What are tents. Let's distribute the tents according to the design features. Special attention to seams

First of all, decide on type tents. For hiking light trekking models are perfect. A high level of comfort is provided by spacious camping tents. Conquerors of the mountains should take a closer look at the storm category.
When determining the optimal capacity it is important to take into account the length of stay in nature. If the trip lasts for several days, then part of the space will be occupied by things and a table. Therefore, it is better to take a tent that can accommodate more people than expected.
An important selection criterion is seasonality. Summer models are made from the thinnest materials. Spring-autumn designs are made from denser fabrics. Winter tents have maximum strength and high thermal insulation qualities.
Pay attention to such a parameter as water resistance. It is expressed in millimeters of water column (mm water column). In summer, an awning with an indicator of 1500 mm of water will cope with short-term rain. Art., and for recreation from spring to late autumn, it is better to choose more waterproof tent models (3000-4000 mm). It is also worth finding out if the tent has an airtight bottom.
Modern tents are equipped with many useful options. It is convenient to use the inner pockets, a comfortable microclimate is provided by the ventilation system, and mosquito nets will help protect vacationers from annoying insects.

Before buying a tent, you need to understand what you are buying and for what purposes. The choice of tents on the modern market is very large, so you can’t do without a preliminary educational program. In this article, we will review the existing types of tents according to different criteria.

By appointment

The most important thing to decide on initially is the purpose of the tent, i.e. the conditions under which it will be used. There are the following tent types by use:

Trekking (flat). Simple small tents designed for light hiking and overnight stays along hiking trails, in the forest and on the plains. Not very resistant to heavy rain and wind.
Expeditionary. They look like flat ones, but with increased wind and moisture resistance. They are quite versatile in their class: they are suitable for both flat travel and mountain hikes of low complexity.
Assault (alpine). Such tents can be used in any conditions, but most often they are taken on difficult mountain trips. A good assault tent will withstand any weather conditions. Assault tents are light, moderately roomy, and quickly assembled. The price sometimes bites.
camping. These are tents for lovers of auto tourism or multi-day stops in one place (at least 3-4 days). Due to their spaciousness, they are often taken for family vacation Outdoors. As a rule, camping tents are very comfortable: with high ceilings, large vestibules, many windows and good ventilation. But there are some obvious downsides: high price, high weight and low heating (due to the large volume).
Special. Here we have included specialized tents with non-standard conditions or design requirements: fishing and military tents, tents for winter hiking, for children, etc.

By shape

In general terms, the design of the tent is a frame with an awning stretched over it. But there are nuances, for example, the shape of the tent. Form is important not only from a decorative point of view, but also from a purely practical point of view. Types of tourist tents in shape:

By number of layers

double layer tent. This type is in the first place due to its high prevalence and comfort. The first layer (outer) is an awning. The awning must be durable and waterproof, it is a protective shell that covers the inside. The second layer is the inner tent, 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 with moisture, which settles on the awning and flows down, bypassing the inner tent. Often there are ventilation windows in the tent.
single layer tent. This kind of camping tent features advantage in weight, compactness and easy installation. But there is also a big drawback - the issue of ventilation. It's hard enough to make a single layer waterproof and breathable at the same time. Cheap single-layer tents usually have poor ventilation, the next morning you can easily wake up in a damp sleeping bag. Modern manufacturers are constantly looking for new solutions to this problem - a well-thought-out ventilation system or a special membrane fabric. The question of wind blowability immediately arises, as well. the better the fabric "breathes", the more it is blown. In general, good single-layer tents are quite expensive and are used mostly in extreme hiking.

By season of use

Summer tents. Used in summer in good climatic conditions. The design of the tent for summer operation does not provide for its use in stormy winds and thunderstorms. The main advantages are good ventilation, compactness and low price.
Three season tents. They provide excellent protection even in rainy and dank weather. Designed for spring, summer and autumn.
All season tents. This type of tent is designed for any weather, including cold and storm. Can be used all year round. The main differences are high water resistance, wind resistance, the presence of a snow skirt.

How to choose the right camping tent? The question of choosing a tent for hiking, trekking or climbing was preoccupied by every tourist, both novice and experienced. In this article you will find almost all the selection criteria that you need to pay attention to when buying. After reading this article, you will arm yourself with a wealth of knowledge about tourist tents. We hope that even experts will be interested!

