One question I often get from people asking me for advice on family camping is how to choose a good camping tent. With so many different types of tents available out there, even an experienced camper can get easily perplexed by the bewildering variety of tents to choose from. Here are some essential tips to consider when choosing your family camping tent.
1. The Size of Your Tent
First and foremost, when choosing a tent you must know how many persons you will need the tent to cater for. You do not want your whole family cramping inside a tent where there is barely enough space for everyone to sleep comfortably. Tents are normally advertised as two, four, six persons and so on. Believe me, when the tent label says two persons, they meant exactly that. Do not try to stuff your gear together in it. If you need to store your gear in the tent, then consider choosing a larger tent size. Also, you'll want to choose a tent with height that is tall enough for you to stand.
2. Location of Your Campsite
You'll need to determine the potential weather conditions at where you are going to camp. Different weather can have different effects on the tents. Windy areas require tents with sturdy poles, stakes and anchor ropes. For rainy spots, choose a tent with a completely waterproof rain fly covering as much as possible. The rain fly will also provide shade for tent in sunny locations. Look for tents with large screened windows on opposite sides of the tent which provides air ventilation in case of heat.
3. Quick and Easy Tent Set Up
Choose a camp that is easy to set up. Tents basically come in four shapes: Umbrella, A-frame, geodesic or "dome" and wall. The umbrella is the most commonly used family camping tent, as it has plenty of standing room, large windows and a rain fly over the top. Some stores are happy to demo the tent setup in store. If not, try setting it up at home. If it's not quick or easy, look for another tent.
4. Tent Material and Poles
For more durable tent, find one which has a good fabric. Most tents are made out of nylon. Coated nylon is used for waterproofing. Better tents use thicker fabric and tougher polyester rainflies. Poles are also important in determining a tent's stability. Fiberglass poles are better for durability while aluminium poles are light but strong. You should also test the zippers to ensure they can open and close freely.
5. Budget for Your Tent
You should know how much you are willing to spend for your tent. In general, higher priced tents are made with stronger fabric, stronger poles, and stronger stitching that can last for many years. However, not everyone needs this strength and durability. If you are just starting out in your family camping adventures, you might want to stick with the least expensive tents. Pick a price range you are comfortable with and stick with it until you find a tent that meets all of your needs - in terms of size, style and price.
Your camping tent is not only your shelter against the elements, but also your sanctuary for spending quality time with your family. Have a great family camping trip.
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