What are the most important factors in choosing a backpacking tent?

[zack0109]

One professional article form REI web:http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/arti...king-tent.html Wish this helps. And if you would like an inexpensive one , I recommend geartrade.com for an used one.

[busere]

One professional article form REI web:http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/arti...king-tent.html Wish this helps. And if you would like an inexpensive one , I recommend geartrade.com for an used one.

I would normaly agree on used stuff to save a buck...but with a tent...Sorry, I can't agree. The last place you want to find out that a used tent you bought leaks is on the trail. There's four systems that are the most important out on the trail (in my opinion...backpackers correct me if I'm wrong)...Boots, tent, backpack and sleep system (sleepingbag and pad). Any one of these not being in good working order...I think could make for a bad trip in the woods. I don't think I would buy any of the above used...maybe a backpack...only if I could see it before I bought it. But an on-line purchase, no way.

[ContinualHarvest]

Going back to the hammock issue, some campgrounds and forests won't allow the use of anything that attaches to a tree.

[HogSnapper]

Going back to the hammock issue, some campgrounds and forests won't allow the use of anything that attaches to a tree.

I've heard quite a few people say this but they've never been able to point me to a campground that bans hammocks. Yes, hanging hot lanterns against bark is not allowed in a lot of places, but I haven't found any that ban hanging hammocks with straps. Can you clarify your post and perhaps give us a specific link to a site that explicitly does not allow hammocks?

I'm not trying to pick a fight with you. I just don't like seeing these myths propagate over and over and this is a subject that has been hammered out repeatedly over on hammockforums.net

[ContinualHarvest]

Here is an example. If you look under the rules and regulations paragraph under the weapons section...
http://www.nps.gov/prwi/planyourvisit/oakridge.htm

"Ropes, clotheslines, tentlines, hammocks and nails are not to be attached to trees or other vegetation."

Parks Like Pocomoke State Park in MD won't allow attaching to trees but provide hammocks stands. I imagine other parks may do the same.

[busere]

Not on the AT! Wow! If they told all the AT through hikers that they couldn't use hammocks, there would be a riot.

[HogSnapper]

Here is an example.

I called that park and talked to someone there. They said that the rules you pasted are for the RV park, not the tent campground which is separate. They described the RV park as a concrete parking lot campground and that's why they ban hammocks - because there is nowhere to hang them!! They also pointed me to this image of the RV campground which speaks volumes...

http://www.nps.gov/prwi/planyourvisit/rvcampground.htm


So we're back to my original proposition which is that hammocks are not banned in campgrounds. I should have clarified that and said that they are not banned in parks other than a few concrete parking lot RV parks where you'd never want to hammock camp anyway.

Sorry if this comes off as argumentative but it is very important that this particular myth be nipped in the bud. Hammocks hung with straps do not harm trees. They are less harmful than the soil compaction caused by tents and the use of hammocks should be encouraged not banned.

[kurzi]

Have you thought about a single person tent or even a bivy sac? I've always thought I would enjoy a solo tent. However some of the guys I know prefer to sleep under a tarp. I have a couple of tarps but have not tried them in that way yet. A tarp (a good one that is) would definitely be the lightest and easieast to pack...

[tplife]

Hammocks are banned here out west in our campgrounds. Only some private campgrounds and some on Indian Reservations will permit you to attach ANYTHING to a bush or tree. Those days are long gond out here in the Southwest! The rangers will detach your gear, leave a warning, and toss you out if you don't follow along. You'll need to pack your own frame to use a hammock. As a result of these rules, we've bought Coleman telescoping lantern hangers and fiberglas flagpoles utilizing umbrella stands that screw into the ground.

[busere]

That sucks...