The Web HikerBackpacking Camping Gear

Camping tents and you – Finding the perfect match

Choosing the right type of camping tent can be largely relative; preference may vary from person to person. Whether you are a leisure camper or a hardcore backpacker, your particular camping needs will determine the kind of tent you should buy.  Naturally, some tents are designed for more comfort while others are more rugged. 

Intended use

Once you decide what kind of camping you want to do, you can trim down your options of what kind of tent to buy. If you intend to go backpacking, weight and size are crucial factors for consideration.  You also want to look at its resistance to wear and tear, seeing that you’ll be camping in different sites and pitching and striking the tent quite often. Since the elements can be unpredictable while you’re on the trail, you should also consider the ease of pitching and striking the tent and how long both will take. A few seconds can spell the difference when there’s a strong wind or a blizzard you have to contend with. On the other hand, if you wish to stay at one campsite for a week or even a month, your number one consideration could be comfort and also durability.

Tent designs

There are five basic camping tent designs manufactured today: Ridge tent, Dome tent, Single-hoop tent, Tunnel tent, and Geodesic dome tent.

• Ridge tent: The simplest and most reliable tent used by most backpackers, the ridge tent withstands almost any type of weather and can be easily set up in any kind of terrain. It can accommodate only one or two persons. It has two poles, a built-in groundsheet, a ventilated inner tent, and a waterproof flysheet, and allows shelter for cooking and storage under its flysheet.  Ridge tents, such as coleman tents, can be either wedge-shaped or horizontal-ridge.

The wedge-shaped is higher in the entrance and has a shorter rear, which effectively streamlines against the wind. The horizontal-ridge has the same height for both ends and gives additional headroom, but sacrifices the reduced wind resistance afforded by the wedge-shaped.

• Dome tent:  A much more spacious tent than the ridge, the dome tent can accommodate up to three people.  Its flexible poles also allow more headroom and better interior comfort.  It does not stand well with really strong winds, however, and necessitates firm pegging. It is much more suited for family backyard camping, for the beach, or for use in three-day concerts and the like than in hiking or in rugged terrain.

• Single-hoop tent: The single-hoop tent is lightweight and provides ample space for lots of creature comforts. It is also easy to pitch and strike in most terrains. The tent’s sloping profile also helps in deflecting oncoming winds.

• Tunnel tent: A relatively large tent designed to accommodate as much as four people, the tunnel tent has a frame of up to three hoops, with smaller hoops at both ends and the largest one in the middle.  It often has entrances on both ends.

• Geodesic dome tent: Shaped just like a dome tent but with curved, interlocking poles, the geodesic dome tent is a lot more stable and sturdy than a regular dome, but also needs to be strongly pegged down. It is lightweight and easy to erect and take down. Instead of guylines, it uses flexible poles that cross at intervals and hold the tent fabric taut.

Taking seasons into consideration

Another important consideration is the time or season you want to go camping. There are tents made only for summer use while others are especially made to withstand heavy snow.  Manufacturers usually label the tents to indicate which season they are good for, often as: one-season (for summer use only), three-season (for summer, spring, autumn), and four season (for all seasons). The expedition coleman tent, for instance, is a four season tent that can cope with strong winds, heavy rain, and heavy snow.

Size matters

In general, camping tents fall into two categories when it comes to size and weight: small lightweight tents and larger heavier tents.  Small lightweight tents are intended to be carried over long distances when hiking or trekking, and are designed for use by backpackers, mountaineers, cyclists, and such. A lot of these tents are easy to set up and can be pitched in seconds. These tents can accommodate one to three people. Larger and heavier tents, on the other hand, are meant for sheltering groups of people such as a family or a group of friends. These are usually carried in a vehicle and can be assembled between five to twenty-five minutes. These tents are used more for vacation camping and are set up in relatively safe and wholesome environments such as parks or even one’s own backyard. The age of the persons who will occupy the tent will also matter when choosing the right size of tent, as well as the features that the tent must have. A small dome tent may already be adequate to accommodate as much as five kids but can only fit in three adults. For cyclists and backpackers, an extra covered space outside of the tent may be desirable to cover cooking utensils, backpacks, or a bicycle. An additional pole can hold the tent’s entryway fabric to serve as an awning. This is also invaluable in providing a good shade from the sun outside of the sleeping area. The interior height of tent is a consideration when it comes to comfort.

