Weight
The total weight of the tent is including the frame and other accessories.
This parameter depends primarily on the purpose (see above), and after that — on seasonality, capacity, and additional functions. For example, in trekking and expedition models, the weight usually does not exceed
5 – 7.5 kg, and the lightest of these products can weigh
2 – 3 kg or even
less, while being full-fledged tents for 2 people or even more. However, for a trekking tent, such a small weight with a capacity of more than 2 people usually means that this model is designed exclusively for the summer. For most camping tents, the weight starts at 6 kg, although among them there are also quite light products — by
4 – 5 kg,
3 – 4 kg, or even less (in such cases, light weight can also mean a purely summer specialization). And the most capacious and/or multifunctional models can have a weight of
10 – 15 kg,
15 – 20 kg and even
more; in this weight category, you can mainly find tents, camping tents for many people and fishing tents for carp fishing (see "Destination").
When choosing a tent according to this indicator, it is worth considering that it does not always make sense to chase the maximum weight reduction. Yes, the
...light tent is the most convenient to carry; on the other hand, weight reduction inevitably affects one or several other characteristics at once. So, most often, lighter models are either more expensive or smaller in size and less roomy and functional than their heavier counterparts. And sometimes weight reduction also negatively affects the security (including moisture resistance) and the overall reliability of the product. Therefore, it makes sense to specifically look for the lightest tent possible in cases where weight reduction is of key importance; a typical example is long trips, in which all the equipment has to be carried “on oneself” for a long time. And even in such cases, it is worth remembering other important characteristics. For example, for use in late autumn, when frosts are likely, it is better to choose a heavier tent with winter seasonality than a light model that is not designed for winter conditions.Inner tent
Models with this feature are actually two tents, one of which is located inside the other. In this case, the outer tent is usually made of a dense waterproof material, and the inner one is made of a light, moisture-permeable material. This design provides good thermal insulation and protection against moisture, including from condensate: most of it settles on the outer tent, without penetrating inside. Many
double-layer tents allow you to set up only the inner tent separately, which can come in handy in warm weather. The disadvantage of this option is the increased, in comparison with single-layer, dimensions and weight.
Number of entrances
This item refers to the total number of entrances to the tent. In most cases, their number also describes the possibility of entering the sleeping area. However, there are models with a large vestibule, in which the input is provided from different sides. Such abundant entry/exit options allow you to use the tent in various situations. For example, focusing on the position of the sun, it will be relevant to open the western or eastern side; landscape conditions will not interfere with the installation of the tent, since one of the exits will remain accessible in any case. Well, for a large company at a campsite, vacationers will not interfere with each other.
Bedroom entrances
The number of bedroom entrances provided in tent design.
It is worth clarifying that if there are several bedrooms in the structure (see "Sleeping areas"), then in this case it is not the total number of entrances that is taken into account, but the number of entrances per bedroom. For example, if the tent has 2 sleeping areas, each with 1 input, then the characteristics will indicate 1 input to the bedroom.
In other words, if the design states
2 entrances to the bedroom, this means that each bedroom has two exits (regardless of the total number of bedrooms). Such a design is convenient primarily because you can leave the sleeping slot in the most convenient way, if necessary, without disturbing your sleeping neighbors. On the other hand, a design
with one input provides a higher degree of thermal and moisture insulation; such tents are better suited for particularly unfavorable conditions.
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.
