Camping Tents Buying Guide

camping tent in the mountains image by evillager from Fotolia.com

Camping tents enable you to enjoy the outdoors by providing a shelter from harsh elements. Numerous tent designs, styles and features are available in the market, which can make it an arduous task to choose one. Practice careful consideration when buying a tent because having appropriate shelter is key to your enjoyment, comfort and safety in the outdoors. Consider factors like climate, activity and personal preferences when exploring your options.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Determine the time of year you intend to use the tent. Generally, four types of camping tent are available: all-season, 3-season, summer and winter/mountaineering. All-season tents can be used throughout the year, but they are are not designed to withstand harsh winter conditions. Three-season tents are typically built to handle weather conditions like warm climates and light snow; they are versatile enough for a variety of conditions all year. Summer or mesh tents are built for warm weather only. Winter/mountaineering tents are designed to be able to handle extreme, harsh weather conditions such as heavy winds, currents and snowfall.

Step 2

Consider design and space. Coincide the size and design of the tent with its users. Tent specifications typically include maximum capacity. Also consider the amount of gear you'll be bringing along when camping. Some tents offer additional space for gear storage and side pockets for smaller items. A hoop or tunnel design is an ideal tent for hikers because of its lightweight and simple design. Dome or cabin tents are adequate for family campers, as they provide more living space.

Step 3

Choose weight and size as necessary. Think about what kind of camping you plan to do, such as car camping, backcountry or camping on developed campsites. Choose a lightweight tent for hiking and backcountry camping, a well-stabilized dome tent for car camping and a cabin-style tent for campgrounds. Cabin tents are suited for established campgrounds; they feature high ceilings, large, square space and vertical walls. Compromise tent features depending on your needs. Lightweight tents may not be as spacious as larger, heavier designs, but carrying less weight on your back during a long hike is more important than extra space.

Article Written By Rona Aquino

Rona Aquino began writing professionally in 2008. As an avid marathon runner and outdoor enthusiast, she writes on topics of running, fitness and outdoor recreation for various publications. Aquino holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and English from the University of Maryland College Park.

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