Tourist tent or camping tent? Which one to choose? Online store for summer cottages: sale of tourist tents, garden tools, garden swings, dry closets. How to choose a camping tent

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 hikes 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 outdoor recreation. As a rule, camping tents are very comfortable: with high ceilings, large vestibules, many windows and good ventilation. But there are several obvious disadvantages: high price, high weight and low warm-up (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

V 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. Kinds tourist tents in the form:

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. Main advantages - 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.

A mandatory attribute of any hike or just outdoor recreation is a tent. The question of choosing a tent is quite complex and is determined by many different factors. It will not be difficult to buy a tent, because, today, a huge number of options are presented on the market - tourist, expeditionary, camping and others. Each tent has certain parameters and features: size, weight, number of seats, entrances and vestibules, quality of fittings and seams, water resistance, impregnation quality and others. All this matters and affects the cost.

First you need to decide: for what purposes do you need a tent? The answers can be summarized in three main ones:

- Amateur tourism. You are planning mountain trekking for your pleasure, without conquering difficult peaks. Here, with a few reservations, we can include cycling and kayaking.

- Professional tourism. These are active travels, sometimes “on the verge of possibilities”, climbing above 3000 meters, mountaineering and records. Such hikes require the most thorough preparation, any mistake in choosing equipment can stand in the way of climbing or even lead to serious consequences.

- Camping or auto-travel. You are not going to move from place to place, the tent is set up permanently, for example, for a week. Or you are an auto-traveller and will periodically remove the tent from the trunk of the car.

If you have clearly formulated the purpose of your travels, it will not be difficult to determine the basic requirements for a tent.

Types of tourist tents:

It's no secret that tents are made for a variety of purposes. In this article, we will look at the types of tourist tents. But tourists are also different. There are many different types of tents. Consider the most common of them, which is used by many manufacturers. Which tent is best for you depends on what type of vacation you prefer.

By appointment distinguish tourist tents:

for the highlands;

for the middle mountains;

for the plain.

In each of the above three categories there is a conditional division into "upper", "middle" and "low" tents. This gradation depends on the materials used for arcs and awnings, technologies, impregnations and construction.

Alpine tents are divided into expeditionary and assault. High altitude tents are specially designed for extreme conditions: strong storm wind, high altitude, frost, etc.

Expeditionary - these are tents for, so to speak, the "Himalayan" style of climbing, when several base camps are created during the ascent. An expedition tent is designed to stand in one place for a long time, so it must be wind and moisture resistant, and its structure must be rigid enough to withstand the pressure of wind and snow.

Assault - tents for the "alpine" style, when the base camps are not broken, and the tent is carried with you throughout the ascent (which is why it should also be as light as possible). A good assault tent will withstand any weather conditions. Assault tents are light, moderately roomy, and quickly assembled.

Mid-mountain tents combine the qualities of expedition and assault tents: they are more comfortable, therefore, heavier than assault tents, although lighter than expedition tents.

Plains are simple small tents for light hikes and overnight stays along hiking trails, in the forest and on the plains. Not very resistant to heavy rain and wind. Most often, the company's catalogs indicate the recommended purpose of the tent (for example, for mountain tourism, mountaineering, caravanning).

Tents for the middle mountains and plains are divided into:

camping tents

If you like equipped campsites or you go out into nature by car for a sufficiently long time (or at least do not plan to move often from place to place), then you can safely buy a large camping tent.

camping- These are large, spacious, high tents (often equipped with vestibules and windows) for permanent installation. The main advantages are comfort (in such tents you can stand in full height) and capacity. Of the shortcomings - a lot of weight, poor warming. Camping means that the tent does not need to be moved, assembled and disassembled daily. Often, it, like the rest of the equipment, can be taken to the place of rest by car, therefore, the weight of the tent (more than 7 kg) is of no fundamental importance. Also, important role a large vestibule plays in the campsite, allowing, for example, on a rainy day to cook food in it on gas burner and don't get wet in the rain.

Universal tents

Such tents are quite comfortable, they are not subject to very strict requirements for wind resistance, however, other qualities common to all types (water resistance, the use of "breathable" fabrics, etc.) must be at the proper level.

Tents for hiking and mountain hiking

The specificity of these trips lies in the fact that you only have what you carry behind you. This is not easy, so neither the tent nor you need extra pounds. In addition, the trip can be accompanied by wind, rain or snow, therefore, the requirements for tents are quite strict: the weight per person should not exceed 1.2-1.3 kg for a 3-person tent and 1-1.1 kg for a 4-person tent. At the same time, the structure must be strong enough to withstand the weather. Well, if the tent has a "skirt" to protect against snow.

