent itself (to protect the sleeping bag from condensation and cold), or with or without an awning, independently (for minimalist travelers). It is usually made from breathable, waterproof fabric.

The main types of tent frames

The most common tent construction today is free-standing spherical tent... That is, such a tent in calm weather does not need any additional supports and stretchers, independently maintaining its shape. The frame of such a tent is two, less often three arcs intersecting in the middle (occasionally there are structures that intersect in two places - this is a more wind-resistant, but also more complex and heavy scheme). Often, a separate arch is used for a large vestibule. Also, in the transverse plane of the tent, an additional spacer is used that does not reach the ground, the main function of which is to support the volumetric shape above the vestibules on the sides of the tent. Free-standing tents are equipped with one or another number of storm braces to strengthen the structure to withstand strong winds.

Tents characteristic barrel-shaped»Forms. The name conveys the form very accurately. Recently, they have become exotic among the "spherical mainstream". More recently, in the line of almost every tent manufacturer, there were similar models. Now the number of manufacturers of this type of mobile dwellings is decreasing due to the decreasing demand. The main disadvantage of this type is the complexity of installation and the need for stretch marks, without which the "half roll" cannot stand. The advantages of this design:

• good wind resistance,
• light weight,
• simplicity of the frame,
• large internal volume,
• the ability to create a budget design with high performance.

However, such tents have recently left the budget segment and are a very expensive exotic for those who do not like "like everyone else", or clearly imagine and use the advantages of the design. As a rule, these are experienced users, experienced tourists.

The described scheme received a "second wind" in the segment of ultralight tents. After all, using certain tricks, it became possible to create a tent with only one (central) arc, or with two arcs of different sizes, then the tent has a height sufficient to sit only "in the head".

Some ultralight tents are, in fact, shelters for one or two people in which there is no way to sit.

Mixed frame type

A number of free-standing tents have a large vestibule that stretches on a separate arc, that is, the "half roll" principle is used. Thus, a large, or even a very large vestibule may appear in the tent, well suited for placing bulky items, a camping kitchen or even bicycles.

I have already mentioned them a little above, in single-layer tents. Quite rare designs with a limited circle of users. As a rule, these are ultralight tents that stretch on trackpoles. Sometimes it is difficult to draw a line between such tents and awnings. As a rule, a structure with a bottom is considered a tent, an awning - without a bottom. Also, sometimes, tents without a special frame are used in winter ski trips and are stretched on skis and ski poles. Thus, the name "frameless tents" is often rather arbitrary.

Innovative designs. Hubs

Modern engineering technologies leave their mark on the construction of tent frames. Engineers are constantly trying to develop an idea. self-folding tents - they really exist and are available on the market, but for a number of reasons, they have not become widespread, especially among tourists. Overseas, igloo-style tent designs are also popular - the national Eskimo dwellings or the Indian teepees. They are unpopular with us.

The main innovation of recent years has been the emergence of the so-called hub frames ... In such a structure, the entire frame of the tent can consist of one structure - everything is combined into a single "skeleton" with the help of hubs- connecting sections for pipes. As a result, a rather complex, openwork design can be obtained. The main advantages of the hub design:

• reduced weight,
• large internal volume,
• many also love the modern, futuristic design.

The main disadvantage is that, as a rule, such a design is still inferior in wind resistance to the classics and is very expensive.

There are several basic types. The most common of them is the fastening of the tent on the hooks-clips. This type of fastening is characterized by quick installation, simplicity, and the ability to easily use hub connections. A relative disadvantage is a slightly lower wind resistance compared to lat-pockets. Also, in the event of a breakdown, the arc, as a rule, cuts through the tent awning (in the event that the frame is between the layers).

Lat pockets - these are actually tunnels for the tubes of the frame, into which it is pushed. Such a scheme is characterized by increased stability, wind resistance, reliability (in the event of a breakdown, the arc, as a rule, does not damage the awning). But assembling and disassembling such a tent is more difficult. Especially in structures with double crossing of the frame tubes. Basically, structures with lat-pockets are used in tents designed for difficult weather conditions. Also, sometimes there are mixed options for fastening the frame.

Another fundamental point concerning the tent frame is the place where it is located. The most common scheme - the inner tent is suspended from the frame with clips (or with the help of lat-pockets), an awning is put on top of it and fixed along the perimeter (and, if necessary, with the help of velcro and along the frame elements). Such a tent is easy to put up without an awning, the awning can be easily removed in the morning for drying. The downside is that when setting up / removing such a tent in the rain, you will inevitably wet the inner tent.

An alternative scheme is to attach the outer tent to the frame with clips, or with the help of lat-pockets, and an inner tent with a bottom is hung to it with clips. This option is ideal for setting / folding in the rain, and it also allows you to set up an awning without an inner tent. In the event of a breakdown of the frame, it is easier to repair it; in this case, the awning does not suffer. Disadvantages - you will not be able to remove the awning and dry it, you will not be able to put up a tent somewhere on a warm beach without an awning and live in it, the structure itself is a little more cumbersome, complex and heavy. It is more suitable for use in extreme conditions.

