[2023 Edition] Recommended tents by type for this season chosen by mountain lovers who spend more than 100 days a year in tents, and how to wisely choose a tent for mountain climbing that you won't regret - Outdoor Gearzine "Outdoor Gearzine&quot (2024)

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If you change your tent, your trip will change. Choose the best tent according to your preferences

A tent is essential when spending the night in nature-based activities, such as mountain climbing, hiking, fastpacking, mountain climbing, alpine climbing, bikepacking, and auto camping. Like many outdoor tools, in recent years there has been a wide variety of options for tents to choose from, depending on the type of activity, style, season, number of people, and other situations and budgets.

It is not easy to choose the one you are looking for from among many similar tents. While there are certainly some tents that are beginner-friendly and suitable for anyone, that doesn't mean they are the "best" tent for you. With such an orthodox tent, you end up seeing countless tents that are exactly like yours on popular tent sites, and that never gets you excited.

It is not at all unusual for outdoor enthusiasts who are accustomed to the mountains to use multiple tents and shelters depending on the season and situation, and being able to choose the tent that best suits your style and occasion will improve the safety and comfort of your trip. , and above all, your attachment to traveling will change in a surprising way.

Therefore, this time, we will evaluate a wide range of mountain climbing tents, from new products this season to popular and standard models, from the multifaceted perspective of the site operator who has test pitched and slept in tents even at home, and evaluated the best for each purpose and type. selected as a model. In addition, in the second half of this article, we have summarized useful viewpoints and points to know in order to find the tent that is perfect for you, so if you have the time, please refer to it.

[By category] This season's best mountain climbing tent

Best Solo Hiking (Overall) Category: Sea to Summit Alto TR Plus Tent/MSR Haba Huba Shield

In this category, we have selected recommended one-person tents that are highly complete and have all the elements required of a tent in a well-balanced and high-dimensional manner, assuming that it will be used primarily for hiking and mountain climbing during the snowless season in Japan. . To put it simply, if you are not using it in the Alps in winter, it is the best for mild hikers and can be recommended to everyone from beginners to veterans.

The two selected models cover a wide range of seasons, excluding the harsh winters of the Alps, and are highly weather resistant and durable enough to withstand severe wind and rain, yet they are also light enough. Furthermore, the interior has a spacious upper space and high ventilation to ensure a comfortable living space, and incorporates modern trends. Both are the benchmark for the latest tents that can be recommended to everyone, with careful attention to ease of use and resistance to breakage down to the smallest parts.From beginners to experts, they are looking for a highly versatile backpacking tent. If so, choose this and you won't regret it.

Sea to Summit Alto TR1 Plus Tent

Favorite points

• Surprisingly spacious interior space
• great ventilation performance
• Clever accessories such as light bars provide abundant indoor storage and comfortable brightness.

MSR Haba Haba Shield 1

Favorite points

• A high level of perfection in all aspects: weather resistance, lightness, livability, and ease of setup.
• The minimal mesh makes it much easier to use in a wide range of seasons, even in the mountains of Japan.

Best 2-person hiking (overall) category: Arai Tent SL Dome

When you pick it up, you can't help but smile at how light it is, weighing less than 1kg (including the body, fly, and pole), which was achieved after a thorough review of the material level. What's more, it's surprisingly compact when folded, so depending on how you do it, it won't be difficult to sleep in a tent with a 30L backpack. For this product, it is recommended to use the special undersheet that comes standard. Although there are pros and cons, the freedom of being able to make choices that suit the situation is something I highly value, at least for me. In addition, it is amazing that while achieving such a light weight, it meets the high performance standards required for mountain tents, such as the water resistance of the fabric and the durability of the materials. I also checked for condensation, which I was concerned about, but even after one night, there were only a few water droplets on the top of the flysheet, and the innerwear looked fine.

According to the manufacturer, it took many years and many trials and errors to arrive at this high-quality domestic material. On the other hand, compared to conventional mountain tents, it maintains a minimum level of comfort and ease of use without sacrificing usability, and you can't overlook its attitude of never rejecting beginners. Even if we prioritize lightness, we still maintain our firm philosophy of manufacturing without sacrificing ease of use or quality. The introduction of the SL Dome, which is not only lightweight and compact but also has domestic reliability and attention to detail and ease of use, will appeal to many outdoor enthusiasts who want both toughness and lightness, from fast and light mountain climbing to long-term mountain climbing. This is sure to be good news for your home.

Favorite points

• Surprisingly lightweight and compact for two people
• Lightweight yet sufficiently tough
• As easy to use as the previous model

Best Fast Packing Category: NEMO Hornet Osmo/MSR Free Light

In this category, we selected the best models of tents that are light, comfortable to live in, and easy to use, with a large emphasis on "lightness" while maintaining a good overall balance.

