What kind of tent to buy

Although the name suggests differently, 4-season tents are actually best for one season — winter. Though they can be used all year round, they are designed for cold climates, severe winds, and deep snow.

For this reason, they are not advisable in warm conditions due to extra insulation and less ventilation. They tend to be heavier than other seasons due to the strong fabric used for the tent body and more poles. This can also make them a pricier option than other seasons. However, if you are an avid winter camper, this tent is the one for you. Tent materials vary and may be overlooked by campers as unimportant.

However, the fabric can determine which tent is best suited to you, as it affects insulation, water-resistance and breathability. The most common tent fabrics are:. There are two main advantages of nylon: It is a lightweight, breathable material and it repels water when covered in a waterproof coating such as polyurethane.

It is a reasonably priced option and with the right care and waterproofing is a top choice for backpackers. One disadvantage is that over time, the waterproof coating will wear off and the tent will start to get saturated if caught in heavy rain.

With similarities to nylon, polyester is resistant to water and breathable but proves to be a lot more durable than its counterpart. Another feature is that polyester can withstand sunlight more than nylon, where sun rays can cause fading and deterioration to nylon tents over time. The traditional material used for tents is still an option for those where weight is not an issue.

Canvas is highly durable with excellent breathability, keeping tents cool in summer and warm in colder weather. Weight is definitely their main disadvantage, even more so once the rain hits, making them bulky and heavier. Canvas tents are waterproof but should only be considered by car campers as opposed to backpackers. For a season camper, GORE-Tex is a great option, thanks to its insulating properties and breathability. It is ideal for winter camping and is also highly water-resistant.

The downfall is it is usually a pricier option. Tent poles also come in different materials, affecting the strength and structure of a tent. The varying materials can also have an impact on the overall trail weight. The three main pole materials are:. Price is another very important factor to consider when you want to choose a tent.

Here are a few tips when it comes to tent prices:. For backpackers, tents come in a range of prices. Take into account how often you backpack and consider investing in a higher quality tent if you know you will get your use out of it. Take a look at our backpacking tent reviews for a detailed look at a range of tents in this market. If you rarely camp and are looking for a cheap tent, pop-ups and dome tents are usually the most affordable option.

Depending on size and quality, family tents can be bought cheap at discount stores or you can pay more for a durable, higher quality tent. The more you camp, the more you will probably want to extend the camping experience. Certain tents may have compatible accessories and add-ons to make your camp more comfortable. A little bit of luxury to make your tent a real home away from home, the tent carpet is another great insulator that will keep the warmth inside the tent and prevent the tent floor being colder under foot.

It may seem a little more glamour camping than some people like, but for longer holidays a carpet can certainly make the experience more comfortable.

Love your tent but wish it had just a little more space? No problem. Tent porches are smaller extensions that can be used to store muddy gear or bikes. A windbreak can be used for a variety of things while camping. While the obvious use is to keep the wind out of your camping area, it can also be used to add a little more privacy to your camp. Is there anything more annoying than snapping a tent pole or bending a tent peg?

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Some tents have vestibules at the entry door of the tent. This is an extension of the tent material providing a protective covering outside of the tent.

Think of the vestibule as the covered porch of your tent. They come in handy for storing gear and wet or muddy shoes. Some vestibules on large tents are screened, providing more living space to your tent. Separate vestibules and tent garages that attach to your tent can be purchased for some models.

Tent poles are usually made from either aluminum or fiberglass. Aluminum is lighter and more likely to bend before snapping clean when it breaks. If an aluminum pole does bend a little sometimes you can carefully straighten it.

Fiberglass is heavier, cheaper, and will shatter and splinter when it breaks. Aluminum poles are usually better than fiberglass and come with better quality, more expensive tents. Budget friendly tents often come with fiberglass poles. Replacement poles can be purchased online and from tent manufactures.

If your tent is in otherwise good condition except for a broken pole, consider replacing the broken pole. Your tent should include a set of tent stakes. These stakes may be flimsy and bend when driving them into hard ground. Higher quality tent stakes can be purchased if you need to replace any or if you just want a better stake.

Some backpackers looking to shave weight from their packs will purchase lighter aluminum stakes. Tip : Some tents come with extra stakes. A tent footprint is a piece of protective material that goes under your tent. It will protect your tent floor and can add years to the life of your tent. Some, but not many, tents come with a footprint.

Other manufactures sell footprints for specific tent models. These can be pricey though. An alternative is an inexpensive tarp. These can be folded or cut to fit under the tent. Always be sure the tarp does not extent beyond the tent floor. Water can puddle on the tarp and run under the tent.

Your footprint should be just a little smaller than the tent. Tyvek house wrap is another option. It is lighter and not as bulky as a tarp.

It will need to be cut to fit your tent. I always use a footprint of some sort when I am car camping. When backpacking, I skip the footprint to save weight and room in my backpack. If you do this, be sure to pick up any rocks or sticks that could damage your tent floor before setting it up.

It is hard to say which is the best tent brand. I wrote this post with beginning campers in mind, so I will be spotlighting brands that will enable you to purchase a tent without breaking the bank.

Coleman tents are an example of affordable, quality tents. My brother has used the same Coleman backpacking tent for years. He backpacked Europe with it, has pitched it in over 10 states, and it has withstood high alpine winds and storms. Coleman has been helping people enjoy the outdoors for years. Coleman tents are great tents for beginner campers. They have tents small enough for backpacking though not the lightest , popular dome tents, and spacious cabin tents.

They have also jumped in the market with instant tents and pop up tents. Eureka has been making tents and outdoor gear for over years. Whether you are backpacking alone or car camping with the family, Eureka has a tent for the adventure. The Eureka Solitaire and Midiori are their two most popular backpacking tents. The Copper Canyon is their popular family cabin tent, and they now have a tunnel tent, the X Loft.

Zipped or Velcro curtains are excellent features and some tents even have tinted windows. Ventilation: Many tents feature ventilation points to manage condensation by increasing airflow. A combination of high and low ventilation will maximise comfort.

Doors: Tents with a single door keep weight to a minimum, while larger tents with multiple entrances offer greater practicality for families and groups.

Zipped tent doors usually feature a fine mesh covering to help keep bugs out and aid ventilation. Lantern Hanging Point: A loop or clip in the tent where you can hang your lantern or torch. Some tents include a cable tidy to keep wires tucked away. Storage Pockets: Providing convenient storage for your gear; pockets are common on most tents. Power Access: Zipped entry points are common on family tents, meaning you can run a suitable mains cable into the tent to power any electrical device.

Always use an RCD protected socket or mains kit. At Millets we stock a wide range of essential and luxury tent accessories designed to make your camping experience as enjoyable as possible. Here's just a few things you should consider:. Tent Footprint: A tent footprint will protect your groundsheet from mud, moisture and abrasion. Many tents have footprints designed specifically for their shape and size; although generic versions are available too.

Tent Carpet: Tent carpets feel soft and warm underfoot, bringing home comfort to the campsite. They are commonly used as storage, kitchens and are even a great place to storing muddy gear or bikes. Extensions are designed to fit specific tents. Shelters are also popular with those looking for a covered space to relax from sun or showers.

Windbreak: Ideal for sheltering or enclosing your camping area, windbreaks also can be used to add privacy. A stiff brush or broom can also be useful for getting mud off the underside of your groundsheet or footprint before you pack it away. Caring for outdoor gear is easy when you know how.