Rating of tourist tent firms. The lightest tents

Want to get to know someone better? Go camping with him.

Many people love hiking, but few know how to choose a good tent. Size, weight, construction, material - all this matters and affects the cost. Find out how to choose a tent that suits your travel preferences in this article.

Do you need a tent during the hike?

In short, yes. Of course, you can sleep in a sleeping bag under a canopy, but this:

• uncomfortable (at nights, even in summer, it is cold outside, it may rain or a strong wind may rise - weather forecasts do not always come true);
• unsafe (insects, snakes, small rodents - this is not a complete list of sources of "thrill" when spending the night in the open air).

Therefore, take it as an axiom: a tent is necessary on a hike.

Which tent is right for you?

The answer depends on the answer to another question: what kind of outdoor recreation do you prefer?

If you like equipped campsites with car parking, then you can safely take a large tent.

A camping tent is a large, tall tent, often with a vestibule and windows. Designed for auto tourism, family vacations and overnight stays in one place for 3-4 days. Pros: comfortable conditions (you can stand at full height), large capacity. Cons: heavy weight, poor heating ability.

If you are planning a long hiking or cycling trip, the weight and size of the shelter are important criteria. You will need a trekking tent.

A trekking tent is a small tent used for hiking in the plains, resting along the hiking trails. Pros: lightweight, easy to carry. Cons: not designed for strong wind and rain.

The dimensions and weight of the tent become even more important when hiking in the mountains or over rough terrain. An assault tent is needed here.

An assault (or alpine) tent is an ultralight tent designed for serious hikes (difficult route, long treks). Pros: very lightweight and reliable, not afraid of strong winds, quickly installed and assembled. Cons: as a rule, small (even one person may feel cramped).

What is the seasonality of the tent?

Beginners mistakenly believe that if tents are divided according to seasons, then there should be spring, summer, autumn and winter tents. In fact, there are:

• Summer tents. For warm or hot weather. An important point here is ventilation: the fabric is well ventilated, and the edge of the awning, as a rule, is raised above the ground. But such a tent will not save you from strong winds or rain.
• Three-season tents. The name speaks for itself - designed for three main hiking seasons (spring, summer, autumn). They are made of a denser fabric, thanks to which they can withstand cold demi-season winds and torrential rains.
• Winter (or all-season) tents. Designed for use in difficult climatic conditions (snow, wind), but can also be used in calm weather in summer. They are distinguished by their structural stability, dense waterproof material.

How to determine the size?

The boa constrictor in the famous cartoon was measured by parrots, and tents are measured by men. Many have heard: single tent, double, triple, and so on. In the first case, this means that one adult man will comfortably accommodate (with all the belongings) in the tent; in the second - two; in the third, three, and so on.

“Men are different,” you say. Right. Therefore, in order to get a clearer idea of ​​the dimensions of the tent, before buying, study its length and width on the Internet. Then "recreate" these dimensions on your floor, take a sleeping bag and try to fit into the resulting square. Succeeded? You can take it! No? It may be worth buying a two- or three-person tent.

How many layers should you choose?

Depending on the design, tents are divided into single-layer and double-layer.

In the first case, the tent is made of a waterproof awning and is a single canvas. It is easy to fold and install. But there is a significant drawback - condensation. In humid or hot weather, it will inevitably form on the inner walls. If ventilation is not provided, you will wake up in a wet sleeping bag. Fortunately, scientists are actively working on solving this problem - they come up with various "breathable" and at the same time windproof fabrics. Tents with membrane awnings are already on the market, but they are quite expensive.

The two-layer tent consists of a waterproof awning (outer layer) and a light "breathable" awning (inner layer). There is usually a 10-15 cm gap between them. Such a tent is somewhat heavier, but condensation does not accumulate in it, while it is reliably protected from rain.

Another advantage of double-layer tents is the presence of a vestibule.

Tambour - additional space under the outer awning of the tent. Serves for storing things and dirty shoes.

Does a tent need windows?

In general, no. As a rule, you are in a tent at night - there is nothing to look through. If we consider the window as an additional ventilation hole, then with two-layer structures this is not necessary, and in single-layer structures, a slightly open zipper at the inlet does an excellent job of supplying fresh air.

The only exception is camping tents. In this case, a tent with windows looks like a house and creates more comfort.

What material should you give preference to?

Poly Taffeta 210T 3000 PU is not a magic spell, but seeing such an inscription in the description of the tent, an inexperienced tourist can fall into a trance. What do all these numbers and letters mean?

In fact, everything is simple. When making tents, two types of fabrics are used:

• polyamide (Nylon);
• polyester (Polyester).

The first ones are quite durable and very affordable, but at the same time they are easily stretchable when wet and are sensitive to ultraviolet light. The second ones are even more durable and at the same time do not tear when wet, but they are more expensive. Thus, the first word in the tent marking (Poly) means that it is made of polyester material.

