The tent you bring along with you on a camping trip can either enhance or complicate your experience in the woods. It’s important to take your time in choosing the right tent for you and the expedition you're embarking upon.
In order to make an informed decision when purchasing a tent, it is important to ask yourself the following questions:
• What season/ weather conditions will this tent be used in? • How many people will be using this tent? Do you want extra room of a 3 person tent to sleep 2 people in a comfortable space? Or you wish to save on weight and sleep in a smaller tent, closer to your “roommate” • Is weight an issue? Will you be carrying this tent with you every day, by yourself, split the components among the campers or is it more of a base camping trip? • What is my budget for this purchase? • How frequently will I be using this tent? You can by a first price tent from a well known supplier for occasional camping, or invest in a technical tent to use every week!
Size
Selecting a tent that is the right size for your needs can be tricky.
I recently had the opportunity to head out to the Eastern Townships for a few days and I thought I’d take the time to review some products while I was out there. Of the many types of gear I brought with me, it was the tents that left the most lasting impressions. I brought two Mountain Hardwear tents: the Light Wedge 2 and Hammerhead 2. I went about testing them in several ways.
I woke up feeling like I was a hamburger in a ski hill cafeteria: hot and soggy. In my inebriated state, I hadn’t thought of placing my tent in the shade. I’d also slept-in, so the sun had time to warm me to the point of a light simmer.
I laid there for a while, trying to piece together the evening. It was only after a few minutes that I remembered my late night visitor. I slowly peeked over my shoulder. He was gone, but had forgotten his fanny pack. That’s right… his fanny pack.
I recently had the opportunity to head out to the Eastern Townships for a few days and I thought I’d take the time to review some products while I was out there. Of the many types of gear I brought with me, it was the tents that left the most lasting impressions. I brought two Mountain Hardwear tents: the Light Wedge 2 and Hammerhead 2. I went about testing them in several ways.
Let me set the scene. It’s late, I’ve just spent the past few hours with friends staying in nearby cabins deep in the woods, and I’m heading back to my campsite on the beach. I’ve had a few. I stumble towards my Hammerhead 2 bag (of course it wasn’t set up yet, it’s part of the test!). It only took me a few minutes to assemble the tent in the moonlit darkness.
I began stocking one of the vestibules with my remaining gear. This consisted of my trusty Jetboil, a backpack full of clothes and random supplies, my shoes, a case of beer, and the open beers I was double-fisting when I got to the site. There was tons of room for other stuff and I didn’t even need to use the other vestibule. I got into the tent, slipped into my favorite sleeping bag (The North Face Orion), and slowly began to fade away.
I recently had the opportunity to head out to the Eastern Townships for a few days and I thought I’d take the time to review some products while I was out there. Of the many types of gear I brought with me, it was the tents that left the most lasting impressions. I brought two Mountain Hardwear tents: the Light Wedge 2 and Hammerhead 2. I went about testing them in several ways.
Part 1: The Preliminary Test
the light wedge 2
I found a field and began setting up. I feel like no one should ever have to use an instruction booklet to set up a tent, and I didn’t (but then again, I’m really really smart). I was actually blown away at how easily and quickly I was able to set them up. Before I even had a chance to realize I was putting up a tent, it was already done.
When I started checking out all the bells and whistles however, it quickly became apparent to me that one of them might not make the grade. I’ll get back to the Hammerhead 2 later, but the Light Wedge 2 needs a small spanking. Problem is, my mommy always told me that if I didn’t have anything good to say, then I shouldn’t say anything at all.
Here is a video from our visit to The North Face Canada's head office in Montreal. We met Corey Stecker, the Marketing Manager, who told us about a couple of hot new products from the 2009 spring and summer collection. Here, you can learn more about:
The North Face Minibus 23 2-Person Tent
The North Face Re Meow Synthetic Sleeping Bag
The North Face Green Kazoo Down Sleeping Bag
The North Face Twin Peaks BX 2-Person Sleeping Bag
Juan Altitude and the Altitude-blog.com team take you on a discovery tour of Montreal's hidden gems. Third stop: Dic Ann's, Montreal's answer to cookie cutter burger joints. Enjoy! Altitude Blog: altitude-blog.com Dic Ann's: www.dicanns.ca
Juan Altitude and the Altitude-blog.com team take you on a discovery tour of Montreal's hidden gems. Second stop: Dépanneure Peluso the beer valhalla in the Plateau. Enjoy! Altitude Blog: altitude-blog.com Dépanneur Peluso: depanneurpeluso.com
Juan Altitude and the Altitude-blog.com team take you on a discovery tour of Montreal's hidden gems. First stop: Café Pavé in Old Montréal. Enjoy! Altitude Blog: altitude-blog.com Café Pavé: www.cafepave.com
Juan Altitude and the Altitude-blog.com team take you on a discovery tour of Montreal's hidden gems. First stop: Café Pavé in Old Montréal. Enjoy! Altitude Blog: altitude-blog.com Café Pavé: www.cafepave.com See the HD version here www.youtube.com
