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Trekker Tent 2.2 Update

trekker tent 2.2 backpacking tent

We are excited to release the newest iteration of our Trekker Tent 2.2! The updated tent is now for sale on our website. We have worked hard to improve this tent to meet your, and our own, expectations for quality. While we have maintained the design and size of the tent, with internal mesh walls and side vents, we have improved the quality of the seams and overall weather-proofing of the tent. We redesigned almost every seam on the tent. Thank you for your patience as we have worked to improve this tent and bring it in line with our vision to provide high quality and budget friendly backpacking gear.

We are also working hard on new tent designs building on the changes that we have made to the Trekker Tent 2.2 and combining them with new features such as a detachable rain fly and the frequently requested 2 person tent with a vestibule. Keep an eye out as we hope to release new tent designs later this year.

Happy hiking,

River Country Products

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Hammock + Tree Straps = The Perfect Pair

hammock tree straps backpacking

Although a seemingly small change, the addition of two 10 foot tree straps to our backpacking hammock makes a huge difference in set up time and convenience. These hammock tree straps are simple to use and are now included with every hammock.

The tree straps are rated at 400lbs (though the hammock holds just 320lbs), and are made from a durable stretch resistant polyester. The stitching is also reinforced making the straps stronger. Another great feature are the 15 connection points for your hammock. These small loops make it easy to adjust the tightness of your hammock setup without retying a knot or removing the straps.

Finally they weigh just 5.2oz each and pack down to a small size, perfect for taking backpacking, camping, or in your backyard. The orange stitching also makes them more visible in the evening and at night.

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Trekker Tent 1V – A Fully Featured One Person Tent

one man trekking pole tent

The Trekker Tent 1V is a great one person backpacking tent. We took some of our favorite features of our other Trekker Tents and combined them into one fully featured backpacking tent.

The Trekker Tent 1V features a vestibule, a must have for storing bags and other items, side vents similar to our Trekker Tent 2.2, and a large interior, almost big enough for two people. We also worked hard to keep the tent affordable and lightweight, and we think we succeeded. At only 2lb 8oz with stakes The Trekker Tent 1V comes at an affordable price when you consider the features, size and weight.

We are excited about the vestibule and side vents as they allow for more air flow and reduce condensation inside the tent, a problem most tents suffer from. Inside, the tent the side walls are 2-layer, meaning most condensation will run down the wall and outside the tent. The vestibule can be left open for increased ventilation, or closed to protect you and your bags from rain.

Finally the internal dimensions are 7′ long, 48” wide, and 42” tall in the front and 32” in the back. Seven feet of leg room and 48 inches of side to side space give you plenty of room to roll over in your sleep.

Take a closer look at the Trekker Tent 1V here.

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RCP Backpacking Pack

65 liter backpacking backpack

We recently added a backpacking pack to our ever growing collection of backpacking gear, and we are very happy with it. The backpack is large, 65 liters, and quite comfortable with lots of features.

The River Country Products backpack has an easily adjustable torso height so it fits a large variety of body shapes and sizes. We also really like the comfortable split waist strap and removable rain fly, which is super convenient if you ever get trapped in an unexpected rainstorm.

Take a look at our backpack for yourself. And let us know what you think in the comments below!

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Trekker Tent 3, Our Best 4-Man Backpacking Tent Yet

4 person trekking pole tent

After designing and testing this tent out ourselves we are excited to introduce you to our new favorite 4 man backpacking tent, the Trekker Tent 3.

Despite being a 4 person tent, the Trekker Tent 3 has one of the easiest set ups of all of our other backpacking tents, simply stake down the four corners, attach our trekking poles together (an extension is included if the tent is bought with poles) and then extend the single resulting trekking pole in the center of the tent.

We are also excited about this tent because of its weight. At 4lb 10oz, with stakes, it is one of the lightest per person 4 man tents out there. Only 1lb 2.5oz per person.

Lastly we love the vestibule, large mesh door and 6′ 8” peak height. We think you’ll love this 4 person trekking pole tent too.

Check out the Trekker Tent 3 here.

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$50 tent vs $600 tent

Trekker Tent 2 review

A couple of weeks ago, backpacking expert and outdoor adventurer Jessica “Dixie” Mills spotlighted the Trekker Tent 2 and compared it to the ZPacks Duplex, a similar ultralight trekking pole tent at more than 10 times the price. She started her YouTube video saying that she was curious how well an inexpensive, light-weight tent (under 3 lbs) would compare with a top-of-the-line model. After a brief introduction of the ZPacks, she followed with a more thorough review of the Trekker Tent 2. Although the Trekker Tent 2 doesn’t have the vestibule that Dixie liked on the Duplex, it passed her test for ease of setup, overall weight, interior roominess and compact size. After sleeping through a night of light rain, she was happy with how the Trekker Tent performed but didn’t stop there: she just had to give it the hose test! Of course, it passed that test, too, and we’re happy with how well our tent compares with the Duplex. But, don’t take our word for it, check out her video and subscribe to her Homemade Wanderlust page for more high-quality videos about backpacking, thru-hiking, and just plain enjoying life!

