NEMO Riff

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, weight and packed size are key.  

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

Chairs for backpackers  

• Camp stools: the lightest and simplest option of all— light but with no back rest.  

• Two-legged chairs: Your feet act as the front feet of the chair, which saves weight and lets you rock a little.  

Pick a camp chair style 

• Classic camp chair: has four legs, a straight back and a flat seat. Afforable, stable and typically high enough to sit down and stand up with ease. 

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

• Suspended chair: a newer, more pricey style; sitter suspends from the chair frame. 

• Scoop chair: resembles a sling. Good compromise between lightness and comfort. 

Other features to consider:  

• Price often reflects the quality of the frame and fabric material. 

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

What size hammock is best for you? 

• Single: Lighter for backpacking but less spacious.
• Double: Two people can share or one person to spread out. 
• Length: Look for a hammock that is at least 2 feet longer than your height.
• Weight capacity: Check to make sure it suits your needs.

Consider accessories:

• Underquilts offer great insulation for hammock camping in cooler weather.
• Rain tarps, hung above the hammock, protect you from the elements.  
• Bug nets: Look for models with 360-degree protection and “no-see-um” netting. 

Should you consider a hammock tent? 

• Pros: Generally lighter and more compact than a traditional tent, doesn't require level ground and has less impact on ground vegetation.
• Cons: Won’t work without sturdy trees, colder and less rainproof than a traditional tent, and have minimal interior storage.