How To Choose The Best Tents For Camping

Selecting the right tent for your camping adventure can become intimidating.

There is a wide range of options available in every camping store. The right tent for you might not work well for someone else. It’s mostly about your personal preference as well as the requirements of your camping trip. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best tent for camping:

Number of People

The basic concept is that a four people tent can fit four people. Avoid following this concept. It only means that it can fit four people but it would be a tight fit. You won’t be able to sleep comfortably. A four people tent could sleep three people but if you want a comfortable experience, fit in two people in a four people tent. This way two people can sleep comfortably and there will also be enough room to store their baggage.

Before buying a tent, you need to consider the amount of space you would need and how much baggage you would want to store inside. It is also best to consider the height of the individuals. Tall people would require more space if they want to sleep comfortably.

Weather Conditions

Considering the weather you would be camping in is also a major thing to consider before you buy a tent. Certain tents are suited better for different environments. A summer tent is lightweight, has plenty of ventilation but it is not ideal for harsh weather conditions. While a three season tent is more suitable for heavier winds and rain, all the while giving protection against the cold.

However, if you are going camping during the winters, a three season tent won’t be suitable. Opt for a winter tent so that you can easily and comfortably camp in the snow. If you only go camping in a sunny day, you don’t have to invest in a fancy tent. But it is ideal to ensure that the tent can withstand unexpected rain and storms.

Tent Material

You should also consider the material of the tent. Tents made from canvas (cotton) are water resistant but can get heavier after absorbing water. However, they are more durable. While polyester/nylon tents are also water proof but they can deteriorate faster in sunlight. Numerous tents claim to be waterproof but the cheaper ones are not that water resistant as you would hope for. Make sure you invest in a good quality tent and avoid opting for cheaper options.

The most neglected part of a tent is the zip. Make sure you check the quality of the zipper and ensure that it is non-rusting, moves easily and doesn’t catch on fabric. The fly of the tent should be nylon waterproof with polyurethane coating or silicone and polyurethane coatings. Ideally, a fly must cover the entire tent including the doors and windows to offer the best possible protection from rain and harsh weather.

Weight Matters

Are you planning to travel with the tent for long distance? If you are then you need to consider the weight of the tent as well. A few of the larger tents are heavier to carry even when transferring them from your car to the campsite. If you are going camping alone, would you be able to carry the tent alone?

Make sure you consider these factors as well before you buy the tent. If you are planning to hike with the tent in your backpack, you have to make sure it is lightweight so that you can easily hike long distances.

Don’t Forget Ventilation

If this is your first time going camping, you might be unaware of how damp a tent can get. You wouldn’t want to wake up and all your possessions dampened. This is the reason why you need to make sure that the tent you are considering to purchase has proper ventilation. Opt for the tents that offer ventilation even with the rain fly on. Also, look for tents that have well placed vents in order to reduce the issue of condensation.

Additional Features to Consider

Aside from the basic features, what do you want in your tent? There are plenty of additional features offered in various tents. A few things you may want to consider are:

• How many doors do you want? (Usually 2 door tents are considered ideal)
• How many windows you want in your tent? (For ventilation purposes)
• Do you want storage pockets? (Helps in keeping things organized)
• What size of canopy would you prefer? (Enhances protection from various elements)

Consider the things and features that are more important to you. With more camping experience, you would better understand which additional features you want in your tent.

With these basic considerations, you would know how to choose the best tent for your camping adventure. Remember to try out your tent to ensure that it is the right fit for you. Also, ensure that the tent comes with warranties so that you can enjoy your new tent for a long time.