Tents for water trips

It is unlikely that anyone will go on such a trip in winter, which means that protection from snow in this case, most likely, will not come in handy. The weight of the tent will also not play a significant role, which means that it can be chosen more comfortably. Wind resistance will also not be a critical parameter, therefore, of the two classical forms- "hemispheres" and "half-barrels" - you can choose the latter due to the large usable volume and better habitability.

Special tents

This type of tent includes specialized tents with non-standard conditions or design requirements: fishing and military tents, tents for winter hiking, for children, and others.

When choosing a tent, it is advisable to study this qualification. So for simple hikes and trips with an overnight stay for fishing, most of the tents from the “tourist” category are suitable. In this case, you can reasonable money. However, it is important to remember that a good tent cannot be cheap (due to the use of quality materials), but it is not worth overpaying (if you are not going to use it to the maximum).

By design features, tents can be divided into two main groups:

Single layer

Double layer

Single layer tents are made mainly from waterproof synthetic materials. Their main advantages are lightness and compactness, and the main problem is the condensate that accumulates on the walls of the tent. There is a ventilation issue as it is quite difficult to make a single layer waterproof and breathable at the same time. Therefore, when choosing a single-layer tent, one should be guided, first of all, by the type and quality of the fabric (cheap single-layer tents usually have poor ventilation, you can easily wake up in a damp sleeping bag in the morning.). If the material is waterproof, but "not breathable", then a well-thought-out ventilation system is needed: mesh holes on all sides of the tent. Currently, the most widespread are numerous types of two-layer tents, as the most functional.

double layer tent, in fact, consists of two tents: an outer one (an awning, which must be durable and waterproof, since it is a protective shell covering the inside) and an inner one, 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.

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, dishes and dirty shoes.

The difference between tents by seasons of use

Summer tents. Used in summer in good climatic conditions. The design of the tent for summer operation is very simple, and does not provide for its use in stormy winds and thunderstorms. The main advantage is good ventilation, compactness, low weight and low price.

Three season tents. Provide reliable protection even in the rain and cold. Designed for spring, summer and autumn. The price is much more expensive than summer ones.

All season tents. Designed for any weather, including cold, storm, rain and heat. Can be used all year round. Main advantages: high water resistance, wind resistance, snow skirt. The price of such tents is correspondingly high.

Types of tents in shape

In general terms, the design of the tent is a frame with an awning stretched over it. But there are important nuances, for example, the shape of the tent. The form is important not only from a decorative, but also from a purely practical side. There are such types of tourist tents in shape:

hemisphere

This is the most popular and common form of tent, due to its versatility. Semi-spherical tents are well suited for both simple outings and difficult hikes, as they are easy to set up and stable. The basis of the frame is usually two intersecting arcs. This is a fairly wind-resistant, equal-strength construction. Plus it looks great.

Half-ribbon

The half-barrel has an elongated shape in the form of a half cylinder cut along. This type of tent belongs to the category of frame products, but the arcs in it are installed parallel to the width of the tent and in the direction of the wind. Tents in the shape of a half-barrel are considered one of the most comfortable, they can conveniently equip sleeping places, place the necessary things. If you set up such a tent correctly, it can become not only a place to spend the night for one night, but a whole house for quite a long period of time. The downside of the tent is reduced stability. It is better to set up such a tent with two people, since it is quite difficult to do it alone.

"Coffin"

A favorite form for single tourists. Good stability, compact and lightweight. Good stability, light and compact. This is quite a successful and cozy type of tents. A noticeable difference in the arrangement of the arcs: two of them are placed parallel to each other, then crossed at two points and fixed. It turns out an elongated tent, quite high and pretty.

marquee

A tent is a favorite form of expeditionists. This type of tent has been known since ancient times. Their great advantage is the lack of a frame and a large capacity. support element the only central post serves, from which the awning descends to the ground.

Gable tent ("house")

Nowadays, this type of tent is popular among lovers of forest hikes and water sportsmen. This classic style Soviet tents. Main advantages: compactness, light weight and low cost. But at the same time, there are tangible disadvantages: high requirements for the installation site, low wind resistance, installation complexity.

