Choosing a Tent for Mountain

After analyzing in detail all the features and materials in a tent, it is his turn to decide which are essential in the store that I desire to acquire and which are secondary. Weigh all factors to find a good balance between them, getting a store acquire almost perfect for my needs.

Then try to help to resolve all doubts about the most important aspects that will have to evaluate before purchasing your tent.

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The main thing we have to consider and, above all, to be clear when choosing a tent that meets our expectations, will our personal preferences and the conditions in which we will use. From this, we find the balance between the following three main factors:

- Space / weight / price.

To these factors we will add the following secondary factors:

- Weather / Design / Installation.

However, this may be a rough guide to follow, as the criteria will change as our main priority and we will use the store. Finding that balance is not easy, so then formulate a series of questions that we must answer when choosing which store is best suited to our needs. Rather it is to prioritize the factors that we mentioned a moment ago, regarding how much space we need inside our shop, how much weight you are willing to pay, why and when to use mainly use it, and, above all, how much budget we have to invest in this part of the mountain equipment. We recommend that you read the article previously Characteristics of a Tent for Mountain

INTERIOR: How many people are going to sleep in the tent? Where to leave your material? Do we need to be comfortable for long periods of time inside?

It is very important (pre) fix, or at least think about the number of people who want to sleep in the tent. The stores are designed for 1-2 people ideal for a person to sleep soundly with his material inside the tent. However, there must be a lot of trust among members if we want to expand to two people in these stores (in which case, of course, all the material would be out). With this example I intend to emphasize that the stores designed for 1-2 (or 2-3) people, who are usually calculated by: (i) If the minimum sleep 'demanded' I can do it very easily, even with all its material into and (ii) If the maximum sleep 'allowed' to do so very tight and all the material out. Beware that detail!

Many people enter the backpacks loaded with material in the store, in order to avoid soggy with rain (or snow) or the wrecking animals looking for food inside. The problem is that it entails have to get inside that place, and it could be the site occupied by another person. An easy solution would be to use the outer lobby to leave the bulky material out, thus preventing from getting wet in case of rain. For backpacks, we could cover with Rain cover to keep it from getting wet overnight. Also, enter the backpack inside a garbage bag (space and weight would need to carry the bag would be zero) may help keep it dry. And if that food could attract certain animals, suffice to place it in the shop with us.

The main recommendation when thinking about these factors is to look carefully at the measurements and the shape of the floor and ceiling, to clearly know their capacity and the number of people who could live there (both lying and sitting). And of course, we should not rely heavily on the manufacturer's description when talking about the number of people.

As we use the tent for one night (sleep-mount-dismount) or for long periods of camping, we have to evaluate roughly the capacity and occupancy of the store inside. Therefore, if the main use I plan to give the store will be by attending a couple of days, you spend a single night in the open, we should not worry so much about the interior. As opposed, if our intention is to leave the store for several days as a base camp for our trips, we should think more in our comfort to live inside. Field trips or longer stays involve mostly move a wide variety of equipment (clothing, bag, tent, food, stove, water, insulating mats, ...), and everyone that has ever happened becomes our store at times a real den where to find something becomes an impossible mission. Imagine what would happen if the store we used to spend a week lost in the bush was extremely small ... To this must be added that, in the mountains, the possibility of changes in the weather forecast is high. If one day we decided to return soon to our store to wait until tomorrow, we would spend hours inside, in addition to cooking, eating and move comfortably. In the latter cases, a larger store would be the ideal space. But what if we want a store for both cases? What to buy if you usually do short and long routes with the same frequency? In this case, I would go a step further, and try to answer the question: We usually go out when the weather forecast is really bad? If the answer is negative (for most people), the best option would sacrifice some interior space to gain weight and portability. Nobody dies a day locked in a tent however small. In addition, we allow our rainwear even go outside to stretch their legs and get some air. However, for tastes, colors ...

Continuing the theme. good height and a general store. There are shops that taper to the foot, winning lightness and packaging of the store, but lost in inner space. Some shops are also lost at the height of the feet, winning again in lightness, but lost again in comfort and interior space (no one will be sitting at the back of the store!). There are stores that have two halls, and this is a great advantage to store material on the outside without having to leave the open, it is quite common scatter all belongings in the store to get into it, and this will save us a lot of complications internal and external organization (for example, using a hall for storage and another as kitchen). In addition, having joined two halls will have two entrances to the store, which is a huge advantage in the face of rapid and effective ventilation inside the tent. There are also stores that have the lobby throughout the store (not the front, like most). With this win some length in the dimensions of the hall, leaving room to store everything and even cook comfortably without getting wet in the rain. The problem is that if the store has a lobby only, the person who sleeps on the inside have to spend literally over the other to get out.

You see, so many are the possibilities and combinations that although are small details are very important when you can rule out the two or three models that we like.

SIZE: How much should I weigh the packed store? Are we going to walk and transport?