If you are simply using the tent to sleep and are mostly outside of it, then a ridge tent, which only allows mostly lying down, is adequate. If you are camping in one location for more than a few days then more height will give you more freedom to maneuver inside the tent and allow for better relaxation and leisure.
You can check for the usability of the tent’s height by testing it in four different positions: lying down, sitting, kneeling, and standing. Depending on what you think you will be doing inside the tent (playing cards, reading, eating, etc.), you can chose the appropriate height accordingly.

For more information on Camping Supplies or coolers go to http://www.coolersforcamping.com

Outdoor Camping Tent 2-Person-4-Season Single Layer Green Water Resistant $29.99

REI Mountain 2 Four Season Tent $320.00

USMC DIAMOND BRAND 3 SEASON 2 MAN TENT CAMPING TENT NEW IN BOX COMPLETE NEW $219.99

The North Face Quartz 22 Bx Tent 2-Person 3-Season (Yam Orange) $124.99

KELTY Zenith 2 ~ 2 Person Tent 3 Season ~ NEW $56.00

Kelty Zodiac 4 Person Tent NEW in Box 3 Season Backpacking Camping $51.99

NEW Kelty Zodiac 4 Tent 4 Person 3 Season $49.99

MSR CARBON REFLEX 3 2011 MODEL 3 SEASON, 3 PERSON TENT NEW WITH TAGS!!! $430.00

New Big Agnes GORE PASS 3 Tent $349 3-Person 3-Season Light Backpacking Camping $249.00

NEW IN BOX KELTY ZODIAC 4 PERSON 3 SEASON TENT ALL WEATHER COMFORT $79.90

New North Face Tent Madraque 23 3/Season, 2 Person, Light and Strong + Footprint $239.99

MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Person Tent 3 season camping backpacking shelter ultralight $189.99

Outdoor Camping Tent 2-Person-4-Season Single Layer Green Water Resistant $29.99

Sierra Designs Zolo 3 Tent 3-Person 3-Season $87.00

Kelty Zenith 2 Person Tent 3 Season Comfort NEW $36.00

Sierra Designs Zolo 3 Tent with Footprint Backpacking Adventure Camping 3 Season $199.95

NEW Marmot Limelight 3 Man Person 3 Season Backpacking Camping Tent $169.00

NEW Marmot Titan 3 Person Man 3 Season Backpacking Camping Tent $149.00

NEW Mountain Hardwear EV 2 Four-Season 2-Person Mountaineering Tent – Apricot $499.00

Kelty Trail Dome 4-person 3-season Family Camping Tent $144.93

Kelty Buttress 4 Tent 4-person 3-season $159.93

EUREKA! HIGH CAMP 2 PERSON TENT 4 SEASON $489.90

NEW CHINOOK WHIRLWIND 5 PERSON, 3 SEASON TENT ALUMINUM POLES 11521 Free Shipping $335.00

Salewa Sierra Leone 3 seasons Alpine Tent, for 2 persons $199.00

The North Face Rock 22 2 Person 3 Season Backpacking Tent + FOOTPRINT $100.00

Nemo Espri 2P 2 Person Tent 3 season camping backpacking shelter Ultralight $149.99

Chinook Cyclone 3 Person 4 Season Tent with Fiberglass Poles $215.99

Eureka! Scenic Pass 3XT 7’6″ x 6’6 3 person 3 season TENT 2629060 $135.00

North Face Mountain 35 Summit Series Expedition Tent “4 season” $479.00

Eureka! Closeouts Scenic Pass 2XT 7’5″ x 4’11 2 person 3 season TENT 2629065 $123.90

NEW BIG AGNES ROYAL FLUSH 3 FOUR SEASON TENT + FOOTPRINT 4 $500.00

Eureka High Camp Four Season Tent – New $399.95

Black Diamond Skylight 2-3 Person Tent 3 Season ultra light $169.00

CHINOOK SIROCCO 2 MAN , 3 SEASON, EASY-TO-SET-UP TENT $98.95

NEW Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent – Cit $135.99

Kelty Trail Ridge-4 3-Season 4’11″ Height DAC Aluminum Poles 4-Person Tent * $23.50

The North Face 2 man tent free standing 3 season $59.99

KELTY ZENITH 2 PERSON 3 SEASON TENT WATERPROOF NEW NIB $39.99

NEW THE NORTH FACE MINIBUS 33 TENT 3 to 4 PERSON 3 season trail hiking familly $456.62