Other

The most common forms are described above, but there are others. Non-standard designs, most often, are in demand in extreme conditions, where special requirements are needed for wind resistance, landscape compatibility, and so on.

How to decide on the size of the tent?

Many, for sure, have heard: a single tent, double, triple and so on. In the first case, this means that one person (it is customary to think, an adult man) will comfortably accommodate (with things) in the tent; in the second - two; in the third - three and so on. But for a clearer understanding of the dimensions of the tent, before buying, you should study its length and width on the Internet. Then you can "recreate" these dimensions on your floor, take a sleeping bag and try to fit in the resulting square.

Tent capacity

When choosing a tent, one of the decisive factors is its capacity. As mentioned earlier, there are one-, two-, three- and four-person tents. There are also twelve local ones, but they are intended for special expeditions. It should be emphasized that the weight of the tent is directly proportional to its capacity. That is, a four-person tent will be heavier than two local ones made of the same material. Therefore, when choosing a tent for a hike, calculate the number of places in strict accordance with the number of people. No need to take a four-person tent for two, because every extra kilogram of equipment will be felt by your body.

! The number of places in the tent is calculated according to the width of the mats (tourist rugs). A 60-centimeter karemat is considered standard. But there are reduced 50-centimeter options. If two standard karemats are placed in a tent, then it is considered a double tent. If three reduced ones fit, then it will be marked as 2+1.

For light hikes, it is better to choose tents marked +1. On the rest of the place, you can comfortably fit a backpack on a rainy night, and in good weather you won’t have to crowd, but there will be a little more free space.

Do you need windows in your tent?

In general, we can safely say no. As a rule, you only sleep in a tent at night, therefore, you don’t have to look out the windows. If we consider the window as an additional air vent, then with two-layer structures this is not necessary, but in single-layer structures with the problem of supply fresh air The ajar zipper at the entrance does a great job.

Camping tents are an exception. In this case, a tent with windows looks like a house and creates more comfort.

Materials. Awnings for tents

When choosing a tent, you will come across many different types of fabrics - nylon, nylon, polyester, lavsan and others. Initially, it may seem that it is difficult to understand all this, but in reality it is not so.

For the manufacture of awning materials, fabrics based on polyamide or polyester fibers, sometimes blends such as cotton + polyamide.

Polyamide fabrics(nylon, capron).

pros: lightness, high strength, low hygroscopicity, abrasion resistance and low price.

Minuses: noticeable stretching when wet, low resistance to ultraviolet radiation (under the influence of ultraviolet lose up to 40% of strength per year).

polyester fabrics(polyester, lavsan).

pros: practically do not stretch when wet, are characterized by increased resistance to ultraviolet radiation, as well as higher strength than polyamide fibers.

Minuses: high price.

In the description of the tent, you can see an incomprehensible set of symbols, for example, Poly Taffeta 210T 3000 PU. How to understand what this means?

Word ( Poly) means it is made of polyester material.

Taffeta- This is the most common way of weaving a thread. It is a uniform densely woven fabric. Differs in the increased water resistance. Is there some more Oxford- a type of weaving in several threads. (increases the strength of the fabric with a slight decrease in water resistance and is often used for the bottom of the tent) and Rip Stop- a thicker and stronger thread is woven into the fabric at certain intervals. (increases strength due to the reinforced thread, while not adding weight; makes the fabric more resistant to tearing, but the reduced density of the fabric near thick threads can lead to leakage).

Next comes 210T is the weave density. 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 letter D. This is the thickness of the threads from which, in fact, the material is made. This indicator also affects the strength and weight of the tent.

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

Polyurethane covers materials with 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.

Summarize. If you rarely go out into the countryside and at the same time stick to well-worn 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 worthwhile addition to this would be silicone water-repellent impregnation.

Water resistance

When buying a tent, be sure to pay attention to its water resistance. For different conditions, it should be different. The higher the water resistance, the stronger and, as a result, the heavier the material and the tent itself.

In the characteristics of the tent you will see an indicator maximum height water column (600-10000 mm), in other words - water resistance. Usually it is indicated immediately after the name of the fabric of the tent. According to the standard DIN, fabrics with a water resistance of more than 2000 mm are considered waterproof. If the water resistance is more than 1000 mm, then the fabric has water-repellent properties. Optimum water resistance of the awning fabric is 2000-4000 mm. If it is less, there is a chance that the fabric will get wet in heavy rain, and if it is more, the tent will be too heavy. The bottom of the tent is usually characterized by a higher water resistance - at least 4000 mm.

