Searching for the best backpacking tent under 100? Undoubtedly backpacking is an amazing activity that leads to an exploration of nature. It also provides an introduction to a variety of people and freedom in your action. You get a sense of liberty of having all your belongings with you. You are at your disposal, and there is no one to disturb your discretion. Moreover, you have to create your mandate and follow likewise without anyone’s interference.
Whether you are a casual backpacker or frequently go on long expedition tours, you always require a quality backpacking tent in your preparatory equipment. You might feel that finding a good camping tent is a complicated job as there are so many varieties of the tent there in the market. How are you going to select one for your comfort while proceeding for your trip?
A lightweight tent is always a great option that is easy to carry in your backpack without making it too heavy. Having a tent in your backpack at all times means that you can camp at any suitable location of your choice. Having a tent handy is pocket-friendly as you can save a lot of money which you might have to spend on your accommodation. This guide will give you complete knowledge about the different features of the best backpacking tent under 100.
Top 6 Backpacking Tent Under 100
- Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent
- TETON Sports Quick Tent; Pop-Up Tent
- Bessport Camping Tent Lightweight Backpacking 1-4 Person Tent
- MOON LENCE Camping Tent 1 and 2 Person Backpacking Tent
- Marmot Crane Creek Backpacking and Camping Tent
- Bessport 3 and 2 Person Backpacking Tent Lightweight
How to Choose the Best Backpacking Tent under 100
Following are the most basic things or factors that matter in choosing the best budget backpacking tents:
Weight of the Tent
A backpacker always tries to pack light. This is why the weight of your backpacking tent is important, especially if you will be walking long distances and moving campsites. The backpacking tent is most probably the heaviest gear you are carrying all the way. If you can shed a few grams by opting for a litter tent, you will feel a huge difference in your level of exhaustion. A lightweight tent will surely make your walk easy.
Type of Material used
The durability of your tent always depends on the material used in its manufacturing. The material also determines the weight of your backpacker tent. You might get confused when you see the material description as 20 D x 200 T ripstop nylon 200 mm DurasheildTM polyurethane and silicone. This may be like a riddle for a first-time buyer. Let me explain here is an explanation of each component of this description:
20D is the tent Denier Rating
The denier rating tells the thickness and ascertains the durability of the material. Denier is the thickness of each thread of the fabric. One denier is the thickness of the silk strands, so 20 D fabric has a strand that is as thick as 20 strands of silk twisted together. High denier rating fabric means thicker fabric or more water-resistant and durable as well.
200T is the Thread Count
This explains the number of threads in the fabric per square inch vertical or horizontal. The higher the thread count, the softer and more pliable the material is. The material used to make a tent will have denier rating and thread count to determine its durability, pliability and waterproofing.
200 mm Durasheild TM Polyurethane and Silicone is the Fabric Coating
This last component defines the water-resistant coating applied to the tent material. In this case, 200 mm polyurethane and silicone is applied to the tent material to make it waterproof. Durashield is the brand that has prepared the applied coating components.
Always check the denier, the thread count and coating thickness of the tent to determine its durability and waterproofing capacity.
Season Rating for Backpacking Tent
Nowadays mostly tents come with season ratings. Season rating tells the usefulness of the tent according to the weather conditions most of the budget tents come with rating 3 that means it is suitable for summer, spring and autumn. Budget or lightweight tent has a three-season rating because of its lightweight material. They are not useful during winter or cold seasons. As you know, the thin material may not protect from cold weather. There are four-season tents which are useful in winters they are heavier in weight and likewise on the budget as well.
Size of the Tent when Packed
Backpackers must carry camping gear that is lightweight and small in volume. A backpacker will either use public transport or have a walk to reach a destination. In both cases, the weight and volume of the tent are always a matter of constraint.
So a smaller size in packing is easy to fit in your backpack. Mostly backpacking has a description of the packing size. It is advisable to be mindful about the quality, durability, waterproofing, weight and packing size while comparing the tent.
Tent Pitching Time
Perhaps it is common for backpackers to move frequently now and then. Therefore you might engage in pitching your tent on the campsite. If your tent has several components, then pitching will take a lot of time. Try to select a tent with less number of components, having a lightweight and simple process of pitching. This way, pitching becomes easy and does not take a lot of your time.
