With so many different types of tents on the market it can be difficult deciphering which tent is the most suitable for your individual needs as if you select the wrong tent for the job you could be in for miserable experience.
By considering the different uses of tents you can quickly discover which type of tent is the right one for you.
Backpacking & Cycle touring If you are carrying all your equipment on your back - or strapped to the frame of your bicycle - comfort and space are probably going to be less important than the weight of the tent you choose.
A tunnel, traverse hoop or three pole semi-geodesic tent that weighs just a couple of kilos will go a long way towards reducing the weight of your packed rucksack or panniers.
It is worth thinking about which tent features are really important to you.
For example, if you plan to spend bad weather days inside your tent, you will want to ensure that the design has a sufficient amount of headroom.
Also make sure that the tent is long enough for you: some tent manufacturers produce ultra-light tents that are only suitable for people under six feet tall.
If you are planning to cycle between campsites, then short pole lengths and a vestibule large enough to cover your bike when it is left unattended will probably be two of the most useful features to look for in your ideal tent.
Mountain & Wilderness If you plan to camp in winter, or in an exposed position, then you're going to need more protection than a lightweight backpacking tent can provide.
Modern mountain tents normally have four poles set in a geodesic pattern in order to withstand strong winds and heavy snowfall.
Traditional A-frame tents are also very strong, but tend to be heavier than geodesic styles.
Because mountain tents are often used in situations where going outside to relax and cook is simply not possible, a tent that sports two entrances can be a really good idea.
You can throw all your kit in one end, and use the other for cooking.
Remember, tents are not flame-proof and can burn down in just a few seconds, so always ensure there is no possibility of a lit stove coming into contact with the tent fabric.
Mountain tents come supplied with plenty of guy lines.
In calm conditions, it is not essential to deploy them.
But in windy weather it is vital that they are pegged out and adjusted in order to ensure that the flysheet remains drum tight and away from the inner tent.
It's also worth sticking reflective tape on the lines so that you can see them at night.
Family & Car Camping By using a car to travel between campsites you can really go to town in terms of space, comfort and style.
The most popular options are a large dome or tunnel tent that has separate sleeping and dining areas.
If you have small children, then it might be worth considering a model that has removable dividers in the sleeping section.
That way, when the little ones get a bit older and want their own space, you can simply pull the curtains down and compartmentalise the tent.
That way, you get some privacy too! It might be tempting to go for the largest tent available, but remember that the bigger the tent, the more room it will take up on a campsite.
Large tents also take more time to pitch than smaller models; something to bear in mind when the kids are tired and it's pouring down with rain.
Tarps & Bivi Bags Sometimes you may not want to carry a tent at all.
For instance, if you are travelling in areas that boast hot, dry conditions then you might need nothing more than a mosquito net and a tree from which to hang it.
In these situations, packing a lightweight tarp and a couple of bungees will allow you to rig up a canopy in the event that an unexpected shower passes overhead.
If you are planning to stay in mountain hostels or tea shops, but want a piece of weatherproof protection in case you get caught out, then why not invest in a lightweight bivi bag? Made from waterproof and breathable materials, these little insurance packages take up about the same room in your pack as a waterproof jacket.
Orange survival bags offer cheap and effective emergency protection from rain, wind and snow.
It's always worth keeping one in the bottom of your rucksack.
If the weather is so bad that rain and wind are entering the survival bag whilst you are sitting in it, tear one corner off the bag, sit down on your packed rucksack, pull the bag over your head and body and tuck the wide opening under your seat and feet.
For the newcomer to camping selecting from the wide range of tents in the market can be confusing.
Armed with this buyer's guide it is also a sensible idea to go and speak to an expert as they can provide you with additional insight and help you make your choice.
By considering the different uses of tents you can quickly discover which type of tent is the right one for you.
Backpacking & Cycle touring If you are carrying all your equipment on your back - or strapped to the frame of your bicycle - comfort and space are probably going to be less important than the weight of the tent you choose.
A tunnel, traverse hoop or three pole semi-geodesic tent that weighs just a couple of kilos will go a long way towards reducing the weight of your packed rucksack or panniers.
It is worth thinking about which tent features are really important to you.
For example, if you plan to spend bad weather days inside your tent, you will want to ensure that the design has a sufficient amount of headroom.
Also make sure that the tent is long enough for you: some tent manufacturers produce ultra-light tents that are only suitable for people under six feet tall.
If you are planning to cycle between campsites, then short pole lengths and a vestibule large enough to cover your bike when it is left unattended will probably be two of the most useful features to look for in your ideal tent.
Mountain & Wilderness If you plan to camp in winter, or in an exposed position, then you're going to need more protection than a lightweight backpacking tent can provide.
Modern mountain tents normally have four poles set in a geodesic pattern in order to withstand strong winds and heavy snowfall.
Traditional A-frame tents are also very strong, but tend to be heavier than geodesic styles.
Because mountain tents are often used in situations where going outside to relax and cook is simply not possible, a tent that sports two entrances can be a really good idea.
You can throw all your kit in one end, and use the other for cooking.
Remember, tents are not flame-proof and can burn down in just a few seconds, so always ensure there is no possibility of a lit stove coming into contact with the tent fabric.
Mountain tents come supplied with plenty of guy lines.
In calm conditions, it is not essential to deploy them.
But in windy weather it is vital that they are pegged out and adjusted in order to ensure that the flysheet remains drum tight and away from the inner tent.
It's also worth sticking reflective tape on the lines so that you can see them at night.
Family & Car Camping By using a car to travel between campsites you can really go to town in terms of space, comfort and style.
The most popular options are a large dome or tunnel tent that has separate sleeping and dining areas.
If you have small children, then it might be worth considering a model that has removable dividers in the sleeping section.
That way, when the little ones get a bit older and want their own space, you can simply pull the curtains down and compartmentalise the tent.
That way, you get some privacy too! It might be tempting to go for the largest tent available, but remember that the bigger the tent, the more room it will take up on a campsite.
Large tents also take more time to pitch than smaller models; something to bear in mind when the kids are tired and it's pouring down with rain.
Tarps & Bivi Bags Sometimes you may not want to carry a tent at all.
For instance, if you are travelling in areas that boast hot, dry conditions then you might need nothing more than a mosquito net and a tree from which to hang it.
In these situations, packing a lightweight tarp and a couple of bungees will allow you to rig up a canopy in the event that an unexpected shower passes overhead.
If you are planning to stay in mountain hostels or tea shops, but want a piece of weatherproof protection in case you get caught out, then why not invest in a lightweight bivi bag? Made from waterproof and breathable materials, these little insurance packages take up about the same room in your pack as a waterproof jacket.
Orange survival bags offer cheap and effective emergency protection from rain, wind and snow.
It's always worth keeping one in the bottom of your rucksack.
If the weather is so bad that rain and wind are entering the survival bag whilst you are sitting in it, tear one corner off the bag, sit down on your packed rucksack, pull the bag over your head and body and tuck the wide opening under your seat and feet.
For the newcomer to camping selecting from the wide range of tents in the market can be confusing.
Armed with this buyer's guide it is also a sensible idea to go and speak to an expert as they can provide you with additional insight and help you make your choice.
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