Camping Tent Buying Guide: How to Buy a Tent
Now that Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner, it is the perfect time to start planning a camping trip. It is a 
great way to spend some time in the fresh air, get some much needed exercise, and have a good time with friends and family that doesn’t involve staring at a TV.
There are a lot of supplies and equipment you will need, but one of the most important decisions you will have to make is what type of tent to bring. And if you don’t have a lot of camping experience, the decision can be overwhelming. Luckily for all you future campers out there, I have put together a quick and informative buying guide that will help you throughout your tent buying experience.
Before you slap down your credit card take some time to consider these questions:
How many people will be camping with you? If you are going to be in the tent by yourself, obviously you do not need as much room as if the tent was going to host a family of four. Tents come in all sizes so don’t splurge for extra real estate if it isn’t necessary. Also consider who is going to be sharing the tent. Each person is different and requires different amounts of space. Cuddling up to your significant other is fine. Being smushed up against three of your smelly friends isn’t.
What type of environment will you be camping in? You may think a tent is a tent, but they are designed with various climates in mind. One thing to take into consideration is what the weather will be like when you’re camping. Camping in the desert in summer is not like camping in the mountains in winter. If there is going to be a lot of sun you are going to want UV protection. If there is going to be a lot of wind you are going to want a tent with multiple tie-downs. If there are going to be a lot of mosquitoes you are going to want full mesh covering to avoid bites. Wherever you plan to be, find out as much as possible about the climate and conditions so you can plan accordingly.
What type of materials is the tent made up of? The quality of materials can be very important and ties into the last question. You are going to want poles that are high strength aluminum, carbon fiber or other sturdy material. The last thing you need is for a gust of wind to snap apart your poles and send your tent flying off into the distance. The type of fabric is equally important because some materials are better at trapping heat or keeping moisture out. Also consider how heavy the tent is. If you plan on doing a lot of hiking you are going to want to keep the weight of your supplies down.
How easy is it to put the tent together? This may seem like a silly question, but a camping trip is supposed to be fun. Who wants to spend hours trying to put together a tent that requires an engineering degree to assemble? The goal should be to put together a stable shelter in as little time as possible. Not only will this free up more time to kick back and relax, it will save you the frustration that can come with not being able to pitch a tent.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when buying a tent. Make sure to take time before your trip to select the tent that fits your needs and you will be able to avoid the headaches of having the wrong tent ruin your next vacation.