Taffeta is the most common yarn weaving method. In addition to it, there is Oxford (creates additional strength and, as a rule, is used for the bottom of the tent) and Rip Stop (increases strength due to reinforced thread, while not adding weight).

The next element (210T) is the weave density. It is measured in tex and affects the strength of the material. The higher the T, the denser, stronger and heavier the fabric. In addition, the marking of the tent may contain numbers and the letter D. This indicates the thickness of the threads from which the material is made. This figure also affects the strength and weight of the tent.

Finally, PU means that the fabric is impregnated with polyurethane, making it water resistant. There is also silicon impregnation (SI), which is of higher quality and more durable, but also more expensive.

The material is coated on the inside with polyurethane. At the same time, two layers of PU-impregnation ensure a water resistance of 3,000 mm of water column; three layers - 5000 mm. The silicone coating is applied on the outside. Here, an acceptable level of water resistance is 2,000 mm.

So which material should you give preference to? If you rarely go out into nature and at the same time stick to the well-trodden hiking trails, then a tent made of nylon with weaving Taffeta or Rip Stop and a density of 190T to 210T is quite suitable for you. A good addition to this would be a silicone water-repellent impregnation.

What should be the bottom of the tent?

Strong, durable and durable again! The bottom of the tent is most difficult: you put it on sharp stones, on snow, on sand.

As a rule, the bottom is made of the same material as the outer awning. Nylon fabrics with Oxford weave are suitable for this, with a weave density of at least 210T and a thread thickness of at least 210D. But the main indicator is water resistance. It is desirable that the bottom material withstands 5,000 mm of water column.

Sometimes the bottom is also made of reinforced polyethylene (it is designated PE, tarpaulin). This material is practically waterproof, quite affordable, but significantly heavier than polyester and nylon.

In addition, many tents have a so-called skirt that prevents wind and precipitation from getting between the inner and outer tent.

The skirt is an extra strip of fabric around the perimeter of the tent. Can be sewn on or removable.

It makes sense to buy a tent with a skirt if you are going on a winter hike: it will provide additional warmth. For trekking summer tents, a skirt is an unnecessary burden. Because of it, condensation will only accumulate.

Which design to choose?

There are three main forms of tourist tents:

1. Hemisphere

Consists of two or more arcs crossed with each other, thereby creating a dome. It is a versatile and highly popular form. Tents in the shape of a hemisphere can be used even on extreme hikes: they withstand strong winds, water easily rolls off them.

2. Half roll

As a rule, a large and roomy tent (often with a vestibule). The arches of such a tent are parallel to each other and do not intersect with each other. It is not particularly resistant and will not withstand all bad weather. This design is often found in camping tents.

3. House

House-shaped gable tents are considered classics. Rain and snow slide off them easily, but the wind resistance of the structure leaves much to be desired. In addition, this type of tent is considered the most troublesome in terms of installation.

In addition, single tourists often prefer single frameless tents. They are lightweight and compact, in fact it is just an awning attached to the trees with ropes or held on several stands (usually sticks).

Now you know enough about tents to make a purchase. But do not rush to the mall or open the website of the online store. There are a few tricks that can help you save money.

• Old models of well-known brands are no worse than their new models, but much cheaper.
• Do not be afraid to buy tents from little-known companies, the main thing is that the specifications correspond to reality.
• Study reviews, consult with friends, if possible, test this or that tent in business before buying (for example, borrow from a friend).

Having bought a tent, do not rush to immediately go to the forest. First, collect it at home to understand how it works, and on a trip to assemble and disassemble it quickly and easily. After that, go over the seams with a water-repellent spray to be sure to protect against moisture. And in order for the tent to serve you for a long time, do not forget to dry it thoroughly upon returning from the campaign.

A hiking trip is a very good way to reconnect with Mother Nature. We won't be mistaken if we say that a real hike is not possible without a good tent to ensure your mobility. Thanks to tents, you are no longer tied to hotels and you can set up your camp in almost any place you like. Also, which is very important, you are not limited either in money or in time. Are you looking for an inexpensive and quick night's sleep while cycling along the coast? Take your tent with you. Heading into a remote wilderness where few have been before? Buy a lightweight tent for maximum comfort and protection. The market is huge, from the simplest lightweight polyester tents to huge tents for twelve people. Therefore, each cyclist will be able to choose a model to suit his needs. Our rating of tourist tents will help you sort through the many offers and buy the best tent, ideally suited to your individual needs. The models in this list were selected based on a variety of criteria. You can rest assured that the tents featured here are some of the finest in the world. All the tents in the rating received a lot of positive customer reviews.

