Recreational Holidays

Planning an extended hiking trip?

For an extended hiking trip, one of the worst things you will want to deal with is a heavy tent. How can you have a great trip without all the work? Take the time to comparison shop for the right size tent for your specific need, based in part on what else you are bringing with you and the number of people in your group. Even when you have a lot of items to deal with, you can still get a light weight tent to fit the bill. Let’s consider some specifics here.

First, you’re going to need to think about your priorities. Is weight a major issue? If you’ll be walking long distances, it probably should be. Even a pound or two can make a big difference in the weight you’re going to be carrying. Remember that packed weight and trail weight are different if you see these listed on the package. Packed weight refers to the whole tent; while trail weight may omit the stakes, rain fly and other elements.

Move up a bit to a medium sized tent like the Kelly Gunnison tent for up to four people. There are several things offered here including a fully rain fly and DAC aluminum poles. It weighs in at about nine pounds so it too may be a bit heavy for just one person. It is a stable tent and it does have a number of features including taped seams, bathtub floor and vestibule. There are also storage pockets. The company also makes a slightly smaller version that is ideal for those with just two people or one person with equipment. It weighs only five pounds and eleven ounces.

The Kelty Crestone 2 is another option to think about. Here, there is room for up to two people who have hiking gear with them. There are two convenient entrances, vestibules and it also features aluminum poles to keep it light. And, it is at only four pounds and twelve ounces in weight.

As you shop for the right lightweight tent, do realize that there are many brands that can help you to stay in a stylish tent. Consider the brands of Kelty, Sierra Design, Eddie Bauer and Colman, for example. Or, the brands of North Face, Wenzel and EZ Up are good options. Eureka, Sierra Design and Wenger are also popular options that many people enjoy taking with them as they camp and hike.

Have you thought about the Pup tent, or A Frame? This type of tent gives you just a thin wall to the outdoors. There are only a few poles in the devise and it supported by the guy lines. The biggest problem with this type of tent is the way that it sags inward, which can problem in rainy situations. On the other hand, do not consider Cabin Camping tents since they way at least thirty-five pounds.

Dome Camping tents are another option, especially if you want more headroom. They are also good at keeping the elements at bad (since the rain and snow just slide right off.) The specialized designed rain fly helps this. These are free standing and have aluminum poles to keep them as lightweight as possible.

In the summer you may want something that is very light weight and also offers a good amount of ventilation. Summer time tents do not have a lot of features but they can work well in some situations. The other option is the tunnel or hoop tent, which are very lightweight options. The only drawback here is that the tents often have only limited support, which can cause a problem. The Bivy sack is another option, especially if you are hiking and camping by yourself. They are too small for much else than you and the sleeping bag you are using. They only weigh a few pounds, which make them a good choice for lightweight.

As you take the time to consider the right lightweight tent to use, keep in mind that there are many brands and styles available. The weather, your budget and the number of people play a role in which you choose, as should the weight, of course.