How can two tents with identical height and footprint differ in volume by ten cubic feet&#;the difference between sprawling and spooning? The answer: basic geometry. And it&#;s the reason a growing chorus of tent makers thinks volume should join weight, peak height, and square footage in tent specs.
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Volume wasn&#;t needed ten years ago when we shopped at actual stores and could sit in an actual tent. But few stores today dedicate space for setting up tents, and most people shop online. Stats sell tents, yet volume is never included, leaving buyers to base their decision on square footage, tent height, and, particularly, weight.
&#;I suspected it all along, but when I saw the numbers, it was eye opening,&#; says Martin Zemitis, a veteran tent designer at SlingFin, a boutique expedition and backpacking tent maker. Zemitis took SlingFin&#;s 28-square-foot, 2-pound-14-ounce 2Lite tent and compared it to a similarly endowed, but nine ounces lighter, competitor.
Because physical tents are slightly different than their computer-generated design, Zemitis hand measured the internal volumes. The 2Lite measured 42 cubic feet. The competitor: 32 cubic feet. Add vestibules and the space gap widened to 34 cubic feet&#;the equivalent of a four-by-three-foot shed.
&#;That&#;s a big difference in room&#;for cooking, storing packs, and waiting out crappy weather&#;for the equivalent of a couple granola bars,&#; concluded Zemitis. &#;Companies have been effectively gaming the system, making tents that look good on paper, calling it a two-person tent, but aren&#;t actually livable.&#;
What we need is a combination of an easy-to-digest graphic, like Nemo&#;s tent topographic, and hard numbers like square footage or volume. It would comparably illustrate how roomy the tent really is and may even keep more people camping.
To level the market, Zemitis wants all manufacturers to publish tent volume and, more important, a livability index&#;a ratio of a tent&#;s weight to space. &#;It&#;s an easy way to compare apples to apples,&#; he says.
SlingFin isn&#;t the first company to raise this idea. Since at least , a tent working group at ASTM International discussed adding volume to tent specs. Nemo Equipment was the first to voluntarily adopt the new metric, calling it tent topographics, which measures the square footage of its tents at one-foot intervals from the floor to three feet up.
&#;The best way to know how much area you&#;ll have for sitting up is the square footage at the three-foot level, where your head is going to be,&#; says Cam Brensinger, founder and CEO of Nemo.
Brensinger dismisses a simple cubic-foot volume metric as ambiguous. &#;Imagine a tent that&#;s 27 inches tall and 20 feet long,&#; he says. &#;It&#;s got huge volume but is completely useless space.&#; Nemo shared its method with the ASTM working group, and Marmot and Sierra Designs have both used it in their dealer marketing material. But only Nemo uses it on its hangtags, website, and catalogs.
&#;Its use is limited if we&#;re the only ones doing it,&#; Brensinger says. &#;But all companies are only going to adopt it if someone like REI demands it.&#; REI declined a request for an interview. While online retailer Backcountry.com isn&#;t convinced a volume standard is necessary, the company has floated the idea of working alongside manufacturers to develop a standard of how many people fit in a tent, says Aaron Povine, director of hard goods for Backcountry.
That seems like a crude measure to me. As a tent tester for Outside, I&#;ve slept in dozens of backpacking tents. I think we need numbers we can compare, just like we do with weight. At the same time, I don&#;t think cubic feet and ratios mean much on their own. What we need is a combination of an easy-to-digest graphic, like Nemo&#;s tent topographic, and hard numbers like square footage at each elevation or volume. It would comparably illustrate how roomy the tent really is and may even keep more people camping.
&#;I wonder how many people tried backpacking for the first time in an ultralight tent,&#; says Brensinger, &#;but didn&#;t have fun because they were cramped and never did it again.&#;
Choosing the Right Camping Tent: What You Need to Know
Are you in the market for a camping tent? Whether you run an outdoor gear store, a tent rental business, or a campground, selecting the perfect tent is crucial.
Let's dive into the key factors you should consider before making your choice.
&#; 1. Tent Size Matters
The first thing to assess is the size of the tent you need. Consider how many people will typically use it. Are you catering to solo adventurers, couples, families, or large groups? A tent too small can feel cramped, while one too large might be harder to heat in chilly weather.
&#; 2. Seasonal Suitability
Different tents are designed for different seasons. Three-season tents are suitable for spring, summer, and fall, while four-season tents are better for winter camping. Be sure to match the tent's seasonality with your customers' needs.
&#; 3. Tent Weight and Portability
If your clients are backpackers, weight matters. Lighter tents are ideal for those on the move, while heavier, more robust tents are great for car camping or basecamps. Ensure your inventory caters to both.
&#; 4. Durability and Weather Resistance
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Nobody wants a tent that leaks in the rain or can't withstand gusty winds. Look for tents made from high-quality materials with a good waterproof rating. A tent's ability to repel rain and keep campers dry is a top priority.
&#; 5. Ease of Setup
Easy setup is a significant selling point. Pop-up tents are incredibly convenient, but more traditional designs offer other advantages. Make sure your customers know the setup requirements for each tent.
&#; 6. Ventilation and Condensation
Proper airflow is essential for camper comfort. Ventilation features, like mesh windows and vents, help prevent condensation inside the tent. This is particularly important in humid conditions.
&#; 7. Price and Budget
Consider your customers' budgets. Stock a range of tents with different price points to accommodate various financial constraints. Quality should always match the price.
&#; 8. Tent Accessories
Don't forget to upsell accessories like tent footprints, rain flies, and gear lofts. These can enhance the camping experience and provide an additional revenue stream.
&#; 9. Reviews and Recommendations
Lastly, encourage your customers to read reviews and seek recommendations from experienced campers. They often offer valuable insights and real-world feedback.
By carefully considering these factors, you can guide your customers to the perfect camping tent that suits their needs and ensures memorable outdoor adventures.
Have more questions about tents or need personalized advice? Feel free to ask! &#;&#;&#;
FAQs about camping tents and the outdoor gear business:
1. What are the different types of camping tents available?
- Camping tents come in various types, including dome tents, cabin tents, backpacking tents, family tents, and more. The choice depends on your specific camping needs.
2. How can I ensure the tents I offer are durable and weather-resistant?
- Look for tents made from high-quality materials, with features like strong zippers, reinforced stitching, and a good waterproof rating. Research the manufacturer's reputation for durability.
3. What should I do if a customer wants a custom or special-order tent?
- Explore the possibility with the manufacturer or supplier. Ensure clear communication with the customer regarding pricing, lead times, and customization options.
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