Finding The Best Backpacking Tents For Solo Hikes
Solo backpacking - Tips on choosing a solo backpacking tent.
Outfitting yourself for backpacking takes a different outlook if you are planning to be alone on most of your hikes. You don't have the luxury of letting the group carry some of the necessities. This article targets choosing the best backpacking tents. For more information visit BackpackingForBeginners.net.
When choosing a tent for solo backpacking there are several factors to take into consideration but I think that a couple of the main ones are size and weight. Ok so you want to find a lightweight backpacking tent simply because you have to carry it around with you all day long, so the lighter the better. But don't forget that you also have to sleep in it, often in conditions that are far from ideal e.g. wind, rain, snow, and anything else that the weather can throw at you.
There's no point in buying the smallest lightest tent possible only to find that there is no room to put all your gear, so it's left outside in the rain. On the other hand you do not want to be lugging around a heavy 2/3 man tent with you. A 3 person backpacking tent is definitely overkill for even an extended camping stay. Go here if you need more help selecting a tent.
Ok so you may think that taking a tarp and tent is a bit silly but it only adds slightly to your overall weight and its well worth it, and most people carry at least one walking pole on a hiking trip these days. Also if you are blessed with some fine weather you don't even need to put up your tent but just use your tarp on its own.
On my last backpacking trip around Dartmoor I was gone for 19 days and I had with me a small one man tent and this was absolutely fine for the type of trip I had planned, just stopping one night in any one place. But during the first week I had trouble with an old knee injury and had to find a campsite to stay for a few nights (something I try not to do as I prefer wild camping when possible.) This became very uncomfortable after a couple of nights as I found that instead of packing equipment away after each use it was easier to leave it in the tent, which soon became very cluttered, leaving less room for me and making the tent feel even smaller. So remember that an extra few ounces for a slightly larger tent can make all the difference when it comes to comfort. A lightweight backpacking tent still needs to be the right size.
Sadly I suppose the biggest consideration when choosing backpacking tents is going to be the cost in some cases. All I can say is to buy the best backpacking tent you can with your budget and remember that you are buying something that hopefully you will have for a long time, so make sure that:
- It fits you
- You feel comfortable in it
- It's up to the job you want it for
- Lastly whatever tent you decide to buy in the end don't leave it in its bag at the back of the cupboard,
Then all you have to do is get it out, use it and enjoy it!
I meet other backpacking parties as well as surfers that have setup camp there and are enjoying the long, steady breaks. I also meet the ranger I had talked to at the ranger station the day before. He is surprised I made there ahead of schedule.
Solo Backpacking And Hiking On Long Trails
Solo hiking isn't for everyone, but for those with the appropriate gear and experience, it can be a rewarding and intense experience. Here's how to stay safe, while also enjoying your backpacking trip.
Have You Ever Been Solo Backpacking?
Having done plenty of solo trips and lead a few trips, despite significant training in backcountry travel, medicine, rescue, and leadership, I'd much rather go alone and be responsible for my own health and safety than lead a group and spend most of the hike keeping their needs fulfilled.
But solo backpacking increases your risk level when you are in wilderness areas and you need to mitigate the consequences of hiking alone by taking some extra precautions in your trip preparation. The most important of these is writing down your itinerary and letting someone know when you expect to be at each location.
Mike Legg is a seasoned hiker with many years experience of solo backpacking in Europe. For more information on this or other aspects of backpacking go to http://www.buytryreview.com/category/backpacking
| By mike legg Published: 12/26/2007 |
When we went on a hiking it was like hell we weren’t really prepared.
I love backpacking! Its so much fun! When you say solo backpacking do you mean you are only packing for yourself or you really are alone on your trip? I couldn’t stand being alone that long.
Backpacking and going to a camping alone is an extreme adventure
I went to camping alone several times but of course I bring my dog pet Patchy to at least guard me while sleeping. The experience is so much rewarding…I’ve always had a great time:)