| One of the main contributors to backpack weight is | | | | heavier, but they do a good job of keeping rain out. At |
| your shelter. Two-person tents can weigh six pounds | | | | the other end of the scale, bivy sacks are very light, |
| or more. Even a solo tent can be heavy after a long | | | | but they are known to retain condensation. |
| day of backpacking. And that weight seems to be | | | | Do I hike with trekking poles? Freestanding tents are |
| cumulative on an extended hike, getting heavier day | | | | heavier because they include structural poles, while |
| after day. If you want to cut pack weight, your shelter | | | | some ultralight backpacking tents can be set up using |
| is a good place to start. | | | | trekking poles as supports, thus eliminating the weight |
| Carrying less weight on your backpacking trip means | | | | of tent poles. |
| you can hike farther in a day with less fatigue. It | | | | Will I spend much time in my tent? You may think you |
| means you can enjoy the entire trip more. But some | | | | can get by with a small shelter because you plan to |
| lightweight shelters require some sacrifices that may | | | | spend most of your time outside, but be aware things |
| be outside your comfort zone. Your answers to these | | | | may not go the way you plan. After the second full |
| questions can help you decide which lightweight | | | | day spent in your tent because of rain, you may be |
| backpacking shelter is right for you. | | | | wishing you had a shelter you could sit up in. |
| When I backpack, am I camping or hiking? People | | | | Where will I be hiking? If you're climbing up and down |
| have different approaches to backpacking. Some | | | | mountains, a tent with a small footprint may be easier |
| camp so they can hike; some hike so they can camp. | | | | to wedge into the single tiny site you find late in the |
| If the camping part is more important to you, you may | | | | evening. If you're in a rocky area, it may be impossible |
| be willing to carry a little more weight so you're more | | | | to to drive tent stakes in the ground, and you may |
| comfortable in camp. If you're more focused on the | | | | wish for a freestanding tent. If you're in the desert, you |
| hiking, your tent may just be something to keep rain off | | | | may want a fully-enclosed tent to keep out |
| while you sleep, and the lighter the better. | | | | rattlesnakes and scorpions. |
| How much room do I really need? If you are hiking | | | | Am I careful with my gear? Quality lightweight |
| alone, you only need a one-person tent, although many | | | | backpacking shelters are well-made, but they might |
| choose a two-man tent for the extra space. If you | | | | use lighter fabrics that aren't as bomb-proof as that in |
| keep your gear outside overnight, you won't need as | | | | heavier tents. Used with care, they will perform and |
| much room in the tent, but if you are more | | | | last for years, but if you know you have a tendency to |
| comfortable keeping your things close at hand and out | | | | be rough on your gear, perhaps you would do better |
| of the weather, you'll have to allow space (and weight) | | | | with something a bit heavier. |
| for that. | | | | What are my options? Learn about the best choices in |
| Can I live with insects? Some ultralight backpacking | | | | lightweight backpacking tents. Balance your needs and |
| shelters are not fully enclosed. If you don't like the idea | | | | comfort zone against the weight of the available |
| of sleeping with creepy-crawlers, you may be willing to | | | | shelters. With options like bivy sacks, tarps, and |
| carry the weight of a full tent with a zippered door. | | | | backpacking hammocks, you may find your choice of |
| Can I live with dampness? Tents with full rain flies are | | | | lightweight tent isn't a tent at all. |