Going camping or bivouacking allows you to spend a privileged moment with nature. Lovers of nights under the stars will tell you that there is no better place to sleep than in the great outdoors. However, to enjoy these excursions optimally, it is important to know how to choose your equipment, especially the tent, without forgetting to consider the purchase of camping equipment online to be well equipped.

The difference between a camping tent and a bivouac tent?

For bivouacking, it is preferable to choose a lighter tent, as you will need to transport it every day. The goal is to have a tent that is easy to set up and take down and that doesn't take up too much space. The interior space and the number of storage options are often less important than for a camping tent. If you plan to go on a solo expedition, it may be wise to choose a quality 1-person tent suited to this need.

In contrast, for a camping tent, you should primarily seek comfort and space. Imagine that it is a substitute home where you need to feel good, especially if you want to choose a family camping tent to accommodate the whole family.

Choosing your camping tent

Living space

First, you need to determine the average number of people who will live in this tent. The goal is to meet the needs of the entire family in terms of space and storage. Indeed, the optimal area of the living space is necessarily linked to the number of people who will be present during the stay. It is always possible to use a canopy or vestibule to enlarge the space. It is generally recommended to consider that one person should have a minimum of 60 cm in width and 2 meters in length to feel comfortable.

The shape

If you are looking for a family tent with several rooms, it is preferable to first look for a tunnel or geodesic-shaped tent.

The tunnel tent is lightweight and has very good wind resistance (low height and adapted shape). Often, this type of tent offers a pleasant and comfortable living space. However, this type of tent is not freestanding and cannot stand without stakes or guy lines. Therefore, it is impossible to move it without having to completely dismantle it. With these crossing poles, setup can sometimes be more difficult, but with a little practice, nothing is insurmountable.

The geodesic tent is recognizable by its shape resembling that of an igloo. Thanks to the use of multiple poles, this type of tent is particularly stable, allowing it to withstand wind and snow. It is often said that this type of tent is comfortable and spacious.

Waterproofing

It is extremely important to pay attention to this factor, as during a stay, whether long or not, you will certainly appreciate staying dry even in bad weather. Refer to the Schmerber index, which indicates the number of drops a fabric can withstand before water seeps into the tent (the higher it is, the more waterproof your tent is).

Protection

This criterion is absolutely essential, especially if you stay for several days. Indeed, in summer you will certainly appreciate the coolness, and in winter the warmth. Poly-cotton tents offer better insulation against both cold and heat. Cotton is a very breathable material that helps maintain a pleasant temperature regardless of the outside weather.

Be sure to check the UV resistance of the tent. This will prevent you from experiencing excessively high indoor temperatures or deterioration of the fabric. Cotton is the unbeatable material for facing the harmful effects of UV. You can also choose a poly-cotton tent, which remains an effective material. Polyester is the least resistant material against sunlight.

PRODUCT EXPERTS' ADVICE:

Nico%20été%201%20-%20Copie.jpgIt is preferable to choose a well-waterproof tent, which will prevent moisture from remaining inside. Indeed, the difference between the indoor temperature of the tent and the outdoor temperature can cause condensation to appear.

Nicolas - Camping universal buyer
About Nicolas: “Passionate about the sea and mountains and a great travel enthusiast, I particularly enjoy surfing, trail running, biking, and snowboarding in winter.” 

Choosing your tent for bivouacking


The essential criteria for choosing a tent for bivouacking are: lightness, resistance, and the ability to be compact. The goal is to leave with the lightest possible backpack. It may also be useful to inquire about choosing a trekking tent to prioritize lightness without sacrificing quality.

Aesthetics and comfort

The choice of color is much more important than you might think. Indeed, the lighter the color of the tent, the more light you will have inside the tent, even in dark weather.

It is essential to choose a tent in which you feel that the interior space is comfortable. Additionally, prioritize a model that is easy to set up and resistant for more restless nights.

Insulation

It is always preferable to choose a model with ventilation to allow air renewal and limit the appearance of condensation. Don't forget to choose a ground mat for camping that is durable and can make uneven terrain more comfortable.

It is advisable to choose, when possible, a double-roof tent that provides better insulation against bad weather. In contrast, models made with a single roof are lighter but condensation forms more easily inside.

2-season tents are more suitable for spring/summer use, 3-season tents for nice days and autumn, and 4-season tents for resistance to extreme conditions and significant temperature differences. For a trekking or mountain outing, prioritize the 4-season tent. For hiking enthusiasts, making the right choice is essential.


samaya inspire2


Waterproofing

The same criteria as for camping tents apply. The fabric of the tent is considered waterproof as soon as the Schmerber level is at least 1,500. But this corresponds more to a classic hike or a week of climbing during the summer and spring. A well-waterproof tent prevents moisture from penetrating inside the tent and thus does not cause too much condensation.

TO KNOW :

A%20savoir%202.jpgIt is advisable not to exceed 1.5kg per person. For a 3-person tent, for example, limit the weight to a maximum of 4.5kg. This will allow you to distribute the elements fairly so that each person carries the least possible weight. Don't forget to optimize your sleeping equipment for camping for maximum comfort.

As you have noticed, choosing your tent is not always as simple as one might think and requires adhering to several criteria. Turn to a specialist for good camping equipment.

TO REMEMBER :

  • Consider the lightness criterion

  • Choose a tent suited to the weather conditions

  • Do not neglect the importance of comfort (living space, number of rooms, etc.)

  • To ensure optimal comfort, choose a waterproof tent