Tough tents can handle tough terrain, such as this campsite in east Greenland. Key Information for the Backpacking Tent Buyer, REI Co-op Quarter Dome 2 Tent with a similar 28.7 ft. Picture here is of our SlingFin WindSabre on the Southern Patagonia Ice Shelf. [Your park regs likely have you camping away from lakes, streams, and trails as well.]. If bugs are a major nuisance, a single-door tent can reduce points of entry. WEIGHT: 3.26 lbs , The Superalloy achieves an attractive trifecta: livable, lightweight, and affordable (for an ultralight shelter), making it a good pick for minimalist hikers on a budget. That will save you a bunch of weight and money vs. comparable tents! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Each peg also features a luminescent pull cord for easy removal and improved visibility at night, and the sets comes in a handy storage bag. Consider putting your footprint inside the tent to reduce claw damage. Durability is one of the most important metrics we used to rank each model. Looking for a four season tent? This three person tent is lighter than many two person tents. The long steel pegs are the opposite of backcountry models that favor lightweight materials that aren't as durable. On the other hand, many lighter tents and single-wall tents have 20D or even 15D floors. The three-sided, Y-shaped construction is strong and secure, providing good penetration and solid holding power. Made with Dyneema, this tent is ideal for trekking pole users who want the ultimate lightweight and protection. The Haven has a nice high, 48 peak height which only increases its livable area. Even the best tents may require modifications based on terrain, distance, and accepted levels of discomfort. The main challenge in tough rocky earth is gaining initial traction with the anchor. Protected area and value. And its fast to setup. In summary, if you want a very light, traditional dome backpacking tent at a good price, this is your tent. If you want something lighter, the new Ground Control Light peg is a bit of a revelation too. Tent floors tend to have a higher denier to protect against ground abrasions, but you might want to invest in a groundsheet regardless if your tent is particularly fragile. This tent also has plenty of interior room for a one-person shelter. And unlike regular pyramid tents, the asymmetrical layout keeps the sleeping area dry even with the door open. Stakes worked well in a lot of different ground types. This post contains affiliate links. 15 oz. We may request cookies to be set on your device. Setting up camp along Colorados Gore Creek Trail. Semi-freestanding tents often require only two stakes on one end, while non-freestanding shelters often require four to six stakes for a proper pitch. Getting in the habit of securing your tent to withstand worst-case weather scenarios is an excellent way to learn the ins and outs of your shelter. Make sure to check out the MLD DuoMid in SilNylon, to cut the cost in half! An ultralight 2 person tent may be too cramped, for example, so it is reasonable to add a little weight for more interior space. BEST FOR: Backpackers who want a ton of bug protected area and DCF level volume to weight performance but at nylon prices. [Lead photo credit Alison Simon], Liveable Area Why Tent Volume Matters for a Backpacking Tent. Area: 15.2 ft | Vestibule: 10 ft | Area/Pound: 28 ft. Bad zippers can be the bane of your existence. Y stakes have greater holding power than most stakes so theyll hold your tent more securely. Using your hands and feet to hammer these stakes into the hard ground is no easy task. The uppermost notch point can be utilized for softer ground conditions, allowing the full use of the stake's surface area for traction. The other top contender, especially in softer to firm ground types, was the Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchor with its wide screw design and length reaching and gripping effectively into the ground. Im 511 and I had plenty of headroom and space to sprawl out, one tester said after a weekend in Big Dominguez Canyon, Colorado. We have seen more than a few un-staked tents blow a considerable distance in strong winds, sometimes resulting in tent damage and lost gear (thus our recommendation to find a good campsite that avoids exposure to strong winds). Its 7-inch length is still short enough to be a reasonable size for backpacking, yet it is still long enough to penetrate deep enough into the ground for increased holding power. The tents 48-inch peak height is generous for a shelter of its size, and our testers were able to change clothes and perform camp tasks inside. And unlike many many tarptent style shelters, the Duplex can be freestanding with an optional Duplex Freestanding Flex Kit. The only tent here thats up to almost anything mother nature can throw at you! Password requirements: 6 to 30 characters long; ASCII characters only (characters found on a standard US keyboard); must contain at least 4 different symbols; But for a fully-featured, self-supporting tent that weighs less than many one-person shelters, its a worthy splurge. Good entry-level backpacking tent! No ads. They are however the most expensive option. We don't take out testing duties lightly; it's our mission to find the best. Sturdy, lightweight stakes make tent pitching faster and more secure. 