On a Waterproof Tent, Just What is a Hydrostatic Head?

On a Waterproof Tent, Just What is a Hydrostatic Head

?

The specifications give you a load of information including a hydrostatic head rating. If you're new to camping, are you going to know what this is and understand it? How do you know that this waterproof tent is going to be adequate for what you want? How can you be sure that this tent will keep you dry? Here's a quick look at what a hydrostatic head means and how to understand its ratings.

Obviously you've already guessed that the hydrostatic head of a tent indicates how waterproof the tent's skin is. The main purpose of a tent's skin is to protect you, the occupier, from the elements such as wind and rain. It would be pointless to have a tent that soaks up the water in even a light shower, soaking you and all your contents. Because of this, tent manufacturers perform numerous tests on their products to ensure that they are capable of doing what they should.

The hydrostatic head is measured by pressing a column of water against the fabric. The height if the column is increased until the water begins to penetrate through. For a fabric to be considered waterproof, it must be able to withstand the pressure from a column of water measuring 1000mm high without leaking through.

The lowest waterproof rating defined by the British Ministry of Defence is 800mm. Tent manufacturers usually aim for a lowest rating of 1500mm, and can be as high as 3000mm. A hydrostatic head of 2000mm is more than adequate to cope with most European weather. However, take into consideration the wind factor. Wind driven rain has a higher pressure against the side of a tent than normal rain, and so a higher rating will be required.

Different tents come with different waterproof ratings. Some can withstand the usual showers and downpours, while others can withstand anything from monsoon and hurricane conditions. When you're buying a tent, be sure to check this rating. If you're camping in the height of summer and the chance of even a light shower is minimal, then you will be fine with a low rating. However, if you are hiking in the mountains, and you know it's going to be windy, rainy and even snowy, then the higher the rating the better. After all, in those conditions, your survival can depend on it.

Camping seasons are defined by three seasons: Spring, Summer and Autumn. A tent that has been advertised as ideal for these three seasons should not have a hydrostatic head rating lower than 1000mm. If it has, then the chances of it leaking are high.

Weather can be unpredictable, and it's the one thing you can't depend upon. Even if the forecasters have predicted blazing sun and temperatures that will sore through the roof, the chances are high that you will still find yourself stuck in a rain shower at some point. This is why it's advisable to always expect and cater for the worst. And now, hopefully, you have some idea of what a hydrostatic rating means, allowing you to make a wiser choice when shopping for your waterproof tent.

Find your perfect waterproof tent at www.cybercheckout.co.uk

POST COMMENT

Good White Tea Blends Pixie Lott Tickets at low price Van Shelving Isn't Only for Hippies White Persian Melon Tea Are Getting Very Popular Trouble-Free Cooking - Steps for a More Graceful Cooking The Best Green Tea Pluckings How to Set Up a Chess Set Properly Wondering How To Increase Your Vocal Range? The One Thing All Aspiring Singers Want 5 Ways to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally Even If Nothing Else Has Worked In The Past Tech Savvy Folks Are Not Certified Tech Consultants By Lauren Harris Athletics - Recipe For Achievement Mb7-849 Actual Test Does Colon Nutra Cleanse Work?