">
Backpacker Radio #220 | How to Choose a Tent for Backpacking with Owen Eigenbrot
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are giving you a thorough breakdown on all things backpacking tent related. We are joined by The Trek’s Managing Editor, accomplished thru-hiker, and gear encyclopedia, Owen Eigenbrot. We introduce today’s panel by giving you a thorough run-through on everything you need about backpacking tents, including the various types of tents, feature sets, terminology, material options, and more. We then do a roundtable offering our top actionable advice for picking a tent, considerations to make, and a few of our favorite specific models. Whether you’re new to backpacking, are looking to level up your gear, or are curious about the various nuances of the world of tents, this podcast has something for you.
We wrap the show with a triple crown of Taylor Swift songs (Owen is a certified Swiftie), we share some of our strangest beliefs, and we offer a not-so-happy update on the status of Backpacker Radio’s Iceland Trip.
LISTEN
Download this episode.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “TAKELESSTREKMORE” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
CTUG: Use code “BACKPACKERRADIO” for 15% off at chickentrampergear.com.
Panel with Owen Eigenbrot
Timestamps & Questions
00:03:49 – Reminders: Support us on Patreon, Iceland is off, leave us a voicemail, and apply to be a Trek blogger!
00:06:48 – Introducing Owen
00:08:07 – What’s your backpacking background?
00:10:44 – What are the basics of the Eastern Continental Trail?
00:12:32 – Introducing the structure of today’s show
00:16:10 – Tent capacity
00:21:00 – Tarps and bivvies
00:23:50 – 3 vs. 4 season
00:27:25 – Single vs. double wall
00:35:05 – Trekking pole vs. (semi) freestanding
00:46:06 – Tent weight variations
00:53:18 – Common materials
01:14:25 – Bathtub floor
01:16:05 – Door location
01:19:42 – Height
01:22:55 – Bug protection
01:23:32 – Pockets
01:24:38 – Stakes
01:31:52 – Tent terminology
01:36:30 – Footprints
01:41:36 – Zach’s Tent Tip #1: If you’re new to backpacking, go with a semi-freestanding tent
01:48:54 – Owen’s Tent Tip #1: Don’t give up on 1-person shelters
01:51:10 – Chaunce’s Tent Tip #1: Measure how tall you are when sitting straight up
01:52:30 – Zach’s Tent Tip #2: Broadest audience tent recommendation
01:55:03 – Owen’s Tent Tip #2: Have realistic expectations about tents in general
01:57:00 – Chaunce’s Tent Tip #2: Consider the terrain you’ll be hiking in
01:58:01 – Owen and Chaunce’s tent recommendations
Segments
Trek Propaganda: The 15 Best Long-Distance Trails in the US by Diane Duffard
QOTD: What is the strangest thing you believe in?
One Minute Gear Review: Free Fly Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie
Triple Crown of Taylor Swift songs
5 Star Review
Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.
Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, DoGoodPantry, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Liz Seger, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Morgan Luke, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns.
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jake Landgraf, Jeanne Latshaw, Jeff LaFranier, Joann Menzer, Keith Dobie Jr, Kelly Heikkila, Matthew Spence, and Peter.
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
Comments 2
That’s a good summary of tent selection with a lot of useful information. I want to add to the discussion on footprints. I’ve been using a Z-Packs Soloplex for 7 years and I use a footprint made of mylar from one of those space blankets handed out at the end of marathons. It’s super light and I believe it has extended the life of the tent.
Bill
JMT 2016 and at least 50 other nights on the trails