ALPS Mountaineering: Outlet

What capacity tent do you need?  

• How many are in your group? Tents vary in size from 2- to 8-person. 
• Assume a close fit for the number of people your tent is designed to accommodate. If you need more space for dogs and gear, size up. 

Choose the seasonality 

• 3-season tents are great shelters for most of the year. They have ample mesh for good airflow and can withstand basic downpours. 
• 3+- season tents are a little sturdier, and with less mesh, and are warmer than their 3-season cousins. 
• 4-season tents are engineered to handle high winds and other severe weather. This can make them stuffy in warm weather. 

Decide on key features 

• Peak height: Look for a taller peak height if you want to stand up in the tent.  
• Floor length: Can you fully lie down if you’re tall? Will it fit your cot or air mattress? 
• Doors: If multiple people are sleeping in the tent, you might want more than one door for more convenient access. 

How will you use the chair? 

• If you plan to take it backpacking, consider its weight and packed size.  

• For car camping, picnicking or sitting in your backyard, pick a premium chair that's as big and plush as you'd like. 

Chairs for backpacking  

• Stools: These are the lightest and simplest option. They don't have a back rest.  

• Scoop: These resemble a sling and offer a good compromise between lightness and comfort.

• Legless: A clamshell-like mat that opens into a chair. Lightweight and packable.

Chairs for camping

• Classic: Has four legs, a straight back and a flat seat. Affordable, stable and typically high enough to sit and stand with ease. 

• Low: A chair with four short legs that’s good on uneven ground. 

• Suspended: A newer, pricier style that suspends the sitter from the chair frame. 

Features to consider 

• Price typically reflects frame quality and materials used, with lighter options often costing more.

• Pay attention to extras such as cup holders, footrests, head and lumbar pads. 

Consider your activity

• Hiking: Often compatible with hydration reservoirs, have external gear straps/loops
• Running: Designed to limit bounce, hydration compatible
• Climbing: Slim profile, abrasion-resistant reinforcements
• Cycling: Road cycling packs compact with lower profile; MTB packs hold more gear

How much gear will you carry?

• 10L or less: Short runs, quick outings, casual use, essentials only
• 11–20L: Day hikes, cycling, can carry an extra layer
• 21–35L: Sweet spot for multi-hour or full-day hikes, travel
• 36–50L: Gear-heavy outings l(all-day hikes, climbing), winter hiking, ultralight backpacking

Internal frame or frameless?

• Internal frame: More support for heavier loads, but bulkier
• Frameless: Lighter weight and more compact, but less support

Find the right fit

• Use torso length (not overall height) to find your pack size

• Measure your hip circumference (slightly higher than your pant-waist size) and check that against the hipbelt size