Also, pay attention to the quality of the seams. They must be made with lavsan or nylon threads, be sure to be glued or double.

What should be the bottom of the tent?

The bottom of the tent, mainly, should be strong, as long as it is the bottom of the tent that 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 tent. 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 main indicator- waterproof. 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 practically does not get wet, is quite democratic in cost, but much heavier than polyester and nylon.

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

Skirt - this is an additional strip of fabric around the perimeter of the tent. It is sewn on 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 is the difference between expensive tents and cheap ones?

Expensive tents are made of lightweight durable materials. Usually they are lightweight and better protect against moisture.

Of course, you can buy a tent in a hypermarket without bothering, but here it is important to understand that the low price of goods is important for the market. And such tents, respectively, are less practical, hardy and comfortable than those of reputable manufacturers. So tents of proven companies will be equipped with reliable fittings, many pockets, convenient design of ventilation holes and zippers.

There are a few tricks that will help you save money when buying a tent.

Do not be afraid to buy tents from little-known companies, the main thing is that the specification is true.

Old models famous brands no worse than their new models, but their cost is significantly lower.

Before buying a tent, study user reviews about the selected model, consult with friends, if possible, test this or that tent in action before buying (for example, borrow from a friend).

After purchasing a tent, do not rush to immediately go camping. To get started, assemble it at home to understand how it works, so that you can quickly and easily assemble and disassemble it on a hike. After that, treat 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 in good faith.

How to take care of your tent

to prolong its service life

The tent is not very whimsical in operation. However, there are some simple rules for caring for her:

1. In order for the tent to last longer, it is advisable to treat it with impregnating substances at least once a year.

2. If the floor in the tent is made of polyethylene, try to set it up a little differently each time, avoiding rubbing along the fold lines.

3. After you brought the tent back from your trip, be sure to dry it well, even if it has not been set up.
4. Do not leave fiberglass or plastic poles in direct sunlight.

5. Do not store your tent in a compression bag or in direct sunlight. The compression bag is only for ease of transport.
6. When choosing a tent, pay attention not only to its cost. Not only the amount of money spent, but your health and even life may depend on this choice.

7. You can't ignore the rules fire safety(this applies to fires, cigarettes). The tent burns down in 3-4 seconds, leaving behind only arcs and a floor.

Necessary little things

Stretch marks . Practically on any tent there are stretch marks, when installed, the awning stretches well and does not come into contact with the inside of the tent. This protects against condensation, and in windy weather additionally strengthens the structure of the tent. As a rule, guy wires are installed with the help of pegs, but if there is not enough space, the guy line can be fixed to a tree or a bush. The standard number of stretches is 4-6, but in tents for serious climbing it can reach 20.

Coating. An added advantage is a water-repellent fabric coating (denoted WR). It should be said that the coating can be purchased separately and handle the tent yourself.

Impregnation . It is made of polyurethane (PU) or silicone (SI) and increases the water resistance of the fabric. Some brands offer for those who like to play it safe and refractory impregnation, which prevents the tent from igniting, although it does not insure against the appearance of small burns in places direct impact fire.

Ventilation . Paying close attention to protection from the rain, do not forget that the inside of the tent should "breathe" and the ventilation windows should open. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting wet from condensation. Ventilation windows or flaps should be comfortable, easy to open and close, without interfering with the compact packaging of the tent.

Now the matter remains small: decide on the purpose of the trip, set a financial limit and choose a tent that will be comfortable and cozy!

There are three main varieties or subtypes on the tourist tent market - camping, trekking and extreme. In this article we will talk about the latter and understand the qualities necessary for them.

What does trekking tent mean?

The name comes from the Dutch word "trekking", which can literally be translated as moving or camping. Do not confuse with the English word "treking", therefore it is correct to pronounce two "k".

Trekking equipment includes a range of hiking equipment designed for hiking.- this is tents, shoes, flashlights and much more, united under a common tourist destination.

As recently as 10 years ago, it was common to use the word “tourist” for hiking equipment. Now there are many varieties of goods and therefore English terms that designate equipment more accurately take root.

Differences between camping and trekking tents

Campsites are intended primarily for autotourism and the construction of field camps, when there is no need to carry a tent in a backpack. Hence the corresponding advantages - large in area and high,. Trekking is perfect for long walks and bike rides because it is quite small and light.

Visual differences:

Which tent to choose for a trekking trip?

