Winter tents: variety, choice and use

Camping in the winter is very popular. But if people want to get away from the usual equipped resorts, they can not do without "camp houses". It is time to deal with the nuances of winter tents and find out how to pick them up, how to apply them correctly.

In the summer months, quite a lot of people try to go hiking in the woods, in the steppes and even in the mountains. But if at this time you can take with you any equipment you want, then the winter tent is obliged to be more serious in its execution.

The logical requirement is high strength.. After all, even if the tent itself is warm, but it is easily damaged, it is impossible to talk about its practicality. In most cases, when sewing lightweight fabrics made of synthetic materials that absorb moisture in small quantities.

Specific characteristics are affected by:

• matter density;
• its thickness;
• method used to weave fibers.

In some cases, even additional silicone or polyurethane spraying is used. In order to have a warmed camping tent in the winter to fulfill its function, it is given a special shape. Only designs that are similar to a cone or a sphere with many faces, quite effectively retain the wind. No less important is the resistance to water penetration. The best tents are designed for resistance to 6000 mm of water column, and the weakest ones - by 450 mm.

Sold copies to individuals can accommodate from 1 to 8 people at a time. More capacious camping shelters are needed mainly by specialized organizations and are not implemented on the open market.

For inexperienced travelers, hunters and fishermen, two questions may appear: what are the differences between tents used in winter and summer, and how to understand whether a particular tent can be used during a cold season or not. For comparison, take the products that use anglers. If they are intended for the winter period, then there will be no bottom below. Having come to the right place, the fishermen will put the tent directly on the ice or snow, having done the holes. But if the design is designed for hours and overnight stays, the floor will be prepared below.

Modifications that are resistant to cold must also be designed to install the furnace. But there are no furnaces without pipes - and therefore developers have to provide a hole for them. Most often, the positions for fixing the hearth are universal. Only in some models it is impossible to apply standard designs. But protection from rain with the help of an internal awning is impossible.

Despite the increased density of this design, it is made "breathable", thus ensuring ventilation. If you do not support the passage of moisture through the material, condensation may begin. Only the immediate outer layer (and then subject to an air gap) can have a waterproofing function.

Determine which product where, helps and "skirt". This name received auxiliary fabric at the very base. Such a protrusion can prikopat in a layer of snow, thereby improving the thermal characteristics of a temporary home.Designed for installation in the cold tents in shape resemble a cube or sphere. These geometric shapes provide the fastest opening and folding, while respecting the basic requirements.

The structure will open approximately in the same way as an umbrella. The installation usually takes no more than two minutes. But even this is not enough - winter tents usually tend to be made as compact as possible. Heating a significant amount of air, even when using a stove, is very difficult. And without it, he is completely unreachable; the tent should keep warm in any situation.

But we must bear in mind that in the winter tents are set for a variety of needs and tasks. Therefore, the designers had to create many varieties of such field houses. So, for lovers of winter fishing most suitable products of the type "umbrella" or "cube". Umbrella tents are spacious and light, designed by default for automatic or semi-automatic installation. To start using such a fishing house, you only need to send the frame elements as needed.

It is allowed to leave the tent in the fastened form. Stretch marks help make umbrellas more resistant to wind gusts. To install these extensions in experienced people is very fast. In most cases, the "umbrella" is a regular hexagon, the walls of which are inclined at an angle of 45 degrees to the base. This design is not accidental - judging by experience, it allows you to cut the wind, regardless of the direction from which it blows.

The “cube” is much nicer from the user's point of view.

However, its main weakness is a significant exposure to the wind (windage, as the professionals say). It is necessary, in order to increase the stability of the product, to use materials of increased strength for the manufacture of the frame. This inevitably weighs the whole structure.

Using such products without special skills is difficult. In addition, light heated air is collected at the top, and a heavy, heavy layer is stagnant at the bottom. This problem is mainly solved by heating with candles or burners. But at the same time other risks appear - fire danger, accumulation of heated gases. For anglers, it is very important to choose a tent with a bottom and a floor in any case.

Such elements will increase resistance to cold and make your favorite activity more comfortable. No less important criterion is the number of layers that make up the tent. There are several options: single-layer, two-layer and three-layer design.

Therefore even if a residential tourist tent can be transported on a sleigh, and not carried in a backpack, it is still impractical to chase the thickening. If you look at affordable field homes with two layers for the mass consumer, they are too heavy. Lighter and more well-thought-out constructions are mainly used by climbers.

To get them the main part of amateur travelers is very expensive. Especially large is the negative role of additional mass in single trips; in group outlets, it begins to manifest itself only after quite a long time.

For resistance to wind gusts, single-layer and multi-layer structures differ little. A much greater role here is played by the correctness of the concept of the product itself and the literacy of its installation on the ground.Separate attention deserve inflatable tents. This type can be used in automatic or semi-automatic mode. This property is especially appreciated by anglers who do not want to lose even a matter of minutes in vain.

