Last updated: March 22, 2023
In many tourist tents, the inner sleeping canopy is sewn from a combination of mosquito net and fabric. Pay attention so that the net does not start too low from the floor, since lying in such a tent, feeling a cool draft on your face, will not be very comfortable.
It is desirable that the sides forming the bottom of the tent are located as high as possible, especially if the edge of the tent is not lowered to ground level.
Winter tents are often equipped with a windproof skirt and good tent groundsheet. In our opinion, it is more than justified for winter hikes. However, the skirt adds weight to the tent and significantly worsens its ventilation, so it will be very humid inside.
The entrance to the inner tent should be duplicated with a mosquito net. This advice can be ignored if you are going to use a tent for high-altitude climbing in the mountains or for winter hikes. A mosquito net is not only protection from insects, but also fresh air inside if it is stuffy and hot outside, and a window into the world that you can admire 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 located, 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 netting on the inner tent.
The shape of the awning should be such that water does not accumulate outside over the entrance and when it is unbuttoned, it does not spill onto your sleeping bag or into your shoes. In some tents, you can even find special water drains.
Manufacturers often indicate for tents the parameters of the water resistance of the awning and the bottom. Of course, you yourself understand that the higher the parameters, the better. But now all materials, even with the lowest values like 3,000 mm, are able to withstand prolonged rains. In addition, the water resistance of the awning from some manufacturers is indicated at the time of the start of operation of the tent, and from others — by the end of the expected service life.
The presence of additional loops on the tent will allow you to stretch the tent more. This, firstly, will help keep your tent in shape in a strong wind, and secondly, the tent will not clap much.
See if the awning is well stretched on a properly installed tent in the store. A loosely stretched awning can flap violently in the wind and prevent you from resting.
We highly recommend paying attention to how the zippers are sewn. You will be much more comfortable on a hike if you can open the doors with one hand, and the zippers will not bite anything, for example, a bar for protection from rain.
It is desirable that two sliders are used on the zipper of the awning — from the bottom (standard) and from the top.
Check how well the seams of the tent are glued and, in general, the overall quality of the stitches, fittings, slings.
The height of the inner tent should allow you to sit so that you do not touch the ceiling with your head and can calmly straighten your shoulders without slouching.
The presence of pockets for things in the inner tent, hanging shelves or loops also facilitates everyday life during travel. Especially during the “day”, when you are waiting for the right weather or resting after a hard day on the route.
And what about the price? Is it worth buying an expensive tent?
If you choose your first tent and are not sure whether you will go hiking further, you can consider a budget option. Such a model, for sure, will weigh more. But using her example, you will be able to find out better what kind of tents you would like to use in the future. It will be easier, more reliable and more pleasant to use.
Of course, due to the turbulence in the market, prices have increased not only for iPhones.
Have a good choice! Choose carefully, carefully and for a long time.
The bottom line
Buying a high-quality tent, of course, is not cheap. But she will also serve for many years. To save money, you can buy an old model from a well-known brand. In terms of quality, it is no worse than new collections, and the price is much lower. But buying cheap equipment from unknown manufacturers is not the best idea. When you freeze far from civilization, you will definitely regret your stinginess.
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