The Functionality of the Tent
With the necessary unchain of sheltering you usually tents hold some extra useful attachments like pockets to hold some of your gears, rainfall and even Led light feature. Before you choose, one looks into those useful attachments.
Capacity of Tent
Sometimes you may need a person in need of a shelter. For such a situation, your one-person tent may bother you because of its less capacity. Most of the 2person tents are less than half a kg heavier than one-person tents. If you alone use a two-person tent, it will give you some more space to keep your things and move around.
Comparison Table for Best Backpacking Tent under 100
[amazon table=”10143″]
Product Reviews of 6 Best Backpacking Tent under 100
01- Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent
Features
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Warmth
- Easy to set up
- Freestanding
- Breathable
- Waterproof
- Plenty of space for 2 adults
- Tear resistant
- Comfortable
Product Description
Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent is an amazing backpacking tent designed for high-level comfort and durability. It has all the qualities that you need in a backpacking tent. This backpacking tent is completely waterproof, so unfriendly weather changes like rain and storms cannot affect your trip. It is highly-comforting; it makes you feel relaxed underneath. There is enough space for two adults in this backpacking tent. It has a freestanding structure, you can easily move and relocate it, and you do not have to disassemble it.
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Durable and reliable
- Long-lasting
- Tear-resistant, it can also face strong winds
- It keeps your warm body underneath
- Provides great comfort and convenience
- It has enough space that two adults can easily fit in this backpacking tent.
- Screen material is very delicate
- Vents are very small
BEST SUITED FOR?
Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent is an ideal backpacking tent for adventurous trips like camping, hiking, and trekking.
NOT GOOD FOR?
The backpack is tear-resistant but not good for heavy windstorms.
SUMMARY
Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent is a highly recommended backpacking tent. This backpacking tent has amazing features. It easily fits in your pack, does not take much space. 75D ripstop polyester makes it completely waterproof; it will keep your body warm and dry in heavy and light downpours. It is easy to assemble; you can set it up within a few minutes if you are looking for the best backpacking tent. Under 100, this backpacking tent is ideal for you.
02- TETON Sports Quick Tent; Pop-Up Tent
Features
- Versatility
- Fully mesh top
- Highly comforting
- Lightweight
- Easy to set up
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Locking hub
- Gear loft
- Taffeta 1200 mm PU
Product Description
TETON Sports Quick Tent is a highly comforting and convenient tent for adventurous trips. It has many different features that would completely match your requirement. It has a versatile and stylish design available in different colours and is completely water-resistant with Taffeta 1200 mm PU. Moreover, it has a locking hub that makes your tent standing. Gear loft is designed in this backpacking tent where you can put your cell phone, flashlights, purse, and other things that need to be accessed quickly.
- It is a durable and long-lasting backpacking tent
- It has Gear loft for your accessories
- It has a completely meshed top that provides a great view
- It has two doors
- Completely waterproof
- Easy to assemble
- It has quite enough space for two persons
- The quality of a rainfly over backpacking tarp is very cheap.
- Flakes are waxy
BEST SUITED FOR?
TETON Sports Quick backpacking tent is best for any adventurous outdoor trip like camping, hiking, and trekking
NOT GOOD FOR?
TETON Sports Quick Tent is not a good choice for windy storms, it’s a light material, and it cannot stand in heavy windstorms.
SUMMARY
TETON Sports Quick Tent is designed in such a way that two persons can easily fit in, and there will be some more space left. It has plenty of features like gear loft, locking hub and fully meshed top, apart from that it is highly comforting and relaxing. Fully meshed top provides a beautiful sky view at night; This TETON Sports Quick Tent can make your camping experience memorable.
03- Bessport Camping Tent Lightweight Backpacking 1-4 Person Tent
Features
- Smooth zippers
- Outstanding ventilation system
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Wind-blocking technology
- Lightweight
- Freestanding
- Durable
- Good spacious interior
- Easy to assemble
Product Description
Bessport Camping Tent Lightweight Backpacking tent has an innovative and stylish design. This backpacking tent has different incredible features, which makes it unique among other backpacking tents. It has a unique ventilation system, it is breathable, and it keeps you warm during downpours. It is completely waterproof and keeps the inner surface of your backpacking tent dry. This backpacking tent is made up of durable 680D polyester.