When it comes to ultralight tents, we often hear about crazier tents weighing around 500 grams, but these tend to require some getting used to and compromises in terms of durability, livability, and convenience. is the reality. What's great about the two models selected this time is that they don't require much (if not all) preparation, and are as easy to set up, livable, and secure against rain and wind as regular tents, yet weigh only 1 kg. The point is that it is extremely light enough to cut easily. In that sense, it is perfect for greedy hikers who cannot compromise on both comfort and lightness.

NEMO Hornet Osmo 1P

Favorite points

• A combination of top-class lightness and comfortable livability
• Latest fabric made from 100% recycled materials with excellent water repellency and good tension

MSR free light 1

Favorite points

• A combination of top-class lightness and comfortable livability
• Unique structure and ease of setup that anyone can do cleanly and quickly

Best Winter & All Season Category: Heritage Espace Maxim Nano (by fly)

Winter mountaineering requires a strong structure that can withstand strong winds, snowfall, and snow accumulation, as well as ease of use in the unique conditions of snowy mountains. Here are the best models evaluated from this perspective. This is the latest all-season tent from Heritage, a domestic tent manufacturer whose predecessor was Esperstent, a long-established tent brand that has led Japan's glorious mountaineering history.

The solid construction, backed by decades of experience and know-how, provides peace of mind in harsh natural conditions (yet it's not too heavy or difficult to use). The lining is sold separately to increase heat retention, the entrance has a windsock type to prevent snow from entering, and the ventilation is resistant to collapse even when snow accumulates, making it easy to use in the mountains in winter. It is being There are also options sold separately to make it comfortable to use even in the summer, so it's great that it can be used not only in the winter but all seasons.

Favorite points

• Maintains light weight while providing high weather resistance and durability for peace of mind even during high-altitude mountain climbing in the harshest of winters.
• Easy to use, with every detail taken into consideration for use on snowy mountains.
• Compatible with summer mountain climbing with optional parts

Best single wall tent category: HCS VB-22Z

Unlike the general two-layer structure, the single-wall tent uses waterproof and breathable fabric, making it one of the most popular tents that can be a perfect fit depending on the setting conditions, usage, and preference. HCS VB-12Z is ​​a model with outstanding appeal among the single wall tents released recently.

First of all, HCS is another long-established mountain tent brand that Japan is proud of, and is the successor to Dunlop, which I loved so much when I was a student. In that sense, this tent is also extremely reliable in harsh environments such as at high altitudes and during snowy seasons. On top of that, it incorporates modern needs and is extremely lightweight. The entrance is on the long side, so it's easy to get in and out. What's more, there is a ``front room.'' This makes it more resistant to rain and allows for more luggage storage, which means it is much more comfortable. It was originally a single wall tent with a reputation for being lightweight, compact, and easy to set up and take down, so this one has the added bonus of having a single wall with a vestibule. However, as a result of this, I was unable to attach the necessary outer covering for the harsh winter mountains, which was a slight negative point. However, if you are the type of person who likes fast and light mountain climbing throughout the year, this is a hike that will surely satisfy you.

Favorite points

• Weatherproof and durable design
• lightweight
• Comfortable and convenient front room

Best Beginner Category: Mont-Bell Stella Ridge Tent (+Rainfly)/Arai Tent Trekrise

The criteria for selecting tents in this category is that they are tents that can be most safely recommended to first-time mountain climbers and hikers. We chose two models that are synonymous with mountain climbing tents in Japan.

Both are simple, free-standing, double-walled structures that are easy to build, even for beginners. It also has a traditional dome shape that is resistant to wind, so you don't have to worry about unexpected bad weather. What's more, domestic manufacturers offer smooth repair services in the event of a breakdown, so you can rest assured in the unlikely event of an emergency. So, in terms of sense of security, it is second to none.

The big difference between the two models is that Stellar Ridge model that can be used even during snowy seasons by combining it with the optional Snowfly . doing). On the other hand, the Trek Rise is not suitable for snowy mountains, but the entrance is located on the long side, making it easy to enter and exit, and has good ventilation and a spacious front room, making it lighter and more comfortable to live in. is. That's why many Japanese mountaineers own these models, and you'll likely see plenty of tents just like yours at the large summer tent sites (especially Stella Ridge). There are many entry-level models for beginners to choose from, and there won't be that much of a difference in performance from specialty outdoor brands, so we highly recommend them.

mont-bell Stella Ridge tent type 1 (rain fly included)

Favorite points

• Good balance of weather resistance, weight, and comfort
• Can be used in all seasons including snowy mountains by combining with options

Ally Tent Trek Rise 0

Favorite points

• In addition to good basic balance, it is also lighter and more comfortable
• You can rest assured that repairs are available from Japanese manufacturers.

