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The Tent

We are lucky in southern California because we generally have very good weather for our campouts.  Because of this, we do not have to choose the top of the line tents.  A good place to buy a tent is from Big 5.  They have a very nice rectangular mid-size tent that costs between $50 and $60.

There are four steps to follow when choosing your tent.

1.  Decide On A Size

Tents come several sizes but for basic scouting the mid-size tent is the best.  These versatile tents are designed for 2 to 3 people.  Most are compact and light enough to be carried on solo trips, yet provide enough room for backpackers to share on multi-person journeys.  The shape of the bottom is usually rectangular or six-sided.  The rectangular tents tend to provide a better use of space than six-sided tents.

2.  Consider Weather Protection And Ventilation

Tents perform 2 basic tasks:  they protect you from the elements (rain, wind, snow) and to keep you comfortable in varying temperatures.  Since these 2 tasks are often at odds with one another, most tents are built to perform one better than the other.

Warm-weather tents
These are designed for use in mild conditions only.  They place a premium on ventilation, with lots of mesh panels and openings for good air flow.  Warm-weather tents are usually lightweight and compact.  But they are less weatherproof than the other options listed below.  Warm-weather tents are most effective in warm, dry climates, where chance of significant wind/rain/snow is low.

General backpacking tents (also referred to as 3-season tents)
General backpacking tents are designed to provide good ventilation and weather protection in a wide variety of weather conditions (usually everything but snow).  They're perfect for recreational, multi-season backpacking, since they're built to handle the situations and conditions that most recreational backpackers run into.  They tend to be heavier than warm-weather tents.

Winter backpacking tents (also referred to as 4-season tents)
Winter tents are designed to handle cold winds and winter conditions.  They are made out of durable, weatherproof materials, with sturdy pole configurations and low profiles to handle high winds and built-up snow.  Winter tents tend to be less breathable than general backpacking tents, but more water- and weatherproof.  They also tend to be somewhat heavier and bulkier, and would seldom be needed in southern California.

3.  Pick The Right Shape

The design or "shape" of a tent affects how sturdy it is, how roomy it is inside and how much it weighs.  There are hundreds of options to choose from. To choose between them, consider the following:

Usable space - Get as much as you can! Consider the angle of the tent walls, the amount of headroom inside and the shape of the floor (for sleeping).  Keep your eyes open for space-enhancing features like vestibules or gear lofts, too.

Profile - Tents with high profiles tend to have lots of headroom and space to maneuver inside.  But they may not last long in high wind and rough weather.  Lower profile tents are more cramped, but they're sturdier in harsh conditions.

Structural support - Tents with lots of poles tend to stand up to the elements more effectively and provide more usable space inside (less drooping, sagging panels).  But more poles means longer set up times, more pieces to get lost/broken and more weight to carry around.

Tautness - A tightly stretched tent is more resistant to the wind, quieter (less flapping) and more effective at shedding precipitation.  But beware--if it takes lots of poles to stretch the tent tight, it may not be worth the added weight and bulk.

Access - Look for tent doors that are easy to open, easy to close and easy to get in and out of.  Multiple doors make access even easier and can improve ventilation.

Freestanding vs. stake-down - Freestanding tents are convenient, easy to pitch and easy to move around your campsite.  They require staking only to keep them from blowing away.  Stake-down tents must be staked to remain erect.  But they don't require as many poles, so they tend to weigh less than similar freestanding models.

4.  Use the "Other" Variables To Decide

Once you've addressed the most important tent variables (size, weatherproofness, ventilation, shape), decide between your finalists by comparing:

• Weight - Choose the lightest tent you can that satisfies your needs.  General backpacking tents should weigh no more than 3 pounds per person.
• Ease of set up - Set up each tent if possible.  See how long it takes, how many steps are involved, how many people it requires.
• Extra features - Keep your eyes open for helpful extras like roomy vestibules, inside wall pockets, gear lofts and convenient vent windows.
• Quality of workmanship - Look for solid stitching throughout the tent, taped floor and fly seams, well-installed zippers (no puckers) and reinforced stress points.
• Cost - Basic tents are easy on the wallet but short on extra features.  Deluxe models will cost more but will provide more of the comforts of home.