What types of tents are used in hiking. Different elements of the tent and the nuances that you should pay attention to when buying. II. How to choose a trekking tent

Tents produced by manufacturers differ in types for certain trips, seasons, for stationary, long-term or temporary rest, in the number of places and design features of tents.

The main types of tents by appointment:

Tourist, serving for short-term overnight stays on a hike and a country family weekend. The main feature of tourist tents is that they have a relatively small weight and appropriate dimensions, are simple in design, even a beginner can handle their assembly. If you decide to go on a long, multi-day hiking trip, then it is advisable to buy a tourist tent with a light weight and reliable protection from wind and rain, with enough space to accommodate tourists and not a large number, personal items. Due to the low cost of tourist tents in our online store, they primarily attract our customers.
. camping tents designed for long term comfortable rest with friends or big family. When buying a camping tent, buyers are not particularly interested in the weight and dimensions of the tent, a significant advantage of them is that they are roomy, with high ceilings, large vestibules, and are equipped with separate rooms - bedrooms.
. extreme tents or extreme, designed for the most active tourists, for long pedestrian crossings, any most severe weather conditions. Therefore, special requirements are imposed for this type of tents: reliable protection from heavy rain, snow and gusty winds, low weight and, of course, a frame that can withstand such weather loads to protect extreme tourists.

Similar to a tent distinguished by purpose in the area used: flat, mid-mountain and tents for high mountains
Plain tents are used for picnics, simple and short hikes, in the tundra and taiga, in swampy areas.

Tents for high mountains are divided into: assault, for climbing without setting up base camps, and expeditionary, designed for long stays in base camps. All high-altitude tents must comply with difficult meteorological conditions: low temperatures, high altitude above sea level, strong winds.

Mid-mountain tents combine the qualities of expeditionary and assault tents.
One of the best options for tents for the middle mountains are camping tents designed for long and comfortable outdoor recreation. These tents often have several rooms, extra beds for rest and sleep, they are high enough to walk freely in them.

According to the material used and seasonality, tents can be divided into the following types:

Single layer
. two-layer
Single-layer tents, light and easy to assemble, are made of high-quality synthetic, waterproof materials. At the same time, when choosing a single-layer tent, it is necessary to take into account the issue of ventilation - tents are equipped with windows, mosquito nets.

Types of tents in shape

The shape of the tents are classified as:
. tent - hemisphere dome type: a simple frame with crossed arcs ensure the popularity of this type
. half-barrel with additional stretch marks - a comfortable type of tent with excellent, all-weather protection
. gable tent - a classic option that we inherited from Soviet times, which has lost its popularity due to difficulties in installation and constant feelings of discomfort when weather conditions deteriorate, rain, wind
. tent tent - frameless model, quite spacious, but intended for a short rest

Types of tents by number of places

In this classification, buyers usually do not have questions, since when choosing, the buyer already has a certain idea of ​​​​the number of participants in a hike or vacation. All types of spacious tents are presented in our online store, ranging from simple one-, two-person, popular family 3, 4-person tents, roomy 5, 6, 7-person tents for a large company.

I would also like to note that tents with a vestibule are especially popular, for example, 4-person tents with a vestibule and additional canopies.
2 room (two room) tents for comfortable rest and sleep for several years are the most popular models for tourists.
If after reading the article you have no questions left about what type of tent you need, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the catalog of tents of the online store - thanks to the large assortment, this is quite easy to do!)

Want to get to know someone better? Go camping with him.

Many people love hiking, but few know how to choose good tent. Size, weight, design, material - all this matters and affects the cost. How to choose a tent that meets your travel preferences, learn from this article.

Do you need a tent for camping?

In short, yes. Of course, you can spend the night in a sleeping bag under a canopy, but this:

  • uncomfortable (at night, even in summer, it is cold in nature, it may rain or a strong wind rises - weather forecasts do not always come true);
  • unsafe (insects, snakes, small rodents - far from complete list sources " thrill» when spending the night in the open air).

Therefore, take it as an axiom: a tent is necessary on a hike.

Which tent is right for you?

The answer depends on the answer to another question: what type of outdoor recreation do you prefer?

If you like equipped campsites with car parking, then you can safely take a large tent.