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Trekker Tent 1A, our lightest one person trekking pole tent.

ultra-light one man tent

We are excited to announce our lightest tent yet. 2 lbs and 7.5 feet long so you can fit with your gear, includes an awning. On sale for the next 3 days, just $19.95. For this reduced price we would really like your feedback on this new tent.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GY22398

 

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Tips and Tricks for reducing tent condensation.

backpacking tent condensation

How to Reduce Tent Condensation:

While most tents are waterproof, all tents can have condensation.  In the worst conditions condensation can be so bad that you may think your tent is leaking even when it is not raining outside.  Here are some important tips to reduce or eliminate condensation on your backpacking trip.

#1: DON’T Quit Breathing.  The average person breathes out an entire pint of water each night while sleeping, while quitting breathing would do more than all the remaining tips combined to reduce tent condensation we don’t recommend it. Keep breathing!

The following tips are in no particular order, and you may find one works better than the others. If you have your own tips please share them in the comments below.  

Location, Location, Location

Yes picking the right tent location can greatly reduce condensation! Here are some locations that are better and some that are worse.

  • Pick a location that is at least 50 feet from standing water, lake or river.
  • Don’t set up your tent on living matter (Green grass is green because it is wet).
  • Set up under trees, not in an open field (condensation is considerably less in the trees and the ground is often dryer, also branches overhead can act as a protective layer and an alternate surface for moisture in the air to condense onto).

Ventilation

  • Set your tent up so that any breeze is blowing at the door or the vents, this will increase ventilation.
  • Leave the outer door open; only close it if it starts raining.
  • Make sure vents are open.

Don’t Add Water

  • Many people will keep their wet gear inside their tent with them at night, Don’t do this!
  • Get all wet gear, socks, shoes, and packs out of the tent. You should consider bringing a small tarp or another place to leave wet gear and items, drying them in you tent at night will add to condensation, and will not likely dry any of your gear.

Try a Waterproofing Spray

  • Many Waterproofing sprays will repel water. Lightly spray both the outside and inside of the tent with a waterproofing spray and you may notice a difference in how the water collects on the inside tent wall. You can get a can of waterproofing spray at Walmart for around $5.

Share your own tips below for reducing tent condensation below.

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How to Fold a Backpacking Tent to smaller than a kids football in under 2 minutes.

folding a backpacking tent

“How do you roll your backpacking tent so small it is smaller than a kids football in under 2 minutes”? 

Well, after being asked many times, we finally decided it was time to write a blog on how we fold our trekking pole backpacking tents. After folding thousands of tents we finally came up with what we consider the right way to fold a tent (don’t laugh – many things are obvious in hindsight – but it really did take us weeks of packing tents before we found just the right method that works with almost all backpacking tents). We roll and bag every tent just before we ship it, so we consider ourselves experts in the field. So here it is the backpacking tent packing secrets that your scoutmaster forgot to tell you:
Step 1: Lay your backpacking tent flat with the tent floor on the ground and all cords and fabric laying within the four corners of the tent floor.

Lay backpacking tent flat
Step 2: Fold the edges inward so that all cords and fabric are contained within the tent floor.

Step 2 folding backpacking tent
Step 3: Fold in one more time.

Step 2 folding backpacking tent B
Step 3 B: This leaves you with a long flat tent with all loose fabric tucked inside the tent.

Step 3 folding backpacking tent
Step 4: Now fold edges inward again. This further contains all loose parts of the tent so nothing can come out when rolling the tent.

Step 4 folding backpacking tent
Step 5: Now fold the edges together again creating a square.

Step 5 folding backpacking tent
Step 6: Finally fold the edges together one more time.

Step 5 folding backpacking tent B
Step 6 B: Forming a small rectangle.

Step 6 folding backpacking tent B
Step 7: Roll or fold the rectangle up and tie with a piece of cloth.

Step 6 folding backpacking tent C
Step 7 B: Tie with a piece of cloth.

Step 7 folding backpacking tent A
Bag the tent.

Step 7 folding backpacking tent
and compare to a kids football.

There it is, how we roll almost every tent before we bag it and ship it to you.

Laugh all you want, but it took us years to become experts in the tent rolling field. In our experience, if you skip any of the above steps, instead of a neatly rolled backpacking tent that is a pleasure to unroll and use next time you go camping, you will end up with a wadded up ball with strings and fabric sticking out all over the place, that won’t fit back in its bag and is a tangled mess next time you go to use your tent.

Happy Camping

River Country Products

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Winter Camping in our trekking pole backpacking tent

Backpacking Tent in the Rockies

Brandyn from Denver Used our trekking pole backpacking tent this last weekend camping in the Rockies and sent us some photos and posted this review:
“I just wanted to let you know I received the tent and it is awesome. I attached some pics of my camping trip this weekend in the Denver foothills. It kept me comfortable in 25 mph wind and an 11 degree, snow stormy night. I also can’t believe how much weight it cut from my pack. Thank you.”
Thank You Brandyn, we love the pictures and the positive feedback!

Backpacking Tent in the Rockies
Backpacking Tent works for winter camping in the Rockies.

Backpacking Tent in the Rockies
Backpacking Tent in Snow Storm.