Requirements for tourist tents

Let's now figure out what qualities a modern camping tent should have.

1) Humane weight and dimensions

Technologies do not stand still, and those tents with which they began to go hiking twenty years ago, young tourists cannot imagine even in a nightmare. New materials, new design concepts have made the tents of the new century comfortable, lightweight and reliable. Unfortunately, this does not apply to all models. When choosing a tent, pay attention to its weight, of course, taking into account its purpose and design. So, the most difficult will be models specially designed for extreme operating conditions - due to more durable materials, a developed frame. The weight indicators of such tents will fluctuate within 1.5 kg per one berth, i.e., a 3-person tent can weigh 4-4.5 kg and even more. Conventional tourist tents, designed for moderate weather disasters, are usually lighter - 1-1.3 kg per one berth. A two or three person tent weighs about 3 kilograms on average. It is clear that the more places in the tent, the easier the "separately taken" place in it. But, a large tent, nevertheless, often brings troubles - it can be difficult to find a place for it, if the group is divided or some of the participants leave the race, the weight of the tent per participant increases. If weight is of paramount importance to you, take a look at the recently popular ultra-light tents - today there are incredibly light options, if you really want to, you can find a conditionally two-seater model weighing less than a kilogram. As you can imagine, the less weight, the more expensive the materials used and the product itself. From a certain limit, it becomes impossible to reduce weight only through expensive innovations and the density (thickness) of the tent material and its frame is sacrificed, sometimes the tent is made frameless, trekking poles will be needed to install it, or something else with a separate weight. Therefore, the choice of ultralight tents must be approached very carefully.

In general, the lighter the tent the better, but the savings in weight should not significantly affect the wind resistance and reliability of the tent.

2) Wind resistance and strength

The ability of a tent to withstand strong winds is very important, especially in places with prevailing strong winds, for example, in Patagonia, Norway, Iceland. But in our Carpathians, the wind strength can be equal to the Norwegian one, therefore, if you are going on a hike in the mountains, this characteristic will be very important. The wind resistance of the tent will be primarily influenced by such factors as:

• the height of the tent (the smaller the better, but still, you should sit freely in the tent);
• aerodynamic shape (the tent should have, if possible, a streamlined silhouette, not have vertical walls);
• the number and thickness of the arcs of the frame, its shape (the more arcs in the frame, the usually better the wind resistance, the thicker the arcs, the stronger they are, although the material of the arcs is also of great importance);
• arc material (it is best to have a frame made of lightweight aluminum alloy made by a well-known manufacturer, for example, the legendary DAC). A frame made of the most budgetary black plastic, which is a homogeneous, rather fragile material, is the least reliable, fiberglass is also undesirable, especially in cold weather - it requires particularly careful handling and is less durable, heavier.

It is also very important choose the right place to set up your tent... Often, this is more important than the construction of the tent itself. It should be as flat as possible, free of sharp solid particles in the floor area and protected from the wind. For protection from the wind, you can build a wall of stones or snow. If you have to put your tent on a surface with sharp edges in an emergency, lay down rugs under the tent.

When buying, prefer a tent made of woven fabric Rip stop for the outer and inner layers, as more durable and reliable. In the event of a puncture / rupture of the tissue, the injury site will not "creep" further. Places of all stretch marks must have reinforced seams: all places carrying the main loads must have reinforcements. The service life of the tent and its strength directly depend on the thoughtfulness of the design.

3) Waterproof

Fortunately, the days of leaking tents are practically a thing of the past. Most modern designs, even very budgetary ones, as a rule, do not leak at all under normal conditions. This is achieved with the help of modern materials - more often it is polyamide, processing the awning (ideally with silicone), gluing seams... I have not heard horror stories about leaking tents for a long time. Himself, in the past, for years, I used budget models (for example, from the loop company) with a polyethylene bottom and a 3000mm awning, lived in them in the pouring rains and remained dry. If you want to "mess" with the waterproof characteristics, pay attention first of all to the bottom. It should be "bath-like" in shape and, if possible, have the characteristics of water resistance 8000 - 10,000 mm water column. This ensures that when you press down on the bottom with your elbow, it won't get wet in that spot. It is necessary to protect the awning and the bottom of the tent from punctures, if they appear, do not delay with the repair, in extreme cases, seal the hole (if it is small) with adhesive plaster or assembly tape. Most tents come with a repair kit with pieces of fabric and glue.

Keep in mind! At first glance, American tents in the accompanying descriptions have extremely low water resistance rates. You don't have to worry about this! Their standards differ from European ones, and tents are in no way inferior in terms of workmanship and materials used.

4) Seasonality

Choose your tent wisely - if you don't go hiking in winter or in the highlands, you don't need an extreme climbing tent. The most versatile option is an ordinary tourist tent according to your taste, needs and wallet. If you only use your tent in warm weather, choose a model with a mesh interior.

