Camping can feel way more complicated than simply sleeping outside once you realize that there are mountains of camping gear on the market that are designed to make your camping trip comfortable.
Backpacking is the opposite since you only bring what you can carry on your back.
Accordingly, choosing a backpacking tent can feel like a big decision since your tent will be your only shelter in the wilderness.
That’s why we’ve made a short list of things to consider before you choose a backpacking tent. Check it out below, then visit ASO Mammoth for the best outdoor gear and rentals in Mammoth Lakes!
Weight
It’s easy to see why you need to consider weight when choosing a backpacking tent. After all, the lower the weight, the less you’ll have to carry while hiking. However, it’s not as simple as finding the lightest backpacking tent possible.
Although ultralight tents will be easier to carry, they may lack key features you need to be comfortable. For example, the lightest tents are actually shelters that act more as a tarp over your sleeping area than a traditional tent.
This type of shelter will be lighter than any tent, but you’ll obviously be exposed to the elements. The best backpacking tents are the ones that balance protection from the elements with low weight materials and designs.
Season
Most modern tents are 3-season tents, which mean they are suited to camping in spring, summer, and fall based on their designs. For most backpackers, that’s all that’s necessary even when temperatures rise or drop beyond seasonal norms.
4 season tents are tents designed to keep their occupants warm and dry during the three seasons we already mentioned as well as winter. 4 season tents tend to be smaller and made with more durable materials that can stand up to harsh winter winds and snow.
However, they can also cost more than a 3 season tent as a result, so if you have no plans on camping in winter or at high altitudes where you’ll find winter like conditions then a 3 season tent is likely the best choice for you. 4 season tents can also become stuffy if it’s warm outside, so they may not be the best choice for camping in warm weather.
Size
Tent size is generally referred to by the number of people who can fit inside of one. One person tents may seem like the best choice since they’ll be the lightest, but if you don’t mind carrying a little extra weight then the extra room that comes with a two-person tent will be appreciated on rainy days!
Livability
What does livability mean? It means features that make it easier to be comfortable inside your tent. Things like interior pockets, vestibules, and rain flies are all things that may seem like unnecessary luxuries but can make a huge difference while actually backpacking.
Of course, you’ll carry each of those features on your back, so it’s important you find a balance between being comfortable and staying lightweight when choosing a backpacking tent!