Tent Buying Guide - How to Buy a Tent

Good knowledge about Tents, Tent Types, characteristics, Tent Materials, and the way Tents can differ from one another are essential to be able to make a good choice. So make sure you read all our other sections on Tents before you head out and select one. After reading those sections, you will be armed with enough basic Tent knowledge to come to the right choice. In this section, get familiar with the different factors to consider when buying a Tent:

Tent Capacity
Determine how many people you are planning to accommodate in your Tent. Ask yourself if it is likely that you will need extra room for your Backpack, storing other equipment, or cooking. If you are going to do this then it might be wise to add one or two persons to your Tent's capacity.

Protection Level & Tent Structure
Determine what level of protection your Tent should offer. If you anticipate use in the worst of conditions then go for a 4-season Tent. For less rough conditions, go for a 3-season or even 2-season type. There are many kinds of Tent structures and determining what type is best for your use depends on the Weather and Temperature Conditions the Tent is going to be used under.

• Windy Conditions
  Look for a sturdy construction built up of a firm skeleton with multiple tie-downs and with an aerodynamically-shaped shell. Hoop, Wedge, and Dome Tents are often found to be the strongest in windy conditions.


• Rainy / Humid Conditions
  
  
  Look for a Tent with a two-pass coating waterproof fly and a bathtub floor that reaches high enough to protect against ground water. Condensation will be a problem so look for splashproof peak vents and good overall ventilation.


• Snowy Conditions
  Go for bright colors like orange and yellow that will make the Tent stand out in the snow. Look for snow flaps and an arrangement of vents that will guarantee ventilation even when the Tent is partially snowed in. Special snow stakes are needed to tie the Tent down.


• Sunny Conditions
  Look for a UV-resistant and light-colored fly cover.


• Insects
  Look for a full mesh canopy that will keep out mosquitoes and other insects.


• Ground Conditions
  The expected ground conditions determine what kind of stakes you will need. For snow, look for special snow stakes. Use T-Stakes for sandy and soft surfaces.

Tent Materials and Judging Tent Quality
The next step would be to judge the quality of the Tents that fulfill your requirements. Judging Tent Materials and Quality is a matter of close inspection, knowing what to look for, and a lot of common sense. Here are some things to look for:

• When it comes to Tent Materials, go for strong Fiberglass or Aluminum-alloy poles. Pre-shaped poles are often sturdier and can better take the bending necessary for setting up the Tent. If you are going for a single-wall Tent then make sure that the fabric used is a waterproof and breathable laminate that offers enough protection for your intended use. Double-wall Tents should have a breathable inner fabric and a waterproof outer shell. When in doubt, ask for the Tent Material Specifications such as PSI and Denier.


• Check the seams with extra care as these are the possible weak and leaking points in your Tent. Double stitching, tape, and fabric coating will give the best possible protection.


• Durable Tent sheets will use ripstop to prevent possible tearing. If you expect rough conditions then look for ripstop fabrics.


• Make sure to check the weight of the Tent. As explained in our Tent Characteristics section, there are various types of Tent weights. Especially if you are going hiking, you will want to minimize the weight of the Tent while still achieving the level of protection that you need. Lightweight and high quality Tents are technical marvels that come at great costs but can last you for a long time.

This is our Hiking Tent Buying Guide. Determine your requirements and get familiar with the essentials of Hiking Tents before purchasing one.

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