4 person tents are ideal for backcountry adventures where a team is willing to share space. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Material: Ripstop nylon Increasing the height of the tent and adding top spreader bar(s) and/or pre-bent poles can make tent walls more vertical. We used four criteria; ease of installation by hand and foot, ease of installation by hammer, the inclusion of a pull cord or equivalent, and the ease of removal from the ground. Easily hammering in the All One Tech into firm ground. Area: 28.1 ft | Vestibule: 14.4 ft | Area/Pound: 35.8 ft. Havent bent any even though I did hit a few rocks. Material: 15-denier ripstop nylon No matter where and how you choose to camp in the backcountry or front-country, this tent will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. Once we got the knack of it we setup the tent in less than 3 minutes. These stakes intentionally increase the total surface area and can be driven in vertically or laid horizontally (a technique known as deadmanning). The polypropylene top piece proves to withstand continual use and provides three different guyline attachment options. Alternative Y Stakes are these MSR Cyclone tent stakes at REI. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Look for a vestibule at least 7 ft2, and for two-person tents, two vestibules are really nice. This peg is a bit of a maverick. But, in some cases, you might fancy a stake upgrade if you want particularly lightweight or strong pegs or pegs for specific types of ground. We also recommend getting a hammer to help drive long, thick stakes like these into the ground. First, we consider how many guyline attachment points the stake presented. Can be difficult to remove despite pull cord. Our in-depth review will help you find the perfect tent stakes for your needs and budget. WM, Pros: Very lightweight for a 4 person backpacking tent, easy to pack MSRP: $325 SIL nylon or $680 DCF Itll keep your tent taut, well-shaped and secure, and contribute to a restful nights sleep. One of the best ways to prolong the life of your tent is to develop a savvy eye for picking the perfect backcountry camp spot. Brief excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Alan Dixon and AdventureAlan.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. If your tent floor is 30D or better, then you can likely skip a footprint or Polycro sheet altogether. Many of my adventures mix in peak bagging, so pushing big miles usually isnt on my agenda. This makes it possible for two people to sit upright in much of the tent. If your regular backpacking destinations are particularly rocky or sandy, consider investing in a freestanding tentyou may not be able to drive stakes into the ground. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. 8.1 oz. The AnyGear 7075 Aluminum tri-beam (y-beam) tent stake takes some getting to know, but once you figure it out, it is a solid performer. Quality and value run throughout the entire Half Dome Plus family, so dont hesitate to buy according to your typical group configuration. Err on the spacious side by bringing a two-person tent rather than a one-person. (. Some links may be non-Amazon affiliate links. The ANYGEAR stakes (or BIFUNIE tent stakes buy whichever is available at the time) have only a single notched rib at the head making them extremely resistant to bending and damage when pounding in with a rock and the 3-Latch points allow you to securely attach the cord even if they are not pounded all the way in. On top of that, its a great value in SilNylon costing the same as most 2 person tents in fact the cost comes out to just $96 per person! We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. And its multi-position doors easily go from stagazing to full storm mode. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Material: SIL nylon or DCF Tent sleeves are light tubes that can reinforce a cracked pole. The standard floor area for a tent (ft2) is a good starting point for estimating the livable areabut its far from telling the whole story. 04: Garden Variety (4.64) Daisy obeys Glenn and gives the Groundskeeper a show. , When a tent is an all-around solid performer and has eco cred to match, its a keeper. Given the advances in technology that have drastically reduced the weight of freestanding tents, the previous advantage of non-freestanding tents has all but evaporated. Don't forget to buy the drill bit it makes it a lot easier to screw on the ground. Car campers can largely ignore this metric, while backpackers are advised to tune in more carefully. You can check these in your browser security settings. This model balances a backpacker's needs very well. Couldn't believe how well the held. Material: 15D Nylon No-see-um mesh Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. And most important, you will always get a better/tauter and much stronger pitch if you stakeout the corners and other points as necessary. If you make a purchase after clicking on the these links, a portion of the sale helps support this site at no additional cost to you. First figure out what your major concerns are wind, rain, cold & bugs are usually top. They will help you find exactly the right backpacking tent and accessory gear. Check out our favorite ultralight shelters and