Your Camping Home: the Hiking Tent

There is no better icon for the activity of hiking than the hiking tent. This seemingly common item stands for all things wild and outdoors. The tent has long since been the symbol of our ability to rough it out in the wild, far from the amenities of house and home. Still, this does not mean that today’s tents should still be without any other function than providing a roof over our heads.

In general, most modern hiking tents for sale come with windows (transparent portions) and lightweight but heavy duty frames. They come in various sizes as well, though mostly they are small and can only fit one person with enough height for sitting.

What makes a tent for hiking truly unique is that you can roll it up and sling it over your back. It is this reason why this type of tent is most suited for hiking.

Tents rarely vary in terms of features, though it might be important to consider certain factors. Snow and rain are quite different, and when travelling to areas that have lots of either, it is important that the tent is waterproof (otherwise, just sleep in the bad weather). But there is a key difference in the two. Areas with lots of snow tend to be much colder (obviously) and require a tent made of material that is suited for keeping the warmth inside. Areas with lots of rain are also areas with lots of humidity, often requiring a tent to have a good balance of waterproofing and ventilation.

When travelling in challenging terrain, a light hiking tent is needed. This will allow you to climb easier without being burdened by the weight. Older tents not only use heavy fabrics, but also use thick steel bars for the frames. Modern light tents on the other hand make use of space-age alloys that are very tough and at the same time, are also much lighter.

Tents help keep you safe from the sun and rain, from insects and animals; they also serve as a temporary refuge from nature during heavy rain or sand storms. Indeed, for a hiker, the tent is the closest thing to having a home in the outdoors.