Choosing a Tent
Modern tents come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Since this is expensive gear, don’t buy the first model you come across—choose one for the specific conditions of your trip.
• Cabin-style tents (A-frame) are roomy and suited to temperate climates.
• Mountaineering tents, ridge tents, and traditional wigwams are ideal for cold regions: they can accommodate a wood-burning stove.
• A versatile option is a mountaineering tent with a pole frame. It suits most climatic conditions.
Modern tents weigh little, so if you’re not limited by weight, choose a more spacious model. Tents on flexible telescopic poles are lighter than framed models and pitch faster. However, remember: even with the simplest tent, it’s best to practice beforehand. For example, at an altitude of 7,500 meters and –45 °C, pitching a “self-erecting” model may take not a minute, as the manufacturer promises, but 45. The conclusion is simple: your gear should be as simple and intuitive as possible.
Most tents consist of two layers: an inner body and an outer waterproof flysheet. The air gap between them keeps warmth in winter and coolness in summer, while the flysheet protects against rain, bird droppings, and tree sap. You should skimp on the flysheet only if you are under strict weight constraints.
Before your trip, be sure to practice assembling and pitching the tent. This will save time and nerves in real conditions—especially if you have to set it up in rain or strong wind.
The Tarp as an Alternative to a Tent
A tarp (a piece of waterproof material) is a lightweight, versatile shelter that in many ways outperforms a traditional tent.
• Lower weight: a tarp won’t weigh down your backpack.
• Fast setup: you can pitch it before the rain starts so the ground under the shelter stays dry.
• Flexible configurations: with stakes, poles, and ropes, a tarp can be shaped in almost any way.
• Fire-friendly: under a tarp it’s convenient to cook without worrying that the fire will go out.
• A sense of freedom: many hikers value tarps for their openness and closeness to nature.
The most popular ways to use a tarp:
• triangular shelter (elevated or at ground level);
• canopy over a hammock or camp cot;
• combined setups.
A tarp comes to the rescue in a wide range of conditions—from jungles to swamps. It won’t protect you from mosquitoes, but smoke from a properly built fire solves that problem.
What About Safety?
In areas with a lot of wild animals, a tent is preferable to a tarp. It creates a physical barrier between you and potential visitors. There are no documented cases of lions or tigers getting into tents, but there are with bears. However, this usually happens because of human error: never store food in your tent in bear country. Food should be sealed airtight and hung in a tree away from camp.
Next guide: How to Choose a Tent for Mountain Hiking: Criteria and Parameters Previous guide: How to Choose a Hiking Backpack and Pack It Properly You can view the full list here: Camping Life: Tips, Guides, Lifehacks
