Tents come in various sizes and depending on the number of people you have camping it's a good idea to select one that is manufactured for 2 or more people. Most tent manufacturers size their home away from home with very little excess room. There is barely enough room for sleeping bags and sleeping supplies. Plus, tents generally don't have much for “other” gear, such as clothes, blankets or shoes.
Basic styles of tents:
(a) An A-Frame is lightweight, freestanding, simple construction with good ventilation. These type tents usually sleep 2 or 3 people.
(B) Dome tents have a tent pole frame and are constructed with lightweight fabric. They are quick and easy to set up and use guide ropes and stakes to stabilize the tent. The inside area of these tents are spacious. Dome tents are also use as truck bed tents. These truck bed tents have good head room and are very convenient.
(C) Tunnel tents have fabric stretched over a series of hoops creating a tunnel. These tents don't have much height and are popular with hikers. They can withstand high winds and inclement weather if staked properly. They are usually for 1 to 3 people.
(D) Frame tents are generally the larger family tent that has multiple rooms for privacy provided by a divider. Screen rooms outside the sleeping area allow extra space for storing gear or extra sleeping area. This type is usually large and utilizes guide ropes to hold the tent during high winds. Because of their size, this type of tent can be bulky and heavy to transport but great for the whole family.
Always consider what type of climate you'll be using your tent in. This will help you to determine which material to use for the tent you purchase. For example, if you're only going to use your tent during the warm weather, you'll want a lightweight tent. If you plan on camping in all weather conditions, you should consider a heavyweight tent that can handle hot weather or snow and freezing temperatures. There are also tents that are made for 3 seasons, and could quite possibly stand up to light snow.
Having a tent with great ventilation is an important factor. Consider the number of mesh doors, windows and/or a mesh top for viewing the night sky. A cover, or rain fly may be needed due to inclement weather. Some tents come with a rain fly around doors and/or windows to protect the inside from getting wet. If you think you'll be camping in wet areas some tents have a tub structure on the flooring which is flooring that continues up the sides of the tent 5″ to 7″ for reinforcement from the weather.
If you're interested in purchasing a tent, do your research to see what amenities you might be interested in so you don't waste your money. Having a pleasant outdoor experience is what camping is all about.
Martin Wynn