Passion for hiking is not only a desire to see and learn new beautiful places, to be in nature, outside the cities, but also a certain challenge to the usual way of life. The traveler somehow goes beyond the usual limits of comfort. Cooking in the forest or mountains, the vagaries of the weather, the physical difficulties of overcoming obstacles make it completely different, to re-evaluate the meaning of the very concept of "comfort". Comfortable hiking shoes, well-fitting, dry, warm and, of course, a reliable tent - these are the main “whales” that keep the feeling of comfort on a hike. Today we will talk about tents.

Of course, there are a great many types of tents - trade, military, and even entire pavilion tents of enormous size. Here we will consider tourist tents. By camping tent we mean a mobile shelter that can protect the traveler from the vicissitudes of the weather - rain, wind, insects and small animals, cold (within limits, of course). Tourist tent should have a reliable design, be simple and easy to install and fold, take up little volume when folded, and when unfolded, provide normal conditions for rest and sleep.

Twenty years ago and before, there was not much choice in the post-Soviet tourist space - most used the same type of serial structures, bulky and heavy, or they had to make tents on their own. There were few foreign models and products of a few local manufacturers, and they were inaccessible to many. Gradually the market filled up big amount a wide variety of models - for every taste and budget. Understanding this diversity can be difficult not only for a novice tourist, but also for more experienced travelers.

WHERE TO BUY A HIKING TENT?

If this is your first time buying a tent, and you are not an experienced marketer, it is best to make your first purchase at a large equipment center. Here you can choose from a variety of models, see, touch and even install / fold your favorite model. In such stores, as a rule, real experts in the travel industry work, so they sell the most suitable, functional models, and do not order everything in a row, like large online stores of "everything in the world." Here you can really help with advice when choosing. Sellers usually use the equipment themselves, and are not theoretical consultants. The main thing is not to fall completely under the influence of the seller.

HOW TO BUY IN THE EQUIPMENT CENTER?

Remember, there are very few real “pumped level 1000 sales masters” who are able to delve specifically into your request and sell what you need. In most cases, even an experienced climber, who is also a sales assistant, will sell you equipment “for himself”. This can lead to the fact that you will fall under the "magical influence of a specialist" and acquire something that you do not quite need. To avoid this, go shopping as prepared as possible, draw up the criteria for your choice, even write them down. Save photos of models you like on the Internet on your smartphone. You know that in the photo on the Internet, everything may not look like in reality. Forming your desires before buying, avoid a large number advisers, especially those with poor qualifications - you run the risk of completely getting confused. If possible, choose a couple of really smart people whose opinion you trust, describe your task to them as constructively as possible. They will ask you the right questions. After that, go to the store. The chosen tent must be laid out, ask permission to climb inside - lie down on the mat, sit. If you are going to become an avid tourist, remember - this is your future home in the most different places and conditions and you must be sure of it.

Now let's look at what you definitely need to know about tents.

The main criteria for choosing a tent:

TENT DESIGNS

Nowadays, most tents, even budget series, are made from modern, completely reliable materials. Now almost ALL tents are completely waterproof and have seams glued with a special heat-shrink tape. The material in many cases has ceased to be the No. 1 criterion in the selection. The only exceptions are the cheapest models, the so-called "tents from the supermarket" - they should be avoided. The first thing you will need to decide when choosing - what design of the tent do you need?

Most modern tents are stretched on a frame. So, by default, your tent will have a frame. But there are tents without their frame. They are stretched with trekking poles (it's good that you have them) or improvised means. In what cases should you pay attention to such structures?

FRAMED TENTS

You are a light-moving minimalist and save every gram, ready to give up the convenience of an overnight stay in favor of weight and compactness. You will rarely need a tent on a hike, or it may not come in handy at all, you take it “just in case”. Perhaps just a tarpaulin or bivouac bag will work for you. The type of tourist activity inexorably requires you to have a light and as compact as possible backpack - ski tours, complex via ferats, adventure races, etc.

Choosing a similar design, you should keep in mind the pros and cons.

Advantages of a frameless tent:

Minimum packing volume and weight.
Relatively low cost (not always, there are very expensive models).
The ability to more fully use your equipment (trekking poles, skis).

Cons of a frameless tent:

Often less easy to install compared to self-supporting structures.
Usually the worst habitability and wind resistance.
Now on the market are frame tents weighing less than a kilogram. They are expensive, but maybe worth a closer look?