Remember that the seasonality recommended on the site is not a sentence, it is a conditional indicator. A lot depends on your gear, especially your sleeping bag. There is a successful experience of using out of season tents. You just need to think over such things well and imagine what you sign up for when going to the winter Montenegrin ridge with an inner tent made of mesh. The characteristics of resistance to wind and moisture are much more fundamental.

5) Sophisticated design. Easy to install and fold

The tent should be not only reliable, but also comfortable for living. Especially if you intend to live in it often. First, find a tent with adequate capacity. It is hardly worth taking it with a margin of the number of berths. The most popular among tourists are tents for 2-4 persons. Keep in mind that most 2-person tents can accommodate three "regular" people, and 3-person tents can accommodate four. In order not to rest your head and legs against the walls of the tent, take it based on the length - your height is + 10-15cm. For most people of normal build, 60cm wide is sufficient for placement - the width of most rugs. The height in the middle of the tent should make it possible to sit freely without propping up the ceiling too much. Your tent must be designed to provide adequate ventilation for the conditions of use you envision for it.

If there are two or more tents, then two entrances are more convenient than one. Most users agree that side entrances are preferable to end entrances. It seems to me that if there is only one input / output, it is more convenient when it is at the end. If you have two inputs / outputs, then it is better when they are placed on the sides. An exception may be climbing models with their specific location in the mountains, in the cramped conditions of small sites.

Tambour in the tent. The more it is, the better, with this almost no one argues. The main thing is a compromise in the fight against low weight. For the mountains - the place occupied by the tent in principle. However, it is good that the vestibule can accommodate your backpacks and shoes, ideally it should provide you with the opportunity to cook in bad weather. It is even better if there are two vestibules. This is really convenient. Also convenient is the design of the tent, which allows you to open the entrance / exit in the rain so that water does not get into the inside of the tent itself. The design of the vestibule should allow you to conveniently open and close the vestibule zippers and vents. In some tents, they are not easy to reach even for those with long limbs.

The more different pockets and shelves in the tent, the more convenient it is.

Awning tent should sink as low as possible to the ground, ideally, almost reaching it. Whatever the sellers tell you about the need for ventilation, remember - if there is a chance of getting into heavy rain, drops of water will bounce off the ground and ricochet into you if your awning ends high above the ground. There is an opinion that for "extreme" tents a snow skirt is needed - an additional strip of fabric along the perimeter of the bottom of the tent, which can be covered with snow, surrounded by stones. Sometimes, this is a really necessary thing that makes life easier in difficult conditions. But such a skirt makes the tent heavier and worsens the already not exemplary breathability of such tents. So in most cases, I would not consider this constructive moment to be fundamentally important. In confirmation of the fact that not only I think so - the fact that most of the world-famous mountain tent manufacturers do not supply them snow skirts .

If you travel frequently in stormy conditions, pay attention to “ burdocks»Ventilation openings. In most tents, they are closed with an insignificant Velcro in the center - a strong wind will open such an unreliable lock, and the rain that has begun will fly into the middle in stormy weather. Perhaps you should choose a tent, the external ventilation of which opens into the vestibule.

Tent color. Should the tent be visible? In most cases, the answer is a firm yes. Rather, even YES. A bright tent, equipped with the maximum number of reflectors, will help you out more than once by working as a landmark. When you look down from the top of the mountain and see your bright, small house somewhere a kilometer below you, one more warm feeling is born in your soul.

On the other hand, it is often necessary to leave the tent with things for the whole day, or even more than one, in places where you would not really want to be seen. The fewer foresters, locals and just passing citizens of some dumb places will see your tent, the calmer you will be walking. I would say this - a bright tent, a choice for civilized places where civilized people live and walk, even if these are some wild mountains. Civilization, in this case, is by no means synonymous with technical progress ... otherwise, it's up to you to decide.

Simply put, this is a second bottom, a mat that repeats the shape of the bottom of the tent, often the footprint can be fixed on arcs, thus making it possible to put up a tent "without entrails". Main function of footprint:

• bottom protection,
• extension of service life,
• protection from dirt.

Cons - extra weight and space in the backpack. In addition, he does not save from really sharp stones, branches, glass shards, wire, nails. Sometimes it is needed, more often it is not.

Buying a tent in a store

Prepare for a visit to the store - it will be more useful for you if, in a conversation with a consultant, you already have basic knowledge of the subject of purchase, the seller's attitude towards you will also be different. Try to clearly state your wishes, while still at home you can formulate your basic requirements and write them down in a notebook.

If you have already come to the store in order to purchase a tent, having decided on your desires, try to persuade the seller to take it out of the cover and lay it out right on the spot. No matter how easy this operation was for an unfamiliar uncle on the YouTube channel, you may find it useful to try to do it yourself, before buying. This will help to avoid unpleasant surprises, especially if you have chosen not the most classic tent for yourself.