A camping tent is a large tall tent, often with a vestibule and windows. Designed for autotourism, family holidays and overnight stays in one place for 3-4 days. Pros: comfortable conditions (you can stand at full height), large capacity. Cons: heavy weight, poor warm-up.

If you are planning a long hike or bike trip, the weight and size of the shelter are important considerations. You will need a trekking tent.

A trekking tent is a small tent used for flat trekking, camping along hiking trails. Pros: Lightweight, easy to carry. Cons: not designed for strong winds and rain.


The dimensions and weight of the tent become even more important when hiking in the mountains or over rough terrain. Here you need an assault tent.

An assault (or high-mountain) tent is an ultra-light tent designed for serious hiking ( difficult route, long transitions). Pros: very light and reliable, not afraid strong wind, quickly installed and assembled. Cons: as a rule, small (even for one person it can be cramped).


Konstantin Shishkin/Shutterstock.com

What is the seasonality of the tent?

Beginners mistakenly believe that if you divide tents by season, then there should be spring, summer, autumn and winter. Actually distinguish:

  • Summer tents. For warm or hot weather. Important point here it is ventilation: the fabric is well blown, and the edge of the awning, as a rule, is raised above the ground. But such a tent will not save you from strong winds or rain.
  • Three season tents. The name speaks for itself - they are designed for three main hiking seasons (spring, summer, autumn). They are made of a denser fabric, thanks to which they can withstand both cold demi-season winds and heavy rains.
  • Winter (or all-season) tents. Designed for use in difficult climatic conditions (snow, wind), but can also be used in summer in calm weather. Differ in stability of a design, dense waterproof material.

How to decide on the size?

A boa constrictor in a famous cartoon was measured by parrots, and tents are measured by men. Many have heard: single tent, double, triple and so on. In the first case, this means that one adult man will comfortably accommodate (with all belongings) in the tent; in the second - two; in the third - three and so on.

“Men are different,” you say. Right. Therefore, to get a clearer idea of ​​​​the dimensions of the tent, before buying, study its length and width on the Internet. Then "recreate" these dimensions on your floor, take a sleeping bag and try to fit into the resulting square. Managed? You can take! No? It may be worth buying a two- or three-person tent.


How many layers to choose?

Depending on the design, tents are divided into single-layer and double-layer.

In the first case, the tent is made of a waterproof awning and is a single canvas. It is easy to fold and install. But there is a significant drawback - condensate. In humid or hot weather, it inevitably forms on the inner walls. If you do not provide ventilation, you will wake up in a wet sleeping bag. Fortunately, scientists are actively working on solving this problem - they come up with various "breathable" and at the same time windproof fabrics. Tents with membrane awnings are already on the market, but they are quite expensive.

A two-layer tent consists of a waterproof tent (outer layer) and a light, breathable tent (inner layer). Between them, as a rule, there is a 10–15 cm gap. Such a tent is somewhat heavier, but condensate does not accumulate in it, while it is reliably protected from rain.

Another advantage of two-layer tents is the presence of a vestibule.

Tambour - additional space under the outer awning of the tent. Serves for storing things and dirty shoes.

Do you need windows in your tent?

In general, no. As a rule, you are in a tent at night - there is nothing to look through them. If we consider the window as an additional ventilation hole, then with two-layer structures this is not necessary, but in single-layer structures with the task of supplying fresh air The ajar zipper at the entrance does a great job.

The only exception is camping tents. In this case, a tent with windows looks like a house and creates more comfort.

What material to give preference?

Poly Taffeta 210T 3000 PU is not a magic spell, but seeing a similar inscription in the description of the tent, an inexperienced tourist may fall into a trance. What do all these numbers and letters mean?

In fact, everything is simple. In the manufacture of tents, two types of fabrics are used:

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

The first ones are quite durable and very affordable, but at the same time they are easily stretchable when wet and sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. The second ones are even more durable and at the same time do not tear when wet, but are more expensive. Thus, the first word in the tent label (Poly) means that it is made of polyester material.

Taffeta is the most common way to weave thread. In addition to it, there is also Oxford (creates additional strength and, as a rule, is used for the bottom of the tent) and Rip Stop (increases strength due to the reinforced thread, while not weighing down the weight).

The next element (210T) is the density of weaving. 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 the letter D. This indicates the thickness of the threads from which the material is made. This indicator also affects the strength and weight of the tent.

