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.