- It has a wind-blocking technology.
- This backpacking tent is ultra-lightweight and easy to carry
- It has a freestanding structure.
- Zipper quality is awesome. It works without any obstacle.
- Easy to set up
- Plenty of space for 2 adults
- Reliable and comforting
- Low-quality stakes
- Quality of rain fly above the tent is very bad
BEST SUITED FOR?
Bessport Camping Tent Lightweight Backpacking is an amazing and ideal choice for a backpacking trip. It is designed for adventure trips like hiking, camping, and trekking.
NOT GOOD FOR?
It is not so good for the quality of rain fly above the tent is not so good and the stakes are a bit low quality.
SUMMARY
Bessport Camping Tent Lightweight Backpacking is a highly recommended backpacking tent that has satisfied its users and proved to be one of the best backpacking tents in the market. It has strong and smooth zippers, and they work perfectly in the rain. This backpacking tent has many different features like a good ventilation system and wind-blocking technology. Freestanding structure helps you to move and relocate it from one place to another without disassembling it. It is completely waterproof and has a rainfly on the top, which keeps you and your belongings safe and dry underneath the tent.
04- MOON LENCE Camping Tent 1 and 2 Person Backpacking Tent
Features
- Sturdy material
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Durability
- Easy to set up
- Breathable
- UV-proof
- Warmth
- Comfortable
- Rainfly
Product Description
MOON LENCE Camping Tent is an amazing backpacking tent designed to provide comfort and convenience. This backpacking tent is durable, and it has all the features which the best backpacking tent under 100 should have. The material used in this backpacking tent is sturdy and lightweight. This backpacking tent is completely waterproof and keeps you warm and dry from downpours. It protects you from the scorching heat of the sun. There is a branded rain fly over the top of the backpacking tent, which keeps the tent dry from rain; this is a high-quality and effective rainfly that comes along with the tent.
- Easy to carry and convenient for travelling
- UV-protection, block the ultra-violet rays of the sun
- It has classy and smooth zippers
- Two adjustable Velcro keeps the backpacking tent ventilated
- Two sleeping pads fitted
- Easy to assemble
- Quite enough space for two adults
- Tent poles are cheap
- There is no groundsheet; it would have been much better with a groundsheet.
BEST SUITED FOR?
MOON LENCE Camping Tent is an ideal and best backpacking tent for adventure trips like hiking, fishing, trekking and camping.
NOT GOOD FOR?
MOON LENCE Camping Tent is not suitable for long-term travelling. It is designed for short trips.
SUMMARY
MOON LENCE Camping Tent is an amazing backpack with different qualities. It is easy, comforting, waterproof and ultra-lightweight. It has UV- protection, which blocks the ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun and it has a separate rainfly attached on the top to protect the tent from rainstorms.
05- Marmot Crane Creek Backpacking and Camping Tent
Features
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Easy to carry
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Dual overhead vestibules
- UV-protected
- Dual d-shaped doors
- Comfortable
- Freestanding
Product Description
Marmot Crane Creek Backpacking and Camping Tent is an amazing backpacking tent designed for camping trips. It is a comfortable and durable backpacking tent that provides a good shelter and protects you from the heat of the sun. This completely waterproof, and it will keep your body dry and warm during heavy rainstorms and other unfriendly weather changes. It has many different features that would fulfil your requirements. There are pockets where you can store your gears that need to be accessed quickly.
- It is extremely lightweight and easy to carry
- It does not take much time for installation
- Free-standing structure for convenience
- UV-protection block the rays of the sun
- Provides great comfort and convenience
- Space for two people
- Seam-taped polyester rainfly attached
- Zipper quality could have been better
- Very congested for two people
BEST SUITED FOR?
This backpacking tent is best for short trips like fishing and other adventurous trips for 1 or 2 days.
NOT GOOD FOR?
It is not an ideal choice for long-term travelling, hiking and trekking you should look for a better option.