The weight of the tent is only relevant if you're going to have to carry in our backpacks with her. Camping If you can get to the same place with our vehicle (such as in camping), the weight of the longer store decision, thereby enabling faster choice of our store. As in this review we refer to the tents for use in mountain, we assume that most store carry their backpacks for the night at another point on its route. In this sense, we can find ultra-light tents ranging from ½ kilo weight to technical shops high mountain of 4 or 5 kilos. As mentioned above, we can choose a store heavier if we are able to spread the load between several people, knowing that the volume holding the store can be proportional to its weight.

However, how much lighter the tent, greater price volatility and (usually). Therefore, gain in carrying comfort is sacrificed in strength of materials. Again, if you do not usually do outings with weather forecasting (especially in strong winds), a wise decision would be to choose a tent lighter as we facilitate its transport, winning and losing spinal health in terms of stability and firmness the store. On the flip side, if we like the war during our outings to the mountains, we should seek a store with rods stronger and thicker, and stronger tissues, thus gaining in strength and stability, but losing in lightness.

Closely tied to the above is the issue of the store packaging. As mentioned before, almost always (or always) accompanied tend to go off, so we appreciate the opportunity to distribute the components of the store between 2-3 people, which is a big advantage when your transport. In this sense, a store that is easily divisible in what refers to its components, we provide to distribute among team members. However, sometimes it may be more convenient to save the entire store in your carrying case and balancing the weight of backpacks using another piece of equipment. Pay close attention to the weights that manufacturers advertise because they are almost always taken to its minimum, ie no carrying case or pegs. And also take a look at the size of the store once stored in their case, because there are some which compress better, and shops that are more easily packable than others. According to the material that we use in mountain prefer a store that once stored, is long but narrow, or short but wide. However, this should not be an inconvenience when choosing our store, then to continue to keep the center of gravity of our backpack and a correct adjustment thereof, simply order more effectively all our belongings in it, which are either size.

Again, look for the balance between all of these alternatives will become a real puzzle. But, for us, today said that the quality of the materials used in the construction of the tarps and tents rodding is more than excellent, and the store will support strongly storms and high winds (perhaps with winds forecast did not even we raise to go off ...). So, again, if you have doubts in this regard, go one step further and turn to ask you when or under what conditions the store You will wear more often. The answer will help you to choose the size and weight factor of the store.

MAIN USE: What are the worst weather conditions you expect to encounter while I am using the store?

We will have to decide if we want a store that supports a light rain or need a shop that supports large snowfall and wind gusts in the mountains. This will condition largely due to use materials which store. We need to look at the degree of impermeability that owns the ceiling and the floor, to prevent water from entering the interior, and the facilities that we offer to avoid vapor condensation inside also. But one thing, because this is perhaps the most important point we have to stop to determine which store to buy. And, again, the question to ask is when and where we usually practice mountain. In this section we will focus on issues such as the impermeability of the canvas, the stitching and condensation.

If infrequent outings leveraging time stability, a roof with a water column of 1500mm is more than enough (especially for summer outings). This would imply that the vast majority of our routes are produced in spring and summer and the sun overhead. However, one factor to take into account at this point is that the mountain can always play tricks regarding weather conditions are concerned. And, for that reason, we must ensure that the store is ready to support a good downpour that caught us without notice. As I said before, a waterproof from 1500mm water column in the roof bear without problems these summer showers.

The performance of our store will have to be increasing as the weather forecast go to worse. So if we look for a store in winter outings with us, we put ourselves on two figures in terms of the water column refers roof: 3000mm-5000mm. Although we are fully convinced that we will not the mountain when the weather is not favorable, the mountain in winter usually betray more than we think, so we will locate from the roof 3000mm, 5000mm and if we know that the chances Water and snow are more than likely. Remember that the impermeability of the tent refers to the pressure that must withstand a drop canvas to the transferred, and this pressure is much greater in the case that the snow accumulates on the roof. So, seek water columns from 5000mm if you are true fans of the snow in the mountains and you are open to any possibility.

For its part, the waterproofing on the floor is another very important factor to consider. However, in this case, the choice is usually easier, since we always look quite demanding waterproofing figures on the floor. From 3000mm could be useful for very stable outputs with time and withstand the odd downpour without notice. In this case, the pressure exercised our bodies and the remaining material on the ground will make contact with the water or can run under our stores accumulated is greater, increasing considerably the possibility of water entering the store. If our idea is to put up a tent on snow or on very shaky ground (ie, prone to ponding in case of rain), we'll go straight for shops whose column of water in the soil exceed 8000mm.

Yes, almost more important than this, is to look to the canvas material and seams are quality. Otherwise, they are very impermeable to the canvas, the droplets eventually sifting through tiny holes of the seams, making the fabric more resistant to be ineffective and end boiled. Moreover, a good layout of the store is essential if the water is on the outside and does not end up going into the cabin. Doubles retail ceiling are designed so that the exterior keeps the rain out of the store, and evacuate and drain inside the droplets created by the condensation to the ground without penetrating the interior. For this reason, a good layout of the store is essential if we both do not contact tarps. Otherwise, the moisture will be transferred from one to the other, making (in extreme cases, but faster than you think) dripping droplets end up inside. Any rope and clip in the store has its function, and let all well bound and hooked to the tension rods will be better and, in turn, benefits in terms of increase considerably impermeabildiad and breathability.

