Vestibule
The vestibule is a kind of "entrance hall" in front of the entrance to the main compartment (s) of the tent.
The specific design and purpose of such a "hallway" may be different. So, in small two-layer tents, the space between the inner and outer layers in front of the entrance plays the role of a vestibule (for this, the outer canopy is stretched at a greater angle relative to the vertical than the inner one). The dimensions of such a compartment are small, it is designed mainly for storing individual items, such as shoes. In larger models, the vestibule is made in the form of a full-fledged compartment, which differs from the main compartment only in the absence of a bottom (although there are exceptions). Such a compartment can be located between two sleeping compartments; and in some tents
two vestibules are provided at once.
Anyway, such equipment increases the useful area of \u200b\u200bthe tent and provides additional comfort when using it. Tambour can be used to store equipment, often quite bulky; with an open entrance, it provides additional protection for the main volume of the tent from rain, sun and wind; and in
a large vestibule(150 cm long or more), you can even organize additional sleeping places (if the weather permits) or even an auxiliary room such as a kitchen, dining room, administrative area, etc. " below.
Vestibule length
The length of the vestibule provided in the tent.
See above for more details on the vestibule. As for its dimensions, the length of the vestibule is measured along the same side along which the length of the entire tent is measured; and the width of this compartment usually corresponds to the overall width of the tent, and it does not need to be specified separately in the specifications. At the same time, we note that due to such measurement rules, the length of the vestibule is often less than its width; this is quite normal in this case.
The specific ratio between the dimensions of this compartment in different tents may be different. However, in general, a longer vestibule is usually larger and more capacious than a shorter one. When choosing, it should be taken into account that a large and spacious additional compartment increases overall comfort, but it significantly affects the price and weight of the tent (not to mention its overall dimensions). So when choosing for this parameter, it is worth considering the real conditions and features of the operation of the tent. We only note that in order to organize additional beds, it is worth paying attention to vestibules with a length of
at least 150 cm — usually, they can accommodate additional places at least across, and often along the tent.
Arc thickness
Both the rigidity of the frame and the reliability and durability of the tent itself depend on the thickness of the arcs. Usually, the larger and more capacious the tent, the
thicker the arches are needed for the frame. Arcs made of plastic and fibreglass most often have a thickness of 7 to 13 mm, while steel and aluminium — from 5 to 16 mm. With an increase in the section of the arcs, the weight of the tent in the folded state also increases.
Water resistance of tent
An indicator that reflects the ability of the tent awning to withstand moisture without getting wet. It is expressed in millimetres of water column — the height of the water column that the awning can withstand (the area of impact is out of the question, because the load per unit area under water depends only on the height of the water column and is not related to the area of \u200b\u200bits base). The significant figures indicated in the characteristics (for example, 4000 mm of water column, i.e. 4 metres) are due to the fact that raindrops can have a significant speed and, when they hit the tent, create a load at the point of impact comparable to the pressure on depth of several metres.
In general, the higher the waterproof rating, the better the awning will cope with the effects of rain and snow. Indicators up to 3000 mm w.c. Art. are considered sufficient for places where it rains rarely, awnings for 3000 – 7000 mm of water. Art. allow you not to be afraid of intense downpours, and in expeditionary (see "Destination") tents designed for extreme conditions, this figure can reach 10,000 mm of water. Art. and even more. However, more water-resistant fabrics, usually, have a significant weight, so in each individual case it makes sense to choose the option that is optimal in terms of durability and weight.
Reinforced corners
The corners of the tent are one of the "critical" places: in the unfolded state, they have almost the greatest stress, and the fabric in this place can be torn. To avoid this, many tents are equipped with
reinforced corners. In this case, strength can be increased due to multi-layer sewing, special fabric or additional firmware.