Issue link: http://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25178
• • • • gear TENTS TEXT + PHOTOS: ROB REED While buying a tent doesn't call for a real estate agent, the wide variety of tents available today can be daunting. When shopping for your nylon home, there are three main considerations: • Weather. Different tents are designed for different types of weather. Three-season tents are the lightest you'll find, integrating generous screen panels and the latest clip technology. They will withstand strong wind and rain but are not designed for heavy snows (20 inches or more). Four-season tents are for high-alpine or winter conditions, built extra tough-and hefty-with plenty of guy-outs so you don't get blown off a mountain and a stout pole system {sleeve or clip} to maintain integrity in high winds. Convertible tents bridge the gap between three and four-season tents and are essentially lighter four- season tents with extra venting features for warmer conditions. • Size. How many people and how much gear do you anticipate fitting into the tent? Do you need a solo tent, a one-person, two- person or an even bigger tent? As you consider size, weigh the benefits of extra space against the fact that you'll be carrying the tent on your back and will likely want the tighest one possible. • Weight. Generally, your decisions on weather and size determine the weight of the tent. You will feel every ounce so be precise with your tent needs. We sifted through the latest tents and took the following selections out into nature. Each tent performed well although, as always, certain tents are better suited for certain conditions. And certain tents are better suited for certain trails.