Best cost performance category: MOBI GARDEN LIGHT WINGS 1 JPN

we recommend the Japanese custom-made model of a high-end lightweight backpacking tent by Mobi Garden , a top Chinese tent specialty brand that I encountered at an outdoor exhibition in China and was shocked by. I would like to recommend it.

This all-season, self-supporting, double-walled mountain tent combines lightness, protection, ease of construction, and comfort, and is highly functional and well-made, which is hard to imagine considering its price. Everyone will be amazed at the quality. We pursue genuine quality in every detail, including the easy-to-erect structure with integrated inner fly, high-quality fabrics, and poles, achieving comfort and ease of use. I also like the fact that they are not selling their products based on cost, such as making them full-fabric for Japanese mountaineers. Equipped with a full set of 10 high-quality pegs, footprints, guy lines, etc. as standard, and the excellent and reasonable pricing, I am amazed no matter how many times I see it.

Favorite points

• Double-walled, integrated design that can be set up in just 2-3 minutes
• Durable enough for a lightweight tent
• Reasonable pricing even with everything including pegs and footprints included

Best Toughness & Luxury Category: HILLEBERG Soulo

I don't just want to use it for hiking, but I want to travel freely through the great outdoors using cars, motorcycles, canoes, etc. For such people, you don't have to worry about weight, so this one is sturdy enough that you don't have to worry about the season or weather all year round, and has a comfortable living space that won't make you tired even on long journeys. A tent is recommended.

Soulo is a self-supporting double wall tent with the most all-round features in the lineup of HILLEBERG, the supercar of the tent world that every outdoor enthusiast dreams of. The strong pole and flysheet that extends all the way to the ground are resistant to heavy rain, strong winds, and snow, and there are no problems with weather resistance. The high ceiling and spacious front room ensure a comfortable living space that is more than enough for one person. Furthermore, we take our hats off to the high quality and completeness down to the smallest details, such as the unique easy-to-set-up structure where the tent and flysheet are integrated and assembled in one action. If you are someone who is prepared to be ``heavy and expensive'', you can definitely say that you are the ideal choice.

Favorite points

• Excellent robustness and weather resistance that can be used regardless of the season or weather
• High livability that allows you to live comfortably
• Unique inner-fly integrated structure makes setup easy

How to choose: 8 points to wisely choose a tent for mountain climbing and hiking

Point 1: Compatible seasons ~ The characteristics of the tent change depending on the season it is good at ~

The first thing to keep in mind when choosing a tent is that tents for mountain climbing generally have two types: 3-season tents, which are suitable for the snow-free period from spring to autumn, and 4-season tents, which are suitable for winter mountains during the snowy season. There are 2 types of tents, and more specifically, 3 types of tents that can be expanded to 4 seasons with optional parts. Keep in mind that the types of tents differ greatly depending on whether they can be used on snowy mountains.

Of these, is the 4-season tent recommended because it seems like it can be used for a longer season? Of course, the story is not that simple. Each tent has its pros and cons, and if you choose a 4-season tent with little intention of climbing snowy mountains, you're sure to end up disappointed on a peaceful weekend hike.

If you are a general hiker, especially if you are just starting out in mountain climbing, it is clear that you are less likely to make a mistake by choosing a 3-season tent or an expandable 3-season + tent (it goes without saying that it is best to choose a 3-season tent or a 3-season + tent that can be expanded). (I'll have to set up a tent).

In any case, it is not a waste to know the differences in characteristics between 3-season tents and 4-season tents when camping in a tent, so below we will summarize the characteristics of each. .

Features of 3 season tent

If you plan on climbing or hiking in spring, summer, or fall, we recommend a three-season tent. This tent prioritizes lightness, good ventilation, and comfort, and overall is a well-balanced tent that can be used in snowless seasons. It protects from insects, rain, light snow, wind, etc., and can be used in most seasons and weather except for the harshest of winter. On the other hand, depending on the weather, it may not have sufficient weather resistance, durability, or insulation to withstand the strong winds of winter storms or snowy mountains in the depths of winter, so it is not very suitable for winter mountaineering.

Features of 4 season tent

On the other hand, a 4-season tent is a tent that is designed primarily to help you stay comfortable on the snowy mountains in the middle of winter. Thicker and stronger fabrics are used, the poles and parts are more sturdy, the form prevents snow from accumulating and allows wind to escape easily, and the snowfly extends to the ground to prevent snow from blowing into the tent. Designed to withstand strong winds and heavy snow.

