Buying a tent
How to Choose an All-Weather Tent for the Backcountry
Weather in the Pacific Northwest rarely reads the forecast. One ridge can hand you sun, sideways rain, and a hard frost in the same afternoon. The right tent isn't about brand prestige — it's about shelter that performs when the terrain turns on you. Here's what we look for, chosen on merit, not margin.
Match the Season to the Trail
A three-season tent handles spring through autumn — good ventilation, solid rain protection, sensible weight. If you're heading into snow, wind, and alpine cold, step up to a four-season tent built to shed loading and hold its shape in a gale. Be honest about where you're going. Carrying more tent than you need is dead weight; carrying less is a long, cold night.
What Actually Keeps You Dry
- Hydrostatic head: Look for a rainfly rated 1,500mm or higher, and a bathtub floor above 3,000mm.
- Taped seams: Factory-sealed seams stop the slow leaks that ruin a trip.
- Full-coverage fly: Protection that reaches the ground, not a token cap.
- Pole strength: Aluminium poles for reliable performance in wind.
Weight, Space, and Real-World Trade-Offs
A multi-day trek tent is a balance. Every gram matters on your back, but so does headroom on day four of rain. Pitch it in the yard before you commit — practice makes for a fast setup when the weather's closing in.
Gear the Guides Would Carry
Every tent we stock has been real-world tested by people who've slept in it, in weather that counts. Honest advice, no brand deals. Talk to a guide before your next adventure.