But tourists should think three times before taking such a thing. The fact is that fold inflatable structure can only be in a completely dry. As soon as it gets wet, as materials begin to rot, the service life is drastically reduced. Theoretically, it is possible to dry the tent at home, but in practice it may not survive even until the end of a long hike.

You can complete the review of the main varieties by specifying a tent classification. by type of fittings used. The first frame modifications appeared in the mid-1950s. There are two main options - on the basis of metal and on the basis of polymers. Recently, some companies offer tents with inflatable armature. It is important: it is hardly reasonable to purchase such products if you plan to go to an area often blown by strong winds.

If it is very important to choose a model that can be transported on a sleigh, you should look at the company's products. Eskimo. Yes, it charges a very high price, but the result justifies the investment. Among the three-layer structures occupies a prominent place "Pathfinder Cube Economy." Inside there is a place for two people, pockets for fishing accessories are also provided. To improve the illumination of the tent helps window of transparent polymer.

In addition to knowing the general classification of tents, you need to figure out which models are best suited for practical use in Russia.

Many people consider it a good choice. "Ripus 2T". This design is designed for comfortable use of 1 or 2 fishermen. All tents of this series are equipped with three-layer tents, and the layers are separated. Such a solution allows to increase the resistance to cold to the limit.

The system "Ripus" implies warming tents synthetic padding with a specific weight of 0.2 kg per 1 sq. Km. m. The largest version of this company - 4T. It placed without problems:

• a couple of folding beds;
• table;
• chair.

The weight of the “Ripus 2T” is 15 kg, and its transport dimensions are 135x0.3x0.3 m. The “Ripus 3T” weighs 17 kg, after installation its height is 1.9 m. 35 m.

Many people consider brand products a good alternative. "Nelma". Under this brand a lot of tourist goods and various accessories for work, rest in the field and conditions close to them are made. So, Nelma-1 will definitely suit lovers of winter fishing. Its dimensions are 1.4x1.4x1.5 m. In the manufacture of the umbrella frame, duralumin rods were used. All node connections are made of metal.

The fabric in "Nelme-1" is used with waterproof impregnation. The manufacturer guarantees resistance to 2000 mm of water. The product dimensions are 1.4x1.4x1.5 m. The larger “Nelma-2” has a size of 1.9x2.25x1.6 m. The dry weight of this tent reaches 4.5 kg.

But if you pay attention to the best models in the latest ratings and reviews, then you can not ignore and "Lotus Cube 3 Compact Thermo". Such a design, as claimed by the manufacturer, has a compact folding system. The description mentions that "Compact Thermo" appeared in 2018, and that its main advantages are:

• original thermal protection system;
• reliable base waterproofing;
• protection of field shelter from the sun and precipitation.

Inside the frame is made of glass composite of high rigidity.Folding was improved by the use of the latest development - a flexible, fixed node. The construction of the tent used light-conducting fabrics. The awning is divided into 3 layers separated by air layers. This solution allowed both to provide exceptional strength and excellent heat retention.

The equipment of the tent for ice fishing meets the latest professional standards. The developers were able to create a mounting system that provides installation:

• transparent windows;
• valves for heat exchangers;
• fire resistant valves;
• mosquito nets.

As the manufacturer states, inside will be comfortable, even if outside there is a severe frost, accompanied by a close to the storm wind. The compression system will help lay the tent up to 0.3 m in diameter. A number of patents have been issued for the design components of the model. Maximum folded compactness is supported by double bending of the lower arcs. Without a flexible fixing unit, that would be impossible.

Fold the arc can be a maximum of 2 seconds. This will require a single movement. The arc inside the opening mechanism is hinged.

Some experts consider the tent an attractive alternative. Yurta PRO. The company gives a guarantee for this model for 1 year, and its dimensions are 4,6x4,6x2,1 m. The design is designed for hiking trips, in which 6 to 8 people participate. They can comfortably sit inside with comfort (as far as the word is applicable to crossings in the wilderness). Thermal three-layer fabric is used for insulation.

As practice shows, this tent perfectly manifests itself in strong winds and significant frosts. It is suitable for ice fishing. Designers took care of the possibility to use various heaters and stoves to improve the microclimate. If you are going to spend the night in such a Yurta PRO, they are advised to additionally purchase a “foam” type floor. There is a hook for hanging lamps, 4 pockets with nets for important documentation, phones, radios and similar things.

The same company Higashi can offer another model - Winter Camo Sota. The dry weight of the tent for 6-8 people reaches 19 kg. Its dimensions are 3.6x3.6x2.1 m. The unusual version is that the developers deliberately left the cubic form. The transition to cellular performance was highly appreciated by many fishermen, including those living in regions with severe winters.

The height of more than 2 m is very attractive compared to other winter tents. Consumers can choose solutions like sky blue and camouflage paint. The second option is suitable for hunters.

Next in the review of current versions will be a tent Sakhalin 2. There are two main options - yellow and gray colors, both designed for two fishermen or tourists.

High-quality Russian product has a size of 160 x 160 x 170 cm. The manufacturer guarantees that the awning has a water resistance not lower than 2000 mm.

