[pct-l] Tent Design for Happy Hikes (part 2)

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Tent Design for Happy Hikes...(part 2)

 

[First, the classic disclosure: We are not tent designers nor are we tent
manufacturers in any way. What follows are just our observations and
opinions on tent design, function, and performance after watching and using
many in the field over our 34 as a wilderness school. We solely hope this
helps you make an educated decision when you come to purchasing a tent.]

 

Now, a little detail about the 4 things mentioned before that you might want
a tent to provide for you. The first was protection from the outside world,
or at least what you anticipate will be in the environment outside your
tent...

 

The Outside World:

If a tent is an enclosed, portable shelter from the elements, what do you
think those elements will be on your next trip? Find out!

- Research the comments from others who've been there at the same time of
year (better yet, from those who work there every year!) to read what they
had to deal with.

- Go there on a short trip to experience the area for yourself. (However,
realize that what you read from someone else's singular experience there or
find out for yourself may not be what confronts you next time. Such is
mountain weather! That's why we say, "Plan for the worst and hope for the
best.")

Know in advance what you'll likely be hiking into. Select a tent design that
can handle it.

 

Next, know yourself!

- If you love to sleep, having a warm, dry, secure shelter from the raging
storm outside is paramount to your happiness. Since mountain storms can
develop unexpectedly, you need a shelter that can protect you from nasty
weather!

- If you don't mind sleeping out in the open, exposed to the elements and
animals, and are willing to have a wet and cold night once in a while, then
maybe a simple tarp will do for you.

 

Know in advance what you want a tent to provide for you. How will it handle:

- Weather: Do you expect to deal with bad wind, rain, hail, snow, blowing
sand, thunder and lightning, hot sun, or ice? How well your tent functions
in these situations and conditions may dictate which tent to buy! The
designs that work will be talked about below. If you opt for a tarp because
you don't mind risking getting wet and cold occasionally, make sure you'll
have the likelihood to stay warm during the event and to dry out after.

- Bugs & Animals: As you will find out, it is the little pests (mice, ground
squirrels, chipmunks, ants, scorpions, mosquitoes, crickets, etc.) that get
into everything, including your tent. So, if getting a good night's sleep
requires these be kept at bay, you'll want a tent that can be zipped tight
with a tub floor and raised doors (zipper that is off the ground). Remember
to close the door behind you! Bears? If you keep your food (and the smell of
it) in a bear canister far from your tent, you needn't worry. Experience
will dictate, also.

- Campsites: The location of and activities within your campsite may
influence your choice of tent design, too!

1. If your campsites will be above timberline and exposed to wind-driven
rain, hail, or snow, you will relish a strong, multi-pole design. If you
will be in a lot of hot sun, you might want a light color or mostly netting
on walls and roof to keep you cooler.

2. If you're travelling on open rock, sand, or snow with few nice areas of
dirt for stake placement, you might want a free-standing design that can be
used with "deadman" anchors.

3. If you love spending your evenings staring into a campfire near your
tent, you might want to check which way the sparks are drifting, and if
toward your tent, hope that it is flame retardant!

4. If you plan on hiking a very popular trail where people may be camping
near you (or you are in a big group of people hiking together already), you
might want a design that prevents others from seeing into your tent.

5. If your campsites will be small in size, you might want a narrow tent
design (especially if you are climbing and sleeping on ledges!).

 

Coming next will be "Portability." Your shelter needs to be small enough to
fit in or on your pack and light enough to keep your load manageable.

(c) 2016 Mountain Education, Inc.

 

 

Ned Tibbits, Director

Mountain Education, Inc.

ned at mountaineducation.org <mailto:ned at mountaineducation.org>