This camping tent guide will help you choose the right tent. There are many types of camping tents that you can purchase from cheap ones at your local discount store to rugged tents from an outdoor dealer. There are many in between as well. When you are deciding on purchasing a camping tent, there are a few types that you should consider. The first thing to consider is what kind of weather you will be camping in. If you do a lot of cold and inclement weather camping you will probably not enjoy the 3 season tent. Conversely, if all you do is camp in the summer, you won't need to buy an expensive 4-season tent either.Mostly there are three different types of camping tents. Each one is rated for the time of year and conditions you plan on using it. The following will give you an idea of what kind of tent are available and how to choose the right one for your needs.
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 exception of harsh winter climates.
4-season - built for extreme cold weather climates.
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 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. 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. 3 season camping tents are definitely better for warm to hot weather camping. They give more options for ventilation.
Most people would prefer to buy a cheap camping tent. Everyone has a budget, but cheap tents may not be very waterproof. The camping tent you choose should keep out the 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.
Most camping tents are also rated as far as how many people it can sleep. The rule of thumb is that a one person tent will sleep one person snuggly. A 2-person tent will snuggly fit 2 people and be comfortable for one person and their gear. A 3 person tent will fit two people, plus gear, comfortably. I wouldn't get excited to fit three people in a three person tent. The bottom line is, in general, if the tent says it is rated for a certain amount of people then figure on it being snug for that number of people. And don't count on getting the gear inside either.
Then again it also depends on the weather rating as well. And how much weight you choose to carry. For example, if there are two of you camping, and you are driving to the campsite and will be camping in 60 degree nighttime weather then you can get any 3+ person tent for 3-season. If you are going hiking in 20 degree weather then you will want to split a 4-season tent for two people and maybe split up the weight of the tent gear.