However, this naturally increases both weight and volume. In addition, because priority is given to preventing warm air from escaping over ventilation, airtightness is high, so breathability tends to be lower than in 3-season models.

A 4-season tent can (in theory) be used in any season, but if you try to use it in the low mountains in August, you'll quickly become sweaty and uncomfortable. In other words, it is safe to assume that unless there is a special occasion, you should use a 4-season tent during the cold winter months, especially when going to snowy mountains.

3 season + tent expandable to 4 seasons

Although it is a detailed classification, there are also tents that can be called "3-season +" tents that have the basic features of a 3-season tent, but can also be used in the snowy season by combining optional parts. Many of the standard models made by Japanese tent manufacturers such as Montbell , Arai Tent , HCS (Dunlop) , and Heritage (Esper Stent)

These tents are stronger and weather resistant than pure 3-season tents, and have pole strength, weather resistance, and rigidity for winter mountain use. In addition, by reducing the mesh fabric on the sides (or creating a double structure that can be opened and closed), it exhibits high insulation properties even at low temperatures, and can withstand severe weather such as strong winds and heavy snow, even if it does not last for 4 seasons. can. The fly that covers the outside of the inner tent is a rain fly that is resistant to rain and has good ventilation during the snowless season, and a snow fly (or outer cover) that is sold separately and has excellent breathability and insulation properties that prevent snow from getting in during the snowy season. By using them differently, you can use them to suit each season throughout the year.

Its appeal is its extremely high level of versatility, making it a smart choice for beginners who aren't too particular about details and are considering snowy mountains.

Comparison of characteristics of 3-season and 4-season tents (3-season + tent has intermediate characteristics)

Point 2: Size ~Choose according to the number of people using the tent and how comfortable you want to stay~

You will notice that the names of the tents have numbers written behind them, such as ``Hornet Storm 1P'' and ``Alto TR2.'' These numbers indicate the number of people that the tent can accommodate, and the basic rule is to choose the size of the tent based on the number of people you expect to use it and this number.

However, it should be noted that in order to save weight, the size of mountain climbing tents is often ``just enough to sleep in,'' but it is often not large enough to comfortably accommodate the number of people. You need to be prepared for it to be particularly cramped, especially with models that claim to be ultra-light.

So if you're larger than average or want a little more space for comfort, it's a good idea to choose a tent that's one size larger than the number of people you're expecting. Alternatively, you can choose tents made by some manufacturers that have wider widths and lengths, such as ``1.5 person'' or ``1 to 2 person'' tents.

When hiking solo, you may want to choose a tent that is as light and compact as possible, but in colder seasons, you may want to keep everything inside the tent as much as possible. The value of having more space at such times is more than you can imagine. When it comes to tent size, consider not only the number of people, but also the actual space and the usability you are looking for.

Point 3: Structure/Type - Freestanding or non-freestanding, single wall or double wall? ~

Once you have decided on the season and size of the tent, the next thing to consider is the tent's structure and wall construction.

In addition to the above-mentioned differences in mountain tents depending on the season, there are also differences in the pole structure that serves as a support, such as "self-supporting type" and "non-self-supporting type," and a distinction between outside and inside, such as "single wall" and "double wall." There are differences in the number of walls, and by combining these two axes, there are four types: ``Freestanding Single Wall'', ``Freestanding Double Wall'', ``Non-Freestanding Single Wall'', and ``Non-Freestanding Double Wall''. You can separate it. Knowing the differences between each type of tent is essential in choosing the best tent. Below, we will explain the differences in their characteristics.

Self-sustaining or non-self-sustaining?

freestanding which is used by many tents on the market in Japan , consists of multiple poles that are crossed and fixed to grommets (holes at the end of the tent), The tent is hooked up and pitched, which is a typical design for traditional mountain tents.

The advantage even beginners can easily build it because there is no need to use stakes such as pegs . Also, the fact that pegs are not required means that it can be set up smoothly even in places where it is difficult to drive stakes, such as hard rock or soft sand However, in order to make it more stable, it is necessary to use pegs or guy lines to firmly fix it to the ground, so this does not mean that pegs are not necessary at all.

Another ` `non-freestanding '' tent is a tent that can only stand up by fixing the four corners or more with pegs and applying tension from both ends to short poles passed through the center of the tent (see photo below).

The advantage of this is that there are fewer poles, so you can make a lightweight and compact tent. By the way, it is not uncommon for extremely lightweight tents to use trekking poles instead of these poles to further reduce weight.

