Going for a camping trip?
Enjoy camping? Ready to get backpacking?? We will be using tents on our New Zealand treks thru the South Island! The first thing to do is to buy a tent. Getting ?a suitable tent can be a fun task if you know what to look for. Let us help you get started!
Money Matters
Buy a tent based on your budget. Your tent is an investment, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend lavishly on them. Like all investments, do some research and shop within your budget,
How Light can you Go?
Travelling light sounds sexy and cool. If you are doing multi-day hikes, every gram saved will be felt. If you have a vehicle (or a pack mule), you might find weight less of a consideration as opposed to size or price. Buy a tent keeping in mind the kind of trip you’re planning for.
Next comes the Size
How much space do you need? ?How many people will be on your trip? Will there be any items to store inside? As a general rule get a tent that accommodates one more than your group size. If you are a 2-person team, buy a 3-person tent. This will give you more space to move around.? A 2-person tent might just fit 2 people side by side but not much room for packs or boots.
Seasoned Tent
Think about the season you will be hiking and pick according to the weather conditions. There are four types: ?2-season, 3-season, 3-4-season, 4-season tents.
A 2-season tent is generally used ?in fair ?weather conditions and cannot withstand even the slightest of the winds. However, a 3-season tent is much more durable, and better suited where you expect ?rain and wind.
3-4 season tents are much stronger than their predecessor and have been tested underextreme weather conditions.
The 4-season tent is the all rounder. It can be used in any time of the year and is suited for any weather condition.
Tent Features
Finally, the frills. Choose a tent with aluminium poles-you might come across many fiberglasss poles, tempting you with its low cost and light weight. But, remember, glass is breakable. .
You need a cover to protect yourself from the rain and so does your tent. Opt for a tent with a rainfly. They are waterproof and should be large enough such that they fall over the sides of the tent.
Ensure that your tent has a floor made of waterproof material to be more comfortable on damp or wet ground.. You should also pay attention to the seams. A well-seamed tent protects you against the elements that much better.
A quality tent provides protection from the elements and insects, is easily stored in your pack, and should last for years to come. Invest wisely and have fun!
If you want to try camping in unique hidden places, join our trek in Taiwan, where we camp on the ridge!