SUMMARY
This backpacking tent is a highly recommended tent for short trips. Different features of this backpack meet the requirement of many people. It has a freestanding structure which helps you to relocate it, in a standing position without disassembling it. It is made up of sturdy material. This backpacking tent also has dual vestibules along with dual d -shaped doors for convenience. The UV-protection protects you from the ultra-violet rays and provides a shelter from scorching heat emitted from the sun. This backpacking tent can make your camping experience memorable.
06- Bessport 3 and 2 Person Backpacking Tent Lightweight
Features
- Spacious floor plan
- Reasonable center height: 47.2” for 3 person tents & 43.3” for 2 person tent
- Durable rain flies fabric: 68D, 190T polyester
- Water resistance: 5000+ mm PU coating
- Heavy-duty 210D polyester Oxford footprint
- Quick and easy setup
- Mesh inner tent top for ventilation
- Smooth 2-way zip
- Mesh pocket
- Velcro vent
Product Description
The Bessport 3 and 2 Person Backpacking Tent is lightweight, sturdy and spacious. It comes with continuous snag-free pole sleeves allowing quick and easy setup. This is a 3 season tent with strong endurance to rain wind and snow with a 5000+ mm water resistance index.
- It is a spacious tent where you can bring in an air bed for maximum comfort.
- If offers superb ventilation with a mesh tent top, two mesh windows and a large mesh door.
- It has a quick and easy setup within 3 minutes.
- Its endurance against wind, rain and snow is excellent with a waterproof index of more than 5000 mm.
- The rainfly has Velcro vents to allow airflow and prevent condensation.
- It comes with a small mesh pocket to keep important stuff off the ground.
- The door has a smooth two-way zipper.
- Footprint is not included with the tent.
- The stakes are somewhat flimsy.
BEST SUITED FOR?
This is, without doubt, the best 2 person backpacking tent under 100 providing maximum space and comfort.
NOT GOOD FOR?
This is a great tent but doesn’t expect it to last for generations.
SUMMARY
You can fit in your air bed in these spacious 2 and 3 person tents. The two-person tent can room a full-size bed, and the three-person tent can contain a twin-sized air bed.
Buyer Guide for Best Backpacking Tent Under 100
Interior Space
To keep tent light, they are made a little bit small; however, they will provide enough space to lie in comfortably and also enough room for your backpacking gear.
Person tents often have an unusual shape to give space for sleeping and placing the vestibules of your backpack. A sleeping bag for this situation is a good idea. This helps to minimize the folding side. The height of the tent may disturb you when you are sitting inside. Therefore always select a tent of suitable height. You will be more comfortable if your head is not touching or hitting the ceiling when you are in a sitting position.
Protection from Elements
Sheltering in a backpacking tent will not give you as much protection as you may get inside a good room or indoor.
The best tent will provide shade and keep you dry to a great extent. Commonly backpacking tents are water-resistant, but their waterproofing level varies depending upon the quality of the coating.
To make your water-resistant a polyurethane coating is applied to its exterior fabric of the tent—the thickness rating of the coating range between 2000mm and 5000mm. A 2000mm rated tent can withstand a 2000 mm or 2-meter column water coming down on it before it starts leaking. If you expect heavy rain on your trip, choose a tent with a heavy or thick coating.
A tent with a bathtub floor will keep you above the ground and prevent water from penetrating from the lower side of the tent. Some cheap tents made of thin material are not good enough against ultraviolet rays, resulting in sunburn hazard even inside the tent. A thicker tent having higher thread count fibre is useful for reducing the impact of UV rays. Take this as an important consideration.
One more aspect to consider is whether your tent can protect you from bugs, especially from mosquitoes? Make sure your tent is mosquito-proof. Mosquitoes are known for creating health hazards worldwide and causing disruption when you want to sleep. It’s good to clear the surroundings before you pitch your tent and for that carrying a backpacking saw is a good idea.
Wall Construction
A double wall backpacking tent has a layer of inner mash shell surrounded by a rainfly. The separation of these layers gives a moisture barrier to keep you dry when it is raining.
Number of Doors
Sometimes there is a single door in a two-person tent which may disrupt the other resting person. Therefore a two-person tent with two doors is a better choice.
Footprints
The floor of the tent must have maximum strength as it is constantly in use. In most of the cases, the floor is placed upon uneven surfaces. The chances of the floor getting damaged are very high. The floor must consist of highly waterproof efficiency.