Nowadays, thanks to a huge campaign, it no longer presupposes existence in Spartan conditions. The comfort of the hike depends primarily on the good choice of the tent. However, the tent that is best for some may not be suitable for others. There are many different factors to consider when buying a tent. Fortunately, now there is plenty to choose from, but on the other hand, in such a huge assortment, it will not be so easy to decide on a specific model. The camping tents included in this rating are some of the best tents on the market due to their space, comfort, quality, versatility and customer reviews. We wish you good luck on your quest and good adventures!

The Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6 offers an exceptional combination of volume, comfort and weather protection. The living area of ​​the tent is 8.8 m 2. There is an additional 2.4 m 2 at the front. The maximum height is 1.96 m, which is more than enough, although this volume may not be enough for very tall people. Large and small compartments are separated by a special fabric with a zipper, so you can divide the tent space into two parts or, on the contrary, combine. You can even use only one half of the tent and fold the other. Side vents and mesh inserts improve ventilation and help regulate the temperature inside the tent. Special color coding makes setting up the tent easier. The Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6 is free-standing so you can drag it around the camp until you find a suitable spot. Given the sheer size of this tent, it won't fit on every campsite. Therefore, before purchasing, make sure that it is suitable for your future parking lots.

Rating: 5/5.

If you are looking for a proven camping tent, check out the good REI Base Camp 6. Buyers have repeatedly admired the tent's durability, incredible ability to withstand bad and even extreme weather conditions. The abundance of mesh inserts provides excellent ventilation and excellent visibility of the area, while the openings in the upper part prevent condensation from forming. However, on the other hand, these mesh inserts will not allow you to retire, unless you have to cover them with an awning. The presence of two doors will facilitate the movement of a large number of tourists. In front of each entrance there is its own vestibule with a volume of 1.77 m 2, in which you can store your belongings, or just relax on a sun lounger. The internal volume of the tent is 7.71 m 2, and the maximum height is just over 1.83 m, which makes it one of the tallest tents in our rating. If you don't need that much space, then take a look at the smaller model - Base Camp 4.

Rating: 4.75 / 5.

If you are looking to buy a tent that will serve you for years or even decades in extreme conditions, then check out the North Face Tadpole 23. This one is suitable for both cycling and hiking. She has exceptionally good ventilation. There are patch pockets for storing things. Color coding will make setting up your tent much easier. Thanks to a very strong frame and awning, the tent is able to withstand the effects of the most adverse weather conditions, up to a hurricane. The 2.41 m2 floor will be enough for you to relax well. And you can store your things in a vestibule with a volume of 0.84 m 2. The 1.04 meter high ceiling allows you to stretch your arms and neck.

Rating: 4.5 / 5.

If comfort is your first priority while hiking, then the Eureka Copper Canyon 6 tent will definitely not disappoint you. This is more likely not a tent, but a whole cabin. Eureka Copper Canyon 6 boasts a ceiling height of over two meters throughout the entire tent space (thanks to the vertical walls). And it will attract tall tourists, first of all, by the volume of free space - 9.3 m 2, which is enough to install an air mattress or other tourist equipment that provides additional comfort. The poles are connected to each other, which makes it easier to set up the tent and prevents them from disappearing mysteriously. The sealed floor provides excellent protection from rain, and the mesh canopy controls condensation and allows you to enjoy the view of the open sky. Do you want to connect an electrical appliance? No problem - a special zipper allows you to guide the cord directly into the tent.

Rating: 4.25 / 5.

If you are looking for a light and spacious tent designed for hiking in good weather and are willing to spend a significant amount of money, then you should definitely check out the Coleman 14x10 Foot 8 Person Instant, which has a fantastic combination of price and space. For installation, in fact, you only need to connect the posts and the awning. You have an area of ​​13 m 2 at your disposal - this is the largest figure in our rating. If desired, the tent can be divided into two separate rooms. The ceiling height exceeds 1.83 m. There are two separate doors and seven windows. All this helps to create coziness and get real pleasure from being in nature. Coleman's WeatherTec system is supplied with the tent to protect it from bad weather, but it has its drawbacks - many tents use more modern sealing technology.

1. First of all, decide on type tents. Light trekking models are perfect for hiking. A high level of comfort is provided by spacious camping tents. Mountain conquerors should take a closer look at the storm category.
2. When determining the optimal capacity it is important to take into account the length of time spent in nature. If the hike lasts for several days, then part of the space will be occupied by things and a table. Therefore, it is better to take a tent that can accommodate more than the campers are supposed to.
3. An important selection criterion is seasonality... Summer models are made of the finest materials. Spring-autumn designs are made from denser fabrics. Winter tents have maximum strength and high thermal insulation qualities.
4. Pay attention to the parameter like waterproofness... It is expressed in millimeters of water (mm wc). In summer, an awning with an indicator of 1500 mm of water will cope with short-term rain. Art., and for recreation from spring to late autumn, it is better to choose more waterproof tent models (3000-4000 mm). It's also worth asking if your tent has a sealed bottom.
5. Modern tents are equipped with many useful options... It is convenient to use the inner pockets, a comfortable microclimate is provided by the ventilation system, and mosquito nets will help protect guests from annoying insects.

