Light Weight Tents

Who would want light weight tents? Anyone who wants to go backpacking and doesn't want to lug too much around with them. In order to make sure you're not carrying a whole lot, you need to cut down the weight of three basic things - your bedding, your backpack itself, and your sleeping bag. The tent is one of the areas where it's easy to cut weight, which is why many people choose light weight tents for their backpacking trips. However, choosing one can seem pretty tricky. If you ask the right questions, however, it doesn't have to be. Here are a few things you should think about if you're in the market for light weight tents.

First, decide how much space you need. If you're prone to feel uneasy in enclosed spaces, you'll need one of the larger models on the market. There are some ultra light designs that are just the same size as a person. If you hate being in a tight spot, it could feel like sleeping in a coffin, and should be avoided. If you're okay with tight squeezes and weight is a big priority, they could work fine.

Think about your height, too. Many small tents are made to the manufacturer's idea of an average person. If the tent is only a few inches longer than you are tall, you'll probably come into contact with the walls, and you could get wet due to condensation. Think about what you'll be doing in the tent, too. If it's going to be used for recreation or storage, you'll need more space than if you're just sleeping.

When will you be backpacking? If you go in bad weather, you'll want a three or four season tent, not just a light weight summer tent. These flimsier styles can be fine if you only go in fair weather, though. Think about budget as well. Really light tents can be really expensive, since they require a lot of careful design to be manufactured. That could affect what you can buy. They can also be hard to set up, so remember whether weight or fast setup is your first priority.

Single layer tents with no rain fly are lighter than tents with that kind of protection, but there's more condensation inside. Remember that air circulation is important if you're considering one of these designs. After you buy, test the tent so you'll know what it's like to stay in it and how it feels to wake up there in the morning. That way, if you don't like it, you can return it.