Get ready for the trip - part II - the tent
Camping trip is one of the best ways to spend your vacation. Whether you're traveling with friends or family, or just the two of you, camping is always associated with an unforgettable adventure. However, before you go to a camping site or nature, it is important to bring a good tent with you. By good, I mean a tent that will protect against rain in the event of bad weather and provide comfort during the day, and when the wind is strong, it will stand steadily. But how do you choose the right tent if you don't necessarily know it?
The answer is simple - use our summary. It will let you understand the entire specification and make it easier to choose the right tent, let's get started!
Before you buy a tent and read further information, you need to answer one awesome, very awesome question (3 questions in total):
- Where are you going - mountains, forest, lake or tropics?
- How many people or animals will sleep with you in the tent?
- What means of transport do you choose: a car and a bike, public transport or on foot?
Phase I - Type of tourism
| Type of tourism | Basic features of the tent |
|---|---|
| trekking | - lightweight design - low weight (max. 4 kg) - easy to unfold and fold - high water resistance |
| fishing-sunbathing | - construction without one wall or opening walls - usually single-coat - ultralight |
| extreme / high mountain tourism |
- extremely stable - high level of water and wind resistance - take up very little space |
| camping | - extended interior (vestibules, bedrooms) - stable construction - act as a tourist home |
Highlander Loch Lomond - see in the store
An example of a beach tent.Highlander Sycamore 4 - see in the store
Camping tent.Phase II - Tent construction
| construction | The most important features of the tent |
|---|---|
| tunnel | - a structure based on half-rounded bends - easy to set up |
| igloo | - vault structure based on a crossed frame - floor (most often) on a square plan |
| pop up | - a few seconds to set up - flexible / resilient frame |
| hybrid (tunnel + igloo) | - large internal space - extremely stable frame |
| hammock-tent | - mounted on trees - intended mainly for survival, tropics and safari trips |
Mil-Tec Igloo Super - see in the store
Igloo pop up tent.Highlander Oak 6 - see in the store
"Tunnel" tent.See how we pitched this tent
Phase III - Tent type
| Type of tent | Advantages (+) and disadvantages (-) |
|---|---|
| single coat | + easy to set up + extremely light + ideal for trips on warm, sunny days - susceptible to getting wet |
| double coat | + waterproof tropic + extended bedroom + less susceptible to leakinge - harder to set up - heavier than single coat tents |
Phase IV - Water resistance
| Water resistance index |
Durability | Use |
|---|---|---|
| less than 1000 mm | - shelter from light rain | - trips to sunny areas with low rainfall |
| ~ 1500 mm | - protect the inside of the tent during heavy rain |
- ideal for festivals and trips during the summer |
| ~ 2000 mm | - protect the inside of the tent even after a few hours of heavy rain |
- perfect for several days of camping, kayaking and holiday travel |
| ~ 3000 mm | - perfectly suited to moderate climate during heavy downpours |
- intended for camping, trekking expeditions, scout camps and trips lasting several days |
| powyżej 4000 mm | - full protection against prolonged rainfall |
- works well in any weather, regardless of the direction of departure |
Phase V – Frame
| Frame type | Advantages (+) and disadvantages (-) |
|---|---|
| fiberglass | + is perfect for tents for family camping or trips in the warm season + works best in tents like igloo or tunnel - the glass fiber may break at very low temperatures |
| aluminium | + ideal for demanding, windy trips + high material strength at low temperature - the material is more prone to bending |
| inflatable | + construction does not require a large commitment of several people when setting up + fast unfolding time - need to take a pump - possibility of puncturing by placing in areas not adapted to this type of tents |
In addition, tents with external and internal frames are distinguished. In most models of tents, the internal skeleton requires first setting up the bedroom, and then imposing the tropics. Therefore, tents with an external frame work better in very adverse conditions, e.g. when traveling to rainy areas.
Phase VI - Additional features
| Feature | Benefits |
|---|---|
| mosquito net | protection against all kinds of insects, mosquitoes, ticks; this option is useful when traveling in hot weather - comfort during sleep ensured by better air flow, while protecting against mosquitoes |
| welded seams | guarantee of better wind and water resistance of the tent |
| vestibule | additional space for leaving luggage |
| entrance with roofing option |
it is possible to arrange a dining room, porch or play area for children during rainy weather |
| pockets | the ability to hide the important things at your fingertips |
| hooks | placed in the upper part allow suspension of lighting |
| separate bedrooms | ensuring privacy, mental and physical comfort |
| integrated floor | seals the tent structure and protects against flooding |
| fireproof threads / coating |
special threads / coating extinguishes spontaneously after removal of the fire source |
| ventilation vents | better air circulation |
| windows in the form of transparent panels |
transparent panels in the walls that allow you to see the environment or check the weather without leaving the tent |
| air flow systems |
ensure better air circulation inside the tent, which results in better sleeping comfort and everyday use |
| reflective elements | in a crisis, it is easier for rescuers to find our tent |
| cover | makes it easy to move and store the tent |
Author: Joanna Rassmus