tarp-tents and our top winter tents. No stuffing or folding required. For this reason, it has earned top honors for our best 4 person backpacking tent. Weight: 1.13 lbs In 3-season set-ups, its usually worth going for a warmer sleeping bag rather than sacrifice ventilation, but if youre a particularly cold sleeper you may prefer solid walls. So despite its average-sized interior, users may find that it feels a bit smaller when they run out of vestibule space and have to store excess gear inside. Click on the different category headings to find out more. While this method can quickly lead to bent stakes, we have to admit that we've done it countless times in the wild. The 3-season, 2020 REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus backpacking tent provides you and a partner with plenty of room to stretch out and stay comfy. MSRP: $385 Price: 4.99 for a pack of 6 (83p per peg), These specialist pegs are designed to be hammered into hard, stony ground. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Material: SIL nylon or DCF Overall, Coghlan's Tent Pegs is tough for us to recommend, considering the other options available on the market. We researched What is the best bivy sack? Andrew Skurka used this tent for National Geographic Adventurer of the Hike through Alaska and the Yukon. Even during the height of mosquito season in Alaska we were usually able to find breezy area, like a bluff above a river, where we could eat dinner outside the tents and with our shoes off. At this point with backpacking gear, spending more often means a lighter tent without losing durability. As such, the SlingFin Portal adds a margin of safety and protection that most 3-season, double-walled backpacking tents like the Big Agnes Copper Spur cant provide. LARNORJE 18inch Earth Ground Anchors,4 Pack Heavy Duty Swing Set Anchors, Spiral Ground Stakes with Lashing Straps for Securing Animals, Tents, Canopies, Sheds, Carports, Trampoline. The Orange Screw withstanding a mighty pull in relatively soft soil. And pyramid tents are amazing at around 64 ft2/lb! The other above-average performers included the TOAKS Titanium V-Shaped utilizing maximum surface area with its v-shape design and the aluminum tri-beam models like the MSR Mini Groundhog and the All One Tech stakes. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Buy Now, Pros: Lightweight for a 3-person tent, spacious The Tarptent Stratospire Li is a seriously light shelter that will protect you in the worst conditions. Material: 30D Silicone Coated Nylon Area: 28.7 ft | Vestibule: 16.8 ft | Area/Pound: 23.5 ft. In comparison, non-freestanding tents usually use your trekking poles to support them and need to be staked out be fully pitched. Always remember to fully zip your tent closed when you arent in it. How a High Volume Tent improves on this High Volume Tent Example. Jeremy S., These are the lightest weight stakes you can get with reasonable holding power and durability. For a freestanding tent, you are carrying a tent body, a tent fly, poles, and stakes. Rocky or sandy or bushes always seemed to find a way to set up my tent and they held all night. Read more. These include the eco credentials of the product up to 13 times less energy is used in production compared to aluminium pegs, and each peg is 100% recyclable as well as the way the stake is completely sunk into the ground up to the flat head, thus improving the stability and strength of the anchor and minimising the risk of you accidentally tripping over a protruding peg (weve all done it!). More expensive tents will often last longer, have a better space-to-weight ratio for livability, and have more features such as multiple doors and vestibules. Made from a premium aircraft grade 7075-T6 aluminium alloy, each 15cm peg weighs only 7g (about as light as tent pegs come) and is described as ultralight yet super strong by Sea to Summit. Theres no easy way to divine how well a tent will hold up to the elements on paper, so testing it out on a short shakedown trip is always a good idea. At only 5 pounds it goes toe-to-toe with Everest-level mountaineering tents twice its weight! 11/01/2021 . Youll see references to packed weight and minimum weight (or trail weight) on many manufacturers and retailers sites. Weight: 5 lbs. We measured one stake from each set to log and score the length and width. Described by Scandi-brand Hilleberg as a unique peg with a lightweight, tough and remarkably versatile design, this stake is made from a hardened aluminium and has been built to withstand both very hard usage, including the inevitable contact with shovels, crampons and other winter gear, and very hard snow. BIFUNIE Aluminum Tent Stakes Pegs, 12-Pack Aluminum Ground Pegs with Reflective Pull Ropes, Heavy Duty Tri-Beam Metal Stakes Pegs for Backpacking Camping Tents Hammocks and Canopy effective, sturdy, light-weight tent stakes, these are the right ones for you. While using a foot or hammering in this nail peg once it is bent is possible, it is not very fun and increases the likelihood of bending farther. In this case, you should seriously consider protecting it with a footprint or Polycro sheet. As one of the heaviest items youll carry on your trip, nothing cuts pack weight like an ultralight shelter. Ultralight stakes are often useless in these environments. This