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Step 1
Verify that a three-season tent is what you need. Three-season tents are ample for most campers and if you plan to camp only in moderate weather in the spring, summer and fall, a three-season tent is the one to shop for. If you plan to camp solely in the hottest parts of summer, you may consider a lighter summer tent. If you plan to do any camping in snowy, cold temperatures of winter, shop for a four-season tent.
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Step 2
Decide the size of three-season tent based on how many people will be using it at a time. There are two-person, three-person and four-person tents, etc., but they are usually rough estimates. To make sure your tent is big enough, pitch the tent before you buy or closely compare measurements.
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Step 3
Decide on the tent's design. A freestanding, dome tent provides ample protection from wind and weather. Other options are A-frame and hoop tents.
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Step 4
Know if you wukk use the three-season tent for backpacking or car camping. Tents used for car camping can be bought based on roominess, design and comfort. Backpacking tents, on the other hand, require taking other important factors like packed weight and packed size into account.
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Step 5
Consider the advantages of single wall vs. double wall. Single-wall three-season tents use a waterproof, breathable exterior that protects against rain. These tents are a lightweight backpacking option, but often suffer from condensation buildup due to lack of ventilation. They can also be quite expensive. Double-wall three-season tents use a ventilated tent body and separately attached waterproof rain fly. These tents generally offer better ventilation while still allowing for full-weather protection. They can be heavier given the extra component, but there are models suitable for backpacking as well as car camping.
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Step 6
Consider the level of ventilation you'll need. If you're camping on warm summer nights, you'll want plenty of ventilation. A mesh tent body is ideal for getting the best, coolest ventilation possible. Alternately, if you plan to camp in cooler temperatures, you won't necessarily want as much ventilation, but a partial mesh tent or a screen door or window will help promote air circulation and prevent condensation. Several windows or doors will promote cross-ventilation.
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Step 7
Consider setup. Some three-season tents take a lot of time and staking out to set up, whereas others are designed to be set up within minutes. Consider how many poles and stakes the tent requires and determine if the setup process will be suitable for your needs. Features like pole clips and fewer poles will provide quick, intuitive setup.
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Step 8
Look for other design features. Consider how much headroom and interior space the tent offers. Steep walls are often indicative of a roomy interior. Look for storage compartments and a vestibule to help keep your gear protected and organized. Multiple doors are a good feature for easy entry and exit. Aluminum poles offer superior strength and weight to cheaper fiberglass poles. A tub floor and taped seams are good features that will provide superior waterproofing.
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Step 9
Compare some three-season tents in your price range. With all the above considerations in mind, take a look at actual tent models that are within your budget. Also read reviews in magazines, camping websites and retail sites to see how other users found the tents. These reviews can be very telling about the advantages and shortcomings of a given tent and can be integral in your decision. Pay attention to the conditions the tents were tested under and compare to your own intended use.
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Step 10
Go to an outdoor sport shop and purchase the tent in person. Having narrowed it down to a model or two, try to find the tent(s) at a shop so that you can pitch them first and really get a feel of the size, features and design. Online shopping is always an option, and can often offer better pricing, but won't give you as much information as shopping in person.