North Face 3 Season Back Packing Tent $67.01

Eureka! Luxury Family Tents Titan 9′ 6″ x 13′ 6 3 season sleeps 8 2627485 $495.99

Eureka! Timberline SQ Outfitter 4 – 4 Season Sleeps 4 weatherproof tent 2627814 $298.50

Kelty Zodiac 4 person four tent quality family 3 season camping vestibule $48.99

NEW Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 Tent 1-Person 3-Season Color Humboldt $117.99

EQUINOX 6 PERSON 3 SEASON CAMPING TENT FAST SETUP NEW!! $399.95

EUREKA 9 PERSON 3 SEASON 3 ROOM CAMPING TENT BRAND NEW! $379.95

NEW KELTY Havana Shelter 3-Season Tent for Beach Park Events Sun Cabana 4 Person $24.99

*NEW* Blue 3 Season Camping Tent Fiberglass pole – 2 Person $42.99

*NEW* Burgundy 4 SEASON ALUMINUM POLE EXPEDITION TENT – 2 PERSON $96.95

Kelty Palisade 4 3-Season Camping Tent $359.94

Kelty Teton 4 3-Season Backpacking Tent $189.94

MSR Hoop 2-Person, 3-Season Backpacking Tent $349.95

Kelty Havana Season Beach, Park, or Event Shelter – Tent NEW RETAIL $58 $45.00

THE NORTH FACE DOME 5 TENT- BASE CAMP – 5 PERSON – 4 SEASON – SUMMIT GOLD- NWT!! $1,999.95

CHINOOK 5 PERSON “WHIRLWIND” TENT 3 SEASON FIBERGLASS $249.95

MSR HUBBA V4 TENT 3 SEASONS/ 1 PERSON $248.99

Dana Designs Atman 1 Person 4 Season Expedition Tent $100.00

Eureka! Alpenlite 2XT lightest-weight 4 season 2 person NEW TENT 2627797 $295.99

NEW Texsport Phoenix 3 Season Tent $74.22

Coleman 2 Person Freestanding Backpacking Tent Three-Season $20.00

KELTY GETAWAY 6 PERSON 3 SEASON TENT – NEW $159.99

Kelty Getaway 4 Light weight Tent 4 Person 3 Season New $84.95

Chinook Whirlwind 5 Person 3 Season Aluminum Tent $313.90

Alps Mountaineering Meramac 3 Person Season Tent $99.90

New Mountain Hardwear 3.1 Trango Expedition Tent 3-person 4-season Tent $659 $499.00

NEW Sierra Designs Nova Convertible 2 man 3 Season Tent $159.95

NEW Sierra Designs Baku 3 Ultralight Tent 3 men 3season $219.95

Hilleberg the Tentmaker – Nammatj 3 GT – 4 Season Tent – $800 MSRP – Global Ship $525.00

Hilleberg the Tentmaker – Keron 4 GT – $1055 MSRP – Global Ship – 4 Season Tent $800.00

Brand New Never Used Kelty ZENITH 2 2 Person/3 Season Comfort Waterproof Tent $40.00

Kelty Zodiac 4 Person Tent – 3 Seasons Comfort Quality!! Backpacking – Camping $99.99

Kelty Zodiac 4 Person Tent – 3 Seasons Comfort Quality!! Backpacking – Camping $99.99

Big Agnes Big House 4 3-Season 4-Person Tent $299.95

NEW Big Agnes Gore Pass 2 Tent: 2-Person 3-Season Hiking Camping Backpacking NWT $205.95

Sierra Designs Veranda 3 Tent, 3-Person 3-Season ** camping hiking coleman rei $189.99

Black Diamond Bibler Series Tempest Tent 2 Person 4 Season $350.00

Black Diamond First Light Tent 2 person 4 season with Vestibule NEW! $250.00

APEX 2XT DOME 2 MAN TENT, 3 SEASON $109.99

BIG AGNES SEEDHOUSE SL 3p TENT- TAN – 3 SEASON- NWT!! $319.99

NORTH FACE – EXPEDITION TENT – ” Hotel 66 ” 6 person 4 season BOMB PROOF !! $299.00

2 person backpacking/hiking tent 3 season light weight $122.73

MSR Carbon Reflex 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season- Moss $350.00