requires clever use of guy lines (see below) and natural anchors. Unlike most products from Tarptent (the brand), its technically not a tarptent but a fully double walled, 4 season pyramid tent up to winter and strong winds. The majority of backpacking tents are freestanding. Unlike many trekking pole supported pyramid shelters, there are no poles disturbing the interior space of the tent. However, installing by hand and foot can be a challenge. Backcountry tents dont have to always focus on weight, though. Material: .55 oz/yd2 DCF New in 2020, the 2-person REI Co-op Flash Air 2 Tent sold out multiple times in the first few months of production! Tent Poles and Stakes. Because tents can have such a big impact on quality of backcountry life, we believe they are the first thing a backpacker should upgrade; the most splurge-worthy item in a kit. How can we improve GearLab? Naturally (since Lah is the guy behind DAC poles), it all starts with the structure. If you need a slightly more compact peg, the MSR Mini-Groundhog is 4cm shorter at 15cm and marginally lighter, or for specific conditions MSR have some specialist pegs too: the spiralled Cyclone peg is designed for softer ground while the chunky Blizzard peg delivers holding power in snow and sand. , Weight: 14g per peg Actually, neither tent is better, it just depends on what your priorities are. 15 oz. Replace and repair worn-out parts of the tent ASAP. We found its dual trekking pole design surprisingly storm-worthy and wind resistant. Senior Digital Editor Adam Roy on a ski camping trip in central Colorado. MSRP: $649 Extensive UV damage to fly or tent body, making it too brittle to use or recoat, Clean out your tent after every use. Weight: 2.7 lbs Installing this nail peg by hand and foot into tough, rocky ground allowed for minimal success. And no crouching here, the Wild Owyhee has tall 48 peak hight keeping the ceiling well above your head. Current Leave No Trace (LNT) Ethics have you discreetly camping out of sight in the trees [e.g. The DCF one takes it to the next level with top-of-the-line material, a smart integrated construction with a Nylon bathtub floor, and superior ventilation for a one-person shelter. This a key factor to evaluate and compare tents. Overall, the Vargo Ti Shepherd's Hook is an excellent choice and our recommendation for those seeking the lowest-weight stakes that still function well. Some critical attributes? The Copper Spur HV UL2 does it all and does it all extremely well. , If youve ever been frustrated that budget-friendly tents cost around $200, Sierra Designs would like to have a word. Whether it is backpacking, canyoneering, climbing, mountain biking, trail running, pack rafting, or all of the above wrapped up into a multi-sport adventure, she has spent countless nights out under the stars pitching tents and shelters. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. Modern tents pegs are commonly made from metal, usually aluminium or titanium. SlingFin Windsaber tent on the Southern Patagonia Ice shelf Cerro Torre in the background. Combined, these design changes significantly increase livable area making it far more pleasant to spend time in the tent. WM, Price: $1065 This shelter uses Hillebergs proprietary silicone-coated material known as Kerlonone of the strongest tent fabrics on the marketin its fly (the inner is made from DWR-treated, 10-denier ripstop nylon). The Orange Screw's natural flexibility works to its advantage as it bends while being pulled yet still holds firmly in the ground. You can always slim down to a spartan one-person tent if the extra space isnt worth the weight penalty. Its worth mentioning that yes, a cheap-o tarp can do the trick. Daisy does her best to make Glenn reach his potential. HBR, The Superalloy achieves an attractive trifecta: livable, lightweight, and affordable (for an ultralight shelter), making it a good pick for minimalist hikers on a budget. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. Its above-average, 32-square-foot floor feels palatial, and vertical walls expand the roominess. These whisper-light pegs have good holding power when set correctly, though you may want to cap them with a rock once they are pounded in for added security. Disclaimer:Posts on this site contain affiliate links. Guy lines can also be used to increase ventilation in the space between the tent and the fly. Cons: Very heavy, If youve ever been frustrated that budget-friendly tents cost around $200, Sierra Designs would like to have a word. The key to SlingFin tents high strength and low weight is their innovative SlingFin WebTrusswhich also makes it much easier to initially pitch the tent in high winds, the Achilles heel of many other mountaineering tents. Area: 65 ft | Vestibule: 0 ft | Area/Pound: 50 ft. Billed as strong, lightweight and well designed, the Ground Control is a great all-rounder from the design pros at Australian brand Sea to Summit. Its full-sized vestibules (now with an innovative awning mode), near vertical sidewalls, and fully lofted ceiling provide excellent headroom and livability that few freestanding tents achieve. But it hasa higher, 43 inch peak height and a spreader bar at the peak of the tent, and another at the foot end to make its walls more vertical for much of the tent body. The slim profile made