For those who love adventure, camping is the best option. Camping is loved by adults and kids; however, your entire camping experience largely depends on making proper arrangements for this trip. You need several camping gears to have a pleasant stay outdoors. And the most important camping gear is the tent. Camping means you’re not going to stay in a luxury hotel. Your tent will be your home outdoors, so make sure you do some research before making a choice. Tents are available in several different models and types. Choosing the right option depends on your specific needs. Before you start looking for different options and features, you need to make the most important decision- whether you prefer car camping or backpacking.
The most important factor that dictates your tent choice is your camping preference. Car camping means you have plenty of space to carry whatever you’re going to need. There’s no weight limit which means you’re free to get a large tent. However, for backpacking, you need to be careful about weight limit and space. Once you figure out the camping type, you need to focus on other factors. So, let’s check out other things to consider when buying a camping tent.
- Sleeping Capacity
The main purpose of a tent is to sleep comfortably at night. If you’re going with the family, space is the primary concern. Car camping allows you to keep other gear in the car parked nearby. However, for backpacking, you’re going to need space for storing gear. So, make sure you carefully consider the space you’re going to need. It can be difficult to make a choice based on the number of people specified. For instance, a tent marked as 3 persons is often comfortable for accommodating 2 people only. So, it’s recommended to upsize the capacity by 1 person to avoid feeling cramped. The tent should have enough elbow room and some extra space for storing your stuff.
- Season
Another important function of a tent is to provide protection against harsh weather conditions. Even if you have checked the weather forecast, it’s best to invest in a waterproof tent. Weather is always unpredictable and you need to stay prepared for winds or rain. The most popular option among seasoned campers is a 3-season tent. This lightweight tent is designed to be used during spring, summer, and fall. It can keep you dry during rain or even gives shelter during a light snow. Moreover, it has mesh panels to boost airflow and keeps out bugs. However, this type of tent is not the best option for harsh storms or heavy snow. If you camp frequently in harsh weather conditions, look for a 3-4 season tent that works for harsh winters and can withstand inhospitable weather.
- Price Range
Another important factor is your budget. You need to think about how often you will be camping and how much you can afford. Tents come in different price ranges depending on the material quality, size, and features. Ideally, if you’re a frequent camper, invest in a good-quality tent that lasts for years. The top-end branded tents are designed for camping enthusiasts. You can also find affordable, generic tents available for occasional weekend campers. The more features you look for, the higher the price gets. For instance, lightweight and durable tents are more expensive than regular tents. It is recommended to avoid too cheap tents because they fail to keep the rain out and could make your trip uncomfortable. Getting a poor quality tent could lead to a miserable trip.
