What To Look For
The first thing to look for when buying hiking tents is the size. Hiking tents are lightweight and small, typically only holding one person or a couple. Larger tents are available, but keep in mind that as the size of the tent rises, so too does the weight. Hiking tents also have a smaller center height, which is usually less than five feet tall. You should also look for tents that are easy to assemble and only include two poles. Tents that are harder to assemble are more difficult to carry on long hikes and may take time away from your hiking.
Common Pitfalls
Look for tents of the best quality. Reading hiking tent reviews is a simple way to see how other hikers felt about the tent's quality. When you start shopping, look at the inside of each hiking tent before making a decision. Practice using the zippers, making sure that the zippers don't become stuck. Examines the seams as well, looking for any loose seams, irregular stitching or other problems. You also need to decide between aluminum and fiberglass tent poles. Tents with aluminum poles are typically less expensive, but harder to repair. It's possible to repair fiberglass poles on your hiking trip with items in your pack.
Where To Buy
Shopping online, especially from specialty hiking and outdoor stores, gives you more of a selection. The online prices are often less than you'd pay in the stores, but you do have to pay for shipping and handling costs. These costs may put the tent's price higher than stores in your area, especially as some stores charge $25 or more as of 2010, to ship even smaller hiking tents. Shopping from recreation stores and outdoor stores in your area, including Bass Pro Shops or Gander Mountain, gives you the chance to examine the quality of each tent before you make your decision.
Cost
The cost of a hiking tent depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the tent, its size and the manufacturer. A basic hiking tent retails for around $70, based on 2010 prices. These are basic tents with aluminum poles and space for a maximum of two people. Tents for a single person may retail for less. Tents with more features, including those with a rain flap for keeping rain out of your tent, retail for around $100. Larger hiking tents for multiple people can retail for up to $200 or more.
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