Let's say that you already know what kind of travel you need a tent for, how many people it should hold, and have roughly decided on the shape of the tent. But here's the bad luck - having eliminated all unnecessary modifications, the choice is still large enough.

Indeed, there is a huge variety of tents on the market today.
By the way, if you have not yet decided on the purpose of the tent and do not know what types of tents there are, then read on.
So which tent should you choose?

• Water resistance... One of the most important indicators (what is the point of hiding from the rain in a tent that is leaking?). Water resistance is different and is measured in millimeters of water column. Below 2000 mm - low water resistance. Above 3000 mm is very good.
• Goodventilation... It is hard to breathe in a tent with poor ventilation, especially at night. In addition, condensation begins to accumulate on the walls in the form of drops, which roll onto the floor.
• Wind resistance... This is also an important indicator, but not so critical, because most of the tents these days are well thought out, have a sturdy frame and storm bracing. Still, some forms are less wind-resistant, for example, "half roll". Wind resistance is also worse in gable and tent-shaped tents, in which there is no frame made of arches.
• Light weight and volume... These metrics are key in hiking, especially over long distances. It is worth remembering that a compact and lightweight tent with excellent protective properties will cost you a pretty penny.
• Easy to install... The question of the speed of setting up a tent is sometimes ignored by novice tourists. But in vain. Over time, this indicator begins to be appreciated by tourists who have learned the charm of setting up a tent in a pouring downpour.

Why is there no "low price" feature?

A trick question :) Because there are no cheap tents with excellent performance. All this is interconnected.
Let's say you have chosen a lightweight and compact tent. If at the same time it is cheap, then 99% of it uses bad materials. And such a tent will either leak in heavy rain, or there will be poor ventilation in it, which will lead to getting wet from the inside.
Another example: arcs are usually made of either fiberglass or aluminum alloys. Fiberglass is cheaper, but aluminum is lighter.
One way or another, there is only one conclusion: free cheese only in a mousetrap!

Universal tent "for everything"!

The question that torments many: in which store do the most best tourist tents? :) A lot of people want versatility and are looking for a tent that can fit most hikes. And something like that really exists. The criteria for an "average" tent are roughly as follows:
shape - hemisphere, capacity - 2-3 people, material - polyester, two-layer, water resistance - 2000 mm of water column, frame - fiberglass.
Such a tent fits best into the criteria of versatility and will serve you faithfully in almost any camping conditions, with the exception of very extreme ones.

Still, which tent is better?

Conversations about which tents are good will never stop. And yet, what if the choice fell on two similar tents, and you like both of them? In this case, you need to remember that you always have to sacrifice something. Take, for example, two tents with the same characteristics, but different shapes: one is a hemisphere, the other is a half roll. If you prefer a hemisphere, then it will be tighter in it than in a half roll. But if the choice falls on a half roll, then although it is more comfortable, it is less stable in strong gusts of wind. The fiberglass frame is heavier than aluminum, but cheaper than aluminum. A single layer tent is lighter in weight and easier to assemble, but a two layer tent has better ventilation. Quick-assembly tents are assembled in less than a minute, but they are very bulky when folded.
And so in everything. The moral is simple: you always need to know about the pros and cons of each design feature, and then you can easily buy a good tent.

In conclusion, we will offer our readers a short video on the topic. Simple, concise and clear:

1. First of all, decide on type tents. Light trekking models are perfect for hiking. A high level of comfort is provided by spacious camping tents. Mountain conquerors should take a closer look at the storm category.
2. When determining the optimal capacity it is important to take into account the length of time spent in nature. If the hike lasts for several days, then part of the space will be occupied by things and a table. Therefore, it is better to take a tent that can accommodate more than the campers are supposed to.
3. An important selection criterion is seasonality... Summer models are made of the finest materials. Spring-autumn designs are made from denser fabrics. Winter tents have maximum strength and high thermal insulation qualities.
4. Pay attention to the parameter like waterproofness... It is expressed in millimeters of water (mm wc). In summer, an awning with an indicator of 1500 mm of water will cope with short-term rain. Art., and for recreation from spring to late autumn, it is better to choose more waterproof tent models (3000-4000 mm). It's also worth asking if your tent has a sealed bottom.
5. Modern tents are equipped with many useful options... It is convenient to use the inner pockets, a comfortable microclimate is provided by the ventilation system, and mosquito nets will help protect guests from annoying insects.