| When choosing a tent for solo backpacking there | | | | these days. Also if you are blessed with some |
| are several factors to take into consideration but | | | | fine weather you don't even need to put up your |
| I think that a couple of the main ones are size | | | | tent but just use your tarp on its own. |
| and weight. Ok so you want the lightest tent you | | | | On my last backpacking trip around Dartmoor I |
| can find simply because you have to carry it | | | | was gone for 19 days and I had with me a small |
| around with you all day long, so the lighter the | | | | one man tent and this was absolutely fine for the |
| better. But don't forget that you also have to | | | | type of trip I had planned, just stopping one night |
| sleep in it, often in conditions that are far from | | | | in any one place. But during the first week I had |
| ideal e.g. wind, rain, snow, and anything else that | | | | trouble with an old knee injury and had to find a |
| the weather can throw at you. | | | | campsite to stay for a few nights (something I |
| There's no point in buying the smallest lightest | | | | try not to do as I prefer wild camping when |
| tent possible only to find that there is no room to | | | | possible.) This became very uncomfortable after a |
| put all your gear, so it's left outside in the rain. On | | | | couple of nights as I found that instead of packing |
| the other hand you do not want to be lugging | | | | equipment away after use it was easier to leave |
| around a heavy 2/3 man tent with you. | | | | it in the tent which soon became very cluttered |
| Your tent is often going to be the only thing | | | | leaving less room for me and making the tent |
| between you and the elements, so it's vital to | | | | feel even smaller. So remember that an extra |
| choose the right one for you and your style of | | | | few ounces for a slightly larger tent can make all |
| backpacking. There are many ultra light | | | | the difference when it comes to comfort. |
| backpacking tents on the market, some just large | | | | Sadly I suppose the biggest consideration when |
| enough for a person to lie down in, and some so | | | | choosing a backpacking tent is going to be the |
| small that you can't sit up in them. I have used | | | | cost. All I can say is to buy the best one you can |
| these tents on several occasions and found them | | | | with your budget and remember that you are |
| fine for short weekend trips especially if like me | | | | buying something that hopefully you will have for |
| you if you carry an ultra light tarp and walking | | | | a long time, so make sure that: |
| pole so you can erect a handy sized awning over | | | | - It fits you - You feel comfortable in it - It's up |
| the front of the tent to give you some extra | | | | to the job you want it for - Lastly whatever tent |
| room for cooking etc. | | | | you decide to buy in the end don't leave it in its |
| Ok so you may think that taking a tarp and tent | | | | bag at the back of the cupboard, |
| is a bit silly but it only adds slightly to your overall | | | | Then all you have to do is get it out, use it and |
| weight and its well worth it, and most people | | | | enjoy it! |
| carry at least one walking pole on a hiking trip | | | | |