Frame structures of tents

Most modern frame structures on the market have a self-supporting frame. In other words, these are free-standing tents; in calm weather, they practically do not need stretching. However, in many models, you still need to stretch their individual parts to give the correct shape and maximum internal volume. The use of a free-standing tent is also possible on camping decks, asphalt and concrete sites, soft sand - where it is problematic to fix stretch marks. Also, tensile structures are very common, the installation of which is possible only with the help of stretch marks.

frame material

GRP, FIBERGLASS

It is used for tents of the lower price range. The worst option is black, matte, opaque fiberglass. If possible, choose a frame made of reinforced plastic - it is more reliable and durable. A plastic frame is suitable where weight, extreme wind resistance and use at sub-zero temperatures are not critical. If you don't want to spend a lot of money on gear, hiking infrequently and during the warmer months is your option.

ALUMINUM

The most balanced frame material. It should be noted that simpler grades of aluminum are used on budget structures than on more expensive ones. They are somewhat heavier and have less strength and elasticity. On more expensive models, more functional grades of aluminum and aluminum alloys are used. Top models can be equipped with frames made of scandium and even CARBON. Also, some well-known and expensive manufacturers order frames from specialized developers for maximum reliability and giving their products a touch of “elitism”. The most famous manufacturer of tent frames is DAC. You should know that this famous creator of the most durable frames has both simpler and more expensive lines. Check this point with the seller.

INFLATABLE FRAME

So far, such tents are still so rare that it makes no sense to write about them.

OUTER OR INTERNAL FRAME?

INTERNAL FRAME

The most common solution. The frame is located between the inner and outer tents. The inner tent is hung on it, and the awning is simply stretched from above and fastened.

Advantages of a tent with an internal frame:

The length of the frame is less than with an external arrangement, which means that weight and dimensions are saved.
Installation is possible only with an inner tent, which is in demand in good weather.
If you have a special kit (usually purchased separately, but sometimes included in the kit), you can install only an outer tent without an inner one with a separate bottom, which at other times can be used as a FOOTPINT (protective bedding).
The outer surface of the tent is as smooth and streamlined as possible, snow and debris accumulate on it less.

Minuses tents with inner frame :

Possibly slightly worse wind resistance.
In case of breakage, the frame can tear the awning material.
When set up in the rain, the inner tent has time to get wet.
Installation in the wind is less convenient.

HUB FRAME

Recent invention. It is mainly used in models of the "ultralight" segment. The main feature is the presence of "hubs" - frame connections that allow optimizing its total length, volume, and hence weight. As a rule, it is used as an internal frame. The main advantages - low weight with a large internal volume of the tent. The main disadvantages are the worst wind resistance and high cost. Often the hub frame is an all-in-one design - all frame elements are interconnected by an elastic cable, forming, as it were, one complex arc. Such a frame is convenient to fold even for a beginner.

OUTER FRAME

It is located on top of the entire structure, the arcs are visible. The inner tent is attached to the outer one. There are two main options for attaching the awning to the outer frame. With the help of LAT-POCKETS. These are original sleeves made of mesh or fabric, where the frame is threaded, after which it is fixed with tips in special eyelets. On the one hand, this is the most wind-resistant design, distributing the load as evenly as possible, on the other hand, it is the most time-consuming to install. Sometimes the final setting (stretching) of the tips into the eyelets is associated with such efforts that some girls or teenagers are unable to complete it! So practice before you buy. The second option is with hooks or carabiners. Reminiscent of fastening the inner tent to the frame in models with an inner frame. Such a system has unsurpassed convenience and speed of installation! If you bothered to attach the inner tent to the outer tent in advance (or you single layer tent) - installation will take a few seconds. This can be especially appreciated in stormy conditions. At the same time, the carbines do not provide a phenomenal load distribution of the first option. Here you have to choose.

Advantages of a tent with an external frame:

Possibility to set up an inner tent together with an outer tent.
Possibility to install an outer tent without an inner tent and without a bottom, like an awning.
Good wind resistance, easier to put in the wind.
In the event of a frame breakage, the awning usually remains intact, making it easier to repair.
When setting up in the rain, the inner tent stays dry.

