What To Look For
When shopping for a backcountry tent that can be used for backpacking, you need to consider weight, comfort and price. The key to getting the best backcountry tent for you is to find a tent within your price range that offers enough sleeping room for you--and anyone else--and keeps packed weight and packed size to a minimum. If you're shopping for a backcountry tent, as opposed to a tarp or bivy, comfort and protection are as important as small size and weight, so pitch the tent before buying it and assess whether it is roomy enough. You may prefer to deal with the added weight and size of a larger tent instead of being cramped in a small tent. In addition to price, weight and size, a few other factors to consider:
--Double-wall tents include a separate rain fly for weather protection and offer better air circulation and ventilation by using more mesh.
--Single-wall tents use a tent body that is waterproof and breathable to save weight. These are usually lighter than double-wall tents but have ventilation and condensation issues. They are usually the most expensive.
--Most backpacking tents are for three seasons. For winter use, look for a four-season or convertible tent. Purchasing two tents, one for the winter and one for the rest of the year, is a good idea.
--Lightweight, aluminum poles, such as DAC Featherlite, offer a good combination of durability and low weight. Carbon fiber and composite poles are also good in this regard.
Common Pitfalls
There is much emphasis on minimal weight in today's tent market. While limiting the weight of your tent helps save your back and legs, it isn't the only thing to consider when choosing a tent. You also should assess the roominess and features of the tent. Make sure to pitch it first for an accurate picture of its size. Never go simply by the person rating for the tent; this is usually a best-case scenario.
Check for other features of importance including ventilation, vestibule for storing gear, available footprint, separate doors and internal gear lofts. When comparing weights, ignore generic terms like "lightweight" and "ultralight" because these are subjective and vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Instead, consider how you plan to use the tent and compare similar weights. There are often several weights listed including packed weight, minimum weight and trail weight, so compare apples to apples. Packed weight is the heaviest weight and includes all components of the tent.
Where To Buy
While it's usually best to shop at a local camping or sports store so you can pitch the tent before buying it, the best deals are often found online. Luckily, several outdoor retailers including REI and Backcountry offer flexible, no-hassle return policies, so you can order your tent based on paper comparisons, pitch it at home and then return it if it doesn't meet your needs. Regardless of what vendor you use, always check the return policy.
Cost
Backcountry tents vary widely in price. Inexpensive tents from generic manufacturers can be found for less than $100. However, it's best to avoid these "bargains" because you want a tent from a reputable manufacturer that is going to last--unlike regular car camping, backcountry tents are often used under harsh conditions in which you don't have the option of driving home should your equipment fail. Most backcountry tents from reputable manufacturers such as Big Agnes, Kelty and MSR were between $200 and $600.
Accessories
You should consider the tent footprint when buying a backcountry tent. Most manufacturers of tents offer a footprint that is sized specifically for a given tent model. While this will add some price and weight, it will protect the floor of the tent from wear and help lengthen its usable life. Because backcountry tents use thin, minimalist fabric, a footprint can be a good investment in the long term. A footprint will add an additional $20 to $60 to the cost of your tent.
