What to Know Before You Buy a Camping Tent

You can't beat a tent for the ultimate outdoor adventure. Tents let you get further into the outdoors, but you want to be sure they don't let the outdoors get to you. While keeping dry and free of bugs are basic considerations, it's the places and times of year where you camp that determine the camping tent that's best for you.

Tent Designs
A tent is a temporary shelter that uses fabric, typically nylon, stretched over a mounting frame to repel insects, rain, wind and snow. The two basic styles of tent are the A-frame tent, in which two poles on either end support a central pole, and the dome tent, where two poles cross to form a convex x shape.

The simplest A-frame tents stretch fabric, staked to the ground with grommets, over the frame. These tents are the lightest but can take a little experience to set up. At the opposite end are deluxe cabin tents and domes that provide a sealed and ventilated bubble for sleeping.

You'll need to consider the weight of the tent, depending on how you camp. If you're carrying the tent to a campground in your car, you only need to make sure it fits in the trunk or back seat. If you're canoeing or kayaking, you'll need a more compact tent that can store easily in the boat.

For hikers, weight is the primary consideration. A tent should weigh about three pounds for each person it can sleep. A floorless tent might seem like a good choice, as most of these tents weigh around two pounds, but don't forget that you'll need to pack a tarp or mat in wet conditions.

Sizing a Tent

A tent can be a cozy, romantic retreat or a shoebox that puts everyone too close for comfort. The general rule of thumb is to choose a tent that will sleep two more people than needed, so a tent that sleeps four is a good size for two people and offers plenty of legroom and some storage space for camping gear.

As size increases, so does weight and bulk. Hikers and boaters will need to take this into account, and several smaller tents may be preferable to one large one.

For families and groups traveling by car, consider a multi-room tent that has zippered dividers between the different sections of the tent to provide a little privacy. Hikers traveling in cold or mountainous environments should choose a two-person tent for its lighter weight and heat efficiency. Any type of tent benefits from a screened vestibule, which offers a private spot to change clothes or a place to eat if insects start to swarm.

Note the number of entrances on a tent if more than one person will be using it. A tent with two or more entrances will make it easier to come and go. For multi-room tents, look for a separate entrance for each section of the tent in case people need to get out quickly.

Keeping the Elements at Bay

Most consumers think of repelling insects when shopping for a tent, but stopping water or even snow is equally important. When you're comparing tents, remember that any opening big enough for an insect is more than big enough for rain. Look for a tent with fine mesh openings that will keep out the tiniest gnats and zippered flaps to stop blowing rain.

Water-repellant tents will keep light rain out, but they'll eventually soak through. If heavy rain or snow is in the forecast, you'll want a waterproof tent, but be aware that these offer less venitalation than water-repellant models.

Most tents are equipped with a rainfly, a waterproof roof that extends down the sides of the tent to keep rain out. A tent with an adjustable rainfly offers the greatest flexibility in variable weather conditions. Look for seamless tent floors that are stitched a few inches up the side of the tent walls. This will prevent water from seeping through the floor of the tent and offer some protection from runoff in heavy rainstorms.

A Tent for all Seasons

Tents are rated for different seasons, and some tents are specialized for hot or cold weather conditions. Summer backcountry tents are the lightest and most are well-ventilated. Some of these tents have mesh sides that can be a problem in the rain, and they are unsuitable for cold-weather camping.

Three-season tents are the best choice for spring and autumn camping. These tents combine mesh "windows" with zippered flaps and large rainflys to keep out some cold and a lot of rain. In hot summer conditions however, a three-season tent may not offer enough ventilation for comfortable sleeping.

Four-season tents can do it all. They include insulated interior flaps that zipper into place for the greatest flexibility in different climates. Casual year-round campers and car campers will enjoy these tents, but mountaineers and winter hikers should choose specialized winter tents made from lightweight, insulated materials. Winter tents weigh much less than four-season tents and many tent models offer specialized ventilation that lets condensation escape while keeping heat in.

If you're camping in wintertime or at high altitude, make sure your tent can shed any snow that falls during the night. A-frame tents are best at shedding snow. For dome tents, look for sturdy roof supports and a taut center that won't give easily under weight.

Durability

Tents need to withstand a lot of rough handling and cope with unpredictable ground conditions. Start with the floor of the tent and make sure it's strong enough to prevent penetration by sticks or sharp stones.

Next, examine the tent's seams, giving them a good tug to ensure they won't come apart. If a tent has mesh walls or windows, poke at them to see if they'll yield to branches or persistent insects.

Look for a tent with large, heavy plastic zippers that are easy to operate. Tent poles made from aluminum weigh more than fiberglass tent poles, but aluminum poles are more flexible and last longer. A tent's grommets should be metal rather than plastic, as metal grommets won't break if they're struck with a hammer.