How to Choose a Good Camping Tent

Choose a good camping tent for your needs.

Camping is a fun activity enjoyed by backpackers, families and others all over the world. The majority of people sleep in a tent when they go camping. Camping tents come in many different shapes and sizes, so a tent that is appropriate for someone else might not be appropriate for you. The selection of camping tents is wide, and choosing a good camping tent requires considering your needs to make sure that the tent you choose is the best one.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the size your camping tent needs to be. Tent sizes are generally given by the manufacturer as the number of people that can sleep comfortably in the tent without any gear, according to Outdoor Eyes. However, if you plan to keep any gear or supplies in the tent you should divide this number by two to get a rough estimate. Make sure that the actual dimensions of the tent are big enough that you can comfortably stand and lie down while inside.

2. Choose a shape for your tent. A-frame tents are common and generally a good choice for people needing smaller-sized tents. Umbrella-shaped and domed tents are usually larger and more appropriate for camping with a large amount of gear or family camping.

3. Decide which material is appropriate for your tent poles. Fiberglass poles are common and relatively inexpensive. However, fiberglass poles can become brittle when subjected to extreme hot or cold. Aluminum poles will not splinter under extreme temperatures, but are heavier than fiberglass tent poles. Use poles made out of carbon fiber if you need lightweight tent poles that can withstand extreme temperatures.

4. Consider the weather conditions in which you will be using your tent. For summer camping in hot climates, screened windows that you can open to let in air will help keep the inside of the tent cool. Ensure your tent is waterproof if you are planning to camp in damp climates.

5. Account for the cost of a good camping tent. Larger tents, tents with carbon fiber tent poles, and waterproof tents will be more expensive. More expensive tents will also tend to last longer with repeated use. However, if you only intend to camp occasionally, a less-expensive camping tent might be durable enough.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a well-known brand of tent, and make sure that it comes with a solid warranty from the manufacturer.

References

• Outdoor Eyes: How to Choose a Camping Tent