In the event that the weight of the tent is a fundamental characteristic for you, weigh your future companion right in the store on electronic scales (in most outfitting centers they are, or you can take them with you - this will instill horror and respect in the hearts of the sellers of stone). The fact is that the declared weight of the tent may differ significantly from the actual and usually not good for the buyer side. Also, be careful when reading the information about the weight of the tent. In the interests of marketing, the minimum weight is usually written in large numbers - without pegs, stretch marks, packaging and repair kit - how many people need this figure?

Make sure you complete the warranty card and check with the seller separately for the arc warranty. Some manufacturers give a lifetime warranty on the aluminum alloy frame, which is very nice.

Conclusion

As you have already seen, there is a fairly large amount of information that concerns tents. However, as one of the most important pieces of camping equipment, the tent deserves that you familiarize yourself with these basics. Now you can more consciously approach the choice and purchase of your faithful camping friend. I wish you a pleasant and exciting journey!

Now, not a single long tourist trip is possible without a tent. Nowadays, 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 rating of the best camping tents in 2020. This list will help you understand all the varieties.

• Camping tent - a high tent with a lot of places. Designed for family vacations. It is more convenient to transport such inventory in a car. Of the advantages, one can single out the height (you can stand at full height) and spaciousness. The disadvantages include poor heating and huge weight.

• Trekking - used for light hikes on flat terrain. It is lightweight and easy to carry, but does not tolerate strong wind and rain.

• The Assault Tent is ultra light and designed for challenging hikes and lots of stops. It is easy to install and assemble. Can be used in rainy weather and in 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 to those beaches where there are no trees. Among the advantages are: does not heat up much, costs little and is light in weight. Disadvantage: Will not protect against rain.

Seasonality of the tent

Beginners think that tents are divided by seasons, but this is a misconception. The following types are really distinguished:

• Summer - designed for hot weather. Their fabric is well ventilated and the edge of the awning is slightly raised above the ground. This tent can only be used in sunny weather.
• Three seasonal - used in spring, summer and autumn. The lights are capable of withstanding both heavy rainfall and strong winds. Made of durable enough material.
• (all-season) - used both during calm periods and in extreme climatic conditions (strong winds, snowfalls).

Criteria for choosing a tent

Which tent to choose for the hike

There is a separate tent for each purpose. The purpose can be different:

• Cycling trip;
• Mountaineering;
• Tracking;
• Camping.

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

Camping differs from trekking in that the tent does not need to be disassembled and reassembled regularly. It is almost always used for a one-day picnic and is put in the car, so its weight does not matter. Large vestibule, heavy structures, single-layer awning - these 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. Consist of a two-layer construction.

Spaciousness

Spaciousness is a rather important indicator when choosing tourist equipment. The tents have different capacities: from one person to the whole group. The largest tents have 12 places. They are used for special expeditions. Although if you take the average student and put it in such a tent, then they will accommodate at least 18 people. But experimenting is not worth it. And, of course, the larger the tent is, the more it will weigh.

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

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

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

Tambours

The number of vestibules also affects the size of each tent. Two vestibules will be convenient for camping. This means that the camping hut can be opened on both sides for better ventilation. In 4-seater tents, vestibules are for convenience. For example, tourists can get out faster or get out at the nearest exit so as not to disturb their neighbor. If you have a tent of 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. It is different for each individual trip. The higher the water resistance, the stronger the tent and the material itself.

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

Optimal weight

Usually a good tent is lightweight. There are ultralight ones, but they are much more expensive than conventional ones. For a two-man tent the ideal weight is 2.5 kg, and for a three-man tent 3.5 kg. Single tents are used very rarely, so we will not consider them. People rarely go alone on hikes, firstly, it is boring, and secondly, and more importantly, it is dangerous.

But there is a lightweight type of tents. They are produced without stands. Such equipment can be found from the Czech company Hannah. They use trekking poles as a support frame. For such tents, you need to buy special stretch marks, because in a strong wind they may not be able to resist.

How many layers to choose

The inventory is divided into two-layer and single-layer. Single layer made of waterproof awning. This 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 no ventilation slots are made in such a tent. You can also buy tents with membrane awnings, although such a pleasure will cost you good money.

A two-layer tent consists of a waterproof awning (outer layer) and a light "breathable" awning (inner layer). The gap between the layers is usually about 15 centimeters. It weighs a little more, but it will not accumulate condensation, and it will also protect you from rain. There is also a vestibule in double-layer tents.

Arches of tents

They should be lightweight and durable. If the frame of the tent is of high quality, then when one of the arches 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.

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

What material to give preference to

When making tents, two types of fabrics are used:

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

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

Decoding of 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 should know that it is made of polyester materials;
• Taffeta is the most common way to weave yarn;
• 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 the weave. The higher the 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 - material water resistance;
• SI - silicone impregnation.

Two layers of PU impregnation ensure water resistance to 3,000 mm water column; three layers - 5000 mm.

