Hiking Shelters

Shelters for backpackers continually evolve. Bells and whistles are added and marketed as critical features and later removed and marketed as lightweight. Through all the convolutions, there are three or four basic options for your portable shelter. Choosing which exact model from literally hundreds of possibilities can take longer than your trek!
Remember that there is always the option of making a shelter yourself instead of purchasing one. Plans, instructions, and materials can be purchased at a significant savings.

Shelter Options

• Permanent Shelter - along some trails, such as the Appalachian Trail, there are permanent shelters to use rather than carrying your own shelter. These are often overrun with rodents and may be packed with other hikers, so relying on them is not a good plan.
• Tent - an enclosed shelter that has complete privacy and bug protection. Depending on the design, may have excellent wind and rain protection. Usually includes its own support poles. Tents come in a multitude of designs, weights, complexities, and costs, but tend to be heavier than other options. Finding an inexpensive tent that weighs little and has lots of space is not very probable.
• Tarp - a simple, spacious, lightweight shelter from rain that requires support from separate poles. Many now include lightweight bug nets which make them a great choice if privacy is not a concern.
• Hammock - a low impact shelter that does not require flat ground, but does need two strong trees an adequate distance apart. Proponents say they are more comfortable sleeping and allow camping in more locations, such as hillsides and rocky ground. They also keep the sleeper off the ground, away from crawly critters and flowing rainwater. Extra insulation under the hammock during cold nights may be needed.
• Bivy - a water resistant bag into which you put your sleeping bag. Condensation and constrictive space are two main concerns with bivies. They are light, easy, and low impact.
• Open Air - a shelter may not be needed if there are no bugs and no foul weather. Just throw down your pad and sleep away.

Shelter Option Ranking

What's Important?

• Durability - the fabrics, stitching, and coating used. Check reviews of the product and compare it to others.
• Expected Weather - if you camp only during nice weather, never get snow, or just go home if it rains, then you need less than someone on a long-distance hike that has no where to retreat.
• Extra Weights - some weights given for shelters do not include extra needed items, such as guylines, stakes, ground cloth, and poles. Be sure to include them when comparing options.

Or, read more about:
Selecting a Sleep System
Hiking Long Distances