| Backpackers, cyclists, kayakers and others who | | | | kept out with a waterproof second layer called a |
| use lightweight backpacking tents are about as | | | | "rain-fly" which sits a couple inches above the |
| varied crowd as any you could find. Can you say | | | | breathable layer. The exception to this is when |
| Rugged Individualist? That's a cross section of | | | | the fabric of the breathable layer is also |
| people who by definition resist definition. So let's | | | | waterproof. Some of the newer high tech fabrics |
| look at some principles most of us can probably | | | | like Gore-tex let water vapor pass through, but |
| come close to agreeing on. | | | | keep rain out. These can come at a premium, but |
| Pick a backpacking tent to handle the worst | | | | they save weight. |
| conditions you are likely to face whenever you | | | | Besides waterproofing, look for a backpacking |
| might use it. A good quality backpacking tent will | | | | tent that is bug proof, snake proof and scorpion |
| last for years with minimal care and that means | | | | proof. Many a pleasant evening has been ruined |
| you may use it in many climates. Heavy rains like | | | | by a cloud of flying biting insects. Many lightweight |
| the Pacific Northwest? High winds like in the | | | | tents have "no-see-um" mesh to keep out the |
| Rockies? Snow? All of the above? This is one of | | | | smallest insects. This is why I don't recommend |
| the most critical components of your purchasing | | | | camping under tarps along but push for enclosed |
| decision for your backpacking tent. Most people | | | | bug proof, lightweight camping tents. |
| don't look far enough ahead and so they choose | | | | Other things to consider are large mesh windows |
| a tent that meets their immediate needs, but for | | | | to allow good ventilation on stuffy or rainy nights. |
| the next trip they have to start over. Unless | | | | Another great benefit is stargazing while the |
| you're climbing Denali, you can probably find a tent | | | | skeeters learn the meaning of frustration. Think |
| that will be a real asset for most trips. It should | | | | about where you will put your gear-minus your |
| tempt you to laugh at the elements and become | | | | food-if the weather is inclement. If your pack |
| like a trusted friend after a few trips-your refuge | | | | needs to be sheltered, look for a tent with a gear |
| in the storm. | | | | canopy or you'll need extra space inside. |
| Look for a tent with a bucket floor which means | | | | Whenever you are travelling under |
| it's waterproof on the bottom and water proof | | | | "muscle-power" compactness and weight are key |
| fabric extends a ways up the side. This is a | | | | concerns. Every inch and every pound is a big |
| non-negotiable feature in my opinion. The walls | | | | deal. A high quality ultralight backpacking tent is |
| above the bucket floor need to breath. But you | | | | worth every ounce, but every ounce counts. |
| still want to put a ground cloth under your tent to | | | | Tent weights should be part of the description of |
| keep it waterproof. Most tent walls are made | | | | the tent and must be evaluated carefully before |
| from a fabric that will allow moisture to pass out | | | | you buy. At the end of a long day on the trail or |
| of the tent so it will not condense and form | | | | the road, a few less pounds translate to a lot less |
| droplets inside the backpacking tent. The rain is | | | | sweat and soreness. |