There are two popular designs that we have already described in detail in, but now we will briefly repeat.

hemisphere
The frame consists of two crossed arcs. It is easy to assemble and can be moved when assembled. And these tents can withstand bad weather well. The lightest and most compact!

Half-ribbon
This frame consists of parallel arcs. Half-barrel-shaped tents can boast of spaciousness, however, to assemble it, you need to work hard, and they are not the lightest. As for bad weather, such a tent is designed for moderate winds.

When dealing with the type of frame, we advise you to avoid extremes and not to assume that the half-barrel does not withstand the wind well. It's good for average weather and will fit 90% of hikes, the only difference is that under equal conditions, the hemisphere will be a little more stable.

What size do you prefer?

A height of 110 cm is considered the norm, if there is a need to do something active inside, then you should choose a height of 130 cm and above.

Since all trekking tent models are designed for walking routes, the most popular 2-seater models, weighing up to 3 kg. Anything heavier is already an amateur, because then you have to sacrifice the place of some other equipment in the backpack.

Seasonal variety

Trekking tents have their seasonality. In sunny and warm weather the best choice will summer version. The most important thing here is adequate ventilation. Air is well supplied through light, ventilated fabric. Also, fresh air will come from under the edge of the awning raised above the ground.

Three season tents are good for traveling in spring, summer and autumn. Made of dense material, thanks to which they hold rains and even showers well.

Winter the most durable, great for use in bad weather, withstand strong wind and protect from heavy rain and snow. They are made of waterproof materials, paying special attention to the strength of the frame.

Winter tents are great for trekking holidays at any time of the year. But thanks to the additional water resistance and the obligatory presence of a “skirt”, it is 1-2 kilograms heavier than its summer counterparts, this is the whole difference.

Single layer or double layer?
Tents come in single layer and double layer. V single layer there is one waterproof awning, thanks to which such tents are lightweight and easy to set up. Condensation can form on the tent if the tent is not sufficiently ventilated - this is the main problem!

Two-layer awnings consist of two awnings: outer waterproof and inner. Such tents are slightly heavier, but condensation does not appear in them, due to the dew point being shifted above the inner tent.

What material to choose?

Reading the labeling of the technical designations of the tent, you can see something like this: Poly Rip Stop 210T 3000 SI. Now let's figure out what it all means.

All modern trekking tents are made of nylon or polyester, we do not take into account the Soviet gable tents made of tarpaulin, only real "Spartans" go with them.

Nylon is lighter and dries worse, can stretch from the rain. Referred to as "Nylon" in the material description.

Polyester does not stretch when wet and is heavier than nylon. Such a fabric is designated as "Polyester" or "Poly". The differences are not significant and are more necessary for hiking professionals when there is a struggle for every gram in a backpack.

Thread weaving methods:

Taffeta - the most common;
Rip Stop - extra strength;
Oxford - mainly used for the bottom of the tent; with enhanced strength.

Weaving density - Tex (190T, 240T, 300T, etc.). The higher this figure, the more durable the awning.

Thread thickness - Den (20D, 40D, 240D, etc.). Same principle, the larger the D, the stronger the fabric.

The fabric can be impregnated with polyurethane - PU or silicone - SI. Silicone impregnation will be better and more expensive.

What matter better fit? If the trekking trip will run along hiking trails, and this will take place in moderate weather conditions, then a nylon tent with Taffeta or Rip Stop weaving and silicone impregnation will be a faithful companion for you. Density is suitable from 190T to 210T.

If the tent stands for a long time near the sea, it is necessary to wash the awnings and the bottom in clean water and dry well before packing for the winter. Salt has a bad effect on polymer fabrics and can corrode them.

Bottom

Usually the bottom and awning are made from the same material. Also, the bottom can be made of structural polyethylene, denoted as "PE". This is a waterproof material and its price is good, but it is heavier than polyester and nylon.

The bottom must be especially strong, as it experiences strong loads. Pay attention to the density of weaving and the thickness of the threads, which should be between 210T and 210D. Special attention should pay attention to water resistance. Ideally, the bottom material should withstand from 3000 mm. water column pressure.

Skirt

This is a strip of fabric that is attached to the bottom edge of the awning, extending it to the ground. It protects against snow falling under the awning, or from strong winds. In ordinary tents without a skirt, the awning is raised above the ground. Thanks to this, it happens natural ventilation. A skirt is mostly necessary for winter hiking.

