| Backpacking and Tents |
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Backpacking is a very fun and adventurous activity to spend the weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city living. Aside from getting exercise, fresh air, relaxation and incredible sceneries greet the backpacker on the hiking trails. While it is very tempting to really get back to basics, you should always have space for a tent in your gear. Forests have very high rates of precipitation. It can rain anytime and you don't want to get caught unprepared in the middle of a downpour. Though important, backpacking tents are tricky commodities. It can be difficult to nail down exactly the kind you should get. If you are planning on going backing soon and are in the market for a tent, here are some simple tips that may give you a place to start. First of all, the kind of environment you plan to be hiking through is important to keep in mind as you choose your tent. Even if it is unlikely to rain, it is a good idea to purchase a tent that is completely water resistant and closed on all sides. Even though a 'lean to' or tarp like tent with open sides is an efficient and simple form of shelter, these kinds of tents can only protect from the mildest of weather conditions. Additionally, most wilderness areas popular for backpacking are havens for insects, such as mosquitoes, and an open tent will offer no protection against these pests. Secondly, you should consider the length of your trip when looking for a backpacking tent. Also, what kind of terrain are you going to traverse? Are you going for a rough and nearly vertical thirty-mile plus climb, or a pleasant and easy five-mile jaunt through the woods? If the latter is the case, weight is not an issue and you can purchase as large a tent as you please. The larger the tent you have with you, the better. You can house all your equipment inside to avoid damage from morning dew or from nocturnal animals with a sufficiently large tent. If you are taking a more arduous journey, you'll want the lightest possible tent you can get that offers adequate protection. Lastly, choose a good brand name. Ask for recommendations at the store you visit, or if you are ordering one online, choose a name that you are familiar with. Backpacking tents are important, and not an area to skimp on financially speaking. If you are pressed for cash, bring cheaper food items. The best way to buy a tent, or anything else for that matter, is through the internet. You will find good prices as well as reviews by other people who've actually used the product. This way, you really can't go wrong, especially when doing it for the first time. |
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