For rare walks along well-known trails, a nylon tent is perfect, where there will be a type of weaving Taffeta or Rip Stop, 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 cross each other. This crossing makes the tent look like a dome. Such a dome, albeit much larger in size, covers the circus area. This form is considered universal and is in great demand among consumers. Suitable for extreme weather conditions.
2. Half roll. The tent is large and roomy. The arcs do not intersect but run parallel. It is used only in calm and windless weather. This design can be found on camping tents.
3. House. This form is considered classic. Possesses good water resistance. Cannot withstand windy weather. The installation process is long and laborious.
4. Coffin - Used for assault tents. Withstand strong, sometimes even hurricane winds. There is very little space.

These secrets 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.
4. The seams of the tent must be well glued.
5. Assault tents improve wind resistance.
6. For summer hikes, take a light-colored inventory. It attracts less heat. On extreme hikes, it is worth using brightly colored tents so that rescuers can find you in case of an emergency.
7. The entrance (exit) to the tent should be covered with a mosquito net.
8. The pegs should be lightweight with maximum strength.
9. The larger the tent, the greater its weight and less wind resistance.

After the purchase, you should not go on a hike right away. Collect and disassemble it at home. Spray test for water permeability and dry it after each hike. Then the tent will serve you for a very long time.

Rating of cheap and quality tents

Greenwood yeti 3

This tent is designed for three people and is designed for three seasons: all except winter. The frame is made of fiberglass. The awning is made of polyester and the bottom is made of polyethylene. 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 form of a hemisphere.

GreenWood Yeti 3 tent

Advantages:

• Lightweight;
• Cheap;
• Has windows for ventilation;
• Tambour.

Flaws:

• Not suitable for winter hikes;
• Frames are made of fragile material.

Green glade lacosta

It can accommodate more than 10 people. It can be used as a mini hut. Weighs 8.4 kg. Has 2 entrances. The average water resistance is 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 7,000 rubles. Additional options include a mosquito net and a hook for a lantern.

Camping tent Green Glade Lacosta

Advantages:

• Good roominess;
• Strong frame;
• There is additional inventory.

Flaws:

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

Trek planet siesta

A spacious tent with a lot 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 roominess;
• You can sit with a company.

Flaws:

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

Nice camping tent that can accommodate 6 people. Has a vestibule and ventilation windows. Easy to assemble and fold. Weighs 11 kilograms. It costs 9,000 rubles. It is better to transport it by car.

tourist tent Narrow 6 PE

Advantages:

• Roomy;
• Easy to operate.

Flaws:

• Expensive;
• Heavy;
• It is convenient to transport only by machine.

Spacious camping tent for four people. Has a vestibule with a mosquito net. Weighs 5.5 kg. It costs 700 rubles.

Advantages:

• Even a tall person can stand tall;
• There are rooms: bedroom, kitchen, hallway;
• Wind protection;
• Cheap;
• Light enough.

Flaws:

• Made of cheap and not durable materials.

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

Hannah Target tourist tent

Advantages:

• Lightweight;
• Cheap;
• Durable material.

Flaws:

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

Ultra light 2 person tent. Weighs 0.95 kg. It costs 4000 rubles. Has ventilation and taped seams.

tourist tent Tramp Sputnik

Advantages:

• Cheap;
• All-season (withstands any weather conditions);
• Ultra lightweight.

Flaws:

• Weak capacity;
• No mosquito net.

List of the best manufacturers:

• Normal;
• Chinook;
• Freetime;
• Campus;
• The North Face;
• KingCamp;
• Terra Inсognita.

The tents of these manufacturers are the market leaders in terms of quality, but they 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 hikes being made, suit the price, quality and functionality.

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and ready to go for their first gear.

If you are going to join overnight camping trips, you will inevitably have to get a camping tent. If it is not yet clear whether this is your kind of recreation or not, I do not advise you to spend money on expensive equipment, it is better to “shoot” from friends or rent it. If you firmly understand that you cannot live without forays into nature, and there is no experience, this article is for you.

Immediately I will make a reservation that there will be no talk about a cheap camping Auchan tent for gentle "tourists" who grab the cheapest equipment for the promotion and go on a hike only in sunny calm weather. We'll cover smart gear for the average budget and long-term use.

