Camping Tent: How To Choose The Best

Camping tent serves one main purpose and that is to provide you shelter from the elements. In addition, to providing you with the basic shelter, comfort and protection are what you want.

Camping out in the wilderness, there’s nothing quite like grilling your favourite food under the stars. In the wilderness food is your best friend over the campfire.

If you are new to camping or you’re looking to upgrade your camping experience, whether you’re looking for livability, capacity, protection and affordability, there’s the right camping tent for you if you dig deep enough.

There are so many choices out there, and it can be a little overwhelming trying to make sense of the differences and types of tents and whether they will fit your camping needs.

Gone is your grandfather’s camping tent which weighs a ton, and needs a horse carriage to carry. Poles are made with solid wood and tents are made from heavy canvas then. Today technology has moved leaps and bounds, where tents are so compact you can pack them in your backpack, yet you can still enjoy all the comfort and protection you need.

Considerations when looking for the best camping tent

They are many aspects to consider when the time comes to decide to buy a camping tent now. Nobody can claim that there is one tent to fit all solutions. At least there are solutions to fit all tents:

• Seasonality
• Weight
• Cost
• Protection
• Freestanding or Non-freestanding camping tent
• Capacity
• Livability
• Materials Used

Seasonality

When will you use a camping tent?

If you’re the sort of person who goes camping at the same time and the same place all the time, you’d probably need just one camping tent that you’re similar to. But if you’re the adventurous type who likes to explore and go to different places at different times of the year, naturally, a single tent wouldn’t make sense.

3-season & 4-season

A three-season tent is suitable for late spring, summer and early fall where there’s lots of sun and rain, where you’d need plenty of mesh for ventilation and water-proofing to keep out the rain, whereas a four-season tent is much bulkier and durable to withstand those colder and extreme weather months. Their poles and fabrics are made especially patented for strong winds and deep snow.

The three-season tent is suited for less harsh weather conditions, to provide shelter from the rain and sun and most importantly, to ward off bugs and mosquitoes.

Condensation

You wouldn’t want to lug a heavy and bulkier four-season tent for your summer camping, would you? You are simply carrying too much weight, and these tents are warmer and you’ll sweat away. Some of these tents are made to be shut-in to allow for greater warmth to be kept inside and also they can withstand the rigorous strong gale and snow. Condensation will build up inside the tent if this type of tent is used in summer. A three-season tent is cooler because there is more ventilation for the air to flow in and out. You don’t what to contain heat during the warmer months.

Weight

How much weight are you willing to carry?

There is a lot of difference whether you are going camping as a car-camping where you will drive up to the campsite, then carrying a ton of gear would not matter. If you’re hiking alone in a backpack climbing the rocky mountains, weight is a very important consideration.

Every oz of your weight count translates into comfort and how far you can go to enjoy your hiking without having to bog down with your heavy gear. You’d enjoy your camping trip much better and put back a smile on your face if you have a lighter load.

Advertised weight

When purchasing a camping tent lookout for the advertised “weights” that you must consider for these are the weights you would be carrying:-

• Trail weight – this forms the main bulk of the weight, such as the tent body, poles and rainfly.
• Packaged weight – this form the entire weight you purchased along with a tent, such as packing instructions, stakes, stuff sack, pole stakes, repair kit etc

Obviously, you do not want to carry those instruction manuals and repair kits that would add to your weight, but who knows when will your repair kit come in handy?

Cost

What price you are willing to pay?

Naturally, a camping tent that has all the qualities of a good tent, with all the bells and whistles, would cost more than two-pole nylon. When the ultimate decision comes down to cost as the decisive choice for a tent, pick a price range that makes sense to you. If you’re not a regular camper, and you don’t travel far from where you’re staying, you don’t need to spend unnecessarily.

But if camping is in your blood, you wouldn’t mind investing in better and more expensive gear because you would continue using it regularly, year after year. Higher costs mean your camping tent would be made of lighter materials and more lasting and durable.

Protection

Protection at what cost?

