What to Consider When Buying a Camping Tent

Looking to buy a camping tent? Sure, you can go to your discount store and pick up the cheapest tent you can find. But you may be less than satisfied with it when you actually take it out to the field. There are a couple of different types of camping tents that you should consider when you are making your purchase. First, what kind of weather are you going to be camping in? If you plan on camping in cold inclement weather, a 3-season tent is probably not going to cut it. Conversely, if all you do is camp in the summer, you won’t need to buy an expensive 4-season tent either.

There are generally three types of camping tent classifications. Each one is rated for the time of year and conditions you plan on using it.

All-season or convertible - these are used year round but despite the name do not perform well in harsh winter weather. Generally weight does not matter.

3 season - this tent works well in most all conditions with the exeption of harsh winter climates.

4 season - made for comfort in cold climates and inclimate weather.

Most camping tents are rated for three seasons which basically mean they are not great for winter camping. The 4-season camping tents are able to withstand the elements year round, but they will cost considerably more. 4 season tent are made for the harshest conditions and are light, small and typically very expensive.

You also have to consider the time of year you are camping. If you mostly camp in the summer you do not want to be inside a tent that is built to keep the elements out. All tents have some ventilation but those made for winter conditions are made to keep the heat in…not let it out like a summer weighted tent. 3 season camping tents are definitely better for warm to hot weather camping. More options are provided for ventilation.

Many people are seduced by cheap camping tents. It is best to spend as much as you can for a tent as a cheap tent may not be very waterproof. The camping tent you choose should keep out tthe rain while allowing adequate ventilation to flow through.

There are tents that have a water resistant coating which still allow for adequate ventilation. Most camping tents have a waterproof rain fly that attaches to the tent poles and still allows for ventilation. And lastly, many camping tents have floors sewn in to the bottom.

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