How To Choose The Perfect Camping Tent

You can't really consider yourself to be an outdoors enthusiast without owning a camping tent. It is the most important investment that a camper can make. A good tent will keep campers free from rain, cold, and bugs. It is essential to buy a camping tent of decent quality. If your tent is too cheap, you will pay for it in the long run. Before purchasing your camping tent, consider the conditions you will camp in, the number of campers that will be with you and the kind of camping you will be involved in.

The number of people a camping tent can sleep will dictate the rating it receives. For example, a four-man camping tent will hold only four people. In some cases, you should double the size of the tent to hold your gear. Thus, if you are camping with two people, then purchase a four-man camping tent.

Another consideration is the dimensions of the camping tent. For example, if you are a tall person, make sure that camping tent is long enough to fit you comfortably. Generally, this means adding an extra twelve inches to your height. The camping tent should also be tall enough so that campers can at least kneel to get dressed and move about. The tent should also be roomy enough to house an inflatable mattress pad. However, despite all these luxurious considerations, if the camping tent is heavy, you will not be able to carry it for an extended hike.

Camping conditions are important to consider as well. For example, a three-Season camping tent has zipped mesh panels and is ideal for summer or spring camping. A three-season tent will protect you from wind and rain, but not snow. A convertible camping tent is a 4-season tent that transforms into a three-season tent when the tent cover and a few poles are removed. The four-season camping tent is for winter camping. It is designed to withstand snow and strong winds. They provide less ventilation, but are perfect for a winter mountain expedition.

Below you will find a list of popular tent models with a brief description. It is important that you research the tent and find one that fits your needs before you purchase it.

Smaller camping tents include the following popular models:

The 2-Man / 3-Man MSR Velo Tent is ideal for solo campers who prefer adequate storage space for themselves and their gear. The MSR camping tent has a full-rainfly, a bathtub floor, taped seams to keep the inside dry and mesh doors that provide air-flow. It weighs 9 pounds 8 ounces and comes with lightweight poles, pole sleeves, and seven stakes. A great camping tent; however, it is not perfect for backpacking.

The North Face Rock 22 is another 2-Man three-season tent. It provides total protection from rain. It comes with a taped bathtub floor and a full-rainfly. Both keep the inside of the tent dry. It weighs 6 pounds 11 ounces and has aluminum poles.

Medium sized camping tents include the following:

The Kelty Gunnison is a 4 Man, 3 Season Tent. It comes with a full-rainfly, taped seams and a bathtub floor to keep the inside dry. Since it is a heavier tent, it is ideal for car camping. It is durable with its aluminum poles. It also has a vestibule and convenient storage pockets which also work to keep your gear dry.

Medium Large / Family camping tents include:

The Kelty Mantra 7 is the perfect car camping tent. It weighs a whopping 23 pounds 8 ounces. It will protect campers from poor weather conditions as it comes with DAC aluminum poles, a full-rainfly, sealed seams, and bathtub floor.. It is perfect for families as it sleeps seven people. It also has great dimensions as it is 6 feet tall; so, campers can walk around inside the tent.

Backpacking tents include:

A lightweight camping tent is the Kelty Crestone 2. It is perfect for backpacking, as it weighs a mere 4 pounds 12 ounces. It has double doors for easy entry and exit and two vestibules which can store your gear.

Winter and Rainy weather Camping Tents include:

An amazing all season tent is the North Face VE-25. This stellar tent is perfect for any weather conditions from snow to rain to sleet to hail. It has a waterproof covering, 5 DAC Featherlite SL poles, a bathtub floor, and a complete rainfly. It also comes equipped with polyurethane windows that will withstand temperatures down to -60 degrees Fahrenheit. It weighs only 11 pounds 1 ounce; however, it can be slimmed down to a mere 9 pounds 13 ounces. This tent is great for cold weather, but too insulated for warmer conditions.

Camping tents are available in several basic styles. A few of these are listed below:

A-Frame - A single layer of fabric wall is held up by one or two poles on an A-frame camping tent. Unfortunately, A-frames can sag and leak if touched during a rainstorm.

Cabin Camping or Canvas Tents – These tents are simply canvas homes. They have heavy frames and are very large. They are often divided into several rooms and can accommodate a picnic table, stove and other items. They weigh from 35 to 160 pounds and a designed to last. The take some time to set up and do not dry quickly.

Dome Camping or Geodesic Tents - Snow, rain and wind will not interfere with the dome tent. They are spacious and have strong and supportive aluminum poles. It does not use stakes, as it is free-standing.

Summer Camping Tents - These camping tents are designed for warmer weather or summer temperatures. They are lighter weight and have great air flow.

Tunnel Camping or Hoop Tents – These light weight camping tents have a narrow design.

Bivy Sacks or Shelters - A bivouac is a small, light weight and often very basic camping tent. They sleep only one person and do not have room for additional gear. They are most often used by rock climbers who need to camp during their climb. They typically weigh only one to three pounds and are only one and a half to three and a half feet high.

Sleep Screen - It is very light weight and can only be used in the warmest conditions. They are comprised of mesh alone. Thus, although they will fend off bugs, rain can easily seep through.

Tarp Tents - This shelter has solid sides and no bottom. It may protect you from a light rain storm, but should only be used during warm weather.

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