Of course, the expensive tent is made to last and will give you a more memorable camping experience than a cheaper one. What is worse when your camping tent got ripped off during the night’s thunderstorm? That’s why you’ve to buy the best quality you can afford. A tent that does not protect you and your gear is going to waste your money and place you in danger too.

If you are not well protected and your body loses heat faster than you produce heat, while camping in the colder climate, you may suffer from hypothermia. You may be asleep in a tent not suited for the colder climate and that could be fatal.

That’s why you must a tent strong enough to protect you from the elements, be the cold and the hot climates so that you can have a good time. Don’t let your tent fail you during a strong storm or the bitter cold at night. Invest in a tent that gives you enough protection from the element, you aren’t going to stinge on that?

Freestanding or a non-freestanding camping tent

Where are you going to camp?

The freestanding tent is easier to set up anywhere. It requires fewer poles and you don’t have to stake it out. If having your tent near the stream or under the tree is a mistake and is not suitable, you can move to a more suitable place. Unlike a freestanding tent, a non-freestanding tent requires much staking out to keep everything in place.

The fabric could be made of a lighter material and a strong wind could cause a lot of trouble if they’re not properly secured to the ground. It is not easy to move a non-freestanding tent around because everything from the pole to the guy lines needs to be dismantled and reassembled again in another location.

Capacity

How many people do you need to accommodate?

Camping Tent is generally categorised by and measured by a recommended number of occupants – single person, 2-person, 4-person or 8-person. Bearing in mind it doesn’t take into consideration of space to place your camping gear and necessity.

You will have to trade off between carrying more weight and more room space. A single-person tent will be lighter but you’ll have a smaller space compared to a 2-person tent. By the Rule-of-thumb, select a size, one person more than you want to accommodate. If you are camping alone, a double-single tent is a premium, where you can sprawl out and also keep your other gear in.

If you are a backpacker who really cannot sacrifice comfort with weight, choose the one-man tent. This will hang nicely in your backpack without having additional weight. Coleman Camping Tent | 2 Person Skydome Tent Shop at Walmart

MORE HEADROOM: 20% more headroom than traditional Coleman dome tents thanks to nearly vertical walls

Family-Sized Tent

For a large family, you need bigger camping tents with several multi-rooms compartments which can act as living and separate bedrooms. Usually, these family-sized camping tents are bulky and heavy and it is not a good idea to carry them miles away from your car. If your car is inaccessible through the woods, why not have separate sizes? That way, family members can share the load as they trudge along the track.

Livability

What comfort is your tent providing you?

It all comes down to the design of the camping tent you are buying. It has to strike a balance between weight and comfort or the livability of the tent. You definitely have to trade off between heavier materials used, and there are much more durable than the lightweight materials used in the lighter tent. Lightweight tents tend to need more maintenance and they’re not going to withstand wear and tear as compared to heavier ones.

One design is not the same as the other, while one manufacturer’s features are to save weight others will have tons of it to make your life much easier to live in.

Access and storage

Many have two entrances or exits which is a good feature if you’re sharing the tent with your accomplices. You don’t have to step on each other in the middle of the night if you’re in need of some urgent matters and you’d need to go out.

Besides having two-entryway it would be great to have covered spaces at the entrances to store your belongings and food from cluttering inside your tent. It also acts as a canopy to provide shade from the sun and rain. If you are not using your vestibules you can roll them up and create a lot of extra space.

Side and overhead pockets help in organising otherwise disarrayed things after you’ve unpacked your bags. Hooks in strategic places for overhead lamps, to hang your wet clothing and to hang your cables if you have an electricity supply to your tent it will make your tent more livable. But having side and overhead pockets in the tent tends to add more weight, which you can’t afford if you backpack alone. USB Rechargeable LED Camping Light Tent Lantern Super Bright Night Lamp 3 Shop at Walmart

MAGNET ADSORPTION FUNCTION: The magnet base allows you to attach the camping tent light to any iron metal surface, such as a car or another. The camping light is also equipped with a small handle that can be hung on the tent pole.

Internal space

When you buy a camping tent, the outer package will likely tell you about the floor area and the maximum peak height but they didn’t tell you if you have a sloping sidewall. It will reduce the amount of headspace and that affects the liveability of your tent. On the other hand, these sloping sidewalls saved space and weight considerably.