Finally, PU means that the fabric is impregnated with polyurethane, making it water resistant. There is also silicone impregnation (SI), it is better and more durable, but also more expensive.

The material is coated with polyurethane from the inside. At the same time, two layers of PU impregnation ensure water resistance of 3,000 mm of water column; three layers - 5,000 mm. The silicone coating is applied on the outside. Here, an acceptable level of water resistance is 2,000 mm.

So, which material should you choose? If you get out into nature infrequently and at the same time stick to well-trodden hiking trails, then a nylon tent with Taffeta or Rip Stop weave and a density of 190T to 210T is quite suitable for you. A good addition to this would be silicone water-repellent impregnation.

What should be the bottom of the tent?

Strong, strong and once again strong! The bottom of the tent is the hardest: 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 can withstand from 5,000 mm of water column.

Sometimes the bottom is also made of reinforced polyethylene (it is designated PE, tarpauling). This material is practically waterproof, quite affordable, but much heavier than polyester and nylon.

In addition, many tents have a so-called skirt, which prevents wind from blowing in and precipitation from getting between the inner and outer awning.

The skirt is an additional strip of fabric around the perimeter of the tent. Can be attached 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, only condensation will accumulate.

What design to choose?

There are three main forms of tourist tents:

1. Hemisphere

It consists of two or more arcs crossed with each other, thereby creating a dome. This is a versatile and very popular form. Tents in the shape of a hemisphere can be used even in extreme hikes: they can withstand strong winds, water easily rolls off them.


2. Half rib

As a rule, a large and roomy tent (often with a vestibule). The arcs of such a tent are parallel to each other and do not intersect with each other. It is not particularly resistant and will not withstand any bad weather. This design is often found in camping tents.


3. House

Gable tents in the form of a house are considered classics. Rain and snow roll off them easily, but the wind resistance of the design leaves much to be desired. Besides, this species tents are considered the most troublesome in terms of installation.


In addition, solo tourists quite often prefer single frameless tents. They are light and compact, in fact it is just an awning attached to trees with ropes or held on several racks (usually sticks).


Now you know enough about tents to make a purchase. But do not rush to run to the mall or open an online store website. There are a few tricks to help you save money.

  • Old models of well-known brands are no worse than their new models, but much cheaper.
  • Do not be afraid to buy tents from little-known companies, the main thing is that the specification is true.
  • Read reviews, consult with friends, if possible, test this or that tent in action before buying (for example, borrow from a friend).

Having bought a tent, do not rush to immediately go to the forest. To get started, assemble it at home to understand how it works, and on a hike, assemble and disassemble it quickly and easily. After that, go over the seams with a water-repellent spray to be sure to protect against moisture. And in order for the tent to serve you for a long time, upon returning from a hike, do not forget to dry it thoroughly.

Traveling with a backpack on your back is becoming more and more popular these days. While some bask in hotels, relaxing on an all-inclusive basis, others choose a more difficult path.

Hiking or equestrian, on the plains or mountains, cycling or auto route - everyone chooses according to their abilities. But all of them are united by special requirements for equipment. How to choose a tent so that you can comfortably camp in the parking lot? This is one of the main questions.

Your route

You can choose a universal tent model, but ideally it should match natural conditions the area you are going to travel.

As a rule, professional tourists have well-formed requirements for their portable home, unlike amateurs who plan to get to the shore of the nearest lake.

Since choosing a tent that will suit absolutely everyone will not work, you will have to make reasonable compromises. Today there are tourist "havens" for a variety of types of travel, climatic zones and seasons.

That's not all, they differ depending on whether you have a mobile or stationary vacation. Having thought over the route well, taking an interest in the weather conditions of this area, you will easily understand how to choose a tent.

tourist tents

This category includes equipment for a wide variety of sports. tourist holiday. For lovers active rest it often becomes a second home. Such tents are used by lovers of rafting on fast rivers and a multi-day trip across the plains, fishermen, hunters and many others. Below we will separately consider tents for climbers.

Since it is not easy to choose a tourist tent, there are universal models for beginners. They feature a streamlined shape, upturned edges, special welded seams and rubberized fabric. These characteristics provide good resistance to wind and moisture, prevent the accumulation of water and snow on the roof, allow you to quickly leave the tent in extreme situation. Special fasteners-pockets make it possible even in bad weather to quickly put and disassemble it.