it easier to install in and around rocks. Two 14-square-foot vestibules hold gear for a trio. This is a big deal in humid or very cold environments. A good campsite also has compact soil for tent stakes. As such, we have great options for all experience levels, budgets, group sizes, weight tolerances, and special use cases. BEST FOR: Medium families, climbing groups, etc. Stakes were then scored across 3 metrics associated with durability; bend factor, guyline attachment points, and stake tip. The GroundGrabba has great strength installed straight vertical and is extremely low profile when installed. MATERIAL: Nylon We recommend putting a $11 Gossamer Gear Polycro Footprint or MLD UL FOOTPRINT under this type of shelter. We installed 1 of each stake into all 4 ground types 20 times per ground type for an overall total of 80 installations per stake. This low-profile peg does not feature a pull cord, which makes it harder to remove from firm and hard ground. That is, two tents with the same floor areacan have dramatically different amounts of livable area. Tents like the REI Flash Air 2 with two mesh side walls, and doors on each side will vent better than single wall models with limited openings and solid rear walls. The SlingFin Portal has near vertical walls, generous headroom, two doors and vestibules, and tons of pockets that make its 28 ft2 of floor area seem much larger. Material: 40 denier ripstop nylon Havent bent any even though I did hit a few rocks. Tents often sell optional gear lofts that hang from the high point of the tent interior. Top-notch products and excellent customer service. Freestanding tents come with their own set of poles, usually collapsible single-hub or double-hub. Area: 28.7 ft | Vestibule: 21.5 ft | Area/Pound: 20.1 ft. We struggle to forcefully get behind this design due to these weaknesses that can amount to significant frustration on a camping trip. Its tri-beam design and notched guyline placement points allow for multi-directional placements, and the included stuff sack provides an easy and convenient way to keep stakes together and packed away. Difficult two hand pulls were then tallied for each stake across the soft soil, firm ground, and hard rocky ground types to give an average holding power score. You can read their full blog post here. This habit can cause creases that evolve into weaknesses over time. The warm air inside is continually pushed out, replaced by cooler air, and helps keep the temperature equal (or as equal as possible) inside and outside the tent. Regardless of price and quality, if the denier of your tent walls and tent floor go down, the durability goes down too, and the tent is more prone to ripping or punctures. Our strongest performers included the longer steel nail peg designs like the Coleman 10-inch Steel and the Eurmax Galvanized which were able to dig down deep maximizing their surface area and traction. At only 2.08 per peg, the V Stake provides excellent value for money too. Photo: Getty via Kyle Ledeboer / Aurora Photos, Looking for something more specialized? Opening a door or vents will help prevent condensation buildup, and choosing a high, dry site. Area: 53 ft | Area/Pound: 47 ft. They tend to breathe much better than single-walled tents and therefore reduce condensation buildup. If I can, I will usually take a light three-person tent for a two-person trip to maximize headroom., When it comes to backcountry adventures, sleep is king. When storing your tent, its imperative to make sure the tent is clean and entirely dry. Freestanding tents do have an advantage for Leave No Trace. A few of these pitches we really love, specifically the rolled up Quick Deploy RainFly Mode. Tents are undeniably the single most important piece of backpacking gear. Vargo a US thru-hiking brand set up by long-distance hiker Brian Vargo describe the stakes titanium construction as delivering unparalleled strength and shape retention while weighing just a third of an ounce. Its durable enough if you pitch it carefully. Weight: 1.4 lbs These anchors can be trees, rocks, or even extra tent stakes brought along for just that purpose. Other models have a separate spreader bar or other components youll have to attach and configure. Despite ABS plastic claiming to be impact resistant and tough, Coghlan's Tent Pegs do bend incredibly easily in firm and rocky ground, especially while trying to install by hand and foot. When used correctly, the AnyGear stakes are yet another data point for the strength and durability of tri-beam tent stakes. Cons: Heavy, Expensive, If the devil is in the details, then this is the most unholy tent weve ever occupied. SUN NINJA Pop Up Beach Tent Sun Shelter UPF50+ with Sand Shovel, Ground Pegs and Stability Poles, Outdoor Shade for Camping Trips, Fishing, Backyard Fun or Picnics Visit the SUN NINJA Store 4.4 out of 5 stars 7,135 ratings If youve bought a high quality tent, the chances are the pegs included with your purchase will suffice particularly as they will have been designed to work well with your tents specific quirks and features. The humble tent peg is the unsung hero of camping. Weight: 3 lbs. BEST FOR: Budget or beginner backpackers seeking a safe, comfy, reliable tent that works great for backpacking and car camping.
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