Selecting The Appropriate Tent
What tent is right for me? That's a common question,
one which I asked myself many times before making the correct
decision. Below is some information that should help you choose the
appropriate tent for your needs. The time of year you'll be camping
is one of the primary factors to consider.
Three-season Tents:
- A three-season tent is generally built for warm climates. These
tents are typically capable of withstanding light snow. The basic
rule of thumb is that three-season correlates with Spring, Summer,
and Autumn.
- Three-season tents range from around 4 lbs. to 8lbs which will
vary depending on materials used in their manufacture, and the number of occupants the tent is designed for.
Four-season Tents:
- Four-season tents are often referred to as all-season tents or mountaineering tents in some cases.
- They are designed to withstand harsh winter conditions from heavy snow to high winds.
- Weight ranges from approximately 5lbs to 10lbs.
3 and 4 Season Convertible Tents:
- Convertible Tents are designed for year round use with the same
weather blocking features as the 4 season.
- The difference is convertible tents have removable ventilation
covers for use in warmer months.
- Slightly heavier than your typical 3 season tent.
Another consideration is obviously, how many people will be
using the tent?
- Tents are listed as 1-person(bivy sacks) 2-person, 3-person and
so on.
- If you're looking for a 2-person tent, but like a little extra
space, a 3-person may be more inline with your need for
comfort.
Miscellaneous Considerations
- D-shaped doors now seem to be the standard which improves
accessibility when entering and exiting the tent.
- Look for a tent that comes with a rain fly.
- Hikers generally prefer a more compact tent which is often
referred to as a hoop style tent.
- For family camping, choose a dome or cabin tent rated for the
number of campers utilizing the tent.
Please visit the Gear Shop to browse our selection of tents.