Quite many prefer version Holiday Easy Ice. The mass of this tent reaches 2.5 kg, it is painted only in yellow. The single-layer rigid composite construction made of fiberglass is disassembled and transported in bags without any problems.

Special hooks will allow you to fasten the field house by the edges of the partially drilled holes. The height of the internal volume reaches 1.5 m. The manufacturer guarantees a water resistance of at least 600 mm. Other dimensions 1,8x1,8 m.

In most cases, tents for living in a hike, as well as for relaxing on fishing, are made of synthetic materials. It is not necessary to be afraid of this - such substances repeatedly confirmed their excellent qualities. They were originally used in the military and other special areas. The main thing that is required of buyers is to carefully study the labeling and accompanying documents. Experts note that the best fabrics for the winter period are lavsan and polyester.

Important: taking a very large tent is not recommended. Even if it is needed only for fishing, it will take up too much space in the car. Especially bad such a product will be in a hike through inaccessible areas, where literally a single gram is important. But at the same time, it is undesirable to take too small products.

In any case, it is worth asking about how the threads are intertwined. The highest strength is achieved using the ripstop method. But in the majority of mass-produced structures, the taffeta technique is used. She, too, has established herself on the good side, although she is inferior to “ripstop”. The density of matter is displayed in special digital symbols; Marking contains more information about the substances used for impregnation.

Among the tent structures themselves, the specialists consider the most reliable the skeleton version. If everything is done correctly during the camp breakdown, then extraordinary stability is guaranteed. However, you will need to install the tent manually, which is very difficult in case of cold and wind. And a lot of time will be spent.

Fishermen, too, should think about it. The frame tents will work well only when the fishing will often last for several days. A more modern option - trekking field houses. They are light (no more than 5 kg) and can accommodate 2-4 people. The special structure of the frame with the intersection of arcs repeatedly simplifies installation and disassembly.

Trekking structures are always made from the strongest and most reliable material. It will effectively cover people from gusts of wind, and from snow, and from rain. To save on purchasing a tent is in any case unwise. Models made in China and other Asian countries are still inferior to products of Russian and European production. Their only real dignity is the democratic price.

It is necessary to think about the coloring of the tent. Bright models are easy to detect from a distance or from a height. In an emergency, this is very important. White and other light tones are not very popular because of marquis. The main part of consumers (both tourists and fishermen, hunters) prefers camouflage tents.

Fishing lovers should definitely look at the so-called carp tents. They are optimized for long fishing with the power of 1-2 fishermen. Design feature - attachment of an awning to a rigid frame. For the cold period, use carp tents with double walls and retractable bottom. A very useful addition is the cape, which increases resistance to cold.

It is often recommended for him to take on the road. bath stove industrial or homemade sample. This solution is quite effective, but many furnace designs are cumbersome. In addition, you need to preoccupy with ventilation and removal of products of combustion. The simplest method of obtaining heat is big candle. In this embodiment, an equipped chimney will not be required, and if the frost does not reach 15 degrees, then it will be possible to solve the heating problem completely.

Alternative solutions are:

• compact gas burners;
• heterogeneous tourist burners;
• gasoline burners;
• soldering lamps;
• infrared heaters.

Consider now how to set up and build such a tent.

Any desired tent is important to use correctly. Experienced people open it, standing against the wind. At the same time, the entrance is kept open so that the air flow would help, and not interfere.

The cover where the tent is packed should be of sufficient size. This means that it normally exceeds the dimensions of the folded product. After several hours or even days of operation, the fabric is covered with snow and condensate, its rigidity increases. Putting a wet and dry tent inside is not at all the same. But before you exploit, let alone turn the tent, it must be assembled.

If the structure has an internal frame, then do the following:

• lining the inside of the ground;
• gathering the arc, enter them into the grommets;
• hook up the ceiling element (the easiest way is from the top down from one hook to the other);
• impose awning;
• fix it on tips of arches;
• if required, pull in some holding straps.

Assembly and disassembly of winter tents "Stack", see the following video.

In conclusion, it is worthwhile to consider how consumers evaluate various tent structures. Ripus products show their best. It is noted in a number of comments that at a temperature of –7.8 degrees there is no special need for additional heating. On the upper grid it is convenient to dry wet personal things. The cover is estimated approvingly, many people write about its reliability.

But sometimes they indicate that the outer pockets for the lines are not very necessary, and the lines themselves are excessively long. Designs of the Nelma company are of high quality and comfortable; at the same time in the reviews they write that for one person they may be unnecessarily large. Open fire can be dangerous. Thermal insulation at a decent level - in sunny weather it is hot inside. Without the use of additional stretch marks, the Nelma tents, judging by the reviews, can be safely placed at a wind of 8-10 m / s.

"Lotus Cube Thermo" fully justifies its name. This model, indeed, protects those inside from overcooling. Heating if necessary, only at the very minimum level. Positive evaluation is also a complete set. The only possible difficulty is the difficulty of carrying alone.