Tents
No matter where your camping bug takes you, a tent is essential to your outdoor adventure. It will keep you warm and dry and safe from insects and other pests. It will also give you a place to hide while bears ransack your cooler. But not all tents are the same. Each tent has features specific to certain conditions. When making your purchasing decision, you should first determine the type of camping you will most be doing and the time of year you will likely be doing it in.
Tent Construction Types
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Pup Tent (Single-Wall Tent)  - Single-wall tents offer an ultra-light shelter with minimal features.
- They have no rain fly to protect against moisture.
- Vertical sidewalls shed rain and maximize interior space.
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A-Frame/Modified A-Frame - Lightweight construction but with more protection than a pup tent.
- Usually accommodate one to three people.
- A-Frames are fairly simple; modified A-frames may have a few more features, such as a rain fly.
- Both have a rectangular footprint, which is an efficient use of floorspace.
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Dome Tent - Dome tents are aerodynamic and stable.
- They shed wind and all types of precipitation effectively.
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Cabin - Cabin tents are large, heavy, and best for established campgrounds or base camps.
- Usually a square design with high ceilings and vertical walls that can accommodate cots, chairs, and coolers.
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Hoop (Tunnel) - Lightweight, usually under 5 pounds.
- They have a low profile that offers increased weather- resistance and a spacious interior.
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Tents by Season
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Four Season - Four season tents are versatile and can be used year-round, except for harsh winter mountaineering.
- Usually have a skylight window in the rain fly to let in additional light.
- Typically have a four aluminum pole construction.
- Many have a removable vestibule that saves weight.
- Mesh zip-out panels offer ventilation when open and protection when closed.
- The rain fly on an all-season model can be set up by itself, offering a lightweight option.
- Weigh approximately 5-10 pounds.
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Summer Tents - Summer tents are designed for hot climates.
- They're made with thinner material and incorporate mesh features to allow air to circulate.
- A rain fly several inches above the ground provides protection and improves ventilation.
- They incorporate a lightweight, two-pole construction.
- They typically weigh 4 to 8 pounds.
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Winter/Mountaineering Tents - These are the ideal choice if you'll be camping in extreme conditions. Mountaineering tents can withstand harsh cold, snow, ice, and wind.
- The construction should include four or five aluminum poles with optional freestanding construction.
- They should incorporate a full-coverage rain fly.
- Steep sidewalls help this type of tent shed wind and snow.
- They generally weigh 5 to 10 pounds.
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Three Season - A three-season tent is built to withstand light snow, warm climates and a variety of conditions in between.
- They are versatile enough to be used much of the year.
- They usually weigh between 5-10 pounds.
- They have a three-pole, high-strength construction to withstand wind and rain.
- Most incorporate a full-coverage rain fly that extends to the ground.
- Some feature a large area to accommodate gear.
- Some feature skylight window in the rain fly to let in additional light.
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Tent Components
Besides stakes and a bag to transport the tent, there are three basic components of a tent: the poles, body, and rain fly.
- Poles
- These form the support structure and hold the tent up.
- They can be made out of aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber.
- Avoid poles made of solid fiberglass. These are found in cheap tents and can break easily.
- Instead, opt for collapsible tent poles of aluminum, high strength aluminum, carbon fiber or tubular fiberglass, as these materials are more resistant to breakage.
- Body
- The body is typically made of nylon and forms the tent itself.
- Tents come in a variety of materials. Your choice also should depend on how you plan to use the tent.
- Polyester fabrics
- Withstand UV exposure better than nylon.
- These are the best choice for long-term campsites.
- Nylon
- These tents are generally lighter than polyester tents.
- Most tents are made of nylon.
- Ventilation
- Breathable sidewalls and roofs minimize condensation.
- Mesh windows, doors and panels allow air in, while keeping out pests.
- Rain Fly
- This is like an umbrella for your tent.
- It protects the tent's body from the elements, including sun, rain, and snow.