Vertical sidewalls have more interior and headroom space for you to sit up and the cabin tent will have enough headroom for standing up. It is a boon to campers who can stand up to change their clothes without lying down. Squatting and crawling are among the grieves if your camping tent has a low head clearance. Ozark Trail 14′ x 10′ Family Cabin Tent, Sleeps 10 Shop at Walmart

The 2-room setup features a room divider to separate the living and sleeping areas and has large windows on all sides. 

Footprints

The first thing before you set up your camping tent is to inspect the terrain for any rocks and insects. The last thing you want to see is your tent punctured by sharp objects where you lay your tent. An additional layer of plastics is placed first on the ground before you set up your tent for that extra security. This is also useful to prevent water from seeping in from beneath the tent. Sometimes, this plastic is seamlessly welded together with the tent’s floor thus eliminating stitch holes and possible leakage points.

Ventilation

Your tent becomes hot and mussy when there is not enough airflow through windows and vents. Ensure your tent have a mesh that is ideal for maximum airflow and protection from bugs and insects.

Ultra-violet rays

Camping Tent fabrics that are UV coated or have a silver coating will help to reflect the harmful rays and heat when the sun is blazing overhead.

Room divider

A room divider provides privacy for sleeping at night as well as a separate living space and eating space for convenience. There will be enough space for a portable fridge and washing a compact washing machine to add to your family’s enjoyment.

Materials Used

Insulation, water resistance and breathability are what you are looking for in purchasing a tent. The type of fabrics used in the making of these tents will determine their quality and whether they possessed these qualities:

• Nylon – Breathable and lightweight material, it becomes waterproof when covered with polyurethane. However, over time, once it is saturated with water, the waterproofing can wear off. Not as effective as polyester for protection against the sun rays and over time it cannot prevent the tent from fading and deteriorating.
• Polyester – More durable than nylon, and besides being resistant to water it can withstand the effects of the sun’s rays.
• Canvas / Cotton – They are heavy and highly durable. They are excellent for keeping tents cool in warmer climates and cool on warmer days. It scores high marks for breathability yet they are waterproof. They get heavier when wet, though and is not recommended to have tents made from canvas material if you are a backpacker.
• GORE-Tex – All-weather use, is a fabric membrane that is waterproof and breathable. Suitable for tents as they are lightweight and can repel liquid water while allowing water vapour to pass through.

Types of Camping Tent

Each category of tent listed below has its own unique characteristics and the choice you make might be different from others even under similar camping conditions. Find out why…

• Dome
• Tunnel Camping Tent
• Cabin Camping Tent
• Pop-up Camping Tent
• Pyramid Camping Tent
• Inflatable Camping Tent

Dome

Most common among the different types of camping tent. There are two flexible poles crisscrossed over each other at the top and are bent and anchored to the ground on the four dome corners. The poles form inside the rainfly which are commonly sealed with the floor to give better protection from the rain from seeping inside.

Although it is best suited for one or two persons, some of these tents are available for 5-6 persons or more. Extra poles are added to make it steadier and perhaps for added comfort, there will be a small porch which acts as a patio and vestibule for shelter. It would be nice to have a separate screen room for insect-free lounging and extra sleeping space.

Always look for durable fabric for good water resistance for keeping your tent dry, and a strong frame to keep your tent to withstand the wind and bad weather. A rainfly to pull over your tent will add extra insulation against the sun’s rays and rainwater. Pull down in the night when the weather is hot. An extra mesh window would help with the air circulation in the tent.

Usually, they are lightweight and easy to set up. Make sure to check the labels for good headroom. Since the dome-shaped tent has sloping sidewalls, there is a trade-off for living space. The manufacturer doesn’t state in their specs how much space you would lose from these sloping walls. They only tell you about the floor space. Coleman Cimmaron 8-Person Modified Dome Tent Shop at Walmart

This Coleman dome tent is tall enough to stand inside and offers enough space for two queen-sized airbeds

Tunnel Camping Tent

As the name suggests, a tunnel tent looks like a tunnel with elongated ends. Make to accommodate up to 8 people or more, its large space would provide better headroom, extra bedrooms and living rooms for better liveability. Its large entrance door provides better access and the sloping canopy prevents rain and does not catch water so allowing proper drainage. Large mesh windows provide breathable ventilation throughout the tunnel and keep those pesky insects at bay.

