The ideal tent is a must-have attribute; without it, it is impossible to have a good camping trip. Choosing it isn’t easy since any store will have many models available to you. To select the most suitable tent, you need to consider your needs and compare them with the requirements for such products. If you find it challenging to do this work yourself, then start reading our article. In it, we will tell you what to pay attention to and how to make the right choice.
Price
When choosing any product, the main criterion is always its price. The case with tents is no exception. When buying them, you need to determine which price segment models you will consider first immediately. Based on this, you can study the characteristics and features of tents that are typical for products of a specific price. Today, the most popular option is the mid-price segment model. An optimal cost and quality ratio distinguishes them and offers camping trip lovers many additional features.
As an alternative, you should consider premium tents. Although expensive, they will last much longer than any other product. Models in this price category are made of durable, lightweight and wear-resistant materials. They are suitable for absolutely any operating conditions and guarantee users a high level of comfort. In some cases, even inexpensive tents can be used for camping trips. They will be a good option for people who rarely use them. Also, a budget option will be indispensable for people with limited financial capabilities.
Season
The following vital parameter to consider when choosing a tent is the time of year you plan your camping trip. Depending on this, you will be offered 4 of the most popular options for suitable products. The first of these are summer tents. They are made of materials that allow air to pass nicely, making them ideal for hot weather. The second popular option is three-season tents. They are more versatile than summer tents but are still suitable only for late spring to mid-autumn periods. Such products have increased protection from rain and other weather conditions.
The most versatile are all-season tents, which can be adapted anytime through various manipulations. This option is ideal for people who often spend time outdoors and cannot live without a camping trip. The last option is winter tents, suitable exclusively for the cold season. They are made of materials that protect from the wind and eliminate excessive heat loss.
Size and weight
When choosing a tent for a camping trip, you should never forget how many people will use it. Based on this information, you should choose the optimal size of the product. You can find models for 1, 2, 4 or more people on sale. There are also so-called intermediate options, in which manufacturers indicate the number of permissible users with numbers 1+1, 2+1, etc. In this case, you should know that the tent is initially designed for a specific number of people (the first number), but if desired, you can make room a little and add another person (the second number).
The tent’s weight depends on its size and the materials from which it is made. The lightest models will weigh less than 1 kg. Such tents are always single-person and have a tiny size. At the same time, they are ideal for people who have to carry them with them for a long time. The heaviest products can weigh 15-20 kg. They will be the most dimensional, made of dense materials and designed for many people. Of course, there are also many intermediate options on sale, the weight of which varies from 2-3 kg to 10-15 kg.
Awning material
For a camping trip, you can use tents whose awning is made of dozens of different materials. There are so many of them that each manufacturer chooses several product priority options. Today, the most popular models are those with awnings made of polyester or polyamide materials. The former are characterized by high strength and excellent wear resistance. They are not afraid of ultraviolet radiation and do not lose their shape when wet. The main disadvantage of polyester materials is their high cost. Polyamide products are distinguished by their low weight. They always have sufficient strength and wear resistance. However, they do not withstand prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation and lose some properties.
In addition to the material itself, the structure of the fabric plays a huge role. Today, the most popular are three options. Oxford is characterized by the fact that several threads are used to create the material, which are uniquely intertwined. This makes it possible to obtain a denser structure, the only drawback of which is reduced water resistance. The next option is called Tafetta. It is characterized by increased weaving density, which makes it possible to achieve excellent protection from moisture. The only downside is the greater weight of the awning. The third popular option is Rip-stop. It is known that an additional thread of increased strength is woven into the fabric. It makes the awning wear-resistant and capable of withstanding operation in extreme environmental conditions. Its only disadvantage is the high price.
Frame material
An important parameter of any tent is the material from which its frame is made. As in the case of an awning, manufacturers have complete freedom of choice here. Thanks to this, you can find many sale options and choose the one that suits you. The most popular frame material is aluminum. It is lightweight, durable, and can maintain its properties for an extended period. Also, aluminum is not afraid of temperature changes, mechanical impact and operation in extreme conditions. As an alternative, not pure aluminum is often used, but its alloy. This option is even more versatile since including other substances in the material gives the product additional valuable properties.
Another popular material from which tent frames are made is steel. Its different types provide the product with the necessary strength and durability, essential for people who often use a tent. The only drawback of steel is its weight. It is much greater than aluminum and its alloys, which automatically makes the tents heavier. Fiberglass should be highlighted among the budget options. This material is quite fragile, so it is suitable only for those people who rarely use the tent. Also, fiberglass is afraid of low temperatures, so it is advisable to use it only in late spring, summer or early autumn.
Water resistance
An important indicator you should pay attention to is the water resistance of the tent material. Its value determines how well the product will protect against various precipitation, which is one of the main problems of camping trip enthusiasts. When choosing a suitable model, you should look for tents with the highest possible water resistance. The ideal value will be considered an indicator of over 3000 mm Hg. It guarantees good protection even from hefty rain or snow and will not allow moisture to penetrate inside the tent. Water resistance indicators within 2000-3000 mm Hg. are considered acceptable. With them, the tent will protect you from light snow or rain but will not withstand high-intensity precipitation. Values below 2000 mm Hg. are unacceptable for products that will be used in bad weather.
Additional features
When choosing a tent for a camping trip, you must consider the fundamental aspects and critical additional features. Their presence will make this or that model more straightforward and more convenient. One of the main additions is a window. It will make the tent more like a traditional home and will provide an influx of fresh air. An essential option for large models will also be the presence of a second entrance/exit. This will simplify people’s movement and help them achieve a higher comfort.
Various fabric pockets built into the walls of the inner part of the tent will be a helpful addition. Their presence will make it possible to place some personal items, AGM thermals devices, and tourist accessories and get more free space. And, of course, one of the most popular additions is mosquito nets. They are installed on the doors and windows of the tent, thereby making it possible to avoid resting in the company of annoying tiny pests.
Choosing the perfect tent for a camping trip is crucial for everyone who plans to spend a long time in nature. In this case, you must consider several essential criteria and not forget your needs. Only then will you find a suitable model that will provide high comfort and safety?
