[c] GEAR > Camping > Tents & Shelters {MAIN}

When darkness comes, or a storm front slams in, "shelter from the storm" is critical. There are simple uber light tarps, silwings and bivys, ultralight minimalist tents, rugged wind-tight tents that can withstand high winds and snow loads, tree tents that tension between a clump of trees well off the ground, and big walk-in tents. A geologist in the Yukon for the summer season wants something very different from a couple pedaling up the east coast of Italy for a month. Think about how you're going to use your new tent, where and what season. Don't decide based on price and weights alone. Drop down and explore the options, feel how sturdy the tent is once it's setup. A good tent will last 20 years or more, just don't put it away wet.