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Outdoor gear weighing you down? Tunnel tents may be right for you
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If you're a backpacker or bicyclist heading out for the hills and valleys, and planning to stay overnight, you may be cramped for space and that outdoor gear may be weighing you down.
Have you thought about finding a good tunnel tent? (No, I'm not talking about those nifty play tunnels or play tents for kids -- although you can find those on eBay, if you're in the market for a fun, healthy toy for small children!)
Tunnel tents are usually very similar to dome tents, without the support poles. The primary differences between tunnel tents and dome tents is that tunnel tents usually have a lower profile and do lack poles. These are the primary advantages of a tunnel tent, too: This makes smaller for packing and lighter for carrying on your pack rack or bicycle. Some tunnel tents also have a nice openness to them, with a ceiling flap that folds back allowing you to get a view of the night sky. (Obviously, make sure your tunnel tent has a secure fastener for that flap in case of rain!)
Tunnel tents aren't necessarily small and limited to one person, however. You can find them sized for as many as 8-12 people. (My best "quick tip" on tent sizes -- if possible, buy something rated for twice the number of people you actually plan to house in the tent. But that's a story for another day.)
The biggest drawback about tunnel tents, however, is that they are not freestanding; they require staking when you set them up. This isn't a big issue, because you can generally toss some tent pegs or stakes and some lightweight rope into your pack without a problem.
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