jacquie
I just bought a summer tent and I was wondering if I could use it in winter. I live in Australia, so our winters aren't that cold or wet. I will use it mostly in summer but I was thinking of using it in Broken Hill in July.
Tent I bought: http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Tents_&_Shelters/Family_Camping_/87057/Retreat_30_Tent.html
Thoughts?
Answer
The difference between 3-season (summer) and 4-season (winter) tents is the amount of ventilation and fly coverage for retaining heat and blocking wind.
A 4-season tent strives to be as sealed as possible, with little ventilation to keep your body heat in and cold wind out. This is usually enhanced by a full-coverage fly, sometimes called a double-wall design, to trap a static layer of air between the inner tent wall and the fly, for insulation. 4-season tents are also usually designed to be more stable in high winds. The costs for this is increased weight/bulk and increased build-up of humidity, the latter often leading to condensation.
A 3-season tent focuses more on basic rain and wind protection while providing good ventilation for comfort. While you can zip-up the windows and doors there are usually large, open vent areas on the top of the tent, and the fly usually only covers the vents and shields the windows; it does not extend all the way to the ground.
I find that, except in extreme cold and wind, a 3-season tent with decent fly coverage is sufficient for most winter camping. My opinion is that a tent is shelter from the weather (wind, rain, snow) and bugs for sleeping, not for warmth or daytime activities. More important are the rating of your sleeping system (bag, pad, liner) and the clothing you wear to sleep (cap, socks, gloves, loose but insulating clothing). I've slept in 20*F (-7*C) temperatures with a light breeze in my 3-season tent (Eureka Backcountry 2) and was warm and comfortable. The tent you bought appears to have even better fly coverage, so I'd expect it to perform just as well or better.
Edit: If the coldest temperature you can expect will be 5*C (41*F), then you are well within the range of a normal 3-season tent without any additional insulation. Be careful using a tarp over a tent as most are not breathable, and if tightly sealed, could lead to oxygen depletion and CO poisoning.
The difference between 3-season (summer) and 4-season (winter) tents is the amount of ventilation and fly coverage for retaining heat and blocking wind.
A 4-season tent strives to be as sealed as possible, with little ventilation to keep your body heat in and cold wind out. This is usually enhanced by a full-coverage fly, sometimes called a double-wall design, to trap a static layer of air between the inner tent wall and the fly, for insulation. 4-season tents are also usually designed to be more stable in high winds. The costs for this is increased weight/bulk and increased build-up of humidity, the latter often leading to condensation.
A 3-season tent focuses more on basic rain and wind protection while providing good ventilation for comfort. While you can zip-up the windows and doors there are usually large, open vent areas on the top of the tent, and the fly usually only covers the vents and shields the windows; it does not extend all the way to the ground.
I find that, except in extreme cold and wind, a 3-season tent with decent fly coverage is sufficient for most winter camping. My opinion is that a tent is shelter from the weather (wind, rain, snow) and bugs for sleeping, not for warmth or daytime activities. More important are the rating of your sleeping system (bag, pad, liner) and the clothing you wear to sleep (cap, socks, gloves, loose but insulating clothing). I've slept in 20*F (-7*C) temperatures with a light breeze in my 3-season tent (Eureka Backcountry 2) and was warm and comfortable. The tent you bought appears to have even better fly coverage, so I'd expect it to perform just as well or better.
Edit: If the coldest temperature you can expect will be 5*C (41*F), then you are well within the range of a normal 3-season tent without any additional insulation. Be careful using a tarp over a tent as most are not breathable, and if tightly sealed, could lead to oxygen depletion and CO poisoning.
What hiking and camping gear should I buy?
djinvincea
Ok here's the scoop...
I want to get into hiking and camping with my wife. I currently have no gear. What should I buy? I have about $800 to work with. I am planning on camping through 3 seasons, spring, summer, and fall (a little in the winter perhaps). I am going to need a two person tent, his and hers sleeping bags, and his and hers backpacks. I am looking for gear that would take me on 2-4 day hikes. Should go with internal or external backpacks. What's the difference? Is there a good rain resistant tent within my price range? I'm thinking I would want a mummy type sleeping bag. Again, not sure though. Brand names with reasons for purchasing would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Answer
Go to www.cabelas.com and browse around, or better yet request a catalog. It's the best outdoors outfitter I've ever used. First off, since you're talking about backpacking, you need to think lightweight. Interior/Exterior just has to do with whether the frame is inside or outside the "pack" on a backpack. To decide on which type is better fo you, go to a good sporting goods store in your area and look at them/try them on. Sleeping backs should definately be the "mummy" style bags. They are around $100 each, but are very lightweight and can handle moderately cold weather (sleeping bags will have a rating in degrees to how cold it can get and you can still rely on the sleeping bag). They can also be compacted better than classic sleeping bags. Any brand in Cabela's would be a good brand, including its own brand. Also buy you and your wife sleeping pads... they are light, compact, and your back is worth it. I like the self-inflating type, but you can also get foam ones. Again any brand in Cabela's (this goes for all their products) is usually a good brand.
Tents are usually rated by seasons they can be used in (summer, 3-season, or all weather are popular ratings). Definately go for a dome-style tent rather than the boxier tents. Dome style tents are usually more sturdy, deflect water better, and are usually lighter. Also you'll want one with a good rain cover that goes close to the base of the tent, and a high waterproof rating (in mms)... 1,500mm waterproof ratings are pretty good. Also, pay attention to weight. Aluminum weighs less than fiberglass, but costs more also. A two person tent probably weighs around 15 lbs, and you and your wife can split this weight (she takes tent, you poles) or you can pack it yourself, but weight is the largest factor (besides neccesities) when hiking.