• For starters, forget about the quick-assembly tents that fold into a round cover - this is unstable nonsense.
• Don't look at a huge tent with several rooms and a crowd of friends. Firstly, you will avoid “carve-up” and collective responsibility for the safety of the tent. Secondly, large tents require a wide, flat clearing, and this luxury is not always available. Thirdly, experienced tourists will never buy an unnecessarily large tent, such tents are created for inexperienced buyers, and are always of very dubious quality. In ideal landscape and weather conditions, such a tent will stand, but an average wind may no longer withstand.
• Decide how many people will live in the tent. You should not take a tent "for growth", as the smaller the internal volume of the tent, the warmer it will be to spend the night in it. That is, if there are two of you, take exactly a 2-person tent.
• Pay attention to the water resistance of the material, it is better that it be at least 4000 mm. water column at the awning and at least 6000 at the bottom. This is guaranteed to protect you and your belongings from a long and intense shower.
• Avoid custom designs. The simpler the frame, the more reliable and quicker to assemble the tent. Ideal - two cross arcs, in the presence of a vestibule with a canopy - a third arc.
• Choose a two-layer tent so that condensation from the inside of the tent does not penetrate into the living tent and does not wet you and your goods.
• When choosing the number of vestibules, entrances, pockets and other "pampering", be guided by the most likely method of movement. If you are in a car, then the weight and volume of the tent are not critical for you, but if you drag it on yourself, then the weight and volume will play a decisive role for you. Each extra vestibule, zipper, mesh, pocket, ventilation window and the like is an increase in weight and dimensions. However, it is convenient to store backpacks, food and shoes in the vestibule; it is convenient to put phones and flashlights in pockets; and ventilation windows help to cope with heat and condensation. Ideally, find the best option between compactness and comfort, taking into account the most likely operating conditions in your case.
• A windproof skirt is necessary in the cold windy season or in the snow. It is not necessary for summer hikes. On hot days it is not even desirable, because the skirt prevents the tent from blowing along the bottom. But on a cold night and in windy weather, a skirt will help keep warm inside the tent with virtually no loss.
• Pay attention to reinforced corners and taped or welded seams. The unreliability of these elements in the structure is fraught with rupture of the fabric, and hence the failure of the tent.
• The presence of storm braces is critical only in case of strong gusty winds. In normal weather, they hang idle.
• Whether you need a refractory impregnation depends only on whether you are making pioneer fires and whether you are putting your tent right next to an open fire)))
• The weight of the tent and its dimensions matter only when hiking, however, if a bunch of everything is usually crammed into the car, then perhaps it is still worth paying attention to the dimensions in the folded state.
• To reduce the weight of the tent, choose a structure with aluminum arches (they are lighter than fiberglass), the minimum number of arches in the structure, with one entrance and a minimum of pockets and windows.
• Do not be afraid to buy used tents 2-3 years ago. If the tent is of high quality and without damage, it will serve you for at least another 3 years with faith and truth. The main thing is to check the integrity of the package and the absence of mechanical damage when buying.
• The most important thing is to choose a tent specifically for your needs and according to your parameters. The universal tent is a utopia)

I have chosen two tents for myself:

1) Canadian Camper CYCLONE 2 AL for travel by car or if I take a dog. This is a fairly spacious and comfortable kopeck piece with a spacious vestibule for storing things, while being very reliable and easy to install, with reinforced corners and fireproof impregnation. It weighs about 3.2kg. It costs around 11,000 rubles. For 5 years of operation, absolutely nothing has been worn out or damaged.

2) Splav Jaguar 2 v. 2 for carrying. It is lightweight, comfortable, blown well in the heat, fits on a small piece of land, and is easy to install. Together, it will be comfortable only for not very large people, or for a person and a dog. And one in such a tent is very comfortable and you can shove a backpack inside. Weighs approximately 2.1kg. It costs 8500 rubles. For 2 years of operation, it also did not leak anywhere.

An obligatory attribute of any hike or just outdoor recreation is a tent. The question of choosing a tent is quite complicated and is determined by many different factors. It will not be difficult to buy a tent, since today there are a huge number of options 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, quality of impregnation and others. All of this matters and affects the cost.

First you need to decide: for what purposes do you need a tent? The answer options can be boiled down to three main ones:

- Amateur tourism. You plan to trek through the mountains at your own pleasure, without conquering difficult peaks. Here, with a few reservations, you can include cycling and kayaking.

- Professional tourism. These are active travels, sometimes "on the verge of possibilities", ascents above 3000 meters, mountaineering and records. Such trips require the most thorough preparation, any mistake in the choice of equipment can stand in the way of the ascent 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-traveler and will periodically remove the tent from the trunk of your car.

Once you've clearly articulated the purpose of your travels, it won't be difficult to define 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 camping tents. But tourists are also different. There are many different classifications of tents. Let's consider the most common one used by many manufacturers. Which tent is best for you depends on what type of holiday you prefer.

By appointment there are tourist tents:

for highlands;

for medium mountains;

for the plain.

Each of the above three categories has a conditional division into "upper", "middle" and "low" tents. This gradation depends on the materials used for arches and awnings, technologies, impregnations and construction.

Alpine tents are divided into expedition and assault tents. Highland tents are specially designed for extreme conditions: strong stormy winds, high altitude, frost, etc.

Expedition tents are tents for, so to speak, "Himalayan" style of ascents, when several base camps are created during the ascent. The expedition tent is designed to stay in one place for a long time, so it must be wind and moisture resistant, and its structure must be rigid enough to withstand the pressure of wind and snow.

Assault - tents for the "Alpine" style, when the base camps are not set up, and the tent, throughout the entire ascent, is carried with them (that's why it should also be as light as possible). A good assault tent will withstand all weather conditions. Assault tents are light, moderately roomy, 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 - These are simple small tents for easy 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, auto tourism).