They are called universal, since choosing a tent for family vacation, which provides comfortable accommodation for 4-5 people and at the same time has the characteristics of a professional one, is the ultimate dream of many tourists. A large amount of usable space is the main distinguishing feature of these models. Professional tents are mostly designed for one, maximum two people.

Long hiking or mountain trips are completely special world, only for true connoisseurs. You only have what is in your backpack, and if the tent is blown off by the wind or flooded with rain, then you are left practically without a roof over your head. At the same time, weight is extremely important, it should be no more than 1.2 kg (for a single tent). The structure itself must be rigid to protect from the wind. Next, we will consider how to choose a tourist tent, in terms of all the main characteristics.

Extreme tents

The more severe the conditions in which your trip will take place, the more requirements are put forward for equipment. First of all, you need to think about which tent to choose, for those who are going to conquer the peaks. High altitude, strong winds, frosts and snowfalls - in such conditions, your life may depend on the correct choice.

All high-altitude tents are usually divided into 2 types. Expeditionary ones are used for a special, so-called "Himalayan" style of ascent. On difficult and dangerous routes, tents are set up in the form of base and intermediate stationary camps throughout the ascent. They are quite heavy, as they have a rigid frame, a durable outer awning and a so-called "skirt" that will protect against blowing. Withstanding the onslaught of snow and strong winds, such structures can save people's lives when it is impossible to return to the base camp in bad weather.

The second option is more suitable for those who are going to conquer the mountains alone and are thinking about how to choose the right tent. Its advantages are small size and light weight. The strength of the assault tent is achieved through the use of high-tech materials.

Tents for the middle mountains

This is a large category that amateurs can find what they need mountain tourism, mountaineering and caravanning. These tents combine solidity and comfort, as well as relative mobility. Having the qualities of both expeditionary and assault models, they allow you to survive any vicissitudes of the route. Experienced tourists know how often mountainous areas the weather is changing. It can rain or snow several times in one day and warm the sun. In such conditions, it is important to keep the place to sleep dry. Before you buy a tent, you need to determine the maximum weight that you can afford. For hiking this figure does not exceed 2 kg.

camping tents

Until now, we have been talking about relaxing with a backpack on your back, but now we are moving on to a more convenient and comfortable option. Camping sites are specially prepared places, usually at large recreation centers, where it is allowed to put up tents. When you arrive at a place by private car or bus, you put cozy house and enjoy nature.

We will give basic guidelines on how to choose a camping tent. First of all, start from how many people will rest in it. Today on the market there are models for family holidays and corporate parties. They are much more comfortable compared to tourist ones, since we are not talking about saving space in a backpack and surviving in difficult conditions.

A camping tent is a complex structure of several rooms and a vestibule, each of which is closed with mosquito nets and cloth dampers. The Family Camping option is a whole house where you can move around at full height. Additional awnings are attached to it, protecting from rain, wind and the scorching sun. For those who are thinking about how to choose a tent for a large family with children, there is no better option. Its weight can exceed 15 kg, so it is not suitable for hiking.

Cabin is the second camping tent option. It is smaller in size, there is a division into several rooms and additional awnings. Finally, the Family Dome is the smallest tent in its class. A single space inside is designed for four people. Installing it is much easier and faster than previously described.

Tourist house shape

When you have decided on the specifics of your future vacation and have chosen one of the presented classes, you can proceed to a more detailed examination of the models. The quality of your rest will directly depend on their shape and size. The high height of the tent, as already mentioned, drastically reduces wind resistance, so for regions with increased storm danger, only the lowest models should be chosen. But in the forest zone, you can set the highest.

Speaking about how to choose a tent for a hike, we must not forget that they are single-layer and double-layer. If you are coming for a weekend getaway, all you need is protection from the sun, rain and insects. Then you can take a light single-layer model. Its disadvantage is the accumulation of condensate and poor ventilation. Two-layer models consist of a top tent and an inner tent made of breathable fabric. They are suitable for longer and more comfortable stays.