Minuses tents with outer frame:

You can not set up an inner tent without an awning!
The frame is relatively longer and heavier than in the first version.
Detains snow and debris (leaves, branches, serves as the basis for weaving a web, etc.)
Significant installation effort is possible.
Typically, such structures are equipped with floor straps connecting the attachment points of the ends of the arcs. Straps can get tangled and make installation difficult.
Installing from scratch, without an attached inner layer, is quite laborious.

CONCLUSION: for most tourists, the option with an internal frame is preferable, which is confirmed by sales volumes. Tents with an outer frame are more suitable for professional use - in the mountains, in cold climates, in bad weather conditions.

SINGLE OR DOUBLE LAYER TENT?

Most tents on the market are double layered. As a rule, this is an inner tent, equipped with a tub-like (going on the walls) waterproof bottom and a light, breathable top, part of which is made of lightweight mesh. In tents for use in warm and hot seasons, almost the entire top can be made of mesh, but for models for colder conditions, the amount of mesh is much less and it can be closed with a denser fabric with a zipper. The outer tent, as a rule, is a protective awning made of waterproof durable fabric with fixed guy wires. It is connected to the inner tent, usually through a frame using special fastexes or other fixing devices equipped with a tension mechanism. It allows you to stretch the awning as tight as possible, which is necessary during rain or wind. A double-layer tent forms an air gap between the inner and outer tent. This makes staying in it more comfortable in both hot and cold weather and to a greater extent prevents condensation in the living area, which is very important for keeping your things dry during the trip.

single layer tent it is either a very cheap and extremely simplified "supermarket" option, or a specialized design for certain tasks. Almost all single-layer tents, one way or another, have problems with condensation, even when using special breathable fabrics, so their use in most cases is limited winter period, mountains and other places with low air temperature where condensation is not so critical. Also, single-layer tents are colder in the cold, and hotter in the sun than their double-layer counterparts. In return, they offer the ultimate in low weight and volume, ease of installation and folding in extreme weather conditions, and minimal installed dimensions, allowing them to be placed on the smallest flat area. As you already understood, this option is not for everyone! It is also worth considering the often very high cost of such structures.

SHAPE OF THE TENT

dome tent

Dome structures are the most common. For decades, such tents have been faithfully serving tourists, climbers, hunters and fishermen. The simplest dome design is formed by a frame of two pillars crossed in the middle. This tent is easy to set up and lightweight. At the same time, it cannot boast of a spacious lobby (one or two). Often, to increase the functionality (internal volume, wind resistance), one or more frame arcs or special frame spacers are added to the structure. The more intersections the frame elements make with each other, the stronger the tent.

Half barrel tent

The second most common type of tent today. In popularity, it lags behind the dome by orders of magnitude. Appearance such a tent is clear from the name. The main drawback is that the tent is not free-standing (self-supporting), stretch marks are needed. Installation is usually more difficult, especially for beginners. The main advantage is excellent wind resistance (if installed correctly), good internal volume, low weight. This tent is rarely chosen by beginners, mainly by experienced campers who are able to take advantage of the advantages and compensate for the disadvantages.

tent marquee

A classic that looks like an Indian "teepee", "wigwam" or yurt. It is usually mounted on a center pillar, although there are other options. The option is very common in North America, we have little demand. Basically, in the post-Soviet space, a similar design is used for winter trips, usually skiing, since it is convenient for using ski equipment as a frame and installing a stove. Often there are options without a floor.

"HOUSE"

The once uncontested version of Soviet tourists. The structure is usually single layer. Now it is not widely used due to low habitability, dependence on stretch marks and installation difficulties. A rare guest on store shelves. In a new interpretation - a compact frameless tent mounted on track sticks, a frequent choice of "preppers", "bushcrafters" and beginner light walkers.

NUMBER OF INPUTS. VESTIBULAS (TAMBOURS), PLACEMENT OF THINGS IN THE TENT

Many are used to the fact that the tent should have one entrance (exit). It's nice when the entrance to the tent allows comfortable use in the rain. Practice shows that two inputs are much better than one. Therefore, if possible, choose a model with two inputs. If you do not intend to use the tent often on narrow areas, it is better to choose a model with side entrances (provided that you have a 2-3 person tent; if the tent is larger, then the entrance / exit at the heads / legs - a good option). What is the best way to organize storage space? Of course, it is better to keep little things and some clothes at hand in the tent itself, for which pockets will be useful to you in it and the “mezzanine” is especially pleasant - a shelf under the ceiling. Backpacks, shoes and bulky/dirty things are convenient to keep in the lobbies (lobby). In theory, the more of them (that is, two are better than one) and the larger their volume (for example, it’s good when a separate arc of the frame is “responsible” for the vestibule), the better. In practice, you are constantly balancing between the useful volume of the tent and vestibules and its weight / dimensions / cost. Think about what will be important to you and proceed from this in your choice. Where do you want to shift the focus - towards comfort or light weight?

