Choosing a Tent
Modern tents come in various sizes and designs. As a significant investment, it's crucial to choose wisely based on your destination's specific conditions, rather than opting for the first model you see.
• A-Frame Tents are suitable for moderate climates and offer generous interior space.
• Dome Tents, Tunnel Tents, and Traditional Teepees excel in cold, open plains, as they can often accommodate a small wood-burning stove.
• The Universal Choice is a dome tent with flexible poles, which is adaptable to a wide range of climates.
Weight is less of an issue with modern materials, so if you're not strictly counting grams, opt for a more spacious model. Tents with flexible, telescopic poles are significantly lighter than rigid frame tents and can be pitched with minimal effort. However, a word of caution: always practice beforehand. A "self-erecting" tent promised to pitch in under a minute took 45 minutes at 7,500 meters in -45°C conditions. The lesson is clear: prioritize simplicity and foolproof design in your gear.
Most modern tents feature a double-wall construction: a breathable inner tent and a waterproof rainfly. The air gap between them provides insulation, retaining warmth in winter and cool air in summer, while the rainfly protects against rain, bird droppings, and tree sap. A single-wall tent is an option only when saving weight is the absolute priority.
Before you head out, practice setting up your tent multiple times. This will save you considerable time and frustration when you need to pitch it in challenging conditions, such as during a downpour or in high winds.
The Tarp as a Tent Alternative
A tarp—a simple sheet of waterproof material—is a lightweight and versatile shelter that offers several advantages over a traditional tent.
• Lighter Weight: A tarp adds minimal load to your backpack.
• Rapid Deployment: It can be pitched quickly to keep the ground beneath it dry, even if the rain has already started.
• Configurability: With trekking poles, stakes, and cord, a tarp can be set up in numerous configurations to suit the terrain and weather.
• Cooking-Friendly: You can safely cook under a tarp without worrying about suffocating a fire.
• A Sense of Freedom: Many outdoors enthusiasts prefer the open feeling and connection to nature that a tarp provides.
Common tarp setups include:
• An A-frame (pitched high or low to the ground).
• A lean-to over a hammock or sleeping pad.
• Various hybrid designs.
A tarp is a reliable shelter in diverse environments, from jungles to swamps. While it doesn't protect against insects, the smoke from a well-placed campfire can help keep them at bay.
A Note on Safety
In areas with significant wildlife, a tent is generally safer than a tarp, as it provides a physical barrier between you and any curious visitors. There are no recorded incidents of lions or tigers breaking into tents to attack occupants. While bears have been known to do so, it is almost always because people made the critical error of storing food inside. Never keep food or scented items in your tent in bear country. Always store provisions in a bear-proof container or hang them properly away from your campsite.
Next guide: How to Choose a Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, and Bivy for a Hike Previous guide: How to Choose a Backpack for Hiking and Pack It Correctly
You can view the full list here: Survival Guides for the Mountains