However, this type requires a certain amount of skill and experience to set up, such as the ability to securely secure the four corners in any location and the skill to maintain tension in the correct direction, so it is popular among veterans and ultralight hikers who are used to traveling. there is.

, we have also often seen models that can be described as semi-independent types, which have the best of both independent and non-independent types These tents use Y-shaped poles that connect multiple poles with joints, and one side of the tent is supported by two poles, and the other side is supported by one pole and two pegs, making it easy to set up and lightweight. We have succeeded in having a well-balanced combination of the following. In this way, the current situation is that the boundaries between the two types are much more blurred than in the past.

Single wall or double wall?

double wall which has a two-layer structure with an inner wall (inner tent) and an outer wall (fly) that separate the tent from the outside air, and other types, which have only one layer. There is a " single wall

A double wall tent (pictured below) is able to achieve both high waterproofness and breathability by separating the layers into a highly breathable inner tent and a highly waterproof rain fly. This makes it easier to maintain a comfortable condition even in various weather conditions with different temperatures and humidity (in some cases, you can even wear it without a rainfly). It also prevents "condensation", which is water droplets adhering to the inside of the tent, from occurring . Because of this ease of use, most common 3-season tents are double-walled. The disadvantage is that they tend to be heavier than single wall tents, but in reality the difference is not as critical as the average hiker would notice.

a single wall tent one in which the tent body and fly are made of a single piece of waterproof and breathable fabric (see photo below). Naturally, it is lightweight, easy to make compact, and can be set up more quickly However, since the entrance faces diagonally upwards, heavy rain tends to blow in, and due to the characteristics of the fabric, condensation tends to form on the inner walls of the tent, so it is less versatile than a double wall tent. This makes it suitable for use in relatively dry regions and dry seasons such as winter by fast-and-light hikers and alpine climbers.

Comparison of characteristics of each type based on pole structure and wall type

kinds	Freestanding x double wall	Freestanding x single wall	Non-freestanding x double wall	Non-freestanding x single wall
image
Strengths	Most tents are of this type. Therefore there are many choices Can be set up anywhere Prevents rain from blowing into the tent High ventilation and low condensation There is a front compartment with a rain fly, so you can conveniently store your boots and packs. Overall livability is high	Often lighter than double wall because no rain fly is required Can be built anywhere Easier to set up than double wall	Very lightweight due to fewer poles If firmly fixed with pegs, it can withstand considerable wind. Prevents rain from blowing into the tent There is a front chamber and the poles stand up vertically, making the interior spacious and highly livable. High ventilation and low condensation	It is often used in ultra-light tents (shelters) because it has few poles and is extremely lightweight due to its one-layer structure. If firmly fixed with pegs, it can withstand considerable wind. You can also create a space like a front room, so it is highly livable to some extent. Prevents rain and snow from blowing into the tent
weakness	Tends to be heavier than single wall Easier to set up than single wall	Only the minimum level of livability is required, mainly assuming the snow season. There is no front room, so rain and snow can easily blow in. There is not enough space to store boots, luggage, etc. Poor ventilation and condensation inside the tent	Difficult to set up in places where pegs are difficult to drive, such as hard ground on a ridgeline, soft sand, or ice. Requires some experience and skill to set up	Difficult to set up in places where pegs cannot be driven, such as on hard gravel or ice poor breathability Condensation tends to form on the inside of the tent Less comfortable in areas/seasons with heavy rain
Recommended uses/styles	Beginners or those looking for a more versatile model If you want to spend a few days comfortably as a base camp	Backcountry skiing and winter alpine climbing where weight and setup effort are important	Fastpacking and ultralight hiking Encampment in the forest below the tree line or on snow	ultralight hiking

Point 4: Ease of erection ~A good tent is easy and quick to set up and take down~

If the weather is sunny and there's still plenty of time until sunset, it's a good idea to take your time and set up your tent. However, when mountain climbing, it is not uncommon to arrive at a tent site just before sunset and have to set up the tent in a hurry, or in the middle of strong winds or heavy rain. How helpful would it be to have a tent that can be easily and quickly set up and taken down? Anyone who has experienced the rigors of camping in a tent will nod at this point. Here, I would like to think about the characteristics of an easy-to-erect tent.

In general, freestanding tents can be set up quickly, but non-freestanding tents require time and space to set up, as the pegs and guy lines must be properly positioned and oriented to properly set up. It takes practice to master it.

In addition, the Heritage HI-REVO, which are self-supporting tents but have sleeve-type poles, are easier to set up in a shorter period of time (see photo below).

