Although there are no clearly defined categories for tent, I have divided them to 7 different types by grouping their characteristics:
Traditional A-Frame Tents
As the name goes, this is a traditional shape which can be found in the older backpacking tents. It has a triangular pocket with two-legged frames and wires to stabilize the outer parts of the tent.
The upside is that they are light to carry around but there is a lack of head room. This is because of the steep slope of the walls. Remember that you might need the use of a tarp which adds to the weight if you are camping in less favorable weather conditions. Nevertheless, if you pitch it at the right angle, it can handle rough-up weather just fine.
Modified A-Frame Tents
The difference is that the poles are curved and there is a center hoop/ ridgepole for added stability and a larger room space. Often coming with full-coverage rain flies, it used to be quite popular. Nevertheless, it is being used less (just like the traditional A-Frame Tents) in hiking.
Avian Tents
Only used for temporary shelter, it consists of one or a maximum of two straight poles to create a covered ground area. Definitely not for full condition camping.
Dome Tents
One of the most popular times now, it is a shape of a dome with three or more intersecting hoops covering the ground floor. The number of flexible poles, type of fabric, pegs and guy ropes determine their structural rigidity and the increased strength in comparison to wedge tents.
Although they are good for all seasons, you would need practice to erect it up even though it is simple. Additionally, you might want to consider how much to bring along your camping trip as there will be less usable space.
Wedge Tents
The shape is a square to round pocket thanks to the two intersecting hoops. Mentioned earlier, it is usually durable. Nevertheless, the biggest plus point is the little use of materials which leads to the lower weight. Thus, it is very popular in hiking trips where season hikers travel light.
Hoop Tents
There is mostly between one and three hoops for this particular tent. With the same ground surface as other tents, you can get a greater space due to the curved walls which opens up a bigger volume. Also, fear not for your little kids rattling against the tent because the pressure is divided throughout the entire hoops.
Pyramid Tents
All you need is one pole for the middle and a tent cover over it which will spread out in a pyramid shape. This is not really used for hiking because the pole in the middle reduces the space as the tent is divided into smaller parts.
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Whether you are a newcomer or an old timer at camping, running through these tips would never hurt!
1. Get a tent which is bigger than what you need
The basic calculation is to subtract one from the maximum advertised number of people for the tent. You’ll have one less surprise to catch you off guard after storing all your gear!
2. Kids? Extra tent!
Depending on the number of kids that you have, an extra tent which can fit within your budget will bring you peace, quiet and an extra sense of adventure for them!
3. Pre-shaped Poles
If possible, look out for pre-shaped poles in the materials. They are sturdier and bend better
4. Waterproof Fabric
If the tent you are getting is single-wall, get a waterproof fabric. Double-wall tents should already have breathable inner fabric and a waterproof outer shell.
5. Durable Fabric
Normally durable tents should be able to prevent tearing. So, look at the manufacturing tag and if it says ripstop fabrics, you know you have value for money.
6. Color of Tent
With bright colors, it will stand out in winter and help your kids not to lose their way home. Also, if possible, get a light color tent because it will reflect the sunlight instead of absorbing heat during the sweltering summer.
7. Weight of Tent
Always, always check the weight of the tent. It matters a lot if you are carrying it, but less if you are putting it in the car.
8. Check the contents!
This is pretty much a given for everything that you buy, but don’t forget to check whether all the things should be inside as the manual says it should.
9. Check the seams
Just like clothes, check the seams before buying. They are the first tell-tale signs of a tear and leak in your tent.
10. Practice Erecting the Tent
This should be done BEFORE your camping trip, not DURING.
11. Bring a bar of soap
Apart from the obvious for camping, a bar of soap can work wonders to unzip your stuck camping tent zipper.
12. No insect repellent or oils
They can damage the fabric and your money will go to waste!
13. Have a repair kit at hand
To repair the tent, a nylon repair tape and to repair the tent floor and rain fly, a vinyl tape are essentials. For the seams, double stitching, tape and fabric coating protects it best. Others which are not always necessary are like needle, duct tape, nylon thread, window mesh, etc.