If you plan to travel in the summer season or choose a trekking tent for cycling, then a skirt is not needed!

arcs

It is especially worth paying attention to the quality of the arcs. Indeed, in the pursuit of weight reduction, manufacturers of trekking tents often save on the metal of the arcs, which, in best case live one season.

2-person trekking tent "Greenell Gori 2" with a weight of 3.5 kilograms and good water resistance.

Note!

The seams must be well taped, and if the bottom is made of polyethylene, the seams must be welded. Pay special attention to the corner seams.
Check the quality of the zippers, they should not stick. Pegs should not bend, while they should be light.

Manufacturers and popular models

The most popular manufacturers of trekking tents:

Greenell;
high peak;
Nova tour (new tour);
TREK PLANET;
Trump (trump);
Alexika.

Average prices for camping tents vary from 2 to 5 thousand rubles. Tents of this price category are of average quality. At the same time, they contain all the necessary characteristics for a good rest on a hiking trip.

There are more expensive models, they are of a higher class - for example, "Quick hiker 3" from the company "Quechua" or "NOVA TOUR Pamir 3", - their cost is in the range of 10-15 thousand. Such tents are characterized by increased water resistance and wind resistance, they may have several vestibules, a protective "skirt", etc.

Premium segment manufacturers with the best quality:

Vaude
Marmot

look detailed video instructions for correct selection trekking tent:

The lightest trekking tents available for sale:

High Peak Minilite designed for two and weighs 1 kg;
Double tent weight "Red Fox Light", is 0.9 kg;
Spirit 2 firm "SPLAV" for one tourist, weighs only 0.64 kg.

Camping is all about comfort. Regardless of where you are relaxing: in an equipped camp for car travelers or in a forest clearing, the main thing is comfortable camp house. We tell you how to choose the right camping tent to live in nature with the comfort of home.

Choosing a comfort level

If light weight and compactness are important for tourist tents, even to the detriment of comfort, then the opposite is true with camping tents. The best camping tent is spacious and comfortable. Its weight is not too important, because camping involves traveling by car. If there are no objective reasons to limit the weight, the main selection criterion is “the more the better”. Feel free to consider fours for two, sixes for four ... It's like in an apartment, there are no extra meters.

More space. Imagine that you have to spend the whole day in a tent because it's raining outside. The internal volume should be such that your whole family or company can comfortably sit inside and not embarrass each other. Therefore, decide in what composition you plan to travel and choose the appropriate dimensions.

More height. It's nice when inside the tent you can walk to your full height. Modern camping models allow this - many of them are about 190-200 cm high, and there are also more than two meters. So even if your height is above average, it will be easy to choose the right option.

More rooms. Tents come with one or more sleeping compartments. One-room models are convenient for two, but for families with children or companies, it is better to choose a tent with two separate rooms or the ability to separate the sleeping compartment with removable partitions.

More vestibule size. In rainy weather it is good to sit in cozy armchair in the vestibule with a cup of coffee and a book. And there you can organize a kitchen, a dining room, a dressing room, a rest room - at the same time or in turn, it all depends on the area. You can additionally take a large awning with you to make a canopy from the sun and rain - it is convenient to cook under it and hide in bad weather. Then the size of the vestibule will not be so critical. And provide a rug in the vestibule. It seems a trifle, but it will significantly reduce the amount of grass or sand brought into the tent.

More inputs. For multi-person tents, the more entrances the better - less chance of waking up your neighbors if you feel like going out at night. And on a hot day, it will be much easier to ventilate the tent if you open all the entrances at once - through ventilation will provide the necessary coolness.

More ventilation. Camping usually involves the summer season, which means that the tent needs good ventilation. All entrances to the sleeping compartment should be doubled with a mosquito net to ventilate the tent without the risk of insect infestation. The more mesh, the better for hot weather. A special highlight is the mesh ceiling. In warm weather, you can remove the awning and admire the stars.

The outer awning should have comfortable ventilation windows that will allow air to pass through, but during rain, water should not get inside the tent. It is good when it is possible to tuck the curtains of the awning without removing it. This is convenient - if the weather suddenly changes, you can quickly lower the awning and protect the tent from the rain.

More useful details. Pockets, hanging mesh shelves, compartments for storing small items, lantern loops, curtains on the windows - the more such elements, the more comfortable life in nature. Well, when the tent is in order, things do not lie on the floor, but are neatly laid out in pockets and you can quickly find what you need.

