Camping Styles
Do I need a tent to go Backpacking?
Posted BY Ian
You will see many tents rated as Backpacking Tents. The implication is that you if you go backpacking then you need a tent; and more than that, the particular tent on offer. There are two generalizations hidden within such an implication. Let's look at these, and understand them, before moving on to the uses for a tent when backpacking: Backpacking does not equate to camping. It is more likely in many destinations that you will stay in cheap hostels or guesthouses.Carrying a tent in such situations is not only an unnecessary burden but also marks you out as naive and a potential victim. ... Continued
Cycle touring with a tent
Posted BY Ian
Cycle touring with a tent is about freedom. With shelter and transport sorted you have the flexibility to roam almost at will. All you need to ensure is that you aren't so over-burdened with equipment that the cycling becomes slow and painful. Choosing a suitable tent A touring tent for a car trip can, pretty much, be of any size and weight. If you are going to carry it in panniers then it ought to be more compact, but need not be lightweight to the exclusion of other features. A cycle touring trip would normally be for at least a week. In that case, you will want to ensure that you ... Continued
Ultra lightweight camping
Posted BY Ian
Ultra lightweight camping is one extreme of the outdoor shelter spectrum. The quality of the protection is sacrificed to some extent (but within a limit) in order to shave off every last ounce of weight to be carried. Usually the motive for going to such lengths is to achieve better results when racing in fell races and the like. Some like to save excess weight out of habit - and they probably consider every piece of equipment when packing, not just the tent. Even if you do not take part in fell races, and are not normally bothered by the weight you carry, it is worth looking at the issues ... Continued
What Sort Of Camper Are You?
Posted BY Ian
No - it's not such a strange question. There are many different Camping Styles, some of which may suit you, some may not. Knowing the answer is fundamental to the issue of Buying a Tent - one that suits you. If you can be clear on what you will use your tent for, then you are half way to making a good decision. This is why camping novices have such a hard time making up their minds - they lack the experience to know what they do intend. In this article I will only point out the main Camping Styles in general terms. I do not expect you to fit any one of these definitions precisely. You and ... Continued