Buying the right tent

Choosing the right tent will always come down to conditions, budget, and what type of camping you’re looking for. This is our guide to help you decide on the best approach.

Season

For most parts of the world, waterproofing and wind resistance are a must for the tent you’ll be buying. A key distinction will more often be between whether you decide on a 3-season or 4-season tent - 3-season tents are ideal for spring, summer, and the autumn; and are designed to handle moderate weather conditions. 4-season tents are built to withstand harsher winter conditions, including heavy snow and strong winds.

Backpacking vs Car Camping

For backpacking, you should look for a lightweight, compact tent that’s easy to carry, and will not take up much space, while still being durable enough to stand up to the elements. If you’re car camping, you can opt for a larger and more rugged tent that takes up more carriage space.

Tent features to consider

Is your tent well ventilated? This will be important if you’re going somewhere hot and humid. How much storage does it offer when it’s set up? Will you have the room for the number of campers in your party? Think about who you’re going with, and what you’ll need the tent to do.

Setting up

It’s always a bonus when your tent has a user friendly design. Make sure you know whose job it is to put up and take down the tent, and that they’re familiar with the procedure before you arrive. If in doubt, practice at home before you set off.

Price and warranty

Have a budget in mind before you buy. Quality will typically cost a bit more, but should not be ruinous, and it is possible to get a decent tent on a budget, so there’s no need to splash out thousands. Before buying, it’s a good idea to read some of the reviews on the tent that you like online, as these are likely to give you an honest and unfiltered steer on build quality and the true value of the product.

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Some other tips

Don’t rush your purchasing decision – narrow down to a shortlist of tent options, and then research and compare what they offer, and how consumers and experts rates these options. It’s also a good idea to visit a store, so that you can see and feel the tent material, to get an idea of look, practicality and quality. Finally, if you have friends who are experienced campers, they will no doubt have a view on what you need, and can help to point you in the right direction. By considering these guidelines, you should be able to procure the right tent, which will enhance your camping adventure!