| There are so many backpacking tents on the | | | | four seasons. Three season tents are great for |
| market today that it can be confusing to sort | | | | mild weather. But if you are going to be staying |
| through all the choices. There are | | | | outdoors in cold weather and/or snow, definitely |
| manufactures selling what they classify as one | | | | get a four season tent. Four season tents tend |
| person backpacking tents for under $30, and at | | | | to be a little heavier and offer very little in the |
| the top end you can spend as much as $800 for | | | | way of ventilation in order to keep the occupants |
| a four man jewel. | | | | warm. |
| So where do you begin? For the inexperienced | | | | - Now, how many people will be sharing your |
| the price of a mid-range, quality backpacking tent | | | | tent? So consider the body count and space to |
| can come as a shock. Once you get a clear | | | | store your gear. There are some very lightweight |
| picture of the price range for what you are | | | | tents that will accommodate up to four people. |
| looking for you can establish a budget. There | | | | - Which brings us to weight. When you plan your |
| are tents for almost any budget. However, that | | | | trip and the things you want to bring, one of the |
| said, all tents are not the same and you generally | | | | heaviest items will be the tent. Some of the high |
| get what you pay for. But there are common | | | | end, four season, one person tents will weigh in at |
| features to look for and some not so common | | | | 3.5lbs! But that same tent could cost you as |
| features that may be a "must have" for you. | | | | much as $450. On the other hand you could find |
| There are many factors that determine the | | | | a simply great three season tent, still weighing less |
| quality of a tent. Tent manufacturing and | | | | than 4lbs for $120. Which do you choose? |
| materials technology has greatly improved since | | | | - And lastly, consider design and construction. A |
| my days as a scout. But the factors governing | | | | tunnel shaped tent, generally speaking, offers |
| usability and durability haven't changed. Tent | | | | more usable space and are somewhat lighter. |
| fabric, construction details, size, shape, seasonal | | | | However, dome tents are much more popular |
| category, weight, and capacity are all a factor in | | | | because the cross-pole configuration provides |
| quality and affordability. | | | | better static load stability. Fiberglass poles have |
| So let's look at some easy ways to sort it all | | | | been in use for many years with little complaint, |
| out. | | | | but keep in mind they can shatter, unlike |
| - First, ask yourself how often you will be using | | | | aluminum poles popular with the serious outfitter |
| your tent. Is your hike a once a year event, or | | | | crowd. Get a tent with a maximum amount of |
| do you get out more frequently than that? For | | | | mesh area for those warm nights. And finally, a |
| a once a year event you don't need to spend | | | | tent with a "bathtub" bottom will keep you dryer |
| much, but if you are an avid hiker consider buying | | | | because the seams are above ground |
| a tent that will give you good service with high | | | | |
| resistance to lot's of wear and tear. | | | | This should help you find that perfect tent. But |
| - Then consider what seasons of the year you | | | | ultimately what is perfect for you is a very |
| will be on the trail. Tents are rated for three and | | | | personal thing. |