Tent bottom material

Most tents have a fabric bottom. The bottom is constantly under heavy load - you lie on it, push, press with your elbows and knees. However, your tent is rarely located on an ideal surface. Therefore, it is good that the bottom is made of high-strength fabric. The modern trend of weight reduction makes many manufacturers more chasing the lightness of the product, and not its strength and resource. In some sense, it is beneficial for the manufacturer if your tent wears out faster and is replaced with a new one. If you are also looking for weight and buy an ultra-light tent, be especially careful when using it. I also advise you to use FUTPRINT (litter) on suspicious surfaces. The bottom material must not only be very durable, but also have increased water resistance. In the classical European measurement system, the minimum water resistance value for the bottom of the tent should be considered as 5000 mm. But remember that by pushing with your elbow, you create more pressure, and the tent may leak. An indicator of 10,000 mm of water column is considered absolutely reliable. At the same time, it is enough for an awning to have characteristics of 3-5000 mm. American manufacturers report significantly more modest figures. But, firstly, they are guaranteed for life for the fabric, and secondly, the system for assessing water resistance overseas is somewhat different from the European one.

On cheap tents, the floor can be made of structured polyethylene, which looks like an oilcloth bag from a supermarket. There is nothing terrible in such a field with infrequent use. It is heavier and somewhat more bulky, but it is perfectly repaired with mounting tape. This floor is suitable for not too demanding and budget tourists. I happened to live in a tent with a polyethylene floor and a fiberglass frame on Elbrus, at an altitude of 4200 meters, for several nights in fairly fresh weather, and the tent coped with this test perfectly. True, polyethylene can freeze well to ice.

Tent material processing

In nature, especially in the mountains, the tent is subjected not only to mechanical stress, but also to strong solar radiation. To resist ultraviolet radiation and better moisture protection, most tents have additional fabric processing. Best of all, silicone coating resists UV and moisture. For internal impregnation and impregnation of the bottom, a polyurethane coating of the fabric is often used. Different types coatings have their advantages and disadvantages, which we will not dwell on in the review article. Also, fire-retardant impregnation of the awning and inner tent will be useful. This will help avoid damage from sparks or careless handling of the fire inside.

FEATURES OF OPERATION

COOKING IN THE TENT

Be very attentive and careful! Avoid using burners inside the tent unless absolutely necessary. If this cannot be avoided, cook in the vestibule, after making sure that there is a lot of air entering there and that no part of the burner or utensils comes into contact with the material of the tent. Avoid cooking in a tent on integrated systems such as jetboil, reactor and the like - they are extremely dangerous. There are many known accidents associated with this.

PACKING YOUR TENT FOR YOUR TRIP

You don't always have to put your tent in a bag. You can separate the parts of the tent and carry them separately from each other. Wet tent can be placed on the backpack during the movement to dry. When packing a tent without a cover in a backpack, make sure that it will not be damaged by sharp objects.

TENT CARE

Modern tents are made of synthetic materials, they are very unpretentious and require a minimum of care. At the same time, they can serve you for a very long time. Nevertheless, the tent should at least be dried after the hike. When folding, avoid stereotypical (habitual) folds - in the same places. Repair the tent as soon as possible after damage occurs, using a suitable repair kit.

SEASONALITY OF USE

A very conditional feature. Extreme tents are often referred to as "all-weather" tents, and their use in the summer is often uncomfortable. At the same time, two-three-season tents are often successfully used in winter and in the mountains. However, some things should be understood. So, one of the main characteristics that determine the possibilities of use is wind resistance. A tent with a weak frame and large windage is hardly worth taking for difficult weather, it will not be able to withstand increased wind and snow loads. If you have a warm sleeping bag, you can use a tent with a lot of mesh inside in cold conditions, but it is important that it has enough strength and that the awning reaches the ground as low as possible. Contrary to the beliefs of some campers, a snow skirt is by no means a mandatory attribute of "winter" tents, although it can often be of great use in snow and in strong winds. However, many very well-known manufacturers sell "winter" tents without snow skirts. Experienced Tourists know that a good windbreak can often be more important than a skirt or a very strong tent.

