Camp Tents: How To Select The One That Is Right For You

There numerous factors which will determine which is the perfect camping tent for your needs. If you do not go camping that often and conditions will not be too harsh, then something cheap and cheerful should be enough. But if your camping tent will see a lot of use in different kinds of weather then it definitely is worth splashing out on good quality and the right design. There are few things more dispiriting than having your camping tent falling to pieces around you in the middle of a stormy night.


One of the most important things you need to consider is how many people your camping tent needs to accommodate. Tents can range in size from one-man, with enough sleeping room for a single person, to big family tents with multiple rooms.

Another thing to think about is convenience, both in terms of the weight of the tent and how easy it is to put together. If you are hiking you will want a tent that is not too heavy, certainly not weighing over 5kgs. One-man tents can be as light as 1.5kgs, though lighter camping tents are usually more expensive.

How easy your camping tent is to assemble should also influence your decision. If you plan on setting up camp somewhere for a few days, then this is not a serious concern. However, if you need erect your camping tent every day, possibly sometimes in stormy conditions, you will need something that you can assemble quickly. Many camping tents literally pop up in just a few moments, while other tents could take a good 15 minutes to erect.

There are a few different tent designs and some are better built for certain conditions and needs than others. If you are a casual camper this needn't be a big worry. On the other hand, if your tent will regularly be exposed to extreme weather conditions, design can make all the difference.

Geodesic - This is seen as the strongest of the tent designs. Intersecting tent poles provide it with excellent strength to withstand extreme weather conditions. This is the camping tent for the serious outdoor expeditionist.

Dome - This is possibly the most popular camping tent design. It is lightweight, is cheap, is easy to assemble and offers great overall strength. A common pick among backpackers.

Tunnel - Another common choice, though not quite as lightweight as the dome tent. However, it is notably more spacious.

Finally, it is important that your camping tent's fabric is made from the right material. Lightweight nylon or polyester are the best fabric for the job, and, of course, they should be completely waterproof. Also, it is often a good idea to waterproof the seams of the tent yourself as a final safety measure.

By: Michael Skatoli

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Michael is a columnist with over ten years editorial experience. Michael is currently consulting as a columnist with our b2b site and has become the local authority on the outdoors. Visit our great web portal for more information on Camping Tent and 6 Person Camping Tents.

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