It has a better pole structure, with flexible multiple poles that loop from one side of the tent to another. For added structural stability, there are a series of poles which run from the cross-section of the tent. In addition, the camping tent is attached with guy lines which are staked to the ground to prevent it from blowing away by strong winds.

Look for a Tunnel camping tent that is easy to assemble and pack and folded and easily tuck in your car when not in use. 8-person tunnel tents are definitely to be heavier and are more suited for car camping where you would be driving with the gear to your camping site. Ozark Trail Hazel Creek 20-Person Tunnel Tent with 2 Entrances Shop at Walmart

The Ozark Trail Hazel Creek 20-Person Tunnel Tent with 2 Entrances is the epic home away from home for your family camping trip

Cabin Camping Tent

Camping with a large family requires more space, and a cabin tent is just what you need to truly enjoy your time together. Is shaped more like a cabin than a tent and that’s how it derived its name.

The cabin tent is obviously bigger than your normal dome tent and has near-vertical sidewalls which allow standing headroom and more space inside. Please check the manufacturer’s spec sheets if you’re over 6-foot, to ensure you don’t have to stop when you’re standing up.

With the large space available you have the ability to be imaginative. Most cabin tents have built-in or removable dividers to create a bedroom and living area within the same tent. Some it is even able has space to accommodate two queen-sized beds!

Waterproofing is essential to keep rain from entering the tent. I would prefer a built-in rainfly and would be good if it is detachable if you want to take it out when it is not needed in drier climates. 2-Person Tent, Water Resistant Dome Tent for Camping Shop at Walmart

This lightweight two-person dome tent with a large D-style door was designed for comfort, space, and convenience.

Mesh roof would offer a wonderful view in the day and for moon-gazing. Mesh roof offers ventilation to the tent for that extra comfort during the hot weather. You may not want it during cooler temperatures.

The cabin camping tent is large and bulky and this makes carrying it around difficult. Your family would appreciate it if you carry it in a small trailer the next time you go camping. If you’re camping with a trailer you can afford to carry more things, like your camping cooking utensils, chairs, tables and a whole loads of essentials. Ozark Trail 16′ x 16′ Instant Cabin Tent, Sleeps 12 Shop at Walmart

No assembly is required; poles are pre-attached to the tent

Pop-Up Camping Tent

If you don’t like the hassle of setting up a tent, the pop-out camping tent is just the thing you’re looking for. This ready-to-use tent makes effortless camping fun.

It is very compact and is packed smugly, and is ready to pop up upon release from its carrying bag. In a blink, it unfolds itself automatically to its full size instantly. To tear it down simply fold up the tent and place it inside the carrying bag supplied. It occupies little space in your car’s boot, and even at home. You can set your pop-up tent anywhere you wish. Coleman 2-Person Instant Pop-Up Tent Shop at Walmart

Pyramid Camping Tent

Pyramid tents have only a single pole in the centre with tarps either forming a pyramid-like shape or a circular shape at its base. They are basically pyramid tarps with an optional add-on inner tent that includes a floor and mesh netting to keep out insects and improve airflow to the tent.

There are many types of pyramid camping tents available today, and they’re exceptionally wind and weather resistant. It’s great when you’re camping in the open and exposed terrains where there are no natural windbreaks, like trees and vegetation. The distinctive shape of the pyramid means you have steep sidewalls to shed snow. Some are super lightweight and are suitable for solo backpackers.

Double-layered

If you’re using the tarp on the outside together with the inner tent, basically you’ve double protection. The outer tarp will help you to stay dry when it is raining and the inner tent from insects and the sun. The outer layer is optional and you may want to leave it at home to save on weight and bulk when camping in the summer months.

Most pyramid tents come with an extendable central pole. You can adjust it to your liking if you find that there’s insufficient headroom. Having two occupants in the tent doesn’t pose any problem. They can sleep on either side of the pole, but a third person has to find an imaginative way to fit in.