You must understand that modern super-technological tents of the "ultralight" segment may not withstand serious loads and take this into account in your travels. You also need to know that even the most expensive, heavy and durable super-extreme tent can be torn and simply destroyed by a hurricane.

Hiking wisdom, knowledge and developed intuition are often more important than the newest and most expensive equipment. And in anticipation of the arrival of all these important qualities and gaining the necessary experience, try to use equipment strictly for its intended purpose, take into account the positioning of the manufacturer and always use common sense.

Good luck with your choice and happy travels!

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 - not a complete list of sources of "thrill" when spending the night in the open).

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 hiking, 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 hikes (difficult route, long transitions). Pros: very light and reliable, not afraid of strong winds, 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. An important point here is ventilation: the fabric is well blown, and the edge of the tent, 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, inexperienced tourist may go 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 to winter hike: It will provide extra warmth. For trekking summer tents the 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.

Publication date: 2014 . 09 . 28

How to choose a tent?

Before going to the store with the words - "give me a tent", and in response, having heard from the consultant "What?" to say only - "Good!", try to first decide for yourself what you want from her?

I believe that bad tents do not exist in principle! They just each serve different purposes. Even the tents that the Vietnamese sell for 300 rubles can be used, all of a sudden you know for sure that you go out into nature only once and moreover, rain is not expected, then your choice is just the same "Vietnamese".

But since you opened this article, then most likely you have other goals. So, before going to the store, ask yourself a couple of questions: how often will I use the tent? what time of year? in what locality? Am I going to carry it by car or carry it for many days in a backpack? well, do not forget about your personal preferences, what if you have claustrophobia and you definitely need as much volume as possible inside? By answering these simple questions, you will spend much less time and possibly money in the store, although you may have to spend more than you expected, but already on your travels you will understand that you did everything right!

What are tents and what are they used for?

If we divide them by Areas of use then tents are:

camping

Tents in which the most important thing is comfort, most often they are very large, sometimes combined with whole tents, and the tents themselves can be attributed to this category. Such self-contained houses are best suited for setting up a camp on long term, for example, on a trip to the sea, where you can stay in a special car camping. When choosing such a tent, first of all, see how comfortable you will be in it. Would you like to set up a table and chairs? - look at the size of the vestibule, do you like to undress and dress in full height? - look at the height of the tent. Of course, the quality of materials is also important, especially the frame, pay attention to how it is assembled. Since the dimensions of the structures are very impressive, assembly sometimes requires certain skills, but "quickly assembled" tents and tents have already appeared on the market in a decent amount, the frame of the awning and the inner part are combined in them and you just have to decompose the structure like an umbrella. What you definitely should not pay attention to is the packaged volume and weight.

Tourist

Perhaps the most versatile of tents. And the most popular in addition, they can be used both in camping and on multi-day hikes. Tourist shawls lose to camping shawls in terms of comfort, but decently gain in weight, and, consequently, in mobility. There are a lot of designs of such tents, I will talk about this in more detail below. In this category, you will need to think carefully about how often you will use it and in what conditions. So, for example, for winter, you need a windproof skirt, as well as a denser awning fabric. For summer and low altitudes, on the contrary, it is important to have a well-thought-out ventilation system. If it rains a lot in your area, look for a tent with the best water resistance, etc. and so on.

extreme

The most reliable and technologically advanced tents. At that moment, when you no longer have enough walks around the surroundings of your region and your legs carry you higher and higher to glaciers and dangerous rocks, extreme tents come to the rescue. They can be conditionally divided into two categories:

Expeditionary

They are used for hiking in the so-called "Himalayan" style of climbing, when base camps are organized along the route. In such camps, extreme expeditionary tents are set up. Requirements for them, first of all, crazy wind resistance and reliability. After all, after you have made the ascent, it is very important to return to that little corner of comfort that you had difficulty organizing earlier.