Footprints may be included with the tent. If your tent is without a footprint and you are planning to visit some rough land escape, then buy a different footprint before leaving.
Durability and strength of the tent
The material and technique used to manufacture a tent are other determining factors of its durability and strength. Along with the knowledge of the material used in tent making, you must consider the quality of zipper and fasteners. Moreover, the quality of other components, such as pegs and polls is also important. Low-quality parts may deform or break during use. For excellent quality, the tents have double or triple stitching to maximize their strength and durability.
Price of Backpacking Tent
Backpacking is popular for two basic reasons
- Liberty in choice of destination.
- And cheaper ways to move around or travel.
So the price is always an important part of the selection of a backpacking tent or any other preparatory gear.
Fortunately, you will find so many high-quality backpacking tents under 100$. By saving your money, you will enhance your capacity to get other necessities for your great camping trips.
Types of Backpacking Tent Designs
Camping tents have various designs and sizes before making a final choice you have to look critically that it is suitable for your needs and preferences.
Freestanding
As its name suggests, freestanding backpacking tent erects by itself. You do not need the extra bells or whistle to get the right volume. They work well in regular backpacking and camping. You may also use this type of tent with some friends.
Freestanding tents are also advisable for being waterproof. They work well against rough weather.
Semi free standing
Semi freestanding tents are available with poles for setting up. They also require guy points or stakes to install them and get an optional volume. Semi freestanding tent is a great choice for comfort and strength.
They are relatively lightweight. They don’t come with as many poles as required in some other designs.
Double-wall
Double-wall tenthas three components:
- An inside tent.
- A non-waterproof roof.
- A rainfly (outer tent with waterproofing quality) and poles for setting
They are perfect for providing safety from rough weather and harsh winds. Their inside is very comfortable for the user.
These have the heaviest design with so many impressive useful features. The double-walled design also comes in freestanding, semi freestanding, and tunnel-shaped varieties.
Tunnel
It is just like semi freestanding that requires distinctive poles set. One or more poles required to keep it hoop-shaped to keep it upright, it depends on guy lines.
Tunnel tents give good space about their weight. Good in strength, comfort and lightweight are the main features that make it popular.
Which Weather is best for Backpacking?
While backpackers may choose to go on a trip whenever they feel like, some weather conditions are more suitable for backpacking than others, backpacking can become pleasant in moderate weather when the temperature is neither too high nor too low. The best weather for backpacking is spring. The start of summer and fall season also has moderate conditions ideal for backpacking. You can enjoy nature without tiring yourself out in moderate weather.
When you’re carrying a backpack and walking, you are already exerting yourself and consuming your energy. You don’t want unfavourable weather to make your trip more tiring. If the weather is too hot, you will get exhausted from walking with a load on your back and sweating. Your backpacker tent needs to have ample ventilation for hot weather. On the other hand, if the weather is too cold, you will need to bundle up and carry a heavy-duty camping tent, which will most likely increase your load.
For favorable weather, you can make it work with the cheapest tents on the market and still have a great backpacking trip. The best backpacking tent under 100 will ideally work well in three seasons.
How to Care for your Backpacking Tent
- If possible use ground cloth. If it is not available in precise size, trace the tent on a ground clock and cut it a bit smaller than the footprint to prevent water from entering into it. Ground clothes are cheaper to replace as compared to the tent floor.
- Refrain from wearing shoes inside the tent.
- Use doormat or a small rug instead, that will prevent sand and mud from coming in or on to your tent floor.
- Neither takes food or snacks inside the tent nor keeps any such thing inside that may attract critters. The crawling critters may damage the tent fabric by chewing.
Tent Cleaning
Always use mild soap and lukewarm water to clean the tent. Rinse thoroughly and make sure that the tent gets dry in a heavily stitched area.
Never use a washing machine or dryer and harsh detergent. All these can ruin the waterproofing of the tent fabric and damage the tent irreversibly. Storing a tent that is not completely dry can result in the growth of fungus or mold at the surface and corners of the tent.
Zippers need some special care. Never be harsh when handling the zipper. If you are in a sandy location, then clean the zips gently with some used toothbrush often. Thoroughly clean the poles with soft and dry cloth. Whenever you go camping by sea, gently remove the salt caused by ocean salinity.