This is because one end of the sleeve (thin cylindrical part on the outside of the tent) through which the pole is passed is closed, so if you push it through the sleeve from the open end, it will stop at the tip, and it will stop when you push it through the sleeve. You can set up the pole by simply attaching it to the grommet at hand. Since you don't have to go through the trouble of moving to each corner of the tent and fastening it to each grommet, you can set it up quickly.

However, the non-sleeve type (hanging type) is by no means particularly difficult to build. Recently advanced tents have connecting clips that are easier to attach and harder to remove, and poles are color-coded or pre-jointed, making them easier to set up than in the past. Not so long ago, I could definitely say that the sleeve type was easier to build than the hanging type, but now it's honestly a matter of preference.

There is another example that still stands out today as an easy-to-erect tent. It is a type of tent that has a pre-connected inner and fly like Hilberg's Souro and Act

Normal double wall tents require two steps: setting up the inner tent, then covering and securing the fly, but with this type of tent, the inner and fly are connected and integrated into one piece. Because of this, you can set up the tent in no time, including the inner fly, by simply setting the poles on the outer fly. Also, if you set up this method, you won't have to worry about the inner tent getting wet even when setting up in the rain or snow, which is a great system.

In any case, no matter what kind of tent you choose, it is necessary to set it up at home and familiarize yourself with how to set it up. At the very least, you should try building your first tent in your garden before going to the mountains. By doing so, you will be able to set up the site calmly and without wasting time, regardless of the situation, and will be able to prevent the worst case scenario.

Point 5: Comfort of living space ~The comfort of living in a tent is not only about the size of the floor space~

size of internal space

Living space refers to the entire space for sleeping, eating, talking, and changing clothes, and it goes without saying that it is an important element that greatly affects how comfortable you can be in your tent.

The first factor in determining a comfortable living space is, of course, the tent's floor space, but just because this area is large does not mean it is a ``spacious'' tent. This is because mountain tents tend to have steep walls that rise from the ground in order to reduce weight and strengthen wind resistance, and even if the floor space is large enough, the space at head height is small. This is because it cannot necessarily be said that you can experience a sense of ``spaciousness''.

However, advances in materials and design have greatly improved this problem, and the number of ``wider'' tents that feel more open and comfortable is on the rise. When choosing a tent from now on, you will want to make sure that the design ensures a spacious living space, so you won't regret it.

Of course, the quickest way to find out how much living space a tent has is to go to a store and actually set up a potential tent and go inside. However, in reality, not all tents can do this. Therefore, in order to imagine the interior space of a tent, it is a good idea to check the following three data from the specifications.

• Floor space inside the tent: The indoor floor space is a major premise for determining how much living space a tent can secure, but it cannot be used alone to determine the overall size of the tent.
• Height inside the tent: Height at the highest point inside the tent. It's not a problem if the ceiling is so low that your head hits it, but as mentioned earlier, you can't judge the overall size of the upper space from this spec alone.
• Slope of side walls: The more vertical the walls, the more open the headspace inside the tent will feel. When checking product images, etc., look to see if the wall angle is close to perpendicular to the ceiling of the tent.

Front room size

Another factor that affects the size of the living space is the size of the front room. The vestibule refers to the space between the tent fly and the inner tent, and tents with a large vestibule can store many tools such as backpacks, boots, and cooking utensils on the outside of the tent. This allows for more interior space, resulting in a more spacious living space (see photo below).

Of course, the vestibule not only provides more space, but also prevents wet gear from getting soaked inside the tent on rainy days.

The front chamber is created between the fly and the inner, so most single wall tents do not have one (double wall tents are also more livable in this respect). Also, each manufacturer has come up with various ways to secure the front room. There are many different sizes and structures, such as special poles sticking out from the entrance to expand the vestibule, and systems such as trekking poles that can be made to stick out from the entrance to the tent to make it wider (see photo below).

Number of entrances and exits

The number of entrances and exits also affects the living space of the tent. On the contrary, especially in tents other than those for two people, the freedom to enter and exit is an important factor that can affect the overall comfort of living in the tent.

If you're camping with friends, a model with two or more doors is obviously more convenient (pictured below). You can imagine the stress it would be on both of you if you always had to climb over your friends to go to the bathroom. If you have a door for each person and a front room space for each person, you can live a more comfortable tent life.

You can also open the two doors fully to improve ventilation. Another big advantage of cooking near the entrance is that even if the wind direction changes, you can move it to the leeward side.

However, of course, increasing the number of entrances will also increase the weight of the tent to some extent (the weight of the zipper cannot be ignored either). When choosing a tent, you should always keep weight and comfort in mind. For example, if you are using it for solo hiking, the benefits will be less, so it is quite possible to think that it is better to have one entrance and be lighter. There is a best choice for every hiker, whether you want to lose weight or go in comfort.