For reference: an assault tent for hiking in the mountains also has mesh windows to better remove condensation, otherwise you risk waking up surrounded by icicles. Such a model, despite its lightness and strength, is not suitable for relaxing on the plain.

Gable, or tent tents are usually single-layer models designed for 3-4 people. They are ideal for a beach holiday. You don’t have to think too much about how to choose a tent for relaxing on the sea - in the midst of the July heat, any model will do. They are fastened on stretch marks, they can have an additional awning to protect against rain. The canopy rises, creating an additional canopy under which you can safely sunbathe. Such tents are also used in simple hikes or as additional shelter at the base camp. In most respects, they lag behind everyone else.

Tunnel tents or "half-barrels" are spacious and fairly reliable structures. They consist of arcs that are installed parallel to each other. There may be 2, 3 or more. The design can also use a transverse arc, which makes it heavier, but prevents the awning from sagging. It does not withstand strong winds.

All kinds of "hemispheres" are the most reliable tents that can withstand enormous loads. They easily pass tests in a wind tunnel. The small living space can accommodate no more than two people. Since it is impossible to choose a tent for tourism without sacrificing comfort, the best option would be to stop at the "hemisphere".

For summer holiday on simple routes there are options mounted on one arc. More reliable ones consist of two crossed axles. Professional "winter" tents can be mounted on a frame of 6 or more arches. This makes it possible to install them on any surface without the use of stretch marks and at the same time provide good wind resistance. They can be moved without dismantling, if new camp located nearby.

Base of the tent - frame

This is the basis, the backbone, on which the service life of the entire structure depends. The main characteristics are lightness and strength. Today there are quite a lot of materials from which arcs are made. Plastic is often used. It is good for beach tents and models used for infrequent family outdoor activities. In high mountain conditions, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, plastic quickly decomposes, the tent will not last even two seasons.

Aluminum is much more durable but weighs more. Today there is already an alternative material - fiberglass, which is superior in strength to a metal frame and saves space in a backpack. CFRP and Kevlar have good performance in terms of service life, but are still too expensive today.

Material

If the selected model is single-layer, then it must be waterproof, but at the same time let air through so that condensation does not form. The old tents used tarpaulin, which performed both functions equally poorly. Today, polyamide (nylon, kapron) is used. Such a material is very light and durable, but is destroyed by ultraviolet radiation, and also stretches and deforms when moisture enters. These tents are usually quite cheap.

Polyester fabrics (polyester, lavsan) are much more durable and resistant to sunlight, so designs with such an awning are more expensive. To measure the water resistance of a fabric, there is a special indicator, it can be from 600 to 10,000 mm.

If it reaches 1000 mm, then the fabric has water repellency. The main thing in a tent is a dry floor, pay attention Special attention what fabric it is made from. An indicator of 4000 mm indicates optimal water resistance. The higher these numbers, the heavier the tent, so it's best to stick to the middle ground.

Special attention to seams

It is in these places that water begins to drip in the first place. Today, two seam processing technologies are used: gluing or boiling. When choosing a tent, be sure to tell the consultant what the specifics of your trips are. Price is not always an objective indicator.

A super-expensive high-altitude tent can even go unsealed because it is used above the rain zone. But on a hiking tent at the foot of the mountains, where it can rain several times a day, the seams should be as reliable as possible. To do this, they are made with lavsan threads and boiled with a waterproof tape. Today, there are sprays and aerosols that further increase the moisture resistance and reliability of the fabric.

Installation options

The first option: the frame is installed outside the awning and attached to it through special pockets. The inside of the tent is attached to the awning. The only negative is that even in dry weather you will not be able to install the structure without an awning and save time on this. The second option: the inner tent is suspended from the frame, on which the awning is attached. If you need reliable protection from wind and frequent rains, then choose the first option.

Rest near the water

The last topic left to cover is how to choose a fishing tent. It's so wonderful to do what you love, without denying yourself basic amenities! The first guidelines are the dimensions of the tent. The most popular are quadruple ones, they are well suited for the whole company, but if fishing is a purely individual matter for you, then choose a single one, besides, it can even be installed on board the boat.

The second thing that is required is good protection from rain and wind. If you go fishing by car rather than walking, then you can take a heavier and more impressive tent with a water column height of at least 4000 mm and an aluminum frame. There is another significant drawback of gatherings by the reservoir - a huge number of blood-sucking insects. Make sure you have a reliable mosquito net covering the canopy and windows of the tent.