Ultraviolet Damage to the Tent
Choose an area where your tent is exposed to direct sunlight. Experienced campers use rain fly even when the sky is clear—this way a sunshade is built. To replace a rain fly is easier and cheaper than to replace the whole tent in case of damage.
Best Backpacking Tent under 100: FAQs
Should I get a 2 or 3 person tent?
A bigger tent will offer you more capacity, but on the other hand it will be heavier when you pack and also occupy more space in your backpack. So always select a tent that meets your needs up to your satisfaction.
How heavy should a tent be for backpacking?
In principle, the weight of a tent should not be more than 3 kg per head. You can select a tent of lesser weight for being lightweight. However, less weight also affects the capacity inside the tent. So choose wisely.
Are trekking poles worth it?
On rough or slippery terrain, tracking polls are great helping tools to balance you. They are very useful in the winter season. If you are going upward on a steep, you may use it to dig in and pull yourself up.
Are Nemo tents good?
Nemo is producing innovative backpacking gear. Nemo tents are famous among backpackers and mountaineers. They also produce high-quality sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Nemo has earned several awards for their innovative designs and quality products.
[amazon box=” B07MTS5L7G”]
Can two people sleep in a one-person tent?
Simply, yes! But both the sleepers are uncomfortable because of tightness and scarcity of space. The use of a one-person tent for two people should only be done when you have no other option.
Is a 4 season tent worth it?
Four season tents are specially made for winter use in extra cold weather and harsh conditions. If a four-season tent has good strength, it works well in harsh condition and heavy snowfall. Four season tents also give more warmth as compared to three tents. They are best for people who go camping around the year.
[amazon box=”B07YKVR8KL”]
Are Big Agnes tents good?
Apparently Big Agnes tents are good due to their good quality. Though it is high priced and you may find much cheaper tents with the same feature to meet your needs. It is useful when you are comparing in some type of specialized terms. The user enjoys well with all the unique features of a Big Agnes tent. If you want to but big Agnes tents below one is the best.
[amazon box=” B08175941C”]
What is the lightest one-person tent?
The MOON LENCE Camping Tent are very lightweight, weighing only 5.2 Pounds.
[amazon box=” B07VRYDQVY”]
What is the lightest weight tent?
The Marmot Crane Creek Backpacking and Camping Tent is the lightest tent on our list.
[amazon box=” B0754SP75F”]
How do you make a single person tent?
There are so many options available that doing a DIY one-person tent is expensive. However, survivalists, it learns just for emergency. You need a waterproof fabric, such as polyester, some poles and stakes. There are many tutorials online on how to fix up a single person tent in an emergency.
Where do you store your backpack at night?
It seems easier to keep backpacking inside the tent with all the things already in it. But it is not a safe option because of wildlife, particularly bears in search of food suffering here and there all the way. Anything like food snakes or scented articles should be stored in lockers or a sealed canister. If there is some possibility of encountering a bear then to extra lake care to eatables as the bear may attack in search of food.
Are expensive tents worth it?
Being realistic, they don’t! Eventually, it is a waste of money for any reasonable and serious person.
Is it colder to sleep in a car or a tent?
Your car might be warmer than the sleeping bag but not always. So you are required to anticipate your preparation before colder conditions happen.
Our Recommendation for the Best Backpacking Tent under 100
After reading this full guide now, you know a lot about backing tent. Well, you can pick any of the above-reviewed tents as they have been picked up after doing a lot of practical research by our team. Yet if you ask for our recommendation for the best backpacking tent under 100 we will say go for the Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent. As it has the most positive review from the real customers on Amazon as well as it has been made with everything you need.
[amazon box=” B07N4K96CY”]
Last Words
Selection of the best backpacking tent under 100 is not a simple job experienced and a new camper. Because of innovative modernizing, the product and inducing new techniques have made it more complex.
Through the comprehensive guide certainly, you will get almost all information you meet in the purchase of your best backpacking tent below $100. Above all and at the top the best backpacking tent under 100 are here for you to select. These tents are simple to use, easy to carry because of lightweight, much durable and long-lasting and also provide great comfort and protection to the user.
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