Light tents: characteristics and features of choice

In the west, light tourist tents are gaining more and more popularity. Gradually, such options are also conquering the Russian market. Fans of hiking and cycling appreciate the light tents, because during the trip they practically do not add weight and do not fill the entire volume of the backpack.

Ultra-light tents include products that weigh less than a kilogram per person. That is, if this is a double version, then its mass should not exceed two kilograms. If this is a single copy, then a weight of a little more than 1 kg is allowed, but there are even lighter samples.

Tourists-light-walkers are the main connoisseurs of such tents. They are attracted light weight, which does not reduce the quality of the product itself. In a hiking backpack, such an important and usually voluminous thing as a tent takes up a minimum of space.

The users of light tents are also fans of adventure racing and bicycle brevets. Awnings and lighter shelters cannot always protect from difficult weather conditions, so a super-light tent is once again an indispensable assistant.In addition, the product can also be used after the race during a normal tourist walk.

Ultralight specimens not only make the trip more enjoyable, but also have a positive effect on the health of the tourist. The traveler, not burdened with weight, maintains the correct position of the back, moves faster on the road, does not waste energy on transporting things. All this makes traveling more accessible and safer for health.

To make the tent light, manufacturers resort to different methods. For example, reduce the size of the product. Ultralight options have minimal parameters. So, the bottom is in the form of an inverted trapezoid, which reduces the number of frame elements, which lead to gravity. In order not to reduce the level of comfort, manufacturers pay special attention to increasing the internal volume of the product.

Another way to reduce weight is the use of the lightest raw materials. For example, most firms use the lightest frame options, as well as lightweight silicone-coated fabrics. 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 for installation, you need pegs, braces, a repair kit, which also add weight. For example, in a rocky area, 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 device.

On sale there are single-layer and double-layer options for tents. It would seem that a single-layer one should be lighter, and therefore more preferable, however, in essence, the difference in mass is insignificant, but, according to user reviews, a single-layer copy is significantly inferior in comfort to a two-layer competitor.

Also, those who tried to use different types of tents, recommend choosing instances with a self-supporting frame, which is almost independent of guy wires, pegs or racks. Users are advised to give preference to hemispherical frames and its varieties, however, if you buy such a product in a 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 usually stored under cover, but not near the sleeping area. If the tourist does not need these additional functions, then there is no point in overpaying for them and buying a weighted version.

By analyzing customer reviews, you can compile a list of the most popular products from different manufacturers. All of them have both pluses and minuses.

• Sniper Fox. Single-seat version weighing 1.55 kg for light travel. Dimensions: 290x120x80 cm. Two-layer sample. The frame is a semi-barrel.In general, a decent option, but there are some disadvantages: high price, not widespread availability. In addition, users note that there are options of the same weight, but larger volume.

• Bivifox (Manufactured by Red Fox). Single tent weighing 0.99 kg and measuring 235x85x60 cm. This is a single-layer version with a half-barrel frame. Users speak well of this instance, however, unavailability in many regions of Russia and a small assortment stand out from the minuses.

• Ferrino Specter 1. Single easy-moving tent weighing 1.5 kg. Internal dimensions are 240x75x100 cm. Tourists highly appreciate the quality of cotton material containing water-repellent breathable impregnation. The floor is made of water-repellent polyester. Of the minuses, a single-arc frame design and an overpriced price stand out.

• Sol Hurricane. The weight of the double version is 2 kg. The product is two-layer, indicators of water resistance of an awning - 3000 mm. The frame is single-arc. Buyers prefer this product because of 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. Can be used without pegs. In general, it is quite a worthy option, which is sold widely. Of the minuses, there is a greater weight (2.2 kg), inaccurate seams, low water resistance of the awning -2000 mm. According to tourists, such a tent is an excellent solution for a short simple trip, for more serious trips, you need to select better products.

How to choose a tent, see the following video.