Any consultant in the store will tell you how to choose a tourist tent, and only an experienced fisherman can tell you the features of gatherings with a fishing rod. If we talk about winter fishing, the problem of protection from icy wind and snow comes first. The second point is the speed of installation and dismantling. The simplest "hemisphere" can be assembled in a minute, and disassembled in 5, or simply transferred to a new hole.

This is true if you plan to fish, moving from place to place. By the way, it is for winter fishing that experienced anglers recommend buying 4- local tents. Their six-beam designs are the most wind resistant. Inside the tent, you can install a folding chair and even boil tea on dry fuel. Fishing made easy fabulous entertainment, an island of almost home comfort.

Many do not pay any attention to colors, considering it absolutely insignificant. Nevertheless winter fishing carries a certain risk. Left on a breakaway ice floe, you will have more chances be noticed if you have a bright red or blue tent.

Summing up

As you can see, the question of how to choose a tent is very multifaceted. The answer depends on the characteristics of the region in which it will be used, the preferred time of the year, the specifics of hiking, the number of participants, the length of stay in it, as well as the method of transportation: backpack, bicycle, car. For each tourist today, you can choose exactly the tent that will be most suitable for his needs, so that the trip is filled with only positive moments.

I would like to continue the topic of choosing the right shelter for a novice tourist. Therefore, today I will tell you in more detail what tents are. I will classify according to purpose.

For me, please, a light, durable, multifunctional, comfortable, wind-resistant, waterproof, fire-resistant, roomy tourist tent ... oh yes, and so that it was inexpensive!

Smiled? It is well known that a universal tent for all occasions (like many other things) does not exist. Each person has his own, special requirements and no one has yet been able to combine them all in one universal product. Such attempts inevitably lead to some kind of "revolutionary" equipment, the universal properties of which are hung with colorful spaghetti by skillful marketers on the ears of a gullible buyer.

Immediately you need to learn that for hiking different levels complexity and appropriate weather conditions, types of tourist tents for the intended use have long been invented. So, for extreme trips, assault or expedition tents are used, for more “light” ones, trekking, camping, etc. It is also obvious that from summer tent little use in winter.

And so, let's try to understand all this. Consider the pros and cons of each type.

Assault tents (extreme, difficult hikes, alpine climbing)

Assault tents belong to the group of extreme equipment. Their main feature is durability and ease of installation. Application conditions - difficult long ascents in the highlands. These tents are designed for the toughest hikes, so every detail must be done with the highest quality. The emphasis is mainly on the strength of the frame and awning, as a result - we have an average weight. The arcs are made of the strongest and lightest materials, the material of the awning is dense, most often with refractory impregnation. A mandatory attribute is the presence of snow skirts. Attention is also paid to wind resistance, since at significant heights (more than 4 thousand meters above sea level) the wind speed sometimes reaches 30 m/s, and this is a significant indicator, given that a person cannot move with such a wind.

Pros: reliability; frame stability; excellent wind protection; ease of installation.

Cons: high cost; these tents are designed to overcome difficult weather conditions at the expense of comfort.

There are also assault ultralight (ultralight) tents. They are distinguished from the above by their lower weight and smaller dimensions. Designed for "alpine" climbing style with low route duration. They have many stretch marks for maximum stability. They, like assault ones, are very durable, but low weight is achieved due to their small size. It is simply inconvenient to live in such a tent, and long stay causes psychological discomfort. In a word, in the foreground - the conquest of the summit.

The advantages of "ultralight" are obvious, but the disadvantages include small size and high cost.

Conclusion: if you are an inexperienced tourist and do not plan the most difficult ascents, the acquisition of an "assault" type tent is unjustified. Equipment of this class for the "pros".

Expedition tents (multi-day hikes, expeditions, Himalayan climbing)

Expedition tents are something like assault tents, but designed for less extreme conditions of use. The boundaries of this type are rather vague, some identify them with assault ones, since there are no fundamental differences between them and both types can be considered an extreme tent. But if we single them out as a separate group, then there is reason to believe that such tents are intended for the so-called "Himalayan" climbing style (when several base camps are created along the route). Many models no longer have snow skirts, but the frame is still strong and stable. In the manufacture of an awning, simpler materials are used compared to assault tents.