Location of entrance/exit

What I personally want to pay attention to when creating a doorway is its position. Tents with entrances on the long sides can open wider, giving a sense of openness, ventilation, and ease of entry and exit (see photo below). On the other hand, in the case of tents located on the ``short side'', the entrance and exit will be relatively narrow, reducing breathability and livability, so this is not my preference. However, making it difficult for air to enter the tent means that it has better wind resistance and insulation, making it a safer tent for colder seasons and snow. For this reason, many tents with entrances on the short side are suitable for use even in harsh winters, and are a meaningful option if you place importance on the ability to withstand even harsher environments.

Internal pocket, gear loft

It will be much more comfortable to keep small items such as headlamps, hand towels, and glasses in easy-to-reach places in the tent. In order to meet these needs, some smart tents have netting placed in the side pockets or ceiling (see photo below), and some models have loops for threading the tent through. If you have the time, it would be a good idea to check if there are any such devices inside the tent.

Point 6: Ventilation - Good ventilation is important not only for comfort but also for safety.

In addition to having a spacious living space, good ventilation is also important in order to spend a comfortable time inside a tent.

If you use a tent with poor ventilation in the middle of summer, it will feel like a sauna during the day, and at night, as the temperature drops, water droplets will wet your sleepwear and clothing, making you feel sad. Breathability and ventilation are important points to make it easier to cool the inside of the tent in the heat, and to suppress condensation in the cold.

3-season, double wall, and mesh fabrics are advantageous for breathability.

The breathability of a tent depends on several factors, but when considering only breathability, the best tent in all respects is a 3-season, double-walled, mesh-heavy tent. The inner fabric of a double wall tent is a breathable fabric that allows more air to pass through, and the thinner the tent, the more breathable it will be (i.e. a 3 season tent). Additionally, if you use a lot of mesh panels, that will naturally increase breathability. On the other hand, the waterproof and breathable fabric of a single-wall tent has lower breathability than a double-wall tent, and if water droplets from the inside or rain droplets adhere to the tent from the outside, the breathability will decrease further.

By the way, it goes without saying that if there are two or more entrances and exits, or if the entrance surface or ventilation openings are wide open, the airflow will be even better.

If there is no mesh panel, check the location, size, and efficiency of ventilation holes.

Mesh fabric is good for breathability, but it has to be said that it is weak in terms of protection from rain and wind and insulation. For this reason, tents that are designed to be comfortable to use even in Japan and other areas with drastic weather changes tend to have less or no mesh material. In that case, most of them have ventilation holes to maintain ventilation.

However, the quality of the air flow also changes depending on how you install this ventilation. Ideally, it should be placed as high up as possible, and in a direction that does not go against the flow of air, allowing as much air as possible to enter and exit. It is not easy to find a tent with ideal ventilation. In any case, proper ventilation is key to comfort, not only in relieving the heat, but also in reducing condensation and helping you stay warm in cold temperatures. If you are aiming for a tent that is as comfortable as possible, be sure to check it out.

Point 7: Toughness (wind resistance, water resistance, durability, pole strength) - Find the best balance between weight and strength, neither too strong nor too weak.

In order to withstand intense strong winds, heavy rain, and blizzards that you would never encounter on a daily basis, your tent must be extremely strong and resistant to various harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, and wind. It won't.

However, be aware that extremely cheap tents that are only sloppily designed to look good may actually neglect weather resistance and durability. (Unless you have one, it's going to be expensive.) To avoid being fooled by such questionable tents, it is never a waste to have at least some knowledge about the strength of tents.

By the way, in order to protect your tent from bad weather, it is important to pay attention to the shape and material of the tent, but it is also important to pay attention to the location and orientation of the tent, and how to properly secure the tent with stakes and guy lines. It's equally important. For this reason, it is important to understand the basics of how to pitch a tent safely, and to practice pitching your own tent quickly and neatly below.

Fabric material/thickness

One of the easiest ways to think about a tent's durability is to look at its fabric material and thickness. Standard tents use nylon or polyester materials, and the thicker the floor, side walls, and rain fly (denier), the more durable (and heavier) the tent will be. On the other hand, there are models that are expensive but use higher quality fabrics such as Dyneema, Silnylon, and Tyvek, which are both light and durable (see photo below), so do lightweight tents take this into account in their catalogs? Please check it out.

Lightweight tents made from thin fabrics are always prone to punctures and tears. In particular, the floor area is prone to tearing due to sharp rocks or trees on the ground, so as a guide, we recommend that you consider using a footprint for extremely thin tents, such as those below 25 denier. Masu.

