Camping Tents- Choosing The Best One For You
There are lots of different camping tents out there, but how do you know which one will be best for you? Choosing the appropriate tent requires that you determine so much more than the number of people inhabiting it. When seeking a tent, it’s important to choose an option that will suit your needs for transport, assembly and shelter. While camping tents have numerous features, there are a few basic factors to consider to help you narrow down your options.
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for a camping tent is how you will reach your destination. Will you be taking a small car, a truck, or a motorcycle? Will you be walking a distance to your campsite? Will you be transporting many other supplies or are you packing light? These are all important things to consider since the size and weight of your tent will factor into your mode of transportation. Make sure you check for the dimensions and weight details of your tent when it is packed away.
In addition to how you will get there, think about where you are going. Are you visiting your campsite in the summer and will there be possibility for thundershowers? Is your campsite located below a canopy of foliage, or will you be in direct sunlight? Is your location windy? Is there a significant drop in temperature at night? Will you be relying on the same camping tent for multiple locations, or using it during different seasons? These are all important questions to ask as they will factor into the need for certain tent attributes, such as the degree of waterproofing, the type of material, the closures, the temperature range and other features like insect netting and supports.
It is also important to consider what will be involved in the assembly of your tent. Usually, the more elaborate the shelter, the more complex the assembly. When you purchase your tent, it’s advisable to do a practice assembly so you can take your time and get a real sense of what’s actually involved. You don’t want to be stuck reading assembly instructions and rushing to assemble your shelter while it’s raining, while the evening insects are massing, or in the dark the night. If you need to get your tent assembled quickly for any reason, you will have greater success if you are familiar with the process. Understanding the steps of assembly can mean the difference between a pleasant night outdoors and a stressful struggle with any number of pieces and parts. The sooner you get your camping tent setup, the sooner you can relax and enjoy other activities.
A few of the specifics you will find when researching your camping tent purchase are season categories. The three most common are: Summer, 3-Season and 4-Season. Tents in each of these categories have specific structural attributes for optimal comfort and safety depending upon when and where they will be used.
Summer category tents are typically two pole tents. They are usually simpler structures that are designed for better ventilation in the summer heat. Summer campers, or campers that stick to warm weather locations will do fine with this choice.
3 season category tents are typically three pole tents. They are meant to accommodate campers in a wider range of environments. With the right clothing and outfitting preparations, these tents can provide comfortable shelter in the spring, fall and summer. 3 season tents are preferable for campers who camp at various times of the year, or to locations with variable temperatures and weather conditions.
4 season tents are typically four pole tents. They are specifically designed to withstand harsher conditions and maintain structural integrity when subject to high winds, heavy rain and low temperatures. These tents are the best choice for campers who visit more extreme environments and/or camp year-round.
Once you have determined your needs as far as travel weight and dimensions, assembly and environmental requirements, you can consider personal preferences. There are tents that include multiple rooms, screened areas and a range of other features. To ensure that you and everyone in your party will stay happy campers, carefully consider your purchase and make sure you have the right camping tent for your adventure.