- Occasionally can be used as a tarp or as a very basic ultra-light shelter.
Other Factors
- Weight
- A tent's weight includes tent body, rain fly, poles and carry-sack.
- Hikers appreciate a lightweight and compact tent that is easier to carry.
- Small, ultra-light tents for one or two people can weigh as little as two pounds.
- A three-season tent that can accommodate two or three people will generally weigh between 4-9 pounds.
- A large mountaineering tent might weigh as much as 15 pounds.
- Larger tents, such as dome or cabin styles, are better for families, but can add as much as 20 pounds to your equipment.
- Size
- The size and weight of your tent should be relative to the planned activity, number of people using the tent, and amount of gear you'll be bringing along.
- Keep in mind that the highest number of people that can fit in a tent is an estimate. It is important to try out your tent before you leave on your trip.
- Also remember that those maximums are for people packed in pretty tight. If you want a little more personal space, only put two people in your three-person tent, and so on.
- If you are of above-average dimensions, make sure to get a tent that will accommodate you.
- Finally, don't forget about your gear! A tent with a vestibule is a great solution — you'll want to keep it somewhere close by in case you get a craving for granola in the middle of the night.
- Cost
- Cost is one of the last things you should consider when buying a tent.
- You don't necessarily have to spend hundreds of dollars on your tent, but don't go for the cheapest you can find either.
- Discount tents are that way for a reason — you won't get great performance out of them.
- In addition, some of their components may break easily.
Other Features
- Internal storage pockets inside the tent.
- Steep walls to increase usable interior room, shed precipitation better, and help vent out humidity
- Gear loops inside the tent
- Stake loops made from strong nylon webbing
- Partitions for improved privacy
- One-piece floors to improve the tent's waterproof qualities
- Color
- Some camping enthusiasts feel that the best colors for a tent are natural colors that will blend in, like dark greens and browns.
- Others, along with safety patrols, say that the best color for a tent is a bright color — orange, red, or yellow — that will make you easy to find in case of an emergency.
- In either case, realize that the color of your tent will affect how warm and light it gets inside.
- Dark colors will absorb more light and get warmer, but are darker inside.
- Light colors will allow more light in, but will not warm up in the sun the way a dark color would.
- Many tents come in only one color. Although color is a factor, it should not be the deciding factor — you can always open a vent or put on a sweater.
Hot Tents!
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Mutha Hubba
The Mutha Hubba, from MSR, is a top pick of 2006 from the editors of Backpacker Magazine. The Mutha Hubba sleeps three, is lightweight (depending on your setup, 6 lbs 12 oz to 7 lbs 6 oz.) and is easy to set up -- color-coded pieces take the guesswork out of pitching the tent.
Other neat features: - Can be set up as either a lightweight tarp shelter or as a double-wall tent.
- Rain fly won't drip into the tent; plenty of protection even in bad weather.
- With the rain fly in use, the tent has two vestibules, two entrances, and plenty of space to store all your gear and yourself.
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Eureka N!ergy Tent
The N!ergy Tents from Eureka have something most other tents don't: batteries. Each tent has a very large, rechargeable battery that powers three 12V DC outlets. There are several models in the N!ergy line, which can sleep from 4 to 10 people. Keep in mind that the lightest tent weighs over 15 lbs. -- these are really only for car-camping only. - Pictured is the N!ergy 9, which fits 4-5.
- In addition to the battery, the N!ergy lineup has lot sof other great features, including:
- Gear loft and storage pockets.
- Big mesh windows.
- Skylights and room divider on larger models.
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Top-Sellers
External Links
- Modells -- A simple but detailed guide to the types of tents.
- Freeman River -- From a campground, a more detailed look at a tent's components (canopy, rain fly, poles, etc.).
- Outdoor Places - A longish buying guide; look for the helpful "care" section.
- GearTrends -- Guide highlights are "features to covet" and a list of features "any tent should have."
- ConsumerSearch - A bunch of reviews.