Pole

Tent-specific poles are generally made of aluminum alloy or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is lightweight, but it can easily break when a strong force is applied to one point, so I personally don't really recommend it. Aluminum alloy poles, on the other hand, have many advantages such as being lightweight, strong, flexible, and affordable. Among them, top brands such as EASTON and DAC make many high-quality poles using unique aluminum alloy technology that is thin and lightweight, yet maintains strength and durability. It can be said that the aluminum alloy pole is superior. If possible, we recommend checking what brand of pole the product you are considering uses and whether it is a reliable brand.

By the way, the rubber string that runs inside the pole deteriorates year by year, and often stretches out to the point where it loses its elasticity after 3 to 4 years, so be sure to replace it regularly. Sho.

peg (stake)

The stronger and lighter the pegs (pictured below) are, which are stakes that are driven into the ground, the faster and more securely the tent can be set up. The genuine pegs that come with most models vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, and some manufacturers' models have unfortunate aluminum pegs that are loose and hard to dig into the ground and easily bend when driven hard. may be included.

Furthermore, when using guy lines in bad weather, the reality is that the standard accessories are often insufficient. For this reason, you may have the option of replacing the pegs with something different from the original one. The pegs that can be used also differ depending on whether the ground is dirt or snow. So what kind of pegs are good? If I were to talk about it, this space would simply not be enough (in fact, pegs are a very profound tool if you think about them). Just say that you should choose something that is ``light'', ``easily sticks into the ground'', and ``hard to bend when driven into it''.

footprint

A footprint is a sheet that is the same size as the floor that is placed under the tent, and is used to protect the floor from sharp pebbles, prevent water from seeping through the floor, and extend the life of the tent. It's helpful (pictured below). Some commercially available tents come with a footprint as standard, while others do not come with it and are sold separately.

Back then, footprints were not a common item, and in fact, the floor fabric of the tent itself was thick and durable, so footprints were not necessary. So basically, the footprint is not a necessary tool. The reason why footprints are not included with standard tents that have been around for a long time is probably due to pride as a long-established tent manufacturer.

However, with regard to tents that have become thinner and lighter in recent years, there are many models that assume the use of footprints to some extent. There are many cases where this happens. As I mentioned earlier, you should be careful if the floor fabric is less than 25 denier. If the tent does not come with a footprint even though it is thin, you will have to be prepared to have it repaired even if it gets torn, or you will have to be prepared for extra expenses.

Point 8: Weight ~Be careful when comparing weight displays in catalogs~

The weight of any baggage is a concern. This is especially important if the tent is one of the largest in terms of weight per unit, as the weight can be greatly improved depending on how you choose it.

It would be best if you could actually hold all the tents and compare their weights, but in reality that is not possible. Therefore, you will inevitably check the catalog specifications. What you need to be careful about here is whether the weight written there is the "total weight" or the "minimum weight (body weight)". The former refers to the weight of almost everything that comes with the tent when you purchase it, including the tent itself, rain fly, poles, pegs, guy lines, stuff sack, and footprint (if included). The latter, on the other hand, only includes the tent itself, rainfly, and poles. When comparing weights, it is not possible to accurately compare weights unless you have these contents. In my experience, all manufacturers often state a minimum ``minimum weight (body weight),'' so when comparing tents, we recommend comparing tents based on their minimum weight.

As a guideline, if the minimum weight of a one-person mountain tent is around 1,000 grams (1,300 grams or less for two-person tents), then the tent can be considered lightweight. Also, if it weighs around 1,500 grams, it's a tent with a balance of lightness and durability, and if it weighs around 2,000 grams, it's safe to say that it's a tough tent that can be used in winter.

In any case, there is often a trade-off between weight and durability with tents, so be sure to consider the balance in light of your needs.

summary

Tents are required to protect lives in harsh environments and at the same time be extremely lightweight and comfortable to use, and are the product of numerous advanced and complex technologies designed to be used in a variety of situations. In order to find the tent that is perfect for you, it is wise to prioritize and narrow down the various factors that are intricately intertwined as shown here.

But of course, there's no need to worry if you can't do it from the beginning. When I first started climbing mountains, I felt comfortable enough with the extremely orthodox Arai tent. However, as I experienced different seasons and activities, I realized how interesting it was to use a tent that was more suitable for each occasion, and now I use multiple tents depending on the occasion. Ta. In that sense, tents, like other mountain gear, start out as orthodox and then gradually become more popular and add new models as needed.In that case, refer to this article. I hope you can do that.