TENTS

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TENTS?

Backpacking tents fall into two general categories: three-season (general backpacking) and four-season (winter/mountaineering) models. Here's a look at how tents differ:

Lightweight three-season tents are intended for spring, summer and fall usage in temperate climates. They perform well in wind and rain, though their designs are not suited to handle significant snow loads. A three-season model won't collapse if two inches of snow fall on it, but 20 inches could be a problem.

Super-sturdy four-season tents usually integrate one or two additional poles into their designs to fortify walls and help them stand firm against severe wind or heavy snow loads. Winter tents feature some type of rounded dome design, thus eliminating flat spaces on a tent's rainfly where snow can accumulate. Of course, these winter tents work just fine during mild conditions. Their extra poles will make them a touch heavier than their three-season cousins.

Convertible tents are four-season models that can be converted into three-season tents. This usually involves shedding one or two poles from the tent's four-season design. Models may also offer zippered panels that can be opened during milder conditions or feature a detachable vestibule.

Warm-weather tents are lightweight shelters, usually designed for one or two people, that feature large mesh walls for superb ventilation. They can be used in three-season settings, but their special appeal is their usefulness in warmer, humid climates.

Single-wall tents are designed with the minimalist in mind. Essentially, they are rainflies equipped with a few vents you can zip open during warmer conditions.

Bivy sacks are minimalist solo shelters that offer little space for anything but you and your sleeping bag. (If you're a climber and plan to spend nights on steep rock faces where tents would be impractical, a bivy is definitely the way to go.) If saving weight is your chief priority, a bivy is worth considering. If you like room to move inside your shelter, look elsewhere.

Sleep screens and tarp tents are ultralight shelter options. Sleep screens, including screen houses, are useful in warm conditions and offer mesh coverings, some fully enclosed, some not, to keep occupants shielded from bugs, but not rain. Tarp tents offer minimalist shelter, at a minimal weight, for three-season usage.

Family (or basecamping) tents and shelters can accommodate large groups (between four and six usually, sometimes more). Dome-style models can be transported into the backcountry, as long as group members are willing to carry a share of the load; house-like models are intended for campgrounds and basecamps.

A Few Terms Explained

Dome Tents: Most four-season tents involve some form of rounded, geodesic-dome design. Domes avoid flat spots and shed snow more easily. They stand strong in the wind and provide generous interior headroom.

Tunnel Tents: Many three-season models use this narrow, linear design, typically involving a rectangular floor plan. Also called hoop tents, these models use fewer poles, less fabric and often have wedge-like shapes. Their rainflies, which lie flatter, can collect snow. A heavy snow load could flatten them.

Freestanding Tents: Domes are freestanding, meaning they do not require stakes in order to stand up. You can pick up a freestanding tent (it's like a huge beach ball) and move it to a different location. You can also easily shake it out before you disassemble and pack it.

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