Outdoor camping has recently become more and more popular with outdoor enthusiasts. More and more brands of RTT are appearing on the market today. Different brands have their own characteristics for different customers.
How do we choose a suitable and durable RTT?
Many camping newcomers are apprehensive about a number of aspects when picking a RTT: size and capacity, ease of setup, weather resistance, durability, price, ventilation, weight, etc. One of the most important things is the durability of the RTT. A good RTT will last you more than 5 years.
What kind of material is durable?
There are two different types of tents on the market made of different materials, soft shell and hard shell. The hard type is further divided into two, ABS plastic and aluminum honeycomb panels.
Tents with soft shell are less durable.The hard shell ABS plastic is known for its durability, strength, and impact resistance. However, in some special environments, it is still not as good as hard aluminium honeycomb panels. Major brands on the market like iKamper, FSR use aluminium honeycomb panels for most of their tents, which can greatly extend the life of a tent.
However, some brands use only one layer of hard aluminium honeycomb panels, which is far less durable than using double-layer hard aluminium honeycomb panels. All Crafuel brand RTT use double-layered hard aluminium honeycomb panels, which are no match for other major brands in terms of durability and appearance.
What is hard aluminium honeycomb panels?
Hard aluminum honeycomb panels refers to a structural material composed of aluminum sheets and a honeycomb core structure. The honeycomb core is made up of hexagonal cells, similar to a beehive, which are usually bonded or sandwiched between two thin aluminum sheets. This construction creates a lightweight yet rigid panel with excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Hard aluminum honeycomb panels are widely used in various industries, including aerospace, marine, automotive, and construction. They offer high strength, durability, and stiffness while maintaining a low weight. These panels are often utilized in applications that require lightweight but strong structural components, such as aircraft floors, interior panels, sandwich panels for building facades, and protective cladding for vehicles.
Hard aluminium honeycomb panels on tents
Aluminum honeycomb panels can be used in the construction of certain types of tents, particularly those designed for specific purposes or demanding environments.
- Lightweight and Strong Structure: Aluminum honeycomb panels are known for their high strength-to-weight ratio. Using them in tent construction helps reduce overall weight while maintaining structural integrity. This is particularly beneficial for backpacking tents or expedition tents where weight is a critical factor.
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Impact Resistance: The honeycomb structure of the panels provides excellent impact resistance, making them suitable for rugged outdoor environments. They can withstand external forces or accidental impacts better than conventional materials.
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Thermal Insulation: Aluminum honeycomb panels can offer good thermal insulation properties. This can help regulate the temperature inside the tent, keeping it cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold conditions.
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Weather Resistance: Aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant, which makes honeycomb panels suitable for use in tents exposed to harsh weather conditions. They are less prone to rust and degradation, ensuring the tent remains durable and long-lasting.
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Rigidity and Stability: The structural rigidity of aluminum honeycomb panels enhances the stability of the tent. It helps maintain its shape even in windy conditions, reducing the risk of collapse or deformation.
In conclusion, tents using aluminum honeycomb panels may be more specialized or higher-end products, typically designed for specific purposes such as mountaineering, expedition, or extreme weather camping. They may also have a higher price point compared to traditional tent materials, but at the same time they offer better value for money.
