Tent weight is a frequent space of concern for a lot of backpackers, particularly for novices who’re confronted with a tsunami of substances selections with out understanding what they want for the climate circumstances they plan to backpack in, what they’ll like or dislike in a tent, or what’s an affordable quantity to pay for one.
If you’re simply entering into backpacking, one rule of thumb is to maintain the load of your first backpacking tent beneath 2.5 to three kilos per individual. It could be decrease than that, however that’s higher restrict to shoot for and one which’s nonetheless comparatively simple to hold in a backpack. That additionally offers you a spread of pretty affordable pricing choices.
If you’re mountaineering with a associate, it’s possible you’ll have the option break up the parts of the tent between you so that you every carry half or a part of the load. You may repackage the tent so it has a extra manageable form than the bag it initially got here in. For instance, I often stuff my tents right into a stuff sack and even unfastened inside my backpack to make use of the area inside my pack extra effectively.
Buying your first tent
If I can supply one piece of sage recommendation for newbie backpackers when shopping for their first tent, it’d be:
- Don’t purchase the lightest weight tent cash can purchase.
While individuals who inform you that “successful backpacking depends on carrying the least amount of weight possible” try to be useful, they by no means appear to consider your wants and wishes, the calls for of the terrain and climate, the place you intend to hike, journey size, what your targets are, or how a lot disposable earnings it’s important to spend on gear. While a decrease weight tent weight helps, loads of individuals have been very profitable backpackers when carrying heavier tents and pack weights.
Everybody has completely different wants: take the time to study what yours are earlier than you attempt to purchase the proper tent, even when meaning shopping for a less-than-perfect one at first. For instance, you would possibly wish to purchase a tent that may return, even when it’s been used (Hint: REI’s return coverage), to get your toes moist. You would possibly in the end determine it’s a tent you want, however you’ll nonetheless have the choice of returning it and selecting one thing completely different.
See additionally:
SectionHiker is reader-supported. We independently analysis, take a look at, and charge the perfect merchandise. We solely earn a living if you buy a product by means of our affiliate hyperlinks. Help us proceed to check and write unsponsored and impartial gear critiques, newbie FAQs, and free mountaineering guides.