Most Single-door pyramid tent poses a problem when two or more persons share the same space. Unless it has a large space, excusing each other on the way out is the norm.

Prevent Condensation

Pyramid tents are prone to condensation due to their double layer but luckily, most of them have a vent in the peak. Alternatively, you can have the front door rolled open to let in the air in, in fair weather or leave a gap between the tarp and the bottom edges of the tent to further maximise airflow.

Stake-out

Pyramid tents have a large footprint, and this means setting up in forested terrain is difficult. They pitch well usually on flat and even ground. When the weather is windy, it’s best to set up your tent with the door away from the wind. You should also stake out the sidewall guy-out points to be firmly secured to prevent the tent from collapsing and also prevent wind pressure from bowing the walls into the tent.

Pyramid Tent Ultralight 3 4 People Backpack Tent Waterproof 4 Season Shop at Walmart

Inflatable Tents

Innovation helps to make our life much easier. Today with inflatable tent technologies setting up your tent is a breeze. Instead of poles now they’re replaced with inflatable beams or tubes which are integrated into the tent itself.

Pump-out

No problem if you do not have the insane lung power to inflate those tubes, an inflatable tent will always have a hand pump to save you with the hard work. You can pitch up the tent all by yourself within minutes, and then finally stake down firmly in place for that extra stability.

The Best Outdoor Tents

If you are after the latest and greatest tent that befits your camping experience, I have compiled a list of the best outdoor tents to help you make your tent decision a little easier. You might just find the perfect tent you’re searching for.

Best-rated (and least expensive) outdoor tent

Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room Source: Amazon

Key Features:

• polyester taffeta 75D
• Imported
• A spacious 6-person tent has enough room for 2 queen size air beds
• A separate screen room offers bug-free lounging
• WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry

Best one-person tent

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent Source: Amazon

Key Features:

• There’s no assembly frustration with our Lynx Tent series; this free-standing, aluminium two-pole design is a breeze to setup
• Polyester tent fly resists water and UV damage while adding one vestibule for extra storage space
• Fully equipped with #8 zippers, storage pockets, gear loft, stakes, guy ropes and one doorway
• The Alps Mountaineering Lynx Tent is on our best sellers list; it’s a must-have for your next adventure

Best one-person pop-up tent

TETON Sports Outfitter Quick Tent; One-Person Pop-Up Tent Source: Amazon

Key Features:

• POPS UP IN AN INSTANT: Camping made easy; Buying the tent will take you longer than setting it up will; Roll it out, lock your poles, pull the drawstring — done!
• STAY DRY AND KEEP COOL: Sturdy micro-mesh tent includes a standard waterproof rainfly; Look for the Elite Rainfly that fully extends to the ground while using the cot — sold separately
• ROOM WITH A VIEW: Get away from the city lights and enjoy a full view of the Milky Way; Full mesh top allows for a perfect stargazing experience
• VERSATILE AND COMFORTABLE: Pop-up dome tent can be set up in an instant on the ground or on the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camp Cot; Enjoy a camping experience that is out of this world

Best two-person tent

ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 2-Person Tent Source: Amazon

Key Features:

• Easy assembly free-standing two-pole design with shock-corded fibreglass poles
• Polyester fly resists water and UV damage while providing an awning over each door
• Fully equipped with storage pockets, gear loft, steel stakes, guy ropes, two awning-covered doorways, two zippered windows and large side mesh panels

Best tent for rain

Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent Source: Amazon

Key Features:

• Backpack-friendly compact folding poles, Gearloft loops, Colour-coded clip and fly attachment.Wall material: 68D Polyester, 40D No-See-Um Mesh, Floor material: 68D Nylon, 1800 mm
• Roll-top cube carry bag, Easy setup, Freestanding, Fabric/mesh tent walls
• Kelty hug clip, Easy entry D door, Internal storage pockets, Fully seam taped construction
• Seasons: 3, Number of doors: 1, Number of vestibules: 1, Number of poles: 2, Capacity: 2

Best tent for backpacking

MSR Hubba Hubba NX Two-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent Source: Amazon

Key Features:

• A 3-season, 2-person backpacking tent that offers the most livable accommodations in a lightweight freestanding design. Floor Fabric – 30D ripstop nylon 3000mm Xtreme Shield polyurethane & DWR
• Pole geometry maximizes space with 29 sq. feet of floor area, an interior peak height of 39 inches, plus 17.5 sq. feet of vestibule area
• Complete setup weighs 3.5 lbs. and packs down to 18×6 inches; minimalist setup option uses footprint, poles, and rainfly and weighs 3 lbs.

