Whether you are a seasoned camper or someone new to the idea of a weekend in the wilderness, there’s one item you’ll need above all else: a tent. Tents keep us dry and warm in winter, provide storage for our essentials, and even provide meeting spaces for our groups.
Depending on what type of tent you are looking for, there are plenty of different things you need to consider when buying one. From size to material, weather resistance to style, there are a huge amount of different tents to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at the considerations you need to take when looking to buy a tent.
Why We Love Tents & Camping
Since the dawn of time men and women have explored the wilderness and slept under the stars. Nowadays, more and more of us want to explore the great outdoors and escape from our busy city-based lives. In fact, since the global pandemic, more of us have taken to the idea of camping as a way to get away with the family without sharing space with anyone else.
In the UK, supermarket chain Tesco said that outdoor and camping equipment sales had soared by over 300% since the end of the national lockdown. Apparently, now more than ever, people want to escape to the countryside. So, let’s talk tents!
Tent Size
The first thing you’ll need to consider is how many people are going to be sharing this tent? In this case, size definitely matters! If you’re going camping alone, a one or two-man tent is probably enough to live in and keep all your belongings in. Going as a couple? Consider a two-to-three man tent. You want to have enough space to comfortably sleep in, while not having to curl up on top of your wet camping clothes.
Most people like to travel and camp in larger groups than two, whether it be a family or group of friends. In this case, you’ll need a bigger tent. As Keith, an online website camping sales specialist explains, “Four-man tents are the most popular tent size on the market. They’re luxurious for a couple or perfect for a small family while not being too big and bulky.” Of course, the bigger the tent the tougher it is to carry – more on that later.
Where Will You Camp?
This might sound like a silly question, but where do you plan on camping? This does make a difference! Some people are perfectly content setting up their tents in the middle of August in their own backyards. Other adventurers like to set up camp at the edge of a cliff or on the side of a mountain! Obviously, these two people are going to need very different tents! The back garden dweller needs only a simple tent structure, less protection, and can deal with weaker materials. A cliff-hanging adventurer may need a slightly tougher tent that is able to deal with more intense weather and conditions!
Style and Design
There are multiple different styles and types of tent. Some are better suited to different locations and types of camping. The most common tent you will see is often referred to as a dome tent. Dome tents are usually supported by two flexible poles forming a cross shape at the top. The four corners are then secured to the ground giving the unmistakable dome shape. These tents are great for most casual campers, and often include an inner and outer layer so you can keep your wet gear separate from your dry bedding area.
For a larger group or family, you may want a separate area for all your extras like bags, chairs, spare cookware, etc. If this sounds more like you, you may be after a tunnel tent. These are designed similarly but have a central area between two sealed bedrooms. This central area is great for chucking everything you want to keep safe but don’t want in your bed. These areas make great shelters for when the weather turns against you.
Finally, a ridge tent is a bigger structure still. These look more like houses or cabins and create a huge central area for you to hang out in. Ridge tents are more suited for relaxing space rather than bedrooms.
Ease Of Use and Weight
Each of these tents has its merits. Some are much harder to construct than others. As explained, dome tents have minimal structure - just two or three tent poles and an inner and outer lining. This usually makes these tents the easiest to construct. Tunnel tents are built similarly, but often they are much, much larger. This means that the poles can be harder to get right, plus there are more of them to carry, making it a bulkier and heavier option. Of course, the ridge tent is far more complex, heavier, and harder to set up.
Additional Features
One great feature you should look for is a front awning. These areas sit outside your inner lining and make it far easier to change, discard muddy boots, or simply store things you don’t want inside your tent. Alongside these you should check how many doors the tent has - sometimes it’s nice to have separate entrances - and how good the window or ventilation options are.
Price, Of Course
Finally, the tent needs to fall within your budget. Sticking to brands you have heard of, have been recommended to you, or that you already trust is a good idea when it comes to protection from the elements. However, if the price is an issue, just make sure you check reviews and information on the product before you purchase it. There will definitely be some bargains out there, but you should always be wary of something that seems too cheap to be true!
Following these guides and points will help you purchase the perfect tent for your next adventure - even if that is just at the end of the garden. Whichever you choose, choose carefully, making sure you have a secure and stable tent to keep you protected from the elements wherever you choose to camp. Have fun on your next camping trip!
