A good camping tent is both practical and durable. The best tents are ones that will last you for many years to come in comfort and safety. You’ll be better off in the long run if you take your time finding the right tent. However, your budget may be a concern so first decide how much you can really afford to spend on a shelter for your camping activities.
You don’t have to buy the most expensive camping tent, but it is a good idea to choose the best quality tent in your price range. The basic safety and comfort features of your tent are going to be the most important aspect of making your choice. Let’s take a look at what features are important in a potential tent purchase.
1) Size - The size of a camping tent is probably its most important feature. You should choose a tent that is going to accommodate you and your family comfortably. Your tent will also need to fit into your car! The size of a tent is based on a) the square footage of the tent and b) how many standard sleeping bags can be accommodated.
A camping tent designed for two people will be able to accommodate that number, no more. There won’t be additional space for storage or movement inside the tent. The best solution is to buy a standard 4-person tent for two people. This allows more room for storage and maneuvering. If you have a family of four a six person tent is perfect.
A multi-room camping tent can be great for families. This kind of tent allows the kids to have their own separate compartment within the tent. They are available in 2-room styles. The rooms are separated with a zippered wall. Three room styles can also be purchased. This adds an option for privacy. The bigger the tent the more options there are for setting up chairs or a table in bad weather and changing clothes.
2) Poles – Aliminium tent poles are by far the best choice for a camping tent. Fiberglass poles are not very robust and can bend or break. If your poles get damaged you can usually replace or repair them individually using a repair kit.
3) Rainfly – The rainfly is like an umbrella for a camping tent. A good rule of thumb is the bigger the rainfly the better. Choose one that will cover the sides of the tent as well as the roof. Remember that tent walls repel water but are not waterproof. A rainfly will keep the inside of the tent dry.
4) Folded seams and double stitching – This is an important feature of a good camping tent. Pull the material on either side of a seam. If you can see through the stitches the tent is going to leak. You can use seam sealer on all the seams to keep the tent waterproof.
5) Tub floors – The inside floor of a good camping tent is made from waterproof material. The material should extend a few inches up the sides before it joins with the tent walls. A seamless floor means water cannot seep in.
6) Guy lines and stake loops – The walls, and sometimes rainflies of a camping tent have loops sown near the middle. Guy lines that pull out the walls can be attached to stop the tent from flapping in windy weather. The tent should have loops at the base in every corner and at the center of each side.
7) Noseeum meshing and roof vents – This is the number one choice to help keep insects out of a camping tent and away from your precious skin! Choose a tent that has a roof vent. At night the vent can be opened to allow air circulation and avoid condensation.
8) Zippers – Choose a camping tent with heavy-duty zippers. Since you will be using them often make sure they’re going to last!