As for condensation inside the tent, which simply results from our breath, say that there is the perfect shop to evacuate all effectively abroad. Having got better and worse, the little details we will reply back to evacuate what store better than another. In this sense, small windows are installed on the walls of the store are designed as air vents through which the exhaust condensation. Keep them open at night can help better ventilation. Any point of contact between the outer canvas roof interior and will render benefits not only in terms of waterproofness, breathability but also affected. If timely, open the outer door of the store will greatly help specific problems of extreme condensation may occur inside. Furthermore, leaving the mesh-screened vent inside we closed without insects can enter sleep steal.

Again, the possibilities are enormous. However, I think in this case the human factor that has more benefits that can offer the best store in the world. So no use to have a store if your mount waterproof and location is not the most appropriate. Similarly, a store of more normal market can become a real bunker outside elements if we take full advantage of all its benefits. Choose a shop that fairly cover your expectations in terms of weather concerns, and the rest will run from you.

ASSEMBLY: How easy is your setup? How many anchors owns the store?

The ease and speed of installation are important if we have to put up a tent in adverse conditions, whether snow, rain or wind, since we spend as little time as possible in their temporary installation to protect us from and to pick it up and continue the march . The rod type, wind, roof axes and their assembly will be much more comfortable or, conversely, become tedious.

This choice is usually not the most important, because the vast majority of tents for use in mountain (no camping) are designed to be mounted fairly quickly. However, a pair of features that could revise choosing our store would, on one hand, to check the number of pegs that are required for proper mounting. Think that the terrain on the mountain is not as soft and uniform at a campsite. Therefore, the more picks, the longer it will take to set up and more likely to fail when nailing some power on the ground. And, as we have already warned, correct fitting and tensioning of the store is essential to work well with the weather. Do not leave it with 1 or 2 axes without nailing, with a single stone as a means of tensioning the canvas, the wind and the water eventually entering the interior. Remember that an incorrect assembly and tensioning the store can cause the flysheet (which supports the water and wind) ends in contact with the inner roof, transferring from one another moisture and rain and eventually entering the interior the store.

Similarly, carefully read the manufacturer's installation instructions. In all tents, and especially mountain, any element, string or zipper has a more than necessary. For example, under the canvas roof usually find a small cords or ropes whose function is important. These are tied to rodding so properly securing the canvas to the wind impossible deformed or run the ceiling to either side. In parallel, the outside has some rings or holes through which to pass the winds. These are strings that, as its name suggests, serve to greatly increase the tension and outer roof fixing, preventing wind deforming action. The main advantage we gain is that at no time will the roof outside contact with the interior, making it unlikely that the water entering our cabin.

Another factor, in my opinion is not the most important but perhaps you might have in mind is the cleat outer roof and bedroom. Some stores have a system in which the rods are passed through a canvas sewn sheaths, distributing stress points along the entire canvas. However, other stores carry a set of clips or hooks, making assembly but creating stress points in the fabric (but often these points are reinforced at the seams). Maybe so ye pay more attention to the order form or mounting. There are shops where you should start riding the passenger or bedroom, on the ceiling mount after what abroad. The main drawback of this system is that more time will be exposed to the weather if we catch a sudden storm. The other system used by other stores is mounted first canvas exterior with its corresponding rodding and can then take shelter under it and mount inside more relaxed.

Therefore, Look back to the store has a fairly simple and quick assembly (with a sudden downpour can finish completely soaked in the 3-4 minutes it takes us to get and put up a tent for shelter), and try the number of anchors the ground is minimized without sacrificing the stability and resilience of the store to external agents. As for the rest, are secondary issues in which everyone will have their preferences.

Budget: How much money I can spend?

Given the money to invest in a tent can not say anything. Once we determined the characteristics that we need to investigate and analyze the tents offered by each manufacturer and compare them to get a good quality / price ratio. However, even the richest person in the world would have difficulty choosing a single tent that suits your needs, it simply does not exist. Of course, the more money we have, the more we buy from shops: one for every need, situation or condition.

Latest tips.

With these tips not to say that the opposite of what we stand for is wrong. This is a simple guide as to all the features and benefits that a tent provides, and that, for many, can be a real puzzle.

Finally, some of the best advice is do not try to claim the tent look perfect to fit everything you need, it does not exist. You will not find a store that is sufficiently mountain waterproof, large, light and durable for use in most conditions, as always you will have to sacrifice something. Always remember to use majority going to give him, and not confuse use as tent camping. For camping tents are excellent very, very cheap. Similarly, not a super Appoint 4 seasons tent just in case I ever going to the Himalayas: once is not worth the two hundred who will have to carry her. Remember that there is no magic tent all support, and proper installation and location is essential. Be very clear what your priorities and make a list of the different models you like, comparing their different characteristics and features. And above all, you to buy Take up the you to buy, there is always something that you have to sacrifice, either by weight, interior space, assembly ...

Remember to buy a tent for mountain is a major investment and that can not be done lightly. Take your time to choose the right and comprobad all models on the market, brands and comment on them. If you have everything clear in advance and are assuming the strengths and weaknesses of the store you are going to buy, you will never regret it. Enjoy it!