Pros: quality of materials; usually have a slightly larger volume than conventional assault tents, respectively - they are more comfortable; with such a comparison, the weight can also be lower.

Cons: in comparison with trekking, the weight is greater due to the large number of braces, dense materials; they assemble longer - they have a lot of fasteners (which can be considered a plus).

Conclusion: An excellent choice for mid-level hikes (forest overnight stays in the middle lane, "light" ascents). Also well suited for lovers of long expeditions with a large number of overnight stays.

Trekking tents (easy hikes, forest overnight stays, trekking)

Trekking tents make up the most versatile group, often they become the choice of a novice tourist. They look like expeditionary ones, but a little simpler, they are not designed for serious bad weather and operation in difficult trips. This type, so to speak, is the golden mean in the world of tents. It can be used both for forest overnight stays and for simple hikes in mountain ranges. Qualitative characteristics are at an average level - the awnings of trekking tents are quite durable and cope well with moisture. The weight is also slightly lower than in extreme models (not always).

Pros: versatility; light weight; low cost.

Cons: can be distinguished only in comparative characteristics with expeditionary and assault tents.

Conclusion: depending on the level of difficulty of your hikes, it can become the best choice, since if the conditions of use do not provide for long routes with complex climatic conditions, a trekking tent will be enough for you.

Tents for cycling (overnight stays with a bike in a tent, long bike rides)

The main feature inherent in bicycle tents is the increased volume or the presence of an additional vestibule for placing a bicycle inside. Since cycling essentially cannot be combined with extreme mountain climbing in difficult weather conditions, then bike tents are most often designed on the basis of trekking models - their characteristics are quite enough to obtain the desired result. A typical tent for cycling is a two-layer awning with a half-barrel or other type of frame. The elongated interior space allows you to place the bike, if not standing, then at least lying down. For cycling tours, ordinary 2-3 local tents with two vestibules are sometimes used. In this case, the internal area of ​​​​the tent is calculated in such a way that bicycles can be placed in one vestibule and partially in the tent itself.

pros: very roomy; relatively light, like track tents.

Cons : perhaps not if they are chosen for cycling trips.

Conclusion: A special bike tent is worth buying only if you are planning only cycling trips. If the trips are mixed, it is better to give preference to a more versatile option - a larger trekking tent.

Tents for the base camp (long stay, Himalayan ascents)

Tents base camp very comfortable. They are used in the Himalayan style of climbing as camps along the route, while for the very conquest of the peak they use light assault tent. The main requirement for such a dwelling is big square internal space and the height of the structure, weight does not matter much. It should easily accommodate groceries, backpacks and other equipment. Basic tents are designed to stay in one place for a long time, so they must first of all be comfortable, windproof and sufficiently waterproof.

pros: comfortable; comfortable; have good capacity.

Cons: a lot of weight.

Conclusion: base tents are used only for setting up camps along the route. The purpose of their installation is to provide temporary comfort to the tourist between difficult summits.

Camping tents (car tourism, camping, comfortable overnight stays)

Camping tents are the most comfortable dwellings of all the listed options. They are as spacious as possible, as high as possible and as comfortable as possible. Naturally, camping enthusiasts do not worry about the weight of the tent, because all the equipment is delivered to the parking lot by some kind of vehicle. Traveling by car with a tent is suitable for people who are alien to extreme sports, who do not want to carry all things on their backs.

Pros: high height, lots of space inside.

Cons: heavy (which is not a minus if you have a vehicle); poor warming due to large volume.

Conclusion: camping tents are the choice of the most fastidious tourists, for whom spending the night in one place is enough to have fun, but with a high level of comfort.

Beach tents (overnight stays in summer, in dry weather)

Beach tents are the cheapest and easiest shelters. They are usually a single-chamber construction of materials that leave much to be desired. Weakly save from bad weather, but will serve as an excellent shelter from the sun.

pros: light, thin awning is well breathable; the lowest cost.

Cons: useless in the rain, have poor quality materials.

Conclusion: Beach tents are good as a shelter from the summer heat.

I hope I managed to lift the veil to the world of tourist tents. I think, by comparing the information received on the site, a novice tourist will be able to make a choice.