8 Factors To Consider When Choosing the Best Survival Tent
When camping outdoors, one of the most crucial needs to be met to ensure survival is shelter and safety, and one way to ensure this is by having a survival tent. Survival tents protect you against the environment, predators, and other dangers. In this blog, we'll guide you on what to look for in a survival tent.
What Are Survival Tents?
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A survival tent, also known as an emergency storm shelter or emergency tent, is different from the tents you bring camping. It's basically a spare tent that you can set up in an emergency. They are essential survival items for anyone who wants to be equipped for the unexpected. These tents are designed to protect you from harsh elements like wind, snow, and rain.
These tents are a must-have in any emergency kit or bug-out bag. They're lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry wherever you go. Unlike regular tents, they're waterproof and windproof, ensuring you stay dry and safe even in severe conditions. Plus, they're designed without tent poles or a rain fly, simplifying the setup process when time is of the essence.
Types of Survival Tents
Emergency tents come in a plethora of different varieties. Here are some of them:
1) Tube Tents
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A tube tent is an emergency shelter that's meant to increase your survival odds. Designed from a single sheet of waterproof material glued together, its structure resembles an A-frame rather than a traditional tube. They offer year-round weather protection, making them suitable for both winter and summer conditions.
2) Winter Tents
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A winter tent uses thicker material and has a stronger structure. These tents are built to endure strong winds and snowfall. They have tilted sides to allow snow to slide off of them.
There are two types of winter tents: three-season tents and four-season tents. The three-season tent is designed to withstand the typical elements encountered while trekking, including rain, wind, light hail, and even frigid temperatures. Four-season tent is designed to to tackles extreme weather, like sandstorms, harsh winters, strong winds, and heavy snowfall.
3) Pop-Up Tents
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Pop-up tents are super easy to set up and pack away. They're designed with springs, so once you take them out of their bag, they instantly pop up into shape.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Survival Tent
Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. You may find yourself stuck and in need of protective cover due to a natural calamity, a car accident, or simply getting lost. Survival tents can save you in such situations. Here are 8 factors to think about before buying an emergency shelter:
1) Look at the Weight
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A lightweight tent is essential when planning for survival because you'll likely have other stuff to carry, like food, a sleeping bag, and maybe a self-defense tool like a knife. True backcountry travelers know that a pack shouldn't weigh more than 15 to 25 percent of your body weight. If you need a lightweight tent that fits easily in your bag, consider Emergency USA. Our emergency storm shelter weighs just 400 grams.
2) Look at the Size
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The size of your survival tent depends on how many people will be using it. If it's just you, a small tent will do. But if you have family or a pet with you, you'll need a bigger one. Make sure to consider the weight of the tent when choosing its size.
3) Make Sure That It Is Easy To Setup
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When it comes to a survival situation, being quick is really important. In an emergency or bad weather, you want a shelter that you can set up quickly and easily. Choose a shelter that only needs one person to set up and pack away, and doesn't require any manuals or instructions.
4) Make Sure That It Is Durable
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When picking a survival tent, durability is key. Mylar is one of the best materials since it's really strong and can handle rough conditions well. Plus, it's great at keeping you warm by reflecting your body heat. For the toughest Mylar emergency tent, check out Emergency USA.
5) Check To See if It Is Waterproof
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Getting wet with nothing dry to change into is really bad when you're outdoors trying to survive. It can lead to hypothermia, which can be deadly. So, picking a waterproof shelter is super important.
6) Look at the Price
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You usually get what you pay for, but since most of us are on a tight budget, it's important to get the best tent you can afford. You have to figure out which features are worth spending more on and how much quality you're okay with giving up to stay within your budget.
7) Look for a Bright Color
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The color of your survival tent can be a matter of life or death. A bright tent will make you more visible, helping rescuers find you quickly. But if you use a camouflaged tent, it'll be harder for anyone to spot you, especially in the wilderness.
8) Look for Additional Accessories
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To survive outdoors, you need more than just a survival tent. You'll also need outdoor survival kits that consist of an emergency sleeping bag, a whistle to alert people around, a compass to navigate your way, and other survival gear. So, along with a good tent, make sure you have these additional items as well.
What Are Single Walled and Double Walled Tents?
A single-walled tent is just what it sounds like: it's got one layer of fabric that makes up the walls and roof. These tents are lightweight and easy to set up, which is great for backpacking or solo trips.
On the other hand, double-walled tents have, you guessed it, two layers. There's an inner layer for sleeping and an outer layer for weather protection. These tents are a bit heavier than single-walled ones, but they offer better insulation and protection from the elements.
Where Should You Set Up Your Survival Tent?
First, look for a flat spot. The last thing you want is to roll down in the middle of the night because you picked a slope. Next, try to find some natural shelter like trees or rocks if you can. They'll help block the wind and keep you warmer, but make sure there's nothing overhead that could fall on your tent. Also, watch out for low spots where water might gather if it rains. And be careful of rocks or sharp sticks on the ground that could poke through your tent floor and cause rips while you're sleeping.
The Top Emergency Tents of 2024
Now that you know what to look for, here are the top shelters of 2024:
1) Emergency USA Emergency Shelter
The Emergency USA emergency tent is perfect for unexpected situations. Its tube tent shape keeps you warm and dry even in tough weather. It's completely waterproof and can handle rain, snow, and wind chill. It's also lined with Mylar material and reflects 90% of your body heat back to you. It's designed for 1-2 people and includes an emergency whistle, survival hook, and a compass.
2) Go Time Gear Life Tent
The Go Time Gear Life Tent is like the same tent above. It's a sturdy 2-person tent made from tear-resistant PET mylar. It reflects 90% of your body heat to keep you warm. It weighs just 8.7oz and packs down in a 5.25” x 3.25” stuff sack. Setting it up is quick and easy between trees, and you can use rocks or gear to weigh it down for extra stability. Plus, it comes with a 120 Decibel Whistle to alert rescuers up to 1 mile away, and 20FT of Paracord for tying down or repairing gear.
3) LYN Emergency Shelter
The Lyn Emergency Shelter can comfortably accommodate 2 adults. It's reinforced with extra stakes for stability and is designed to be waterproof, windproof, and fireproof, protecting you from forest fires, strong winds, and light floods. Its non-woven aluminum foil reflects at least 90% of light and heat. Plus, it features a sturdy zipper that stays sealed even in the toughest winds.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I reuse my survival tent after an emergency situation?
Yes, most survival tents are designed for multiple uses. Although, we do recommend checking the manual if this is specifically mentioned.
Q2: Can survival tents be used for purposes other than emergencies?
Absolutely. Survival tents are versatile and can serve as temporary shelters during camping trips, outdoor adventures, or even as additional protection during backyard gatherings or events.
Q3: How do I store my survival tent when not in use?
To store your emergency shelter, fold it neatly and keep it in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Q4: Are there any maintenance tips for ensuring the longevity of my survival tent?
Regularly inspect your tent for any signs of wear or damage, such as tears or weakened seams. Clean it as needed with mild soap and water, and avoid storing it while damp to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Summary
An emergency tent isn't just something nice to have; it's a must-have for anyone preparing for unexpected situations. When looking for the best survival tents, make sure to check out our tips above. And for a complete outdoor survival kit that will cover all your emergency needs, check out Emergency USA. Our survival tents come with a handy storage bag and include essential tools like an emergency whistle, survival hook, and compass. Shop with us today.