Do I need a tent to go Backpacking?


Posted BY Ian under camping-styles

You will see many tents rated as Backpacking Tents. The implication is that you if you go backpacking then you need a tent; and more than that, the particular tent on offer. There are two generalizations hidden within such an implication. Let's look at these, and understand them, before moving on to the uses for a tent when backpacking:
  1. Backpacking does not equate to camping. It is more likely in many destinations that you will stay in cheap hostels or guesthouses.Carrying a tent in such situations is not only an unnecessary burden but also marks you out as naive and a potential victim. A tent should not be carried as a backup, only where you have actually planned for its use. You could be planning a trek, in which case a tent could be invaluable - but check out the information available. On more popular routes there are sometimes alternatives. If you go trekking in Nepal then the best option is to stay at local guesthouses. That saves you weight, and provides income for the locals.
  2. I have said elsewhere that no one tent suits all purposes. It is also true that no one tent suits all kinds of backpacking. You should therefore think what use your tent will be put to in order to decide which tent is best for your backpacking rather than looking at single solutions. Often, the single solutions will fit the bill, but not always.

Uses and features of backpacking tents

Wilderness trekking: This has to be the prime reason for taking a tent backpacking. If you plan to do any wilderness trekking and you know there are no reasonable alternatives for shelter then you had best take your own tent from home. You will need a strong, light tent and these are rarely available locally. Space and comfort need to be sacrificed for portability as you will no doubt be carrying much else besides. That is, unless you are considering taking transport, porters or pack animals along. Then your priorities change and you can afford to take more weight. See my article Cycle Touring with a Tent for some relevant tips.

Cost-saving: If your trip is less extreme in terms of destination but on a budget then you might consider taking a tent along to save on accommodation costs. A typical example would be an inter-railing trip around Europe. You can only spend so many nights sleeping on trains before even a camp feels comfortable. You will need to check on regulations to be sure that camping is permitted where you plan (some countries don't encourage camping except on campsites) and that camping is safe. Try to get feedback from others who have gone before you on this one.

Freedom: In 1. above I said that you shouldn't just carry a tent as a backup. It's a lot of weight and not so useful without other heavy/bulky equipment such as a sleeping bag, mat and cookset. However, if your style of travel is to go wherever, whenever and you can foresee yourself needing a tent regularly (though not precisely when and where) then go for it. I carried one across Africa for 10 months and, yes, it came in handy many times - even for sleeping on the deck of a boat. I was particularly glad of the no-see-um meshing.

As with all tent purchases, the clearer you are on your intended use, the better you can define your priorities before deciding on any particular tent. Just don't plump for a tent that says backpacking because you are going off for your first trip. It is unlikely to be what you need.