When backpacking, all your gear is important, but one could argue that your backpacking tent is the most critical. We won’t claim that outright because we know each piece plays a significant role in allowing you to confidently explore the backcountry (which is one reason we are proud gearheads). Finding that unique combination of gear that is perfectly tuned to our specific adventures is what it’s all about. That said, in the unpredictable—and often unforgiving—backcountry, the value of a good shelter can’t be overstated. Whether you are looking to upgrade your current backpacking tent or picking up your first, it’s a big decision. There’s a lot of factors, features and technology that go into each tent. Below we break down the critical aspects of backpacking shelters and contextualize them to…