Choosing a convenient design

Camping tents vary in shape and interior layout. They can be divided into three groups according to their form:

Tunnel or "semi-rolls". The most spacious design, with a large living area and a huge vestibule. Its disadvantages are its low resistance to strong winds and the need to stretch and fasten it with pegs, that is, the installation is a little more time-consuming. But if you do not move every day to a new place and are not going to put up a tent in the highlands, these disadvantages are not too critical and are compensated by the interior space.

Domed or "hemispheres". The most reliable design. Such tents have many advantages: they are very wind resistant, stand without stretch marks and are easy to set up even for one person. Their living space is usually smaller than that of the "half-barrels", but there are exceptions. For example, in the Big Agnes tents, the frame is bent so that the walls are almost sheer, and due to this, more space has been added.

Gable or tent. This form is considered obsolete; you almost never see such tents now. However, some brands continue to release them. For example, the original and spacious Nordisk tents in the style of Indian huts are very comfortable and great for simple conditions summer holiday.

Internal layout is also different:

One bedroom section. This is the simplest design, a camping version of a one-room apartment.

Removable partitions. The large interior compartment can be divided into rooms and, for example, send children to a “separate” bedroom.

Internal residential modules. Instead of partitions, removable modules are attached to the main compartment - separate full-fledged rooms. You can choose the number of them according to your needs. Modules are not always included in the kit, sometimes they need to be purchased separately for a specific tent model.

Perhaps the most comfortable layout tents. There are no neighbors behind the wall, each room has its own separate entrance, everyone has enough comfort and privacy.

Choose the level of reliability

For a camping tent, not only comfort is important, but also reliability. A strong frame and high-quality materials are a guarantee that the tent will last for many years and you will not have to regularly change the arcs and seal cracks in the tent.

The base of the tent is the frame. Durability, the ability to withstand strong winds and careless handling largely depend on it. Frame arcs can be metal or composite materials.

Arcs made of aluminum or its alloys- the most versatile option. They are light, flexible, do not break under a strong wind, they can only bend.

steel frame the strongest, but also the heaviest.

Fiberglass or fiberglass- heavy and brittle composite material, he does not like sudden changes in temperature and can break under load. Its only advantage is its low price; arcs for budget-class tents are made from it.

A camping tent is usually put up for a long time and therefore must be reliably protected from rain and withstand exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The awning must be waterproof, with taped seams, reinforced elements in places subject to wear. A strong bottom of the tent is very important - the more water resistant it is, the better. For example, a floor with an indicator of 10,000 mm of water column allows you to comfortably sit even in a swamp. Of course, in camping you are unlikely to expect such conditions, but these figures also speak of good wear resistance. It is worth noting here that in a number of American tents, the water resistance values are indicated not at the beginning of operation, but for the entire period. This approach is more honest, but the indicator will look significantly lower.

Take a broom or brush to sweep the floor with you. They will not take up much space in the car, but you will appreciate the relevance literally on the second day of camping.

Choosing a weight

On average, the weight of a 4-5 person camping tent is 10-15 kg. But there are models weighing both 4 kilograms and 20. A heavy tent will be inconvenient if you like wild places where a car cannot pass and you need to walk a little. And if you have a very compact car, a voluminous tent will take up the entire trunk and there will be no room for anything else. Situations are different, and if for some reason you have to limit the weight of camping equipment, take a closer look at lightweight models.

The weight of the tent is affected not only by its size. A spacious model can be quite light, a lot depends on the frame materials and external fabrics. The lightest tents - with aluminum arcs, large quantity mesh and lightweight tent and bottom materials. For example, Big Agnes 4-person camping tents weigh 4-6 kg - you can take this one on a hike, especially if the design suggests a vestibule as an option that you can refuse for a while. They cannot boast of high ceilings, but otherwise they are very comfortable - spacious, with a reliable frame, excellent ventilation and thoughtful details.

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

Many people love camping, but few know how to choose a 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 a complete list of 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 in full growth), large capacity. Cons: heavy weight, poor warm-up.

If you are planning a long hike or bike trip, important criteria become the weight and size of the shelter. 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. Succeeded? You can take! Not? 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, and in single-layer structures, an ajar zipper at the entrance does an excellent job of supplying fresh air.

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 can 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-worn hiking trails, then a nylon tent with Taffeta or Rip Stop weaving 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.

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 form of a hemisphere can be used even in extreme hikes: they 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. Moreover, 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.