The sheer number of tent choices can be a significant barrier to entry for people interested in camping. Choosing which type of tent to buy is difficult. There are many types, sizes, and styles to serve a wide variety of needs. The good news is that there is a tent for virtually every need, and with a little research, you’re sure to find what you need. In this article, we will help to guide you through the decision-making process to ensure that you can get up and running quickly.
Consider Your Camping Needs
Understanding your camping needs is essential to narrow your choices and it will make the buying process easier. This is very specific, are you planning to carry the tent into the wilderness? Maybe you want a large comfy tent that you can roll up in an RV or minivan. If weight is not an issue, it makes good sense to prioritize comfort, but there are other factors to consider.
When choosing which tent type you want to buy, you will quickly realize that size is a major consideration. The number of the group that’s planning to use the tent is important, but you may need extra space for additional friends and family, pets and more.
There is an industry-standard per person, but for larger people, you may need to consider larger tent dimensions to accommodate you comfortably. If anyone in the group is claustrophobic or tend to toss and turn at night, they will need some extra space too. Let’s take a look at some fairly standard tents to get you started:
The 3-Season Tent
One of the more popular choices for new campers is a 3-season tent. These are relatively lightweight models that are designed for spring, summer, and fall camping. They tend to be equipped with mesh panels which promote airflow to keep the interior cool and dry. A 3-season tent can withstand heavy rain, but they are not well suited to violent storms, high winds, and heavy snowfall. A 3-season tent has three main functions: privacy, shelter from bugs and to keep you dry during light rainfall.
The 3-4 Season Tent
As the name implies, this type of tent has an extended season over a 3-season model. They can handle a moderate level of snow, and they are more than capable for spring, summer, and fall use too. These tents offer a decent balance of warmth retention and ventilation to keep the interior comfortable throughout most of the year. They tend to have 1-2 poles and a reduced number of mesh panels than a 3-season model. This makes the tents warmer overall and they are a great choice for high-elevation or exposed camping spots through the year. Although these tents are sturdier than 3–season models, they are not sufficiently durable to camp in harsh winter conditions.
The 4-Season Tent
These tents are designed to withstand storms and heavier snow loads. They can be mountaineering tents that can be used at other times of the year too. As you might expect these tents have heavier fabrics and they tend to use multiple poles for extra support. Many examples are dome-shaped to prevent the accumulation of snow and there are fewer mesh panels fitted. This can make the tent feel too warm or stuffy in milder and hotter weather.
Once you have a basic idea of when you want to use your tent it’s time to look at the different tent types, sizes, weight, durability, setup times, and other important factors.
Research Different Tent Types
There are many different tent types, and they are available in 3-season, 3-4 season, and 4 season variants. Let’s take a look at the unique features of nine of the most popular tent types:
1. The Dome Tent
This is, without doubt, the most common type of tent found today. The design is simple, two flexible tent poles cross in the center and are anchored at the corners. This creates a distinctive dome shape that can range from a single-person tent up to larger models that can accommodate around eight people. This makes the smaller variants a good choice for backpack camping and the larger tents are ideal for family camping trips.
These tents are lighter than other models, but they have plenty of headroom if you choose a tent with a larger floor area. The vestibule near the door can be used for extra storage, and trekking poles can be used to create an awning. The main disadvantage is that these lightweight tents can be blown away or flattened in high winds.
2. The Multi-Room Tent
This is a great tent type for larger families with kids and dogs, and in many ways, it’s the closest you can get to a mobile house. The interior is separated by room dividers to customize the space for sleeping, relaxing and storage areas. A multi-room tent provides plenty of privacy, space, and comfort.
But, these tents are larger and heavier, and they can take more time to set up and they can be vulnerable to high winds. If you plan to camp with a larger group using multiple tents, select a campground that offers group spots. This will give you the chance to pitch the tents together and give you more space to spread out.
3. The A-Frame Tent
This type of tent is often referred to as a “Ridge Tent,” and it gets its name from the capital A-shape it resembles. These are more traditional tents; they were initially made from canvas sheets stretched across metal poles. Luckily, the modern variants are made of light polyester and/or nylon with aluminum poles. These tents are stable and quick to set up, but they have less headroom, and they are bulky and heavy when packed.
4. The Backpacking Tent
An ultralight or lightweight tent is a great choice for a multi-day hike or a trip. These are small, light, and portable and they can be attached to a backpack. These tents tend to have less headroom, fewer poles, and limited floor space. But, there are larger variants that can accommodate 3-4 people.
Backpacking tents tend to have a higher price point because higher quality materials are necessary to reduce the size and weight.
5. The Pop-Up Tent
These are a relatively new tent design, and they are often referred to as “instant tents”. A pop-up tent is spring-loaded, and it can be flipped into shape in next to no time. These are a great option for speed, but they are not the best option if you’re camping in bad weather.
6. The Tunnel Tent
This is a long and cylindrical shaped tent that works on a similar principle to a dome tent. There are usually external attachment points that are used to tether the tent to the ground with guy ropes to improve stability. A tunnel tent has good space for a relatively low weight, and the poles are all the same size which makes setup easier. The main drawback is that the tents must be properly pitched to prevent sagging in the middle.
7. The Semi-Geodesic and Geodesic Tent
These two tents resemble dome tents but have more durability, stability, and improved support. There are more than two central poles; multiple poles are used to create a triangle that drastically improves the stability. These tents stand up to bad weather, but they take up more storage space, and they are harder to pitch.
8. The Teepee Tent
These are traditional tents that are often referred to as “Bell Tents.” They have high peaks and a long central pole, and they are easy to pitch. The original teepees (tipi) were covered in animal hides, and they were bulky and heavy. But, the modern variants are much lighter and more portable. That said, they are still a challenge to set up quickly, and floor coverings are not included as standard on most models.
9. The Inflatable Tent
These tents use inflatable poles that make setup for a single person relatively easy. The main drawbacks of these tents are that they require an air pump, they are heavy, and they don’t hold up well in bad weather.
Most modern tents have a double-wall design with a breathable inner wall that has mesh panels to improve ventilation. There is typically a waterproof floor, and the outer tent is supported on poles with guy rope to add stability.
Single-wall tents are still waterproof, but they don’t have the same breath-ability, which can lead to condensation issues. For these reasons, it’s always a good idea to choose a double-wall tent if you have the budget.
Determine Your Budget
Many people simply consider how much they want to spend and choose their tent. This is a sound strategy, but there are other factors to consider before you make a final purchasing decision. The quality and durability of the tent you choose will have a huge impact on the long-term value of the investment. Some people buy a smaller tent and upgrade later, but higher-quality tents tend to hold their value better.
Read Reviews and Compare Options
Before you commit to buying, make sure you read reviews on the tents that interest you and compare the various brands and models. Campers are more than happy to share their opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of the tents they’ve purchased. Make sure you get the right tent type to suit your specific needs that we covered above.
Make A Decision and Purchase
When you’ve considered these factors, it’s time to make a final decision and buy the exact type of tent you need to meet your needs. It’s a great idea to choose a reputable manufacturer and retailer to buy your tent. This will ensure that you have a solid return policy and a good warranty.