Researching hiking tents? Confused, overwhelmed with choice, not sure how much to spend? Focus on the important points by asking yourself these simple questions before buying a hiking tent.
Remember, what one person says is the best tent, is not necessarily the best tent for you.
2, 3 or 4 season?
- 2 season tents offer little protection. They are best suited to warm dry conditions and mild weather.
- 3 season tents are the most popular type, they offer comfort in all but the extreme of climates. These are the best option for anyone wanting an “all round” tent. 3 season tents are usually dual skin with a mesh inner.
- 4 season tents are made of heavier materials, feature full nylon inners and more poles making them warm and stable in bad weather. They are best suited for someone predominantly winter camping.
- Snow/Expedition tents are specialised, heavy and often expensive. They are not the best option for someone looking for an all-round tent. These tents are built sturdy to withstand snow loading and extremely high winds.
Ask yourself: In what climate will I mostly be using my tent?
Weight, space or durability?
There is always a trade-off for a lighter tent, there is no way around it. When you shave off a few grams, you are often shaving off something else such as durability, space or stability. It is nice to have space in your tent, especially if you are bunkered down in bad weather, but you will still have to carry the tent to your next campsite.
Ask yourself: What is more important – weight, space or durability?
Features?
Organiser pockets, stuff sacks for guy ropes, fully featured carry bags and gear lofts, they are all great features but are you really going to utilise them. If you think about it, all you really need is a groundsheet, inner and a waterproof fly with some room to store your gear. You only want to carry what you are actually going to use!
Ask yourself: What are the crucial features I want in my tent?
Price?
The big question on every tent buyers lips – how much does it cost? Once again, there is always a trade-off between price and the tents features.
The entry-level tents at Snowys are fantastic value for money and will serve the casual user for many years. A hiker who finds themselves on the trail at every opportunity, however, will benefit from investing a little more money.
Ask yourself: Do I need a basic tent for occasional use, or should I invest a little more in strength and reliability?
Write the answers to these questions down, and keep them handy when you are doing your tent research. It will help narrow your options and keep you focused on what features are important to you. There is no right or wrong answer to any of these questions, it is all personal preference…Happy tent hunting!
If you’re still confused and need some help, call us on 1900 914 007, or drop into the store at 92 Richmond Rd, Keswick SA, for non-biased expert advice before buying a hiking tent.
Trekker, surfer, climber, mountain biker, runner, camper. Participator in most things… master of none.
Hi, would you recommend a 3 or 4 season tent for use in the Blue Mountains in winter? We are only occasional hikers but may go to the Blue Mountains sometimes. I’m hoping to find an entry level tent that works for summer as well as winter – does this exist? Also, do you have any information on companies that are ethical and sustainable? There doesn’t appear to be any information on where tents are made or what environmental commitment companies have. Cheers
Hi Romi – Great questions. 4 season tents are generally designed to hold up in conditions of high wind and heavy snow. You won’t need a 4 season tent for camping in the Blue Mountains during winter. While they do get a little snow most winters, it’s usually short-lived and only on the higher peaks. A good 3 season tent will serve you well in the Blue Mountains in winter and pretty much everywhere else in summer and the other seasons.
If your budget allows, check out the MSR Hubba Hubba and Elixr range, and the Mont Moondance. These are high-quality tents that are lightweight and will hold up in bad weather. If you’re looking for something in the middle, check out the Zempire range (the yellow ones). They all come in a range of sizes to suit the number of people you’ll be sleeping.
I’m not sure whether MSR, Mont, or Zempire expressedly support or work towards environmental or sustainability charters. That said, they do all make high-quality products that are meant to last. And, the sort of people that buy their gear – you and me – are likely to practice a ‘low impact’ / leave-no-trace attitude in the bush. 🙂 Hope that helps. Cheers, Paul