5 tips for choosing the right tent
When you’re off camping preparation is key and taking the wrong tent could turn your camping trip into a not-so-happy adventure. Read our guide to ensure you select the best tent for you and your family. Here is what you need to consider before buying:
Number of people using the tent
Take those recommendations of a “four-man tent” with a grain of salt – they mean four people can snugly fit in it with not much space to move around or for equipment and so on. For a four person family trip, you might be better suited to a six person tent if you’re after some room. So think about what space you need and what you want stored in the tent too.
Easy to pitch
Some tents are seemingly perfect except they take a small army to set up. Before you buy, make sure you find out how easy (or difficult) it is to pitch your tent.
Conditions you will use the tent
There are different tents for different environments. A summer tent will naturally be designed for warm conditions and made with lightweight material. If you’re after a more durable tent that can survive rain and wind, consider a three season tent.
Material of tent
Many of the cheaper tents might say they’re waterproof but turn out not to be as waterproof as you would like when the rain comes down. While canvas tents are waterproof, they become heavy when water is absorbed. Nylon or polyester tents are waterproof too but not as durable as canvas. Check seams and zips of tent as well as quality of pegs and strength of tent poles.
Additional features
If you’re buying a tent to last the distance, it’s worth considering the additional features that would make life easier in the long run such as number of doors (two doors stops people clambering over each other), number of windows (helps ventilation), storage pockets, size of awning and the space to add accessories in the future.
Related links:
4 simple (and delicious) recipes you can cook over a campfire
Pre-trip checklist for caravans and motorhomes
Great destinations for campers