Medium and lowland tents are divided into:

Camping tents

If you like equipped campsites or if you go out into nature by car for a fairly long time (or at least do not plan to often move 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 stationary installation. The main advantages are comfort (you can stand at full height in such tents) and spaciousness. Among the shortcomings - a lot of weight, poor heating. Camping means that the tent does not need to be transported, assembled and disassembled every day. Often it, like the rest of the equipment, can be taken to the resting place by car, therefore, the weight of the tent (more than 7 kg) is not of fundamental importance. Also, a large vestibule plays an important role in camping, allowing, for example, to cook food in it on a gas burner on a rainy day and not get wet in the rain.

Universal tents

Such tents are quite comfortable, they do not have very stringent requirements for wind resistance, but others common to all types of quality (water resistance, use of "breathable" fabrics, etc.) must be up to date.

Hiking and Mountain Camping Tents

The specificity of these hikes lies in the fact that you have only what you carry behind your shoulders. It is not easy, so neither the tent nor you need extra pounds. In addition, the hike 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 rigid enough to withstand bad weather. It is good if the tent has a "skirt" to protect it from the snow.

Water trekking tents

It is unlikely that someone will go on such a hike 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 you can choose it more conveniently. Wind resistance will also not be a critical parameter, therefore, from the two classical forms - "hemisphere" and "half roll" - you can choose the latter due to the large useful volume and better habitability.

Special tents

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

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

According to their design features, tents can be divided into two main groups:

Single layer

Double layer

Single layer tents are made mainly of waterproof synthetic materials. Their main advantages are lightness and compactness, and the main problem is condensation accumulating on the walls of the tent. There is a ventilation issue, since it is difficult enough to make a single layer both waterproof and breathable. 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, the next morning you can easily wake up in a damp sleeping bag.). If the material is waterproof but not breathable, then a well thought-out ventilation system is required: mesh openings 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: the outer (awning, which must be durable and waterproof, since this is a protective shell that covers the inside) and the inner, 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 and moisture, which settles on the awning and flows down, bypassing the inner tent. Often, there are ventilation windows in the awning.

Another advantage of double-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.

Difference between tents by seasons of use

Summer tents. They are used in summer in good climatic conditions. The design of a tent for summer use is very simple, and does not provide for its use in stormy winds and thunderstorms. The main advantages are good ventilation, compactness, low weight and low price.

Three season tents. Provides reliable protection even in rain and cold. Designed for spring, summer and autumn. At a price significantly more expensive than summer ones.

All season tents. Designed for any weather, including cold, storm, rain and heat. It can be used all year round. The main advantages: high water resistance, wind resistance, the presence of a snow-protective skirt. The price for such tents is correspondingly high.

Types of tents by shape

In general terms, the structure 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 the decorative, but also from the purely practical side. There are these types of tourist tents in shape:

Hemisphere

This is the most popular and widespread form of tent due to its versatility. Hemispherical tents work well for both simple camping trips and challenging hikes as they are easy to set up and stable. The base of the frame is usually two criss-crossing arcs. This is a fairly wind-resistant, equal strength structure. Plus it looks great.

Half roll

The half-roll has an elongated shape in the form of a half cut along a cylinder. This type of tents belongs to the category of frame products, but the arches 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 roll are considered one of the most comfortable; they can be conveniently equipped with sleeping places and placed 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 a rather long period of time. The disadvantage of the tent is the 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, lightweight and compact. This is a pretty good and cozy type of tent. A tangible difference in the location 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 tall and pretty.

Tent

The marquee is a favorite form of expeditionists. This type of tents have been known since ancient times. Their big advantage is the absence of a frame and a large capacity. The supporting element is a single central post, from which the awning descends to the ground.

Gable tent ("house")

Nowadays, this type of tent is popular among forest trekkers and water enthusiasts. This is the classic style of Soviet tents. The main advantages are: 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 above are the most common forms, but there are others. Non-standard designs, most often, are in demand in extreme conditions, where special requirements for wind resistance, landscape compatibility, etc. are required.

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

How to determine the size of your tent?

Many have probably heard: single tent, double, triple, and so on. In the first case, this means that one person (usually 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 into the resulting square.

Tent capacity

When choosing a tent, one of the deciding factors is its capacity. As mentioned earlier, there are one-, two-, three- and four-person tents. There are also twelve local, 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-seat tent will be heavier than a two-seat tent 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. There is no need to take a four-person tent for two, since 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 mat (tourist rugs). A 60-centimeter cushion is considered standard. But there are reduced 50 cm options. If two standard karemats are placed in the tent, then it is considered a double one. If three smaller ones fit, then it will be marked as 2 + 1.

For light hikes, it is better to choose tents with a +1 mark. On the rest of the space, you can comfortably fit a backpack on a rainy night, and in good weather you will not have to be crowded, but there will be a little more free space.

Does a tent need windows?

In general, we can safely say that no. As a rule, you only sleep in a tent at night, therefore, you do not have to look out of 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, a slightly open zipper at the inlet 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. Tents for tents

Choosing a tent, you will come across many different names 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 are used based on polyamide or polyester fibers, sometimes blends such as cotton + polyamide.