Alright, now that we have the major equipment out of the way, here are some neccessities.
-First Aid Kit and maps or knowledge of area, or GPs
-Flashlight w/extra batteries and lantern would be nice
-Good all-purpose knife/survival knife
-water purification pump AND purification pills... start out with at least 1/2 gallon of water each
-Waterproof matches AND waterproof lighter (just in case)
-Lightweight stove. Sporting good store can recommend good ones for backpacking.
-Food: lightweight, non-perishables, such as top ramen, energy bars, canned food, chocolate. Fatty foods are good to have in the woods since you will be burning a lot of calaries. They say one of the best things you can eat if your lost is butter. You may burn 3,000 or more calaries a day, so don't try to go on a diet right then. I recommend some type of powder flavoring for water... it doesn't always taste great when used with purification pills.
-Dish soap, eating utensils and backpacking pots. They usually come in a nice kit that doesn't take up much space. Look on Cabela's or at a sporting goods store.
-TOILET PAPER
-Permits. You usually have to get permits to camp in public parks/Forest Service land. You go to the closest Forestry office to pick these up. These are important if for no other reason than if you don't come back when your family expects you, they know where to start looking.
-Bear spray
-Clothes that can be layered, gloves, beanies, good hiking boots and tennis shoes if you dont mind the extra weight (for camp).
Recommended Supplies:
-Cell phone or handheld CB at least
-Camera (for obvious reasons)
-Rope(hang your food away from camp so predators dont get into it).
-Insect repellant/sunblock
There's probably more that I am missing, but those are the most important. The most important thing to do when going camping is to tell at least two responsible people you know where you're going, and give them a timeframe for coming back. Also I recommend you both take a First Aid Course... they are usually free and something could go wrong quickly (although unlikely) in the forests... snake bite, broken leg, heat stroke, hyperthermia, bear attack, drinking bad water (always purify or boil for five minutes... & retrieve from running water source. If impossible to purify, find area where water is "falling"... it's usually cleanest there).
I'm not trying to scare you away and you guys will probably have a blast, but definately be prepared.
Go to www.cabelas.com and browse around, or better yet request a catalog. It's the best outdoors outfitter I've ever used. First off, since you're talking about backpacking, you need to think lightweight. Interior/Exterior just has to do with whether the frame is inside or outside the "pack" on a backpack. To decide on which type is better fo you, go to a good sporting goods store in your area and look at them/try them on. Sleeping backs should definately be the "mummy" style bags. They are around $100 each, but are very lightweight and can handle moderately cold weather (sleeping bags will have a rating in degrees to how cold it can get and you can still rely on the sleeping bag). They can also be compacted better than classic sleeping bags. Any brand in Cabela's would be a good brand, including its own brand. Also buy you and your wife sleeping pads... they are light, compact, and your back is worth it. I like the self-inflating type, but you can also get foam ones. Again any brand in Cabela's (this goes for all their products) is usually a good brand.
Tents are usually rated by seasons they can be used in (summer, 3-season, or all weather are popular ratings). Definately go for a dome-style tent rather than the boxier tents. Dome style tents are usually more sturdy, deflect water better, and are usually lighter. Also you'll want one with a good rain cover that goes close to the base of the tent, and a high waterproof rating (in mms)... 1,500mm waterproof ratings are pretty good. Also, pay attention to weight. Aluminum weighs less than fiberglass, but costs more also. A two person tent probably weighs around 15 lbs, and you and your wife can split this weight (she takes tent, you poles) or you can pack it yourself, but weight is the largest factor (besides neccesities) when hiking.
Alright, now that we have the major equipment out of the way, here are some neccessities.
-First Aid Kit and maps or knowledge of area, or GPs
-Flashlight w/extra batteries and lantern would be nice
-Good all-purpose knife/survival knife
-water purification pump AND purification pills... start out with at least 1/2 gallon of water each
-Waterproof matches AND waterproof lighter (just in case)
-Lightweight stove. Sporting good store can recommend good ones for backpacking.
-Food: lightweight, non-perishables, such as top ramen, energy bars, canned food, chocolate. Fatty foods are good to have in the woods since you will be burning a lot of calaries. They say one of the best things you can eat if your lost is butter. You may burn 3,000 or more calaries a day, so don't try to go on a diet right then. I recommend some type of powder flavoring for water... it doesn't always taste great when used with purification pills.
-Dish soap, eating utensils and backpacking pots. They usually come in a nice kit that doesn't take up much space. Look on Cabela's or at a sporting goods store.
-TOILET PAPER
-Permits. You usually have to get permits to camp in public parks/Forest Service land. You go to the closest Forestry office to pick these up. These are important if for no other reason than if you don't come back when your family expects you, they know where to start looking.
-Bear spray
-Clothes that can be layered, gloves, beanies, good hiking boots and tennis shoes if you dont mind the extra weight (for camp).
Recommended Supplies:
-Cell phone or handheld CB at least
-Camera (for obvious reasons)
-Rope(hang your food away from camp so predators dont get into it).
-Insect repellant/sunblock
There's probably more that I am missing, but those are the most important. The most important thing to do when going camping is to tell at least two responsible people you know where you're going, and give them a timeframe for coming back. Also I recommend you both take a First Aid Course... they are usually free and something could go wrong quickly (although unlikely) in the forests... snake bite, broken leg, heat stroke, hyperthermia, bear attack, drinking bad water (always purify or boil for five minutes... & retrieve from running water source. If impossible to purify, find area where water is "falling"... it's usually cleanest there).
I'm not trying to scare you away and you guys will probably have a blast, but definately be prepared.
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