Hurry to seek safety at a shelter!
In the world of outdoor camping, choosing the right shelter can make all the difference. Here's a comparison of four popular options: the Bear Den shelter, Nemo Victory camping tent, Chinook Heavy Duty polyester tarps, and SilTarp shelters.
Bear Den Shelter (Bear Den 3 Tent)
The Bear Den shelter is a tent-style shelter designed for three people, offering protection against various elements. It falls into the mid-range price category for a 3-person tent, with an approximate price of $239.99. Setting it up is similar to a typical camping tent, with moderate complexity. Leo Bosredon, the store manager at La Cordée, describes the Bear Den shelter as a "mosquito-proof fortress."
Nemo Victory Camping Tent
The Nemo Victory camping tent is known for its ease of setup and reliability. It is designed for comfort on weekend or short trips, usually accommodating 1-2 people. Compared to larger tents, the Nemo Victory is often more lightweight and compact. It focuses on durability and comfort, and while the exact price isn't specified, it typically comes at a premium compared to mass-market tents.
Chinook Heavy Duty Polyester Tarps
Chinook Heavy Duty polyester tarps serve as a simple yet versatile shelter option. They are extremely durable, offering strong protection from rain and sun. Setting them up is easy and quick, but requires some experience to rig properly. The tarps are popular for minimalists and those needing flexible shelter, with a lower price than full tents due to their simpler design.
SilTarp Shelters
SilTarp shelters are ultralight shelters made from Silnylon (silicone-coated nylon). They are extremely lightweight and compact, preferred by backpackers who prioritize weight savings. The setup can vary in difficulty depending on configuration and user skill, often requiring some expertise for optimum use. They are usually more expensive per weight ratio because of their specialized materials.
A Summary Table
| Shelter Type | Features | Ease of Setup | Typical Price Range | |---------------------------|---------------------------------|-----------------------|------------------------| | Bear Den 3 Tent | 3-person tent, enclosed | Moderate; typical tent | ~$240 | | Nemo Victory Camping Tent | Easy, comfortable, durable tent | Easy, quick setup | Mid to premium range | | Chinook Heavy Duty Tarps | Heavy polyester tarp | Easy to moderate | Low to mid-range | | SilTarp Shelters | Ultralight Silnylon tarp | Moderate to expert | Mid to high-range |
In essence, if you want full enclosure and comfort, Bear Den and Nemo tents are better. If you prioritize lightweight and versatile sheltering, SilTarp and Chinook tarps offer flexible, quicker setups at lower weight or cost but require some skill and additional gear (like poles or stakes). Price-wise, full tents like Bear Den and Nemo tend to be more expensive than tarps, but provide more protection and privacy.
Small tensioners like the Cam Jam tensioners from Nite Ize or Figure 9 carabiners help eliminate the need for complex knots when setting up tarps. The Chinook Heavy Duty polyester tarps, priced between $65 and $75, offer better waterproofing than a standard blue tarp. The TarpPoncho from Sea to Summit can be transformed into a tarp and is expensive at $100, but can be an interesting accessory. Setting up a tarp such as the Chinook Heavy Duty involves stringing a rope between two trees and attaching the corners to the ground or other trees. The SilTarp shelters can be used with hiking poles and a mosquito net to create an ultralight tent, according to Leo Bosredon.
When considering outdoor-living options for home-and-garden, the Bear Den 3 Tent offers a 3-person tent-style shelter, providing protection and comfort, priced around $240. Alternatively, for sports enthusiasts who prefer an outdoor lifestyle, Chinook Heavy Duty polyester tarps are flexible and versatile, offering strong protection at a lower price range compared to full tents.
