Archive for August, 2009
Pointers for Picking a Hiking Tent
Portability is key when selecting backpacking equipment, especially if you plan on taking extended day hikes. Toting massive quantities of supplies just isn’t an option, so it’s best to pick and choose wisely. Which items can you not live without? One of the most essential items you’ll take on any outdoor excursion is a tent.
The main selling point for a backpacking tent is its lightweight construction. After all, you’ll be hauling it around all day before setting it up at night. Ease of use is a secondary but also immensely important consideration. No one wants to wrestle around with a tent after a long day on the trail. When scanning the market for tents, factor in the total weight – not just the trail weight, which often doesn’t include the stakes and poles.
Truth in Advertising
Experienced backpackers understand the value of being skeptical when shopping around for tents. In many cases, tents are advertised as having a “lightweight construction” when in fact they aren’t much lighter than a standard family tent. Misleading statements like these can mean extra back-breaking work along the trail. It’s therefore crucial for prospective buyers to look for trustworthy names that specialize in backpacking tents.
The hub pole design of a Big Agnes seedhouse tent sets it apart from the competition. Its mesh construction, sheathed in a protective canvas layer, makes it simple to set up and a snap to take apart in the morning. Tents such as this can be used comfortably three seasons out of the year. Perhaps most importantly, these tents are legitimately lightweight.