Polyamide fabrics(nylon, nylon).

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

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

Polyester fabrics(polyester, lavsan).

pros: practically do not stretch when wet, they 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 do you understand what this means?

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

Taffeta- This is the most common way to weave a thread. It is a uniform densely woven fabric. Differs in increased water resistance. Is there some more Oxford- type of weaving in several strands. (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 regular intervals. (increases strength due to the reinforced thread, while not adding weight; makes the fabric more resistant to tears, but the reduced density of the fabric near thick threads can lead to leakage).

Next comes 210T is the density of the weave. 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 designates the thickness of the threads from which, in fact, the material is made. This figure also affects the strength and weight of the tent.

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

Materials are coated with polyurethane from the inside. At the same time, two layers of PU-impregnation ensure a water resistance of 3,000 mm of water column; three layers - 5000 mm. The silicone coating is applied on the outside. Here, an acceptable level of water resistance is 2,000 mm.

Summarize. If you do not go out into nature often and at the same time keep to the well-trodden hiking trails, then a tent made of nylon with weaving Taffeta or Rip Stop and a density of 190T to 210T is quite suitable for you. A worthwhile addition to this will be a silicone water-repellent impregnation.

Water resistance

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

In the characteristics of the tent, you will see the 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 tent fabric. 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 is water-repellent. The optimal water resistance of the awning fabric is 2000-4000 mm. If it is less, it is likely 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 most difficult: you put it on sharp stones, on snow, on sand.

As a rule, the bottom is made of the same material as the outer awning. 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 withstands 5,000 mm of water column.

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

In addition, many tents have a so-called skirt that prevents wind from blowing and precipitation between the inner and outer tent.

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

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

What is the difference between expensive and cheap tents?

Expensive tents are made from lightweight, durable materials. They are usually lightweight and provide better moisture protection.

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

There are a few tricks that can 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 specifications correspond to reality.

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

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

After purchasing a tent, do not rush to immediately go hiking. First, collect it at home in order to understand how it works, so that it can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled on a camping trip. Then spray the seams with a water-repellent spray to make sure they stay dry. And in order for the tent to serve you for a long time, do not forget to dry it conscientiously when you return from the hike.

How to properly care for your tent,

to extend her life

The tent in operation is not very whimsical. 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 agents at least once a year.

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

3. After you have brought the tent from the trip, be sure to dry it well, even if it has not been set up.
4. It is not recommended to leave fiberglass or plastic bows in direct sunlight.

5. Do not store your tent in a compression bag or in direct sunlight. The compression bag is for ease of transport only.
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. Do 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 . Almost any tent has 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, the braces are installed using pegs, but if there is a lack of space, the brace can be fixed to a tree or bush. The standard number of stretchers is 4-6, but in tents for serious ascents it can reach 20.

Coating. An additional advantage is the water-repellent coating of the fabric (designated as WR). It should be said that the cover can be purchased separately and you can 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 fire-resistant impregnation, which prevents the fire of the tent, although it does not insure against the appearance of small burns in places of direct fire exposure.

Ventilation . Having paid close attention to protection from rain, do not forget that the inside of the tent must "breathe" and the windows for ventilation must be opened. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting wet from condensation. Ventilation windows or valves 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!

In many camping tents, the inner sleeping curtain is made from a combination of mosquito net and fabric. Pay attention that the netting 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 are located as high as possible, especially if the edge of the awning is not lowered to ground level. Winter tents are often fitted with a windproof skirt. In my opinion, it is more than justified for winter hikes. However, the skirt adds weight to the tent and significantly impairs 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 doubled with a mosquito net. This tip can be neglected if you intend to use the tent for high-altitude mountain climbing or winter hiking. A mosquito net is not only 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 of them on different sides of the tent and the higher they are, the better. In lightweight models, you can do without them - good ventilation is provided due to 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 above the entrance outside and when unbuttoned it does not spill onto your sleeping bag or boots. Even special water drains can be found in individual tents. Manufacturers often indicate the waterproofing 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 3000 mm, are able to withstand prolonged rains. In addition, the waterproofness of the tent is indicated by some manufacturers at the time of the start of operation of the tent, while others - at the end of the expected service life. 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 too much. See if the awning is tight 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 canopy can flap violently in the wind and prevent you from resting. I highly recommend paying attention to how the zippers are sewn on. You will be much more comfortable on the hike if you can open the doors with one hand and the zippers will not bite into anything, such as the rain bar. It is desirable that two sliders are used on the zipper of the awning - at the bottom (standard) and at the top. Then it will be possible to make a window - to see the weather and for additional ventilation. Check how well the seams are glued on the tent and, in general, the overall quality of the stitching, accessories, slings. The height of the inner tent should allow you to sit so that your head does not hit the ceiling and you can calmly straighten your shoulders without stooping. The presence of pockets for things in the inner tent, hanging shelves or eyelets also makes life easier when traveling. Especially - during the "days", when you are waiting for suitable weather or relaxing after a hard day on the route.