14. Shake out debris
If you’re camping for a longer period of time, some camping tents like dome tents can be picked up and shook to remove dirt, debris, etc.
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Too many choices, can’t decide? Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when you’re ‘hunting’ for a tent!
1. Use of Tent
Do you really need a tent to begin with?
A tarp is good enough for shelter in fair-weather camping (plus it’s lighter and cheaper than tents).
For lower ground use and warm weather, a car-camping tent is fine.
For upper ground or mixed elevations and for often backpacking, a three season tent is a good choice
For mountaineering and harsh winter use, a four season tent with a single-wall and a waterproof layer is a safer bet.
2. Needs
Which one do you put more emphasis on? Weight or quick setup or durability or resistance to wind noise or a middle line between all?
3. Less number of stakes
Stakes are a burden to carry, easy to lose even on one trip and makes life more difficult in general when you are trying to pitch a tent. So, if you can find a tent which does not need stakes to stay upright, that would be ideal. Nevertheless, stakes usually help it to perform better.
4. ‘Try’ out the tent
Look for the tent and see it in person. But if you can get it online, go back and buy it! How to ‘try’ it out? Find your level of cosiness by lying fully stretched out inside. Your feet and head should not touch the ends.
5. Reliable fly
A fly that closes completely saves you a lot of frustration when the weather turns rainy and stormy. Only single wall tents do not need a fly.
6. Roomy Vestibule
Instead of putting your packs and boots outside the tent and risk the gnawing from animals or being drenched by rain, a vestibule comes in handy at this hour.
7. Types of Poles
Nowadays, the poles are collapsible. Check if you can set it up because they are not all easy to set up. The easiest ones have two interchangeable poles but the more difficult designs have non-interchangeable poles. You should know your level best.
8. Big Bag
A sack which is not too small will save you the tears of trying to cram the tent into the bag and the possible damage to it.
9. Budget
Car-camping tents are less expensive than three-season tent. But, remember, the larger and better quality a tent is, the pricier it will be.
If you need an approximate, a three season tent for two people should be between $150 and $250 whereas a four season tent for two people should be about $700.
10. Ventilation
It should ideally have openings on all sides and mesh screens on each side. This will ensure the continuous air flow while keeping out insects or debris.
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This is my Best Tent blog, I’m Paul, and I’m writing this blog to share what I know about tents.
I remember the first time I went camping with my friends. It was a fun and exciting but we were all inexperienced so we still have something to laugh about nowadays when we talk about that trip. For instance, the tent that collapsed on us in the middle of the night.
After many years, we still go camping but now with our families, and experience taught us to be heroes in front of our kids rigging up the big tent. Camping is fun, but buying tents is fun too, so I’ve decided to write about choosing the best tent for camping.
Tents come various sizes and they are made of various materials. What’s more, they come in different shapes! There are the A-frame tents, dome tents, avian tents, wedge tents, hoop tents and pyramid tents.
There are tents for two people – perfect for happy camping couples, and there are tents for family. Tents also come in single wall or double wall, meaning that they either use only one layer of waterproof fabric or one smaller tent inside a bigger waterproof tent.
Tents are also labeled by number of seasons. One season tents are only used in the summer, and can sustain a light shower. Three-season tents are for spring, summer and autumn, and can stand heavy rain or light snow. Only four season tents can be used in the winter, but for heavy snow and strong winds, expedition tents are used.
As for tent colors, I used to think that you can choose whatever color you like, but I was wrong. It appears that you need to consider colors for:
- legal restrictions (green, brown or tan to reduce visual impact on the nature)
- safety purposes (bright colors for rescue tents or lost hikers)
- quality of light inside tent (different colors gives different light quality)
- hunting (to hide from animals)
- shade (for hot places)
- photography
Don’t worry, as I will write more about how to choose the best tents in this blog. More best tent reviews and recommendations to come too.
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