How to pick the best tent

An essential piece of equipment, your outdoor camping experience is largely dependent on the quality of your tent. Which is why there is a huge quantity to choose from.

The first and simplest way so as narrow your tent choices is to decide the tent dimension that you require.

Tents are constructed to house a specific number of individuals. A solo backpacker will be looking for a tent that is much smaller than a family of campers that require a roomier tent.

Almost all tents are labeled with description and their capacity which indicates how many individuals the tent can hold comfortably.

Unless you are intent on having a collection of tents in different capacity or sizes, it is wise that you establish the largest number of individuals you believe will sleep in the tent.

If you normally backpack with a companion but this summer is going solo, then it is wise to purchase a “two-person” tent.

Basically, there are four tent components: namely the poles, tent body, rain fly and the tarp which is some kind of footprint or ground cloth to extend your tent’s floor life.

Apart from these basic components, here are some guidelines in choosing the best tent for you:

1. Consider your needs. Know your particular camping requirements, such as where do you mostly go camping, at what season and would you be backpacking? And how many are you. These answers can give you a clear idea of what type of tent you will need.

2. Set your budget. When you allocate a budget before you go looking for a tent, most likely, you will not overspend.

3. Tent weight and size. How many individuals will be sleeping in the tent? The size of your tent will not really matter should you go “car camping”; however, if your intention is backpacking, then consider a “light-weight” tent.

4. Tent features. Today, there tent manufacturers offering a lot of features for their tents.

Mesh panels allow the breeze go in your tent at the same time keep the mosquitoes and bugs out, “shock-corded” tent poles allow speedy setup, waterproof and flame resistant for safety, a rain fly for added rain protection, etc.

Make certain you choose the tent that best caters to all your basic requirements.

5. Make certain that you select a durable fabric tent. It will cost you more money, however this is definitely an area worth it.

6. Select the proper tent color. Inspect how the color of the tent transmits light well into the interior. Certain colors generate a brighter interior, whereas others create a cave-like and dreary ambience.

Take note that light colors are best for summer camping since they tend to be cooler whereas dark colors are able to absorb solar energy so that they are great when camping in cold weather.

7. Check the tent’s coating. Remember that you must see a waterproof and shiny coating inside the floor and rain fly. If this is not visible or you can not feel this on the tent’s fabric, than it is not thick enough to withstand heavy use.

8. Know that your tent needs when camping in the summer are very much different compared to camping in the snow.

Almost all tents available on the market have weather ratings. Make sure that you purchase a tent specifically made for a particular weather condition or season that you will be out camping.

9. Tent manufacturers. Various tent manufacturers have their unique design and name. Some are identified to make inexpensive tents, while others are well recognized to make high quality but expensive tents.

Popular tent makers are Coleman, Wenger, Eddie Bauer and Greatland Tents. Choose a tent manufacturer that has been trusted for years.

While in the forest or wilderness the wrong camping equipment may not kill you, it can send you packing off to a motel and cause you to regret having planned a family campout.

For that well-planned and enjoyable camping vacation, take your time when you purchase your tent.

Remember, it will be your home for a few days. Having the right tent will keep you comfortable and warm especially on rainy and cold nights.