Choosing the right tent is one of the most important factors for having
a pleasant camping experience.
Choosing the right size:
Unless you are backpacking or moutain climbing, it is generally a good idea
to get a tent that is larger than what you need. It is amazing how small a
tent can become when you begin storing your gear in it. Consider how many
campers you have now and how many you may have it the future. For a family
of 4 you may want to consider a 6-8 person tent size.
If you are a backpacker, mountain climber, etc., you will want the minimum
size and weight to fit your needs since you will be carring your tent with
you.
3 And 4 Season Tents
If you are planning on camping in late spring through early fall, a 3 season
tent will fill your needs. Consider a tent with light weight aluminum poles,
reinforced floor, quality rain fly, and durable stitching. Open air netting,
presealed taped seams, and silicone impregnated rain fly should be considered
a plus.
Consider a 4 season tent if you are planning on camping in the winter or harsh
weather conditions. 4 season tents typically have more durable fabric coatings,
and more poles to handle high winds and snow fall. The down side to this is they
tend to be heavier and more expensive.
Camping Conditions
Expect the worst weather conditions. Consider the worst conditions that you
expect to encounter when choosing a tent and choose a tent designed for those
conditions. If you plan to camp in a region where the weather is predictable
and your vechile is nearby, then an inexpensive family tent will probably fit
your needs.
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