7 X 5 Feet Two Person Backpackers Festival Camping Dome Tent Shop at Walmart

Best (less expensive) tent for backpacking

Featherstone Outdoor Backpacking 2 Person Tent for Ultralight 3-Season Camping and Expeditions Source: Amazon

Key Features:

• DURABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT, & BREATHABLE: Rugged, Lightweight Tear-Resistant fabrics are Waterproof, keeping you dry inside. Micro-mesh fabric enhances breathability and comfort, reducing condensation.
• 2-PERSON: This backpacking tent is spacious enough to accommodate up to two people, perfect for couples. Conveniently built with two doors and two vestibules that provide a great amount of storage space for your camping gear.
• WEATHER PROTECTED: Seam Taped Construction makes an impenetrable barrier against Rain and prevents leakage. Bathtub Floor Design elevates the bottom of the tent to protect you from wet grounds.

Best bivvy tent

Winterial Single Person Personal Bivy Tent Source: Amazon

Key Features:

• EASY ASSEMBLY: Single Person Tent with Two Hoop Easy To Assemble Bivy Tent
• PERFECT FOR HIKING AND BACKPACKING: Bivy Tent Sleeps One Person take it with you on any trip
• 3 SEASON TENT: Ventilated Roof Mesh With a Full Coverage Rain Fly for Colder/Rainy Weather
• LIGHTWEIGHT: Packed weight: 3 pounds 3 ounces. Packed Size: 18″ x 4.5″ x 4″ Open Dimensions: 38 x 28 x90 inches.

Ozark Trail 1-Person Hiker Tent with Large Door for Easy Entry Shop at Walmart

Best dome tent with screen room

Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room Source: Amazon

Key Features:

• polyester taffeta 75D
• Imported
• A spacious 6-person tent has enough room for 2 queen size air beds
• A separate screen room offers bug-free lounging
• WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry
• Measures 10 x 9 feet with 5-foot 8-inch centre height; screen room is 10 x 5 feet

Best tent for car camping

Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup Source: Amazon

Key Features:

• 150D/150D Polyester/taped seams
• Instant tent sets up in just 1 minute; Spacious interior has room for 2 queen airbeds
• WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry
• Rugged Polyguard 2X double-thick fabric for reliable, long-lasting use; Outer fabric: Taffeta 150D & Polyester Mesh
• Integrated vented rainfly improves airflow without any extra assembly needed
• Measures 10 x 9 feet with a 6-foot centre height

Napier Outdoors Sportz #57044 2 Person Truck Tent Shop at Walmart

Best tent for family camping

CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent  Source: Amazon

Key Features:

• Instant 60 Second Setup; Sleeps 9 people; Fits two queen air mattresses; Center Height:78
• CORE H20 Block Technology and an adjustable ground vent
• Features room divider and wall storage pockets to keep items neat and off the tent floor
• Electrical cord access port (port is fully closable when not in use)
• Includes rain fly, tent stakes, and carry bag

Best extra-large tent for family camping

Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Outdoor Tent Source: Amazon

Key Features:

• Cabin-like 10-person tent has enough room for 3 queen size air beds
• WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry
• Hinged front door for easy entry and room divider for extra privacy
• Sets up easily in 20 minutes
• Measures 17 x 9 feet with a 6-foot 8-inch centre height

Ozark Trail 16-Person 3-Room Family Cabin Tent with 3 Entrances Shop at Walmart

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Author’s Bio

The opinions expressed mentioned in this content are those of the publisher, not Amazon.

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