When it comes to choosing a family camping tent, you want to make sure you get the absolute best. As simple as this task may seem, it is a bit difficult, especially considering the different types of tents available out there. The overwhelming variety can confuse new, and even experienced campers when it comes to making an informed decision. If you are one such person, fear not, as the following tips will allow you to choose a tent for you and/or your family and friends to camp with ease and comfort.
1) Determine the Conditions for the Tent Required
Some tents are designed for specific conditions. For this reason, you will notice that summer tents will tend to be lighter, unlike winter tents which are bulky. Similarly, three season tents will stand their ground against winds and rain without fail. And then there are fair weather tents that are meant to be used for those calm and sunny days.
Seeing how many different types of tents there are, it would be wise to determine what conditions you will be camping in. Once that is done, it will be a breeze for you to make an informed decision.
2) Determine ‘Number of People’
Another great way to choose the right tent for your next camping trip is to determine the number of people who will accompany you. Even if you are going alone, there will be times later on when you will camp with your family and/or friends, for which you will need to plan ahead.
Obviously, you don’t want to spend a lot of money on different tents that accommodate a different number of people. Not only will it be a waste of money, but it will take more space at home.
3) Materials and Construction of the Tent
Always pay close attention to what materials were used for the construction of a tent you are interested in.
Tents made out of canvas are waterproof, but they get heavy due to water absorption. However, such tents last longer, even more than nylon tents.
Nylon or polyester tents are mostly waterproof too, but they deteriorate much faster by sunlight. For this reason, you need to check whether such tents’ seams are sealed shut to prevent water from getting in.
Whatever tent you choose, make sure it offers good value for your money, unless you want to end up buying a new tent for every new camping trip you plan to make.
4) Ventilation
If this is your first time camping, you may not realize how horrible it can be to get up in the morning to realize everything in your tent is damp.
Any and all clothing will get wet, and so will your bed due to condensation in the tent. This is precisely why you need to invest in a tent with excellent ventilation. Look for ones with well-placed vents, and keep the rain fly on at all times.
To further minimize condensation, here are a few tips to consider.
5) Weight
If you plan to walk a lot during your camping trip, then it is best you avoid getting large tents that are going to weigh you down. Even if you don’t plan on doing so, it will still be a hassle to get your tent from your car to the campsite.
There are family tents so large that even when packed in their bags, they may not necessarily fit on your car’s roof rack. So do your homework before committing to a purchase.
6) Flooring
If your tent is going to be in constant use, get one that has suitable flooring. The floor has to be durable to protect you from poor weather conditions. At the same time, always use a footprint, since they go under your tent to protect it from wear and tear.
These are just a few of many other tips that can be taken into account while selecting the best canvas bell tent out there. Consider buying from manufacturers that offer warranties on their tents, but also read the fine print too. The last thing you need is for the manufacturer to refuse to cover you because you did not pay attention to things that were not covered under warranty. Hopefully, you have everything you need to make the right purchase on your first try without breaking a sweat.