If you’re going to be hiking for days or weeks, or if you want to take a mountain bike and travel cross-country for a spell, then you’re going to need a tent. This means, of course, that you’re going to be carrying that tent for a long time every day. Minimizing weight is of utmost importance if you don’t want to exhaust yourself on the trail.
First, consider the fabric. You should strive for something both lightweight and waterproof. This can be hard to come by, and expensive when you find it. Many tents these days are double-walled in order to protect against the wind and the rain. This is excellent, except that two walls weigh twice as much as one. If you’re traveling in a group, try to separate the pieces of the tent to distribute the weight more evenly.
Consider getting a brightly colored tent. You’re not going hunting, after all, and you need to be able to find your tent again if you step away from it on the trail. You also want to keep out the sun. Make sure, too, that you get good ventilation, protection from insects, and a tent that’s easy to set up. Wind and rain can make tent assembly almost impossible, so you don’t want to make it any more difficult on yourself than you have to.
Finally, consider the internal space of the tent. You need to be able to store your gear, your pack, even your bike inside your tent. That means for every person in your party, you need room for an extra person in the tent. If you’re traveling alone, get a tent for two. If you’re traveling with a friend, get a tent for four.
The right tent can be difficult to find, but it’s essential that you do find it. Aim for lightweight, waterproof, brightly colored, insulating, secure, and easy to set up. And don’t forget to leave room for all of your stuff!
