Light tents: characteristics and features of choice

In the west, lightweight tourist tents are becoming increasingly popular. Gradually, such options and conquer the Russian market. Fans of hiking and cycling travel have appreciated light instances of tents, because during the hike they practically do not add weight and do not fill the entire volume of the backpack.

For ultra-light tents are products whose weight is less than a kilogram per person. That is, if it is a double version, then its mass should not exceed two kilograms. If this is a single copy, then a weight of just over 1 kg is allowed, but there are even lighter samples.

Lightweight tourists are the main judges of such tents. They are attracted light weight, which does not reduce the quality of the product. In a hiking backpack, such an important and usually voluminous thing as a tent takes up minimal space.

Users of lightweight tents are also lovers of adventure racing and cycling brevets. Awnings and lighter shelters can not always protect from difficult weather conditions, so the super-light tent is again an indispensable tool. In addition, the product can be used after the races during the usual tourist walk.

Ultralight specimens not only make the trip more pleasant, but also have a positive effect on the health of the tourist. A traveler who is not burdened with gravity maintains the correct position of his back, moves faster on the road, does not spend strength on transporting things. All this makes the trip more accessible and safe for health.

To make the tent easy, manufacturers use different methods. For example, reduce the size of the product. Ultralight options have minimal options. Thus, the bottom is in the form of an inverted trapezium, which allows to reduce the number of frame elements, which lead to gravity. So as not to reduce the level of comfort, manufacturers are paying special attention to increasing the internal volume of the product.

Another way to reduce weight - use of the easiest raw materials. For example, most companies use the lightest frame options, as well as lightweight fabrics with silicone coating. These materials are characterized by high density and reliability, but their mass is minimal. Often inside, instead of the usual fabric, a lightweight version of the mosquito net is used.

Typically, manufacturers indicate the weight of the tent, taking into account the awning, frame and sleeping canopy. Don't forget that installation requires pegs, delays, repair kit, which also adds weight. For example, in stone areas without this equipment is indispensable. But in the forest, these elements can replace trees, shrubs, stones, and this will reduce the total weight of the tent.

On sale there are single-layer and double-layer versions of tents.It would seem that a single-layer should be easier, and therefore more preferable, but essentially the difference in mass is insignificant, but according to user feedback, in terms of comfort, a single-layer copy is significantly inferior to a two-layer competitor.

Also those who tried to use different types of tents, recommend to choose copies with a self-supporting frame, which is almost independent of stretch marks, pegs or racks. Users advise to give preference to hemispherical frames and its varieties, but if you buy such a product in the classic version, then, in fact, due to the large number of arcs, the weight of such a tent will not be reduced as much as possible.

Often the kit includes an additional compartment for storing clothes, shoes and other things that are customarily stored under cover, but not near the sleeping area. If the tourist does not need these additional functions, then there is no sense in overpaying for them and buying a weighted version.

Analyzing customer reviews, you can make a list of the most popular products from different manufacturers. They all have both pros and cons.

• Sniper Fox. Single option weighing 1,55 kg for an easy-going. Dimensions: 290x120x80 cm. Two-layer sample. Frame - half a box. In general, a worthy option, but there are drawbacks: high price, not widespread availability. In addition, users note that there are variants of the same weight, but a larger volume.

• Bivifox (Manufacturer: Red Fox). A single tent weighing 0.99 kg and measuring 235x85x60 cm. This is a single-layer version with a half-frame. Users speak well of this instance, but out of the minuses inaccessibility in many regions of Russia and a small range stand out.

• Ferrino Specter 1. Single light tent weighing 1.5 kg. Internal dimensions are 240x75x100 cm. Tourists appreciate the quality of cotton material containing water-repellent breathable impregnation. The floor is made of water repellent polyester. Of the minuses, the one-arc frame structure and the inflated price stand out.

• Sol Hurricane. The weight of the double version is 2 kg. The product is two-layered, the water resistance of the awning is 3000 mm. Frame - one-arc. Buyers prefer this product due to its low weight and low price, although some tourists are still alarmed by such a budget option.

• Trek Planet Oregon 2. Another cheap copy for tourism. It can be used without pegs. In general, quite a decent option, which is sold in a wide range. Of the minuses there is a greater weight (2.2 kg), inaccurately made seams, low water resistance of the awning -2000 mm. According to the tourists, such a tent is an excellent solution for a short simple trip, for more serious travel it is necessary to select better products.

How to choose a tent, see the next video.