370331 Forte SQ 2XT Person Tent 3-Season $162.87

GOLITE XANADU 2+ Person 4 Season Tent $159.95

Kelty Backpacking Sport Dome Tent with Fly, 4 Person, 3 Season “Elevation” Model $89.95

Kelty Backpacking Sport Dome Tent with Fly, 4 Person, 3 Season “Elevation” Model $89.95

New Coleman Exponent Helios X2 2 Two Person Backpacking 4 Season Tent $309.95

Mountain Hardwear Hammerhead 3 tent -3 person-3 season -New $99.95

New Coleman Exponent Helios X3 3 Three Person Backpacking Tent Full Fly 4 Season $349.95

Denali, 18ft x 10ft, Three Room Family Tent with Fly, 8 Person, 3 Season *New* $159.95

Kelty Backpacking Sport Dome Tent with Fly, 4 Person, 3 Season “Elevation” Model $89.95

MSR Carbon Reflex™ 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season $349.95

ALPS Mountaineering Phoenix 2 Tent- 2-Person- 3-Season- Sage/Coal $115.00

Sierra Designs 4 season tent $51.00

BIBLER BLACK DIAMOND I TENT single wall 2 person 4 season vestibule ground cloth $299.00

MSR Velo Tent Used 2 Person, 4 Season, Large Vestiblue $250.00

The North Face Foundation 6 Bx Tent 6-Person 3-Season $200.00

Big Agnes Parkview 2 Person 3 season Backpacking Tent $100.00

KELTY PALISADE 4 Person 3 Season Hiking Camping Tent $279.95

Easy Setup 2 person 3 season tent w fiberglass rods *Free gift with Purchase!!* $46.99

Congratulation Card 1st Season – 03 $2.50 …

Congratulation Card 1st Season – 04 …

Coughlans Tube Tent: Lightweight Emergency Shelter, 8-Foot Length $7.95 The Coughlan’s Tube Tent is designed for emergency situations in which a shelter must be erected quickly, and search and rescue personnel must be signaled. This rugged 2.5 mil polyethylene shelter is fire retardant and lightweight. Shelter sets up in minutes and provides enough room for 2 people. Cord included. Directions: 1. Feed the cord through the Tube and tie to available trees, post, car doo…

Gardman R688 Walk-In Greenhouse $85.97 Walk-In Greenhouse Make Growing Easier Perfect for starting seeds or extending the growing season in the Spring and Fall. This greenhouse comes with ropes and pegs for stability. It’s compact size makes suitable for any deck or patio. Strong steel frame construction with a UV treated covering Compact size for easy storage (when disassembled) Includes guy ropes and pegs for extra stability Dimensio…

Flower House FHCV900 Conservatory Clear Greenhouse $349.97 Conservatory Greenhouse Enjoy Gardening All Year Round The ConservatoryTM design is compact and lightweight for easy transport, setup and take down. Best of all, there’s no assembly is required! Anyone can set it up in minutes. The ConservatoryTM door is located in the center for maximum space usage inside. Screened vent openings allow for optimum air circulation, and pest protection. Handy straps…

M*A*S*H – Martinis and Medicine Complete Collection $90.85 Contains all eleven seasons of the television show M*A*S*H.Item Type: DVD MovieItem Rating: NRStreet Date: 11/07/06Wide Screen: noDirector Cut: noSpecial Edition: noLanguage: ENGLISHForeign Film: noSubtitles: noDubbed: noFull Frame: yesRe-Release: noPackaging: Sleeve…

Ruby’s Clubhouse/Camp Out/Max’s Picnic $1.99 …

Ruby’s Figure Eight/Ruby’s Surprise Party/Ruby’s Tent $1.99 …

Tecnu Extreme Medicated Poison Ivy Scrub (4 oz) $8.75 Works in 15 seconds. Relives itching; soothes burning; removes poison oils. Homeopathic. Tecnu Extreme Poison Ivy Scrub relives itching, soothes burning from poison oak, ivy and sumac rash and removes urushiol oil that causes rash….

Traverse 4 LightSpeed Backpacking 4 Person Pop Up Tent $299.99 Finally… a high quality tent that sets up easily in just seconds!The Traverse series is one of the most popular tents in the LightSpeed tent lineup. The LightSpeed integrated pole system features poles that are built in to the tent, eliminating the difficulty associated with traditional separate pole tents. The revolutionary drawstring hub system allows the user to set up the tent quickly and ea…