| If you're planning to go travelling on the cheap | | | | stony or sandy ground. However, if you need to |
| you'll need to consider where to stay. Finding good | | | | put it up on a slope or in windy conditions you |
| backpacking tents can make or break your trip in | | | | may want to check whether you can also stake |
| terms of levels of comfort and your ability to | | | | it if necessary. While we're on this topic, think |
| sleep. There are some particular things to look for | | | | about how easy it is to put up. If you're going it |
| when shopping for a backpacking tent. | | | | alone, you'll want to have it up and ready for your |
| A tent suited for a week's camping with a van | | | | tired bones as fast as possible. |
| stacked full of everything but the kitchen sink has | | | | 4. How much space do you need? |
| different features than one that you'll be able to | | | | You're going to need enough room for you and |
| cart around for your travels. The key is to work | | | | your sleeping bag, plus space for personal effects. |
| out how important each criterion is and then use | | | | It is unlikely your pack will also be able to fit so it's |
| this to make your decision. | | | | best to store them outside. You can always add |
| 1. How compact does it need to be? | | | | on a fly to increase the space a little if you want, |
| Does it need to be carried with your belongings or | | | | giving you somewhere to place your larger items. |
| can you transport it separately. The lighter it is | | | | If you are travelling with one other person it |
| the shorter in height it will be, and it will tend to | | | | might be a good idea to upgrade to a three |
| be a less durable tent. If you feel you're going to | | | | person sized structure, especially if you're planning |
| need more room you'll have to go for a heavier | | | | to stay several days in one place. There is only |
| one. | | | | so much personal space to be found in the |
| 2. What seasons are you travelling in? | | | | smaller backpacking tents! |
| It's unlikely you'll need a heavy duty all condition | | | | 5. How much do you want to spend? Yes it can |
| tent, unless you're planning to stay in extreme | | | | feel like you are hemorrhaging money and yes it |
| conditions, including heavy snow or a very strong | | | | can feel like it's easier to buy the cheapest you |
| sun. What you will need to look at is whether the | | | | can find. But you need a backpacking tent that is |
| design allows for air circulation, and whether you | | | | going to last the distance, keep you as dry as |
| want windows to look out of. The key is to | | | | possible, and allow you to breathe easily. You |
| consider what range of weather you may be | | | | want it to have material that is durable, dries |
| exposed to when deciding upon the most suitable | | | | easily and packs light, even if that means paying |
| type of tent. | | | | more than bargain basement prices. |
| 3. Is it free standing? | | | | Finding the right backpacking tents is all about |
| It definitely makes it easier to assemble if it is, | | | | finding the right one for your specific needs. Then |
| and this type of structure is well suited to very | | | | you'll be a happy camper! |