Assault

These are already tents for the "Light and fast" style of climbing, which is gaining momentum in our time, literally translating easily and quickly, such a tent should have a minimum weight, but at the same time the ability to withstand the most severe weather conditions highlands. With such a tent, you can storm the summit from the same base camp, or you can take it on a bike trip, for example, why not, but the cost of such tents will be, to put it mildly, not small!

The main types of structures

First, they can be divided intosingle layer And two-layer, in the first case, the design wins in weight and sometimes in ease of installation, but the main problem of such awnings is that on the inside, due to the temperature difference, condensate is bound to form. This problem is partially solved by using expensive membrane fabrics, plus clever ventilation systems are being thought out. Double-layer tents, although they are just as susceptible to condensation, but it does not touches neither with you nor with your sleeping bag, due to the second layer of light "breathable" fabric. Assembly of a two-layer tent can begin with outdoor layer (it is convenient to assemble and disassemble during rain, you can fold without disconnecting the inner one) or from the inner one (you can put up a tent without an awning).

Concerning frame type, I will divide them into the following groups:

gable

The same tents that can be seen on Soviet posters, the principle is simple - the top of the tent is like the roof of a barn, it is installed using two racks (t racking poles, for example) and stretch marks. In my opinion, an outdated design with a number of disadvantages, for example, in order to achieve good wind resistance, such a tent must be correctly oriented in relation to the direction of the wind. But there are also pluses, which include weight.

domed

Or a hemisphere - the most common design option. The popularity is due to the ease of installation, and the ability to install a tent without stretch marks, which allows you to put it even on a bare stone (in calm weather). The downside of the design can be called a smaller internal volume, but manufacturers have already learned to deal with this by adding small arcs from above or adding "Hub" elements.

Tunnel

Or semi-barrels are characterized by a large internal volume and often less weight, but such tents are most often installed using guy wires, which complicates the installation process a bit.

wigwam

Quite a rare type of design, but, nevertheless, it has its advantages. For example, this design has the lowest weight / floor area ratio.

Main characteristics

weight- everything is clear here. The only thing is that they write min values. and max. which show how much the tent weighs with a minimum set of items for installation and with a full set. If you need a tent for camping, you can not look at the weight, because you only have to wear it to the car.
water resistance- the characteristic indicates the height of the water column that the fabric can withstand. It's a little more complicated here: Firstly, not all manufacturers conscientiously indicate these figures; Secondly, with the same characteristics, different tissues manifest themselves differently. For example, a fabric with silicone impregnation and just a fabric of decent density have the same moisture resistance, but water, having got on a fabric with impregnation, will roll off it, and on a regular one it will accumulate and get wet over time. Water resistance indicate for the awning and for the bottom, and for the latter it should be higher. Approximately, we can say that for summer and very little precipitation, 1000 - 2000 mm is enough, for a more comfortable stay in nature 3000 - 5000 mm, as for extreme conditions, choose those above 6000 mm.
arch materials and fabrics. I will not dwell on them in detail. this topic is a separate large article. I will only say about arcs - there are two main types of fiberglass and aluminum, the first is cheaper, but more fragile and heavier. Aluminum (as well as fiberglass in other matters) can be of different quality, it all depends on the alloy, but this is again a topic for a separate article. Tent fabrics are also made from hundreds of types of materials, which you can learn more about by looking at the markings on the labels, for example,75D/190T RipStop PU. Where 75D is the thickness of the thread, 190T is the density of the thread in square meters. inch, RipStop - weave type, PU - polyurethane coating.

What else?

windproof skirts. Useful thing at strong winds and winter hikes.
pockets and shelves.It is very convenient when there are such little things inside, for example, if you put a lantern on a shelf in the upper part, you get a wonderful chandelier.
number of inputs.Two entrances not only allow you not to wake your neighbor when you need to go out, but also provide good ventilation .
vestibule.This is the space that remains under the awning, in which you can put a backpack, put shoes, and sometimes even drive a whole bike! A good vestibule also makes it possible to cook food on the stove without going outside.
much and much more:braceswith reflectors, rigidpegs, windowsfor admiring the stars, etc. and so on.

conclusions

Choosing a tent Firstly:

think about where and how you will use it:

Camping

Extreme

highlight the most important feature
decide on a budget
read some reviews

Now you imagine what you need, it remains only to come to the store and ask the consultant about the features of the models that you have chosen. Good luck with your choice and more travels!

Review of one of the first tents that I chose,