Guide to Buying a Camping Tent
October 7, 2008 Outdoors 1 CommentLooking 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. When you are deciding on purchasing a camping tent, there are a few types that you should consider. First, what kind of weather are you going to be camping in? If you do a lot of cold and inclement weather camping you will probably not enjoy the 3 season tent. However, you shouldn’t have to buy an expensive 4 season camping tent if all you do is camp in summer months.
Mostly there are three different types of camping tents. The time of year and conditions the tent can be used is part of the rating for each.
All season - these are typically cabin or family tents that generally do not perform well in harsh winter weather. Generally weight does not matter.
3-season - this type of tent works well for all but the harshest cold weather condition.
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. Though they will cost a lot more, the 4 season tent is able to withstand harsh winter conditions. 4-season tents are typically the lightest, smallest and most expensive, used mainly for high elevation expeditions.
Considerations of what time of year you are camping must be made. Camping in a tent that is built to keep the elements out may not be very comfortable if you mostly camp in the summer. Most decent camping tents have some kind of ventilation but those made made for winter conditions also are made to keep the heat in…not let it out like a summer weighted tent. If you are camping in warm to hot weather you will be comfortable in a 3 season tent. They give more options for ventilation.
Many people are seduced by cheap camping tents. Everyone has a budget, but cheap tents may not be very waterproof. The camping tent you choose should keep out tthe rain while allowing adequate ventilation to flow through.
Camping tents can be purchased that have a water-resistant coating that still allow for 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.
