| If you are fairly new to the camping experience, | | | | Family tents are big and spacious. It will give your |
| you may not know what type of tent to buy. | | | | family plenty of room. Some also include separate |
| There are a variety of things that you should | | | | sleeping areas for privacy. The main tent area is |
| consider when picking out a camping tent. Tents | | | | of dome or ridge construction. This will be the |
| vary greatly in size, durability, shape, and ease in | | | | separate living area from where you will sleep. If |
| which they can be transported. So before you go | | | | you have children this may be a feature valuable |
| out and buy any old tent, take a few of the | | | | to you. |
| suggestion below into serious consideration. Then | | | | When selecting which tent type is right for you, |
| you will be able to get the tent that you need. | | | | consider the number of people who will be using it. |
| The very basic of any tent's composition is a | | | | All tents will list a recommended number of |
| shelter of canvas or nylon supported by poles. | | | | people. A good rule of thumb would be to add |
| The difference lies in the types of poles; the type | | | | two people to your party and find a tent for that |
| of cloth, the shape and options included, which will | | | | number. Next realize what you will be doing on |
| make each camping tent different. There are | | | | your camping trip. If you are simply going to drive |
| basically five different types of camping tents | | | | there, set up the tent and stay in that spot for |
| available: frame tents, dome tents, geodisic tents, | | | | the duration of the trip, then weight won't matter. |
| expedition and family tents. | | | | On the other hand, if you are going to be hiking |
| The frame tent uses aluminum and steel poles | | | | you will need to carry it on your back. You will |
| with a canvas tent cloth. This is one of the older | | | | want to look for something compact and |
| styles of tents. The newer models have | | | | lightweight. Finally, consider the type of weather |
| incorporated cotton or synthetic fibers for their | | | | you will be camping in. Three season tents work |
| tent cloths. This type of tent is ideal for a family | | | | well in bad weather, but not the harshest weather |
| and makes efficient use of ground space inside | | | | the winter can bring. If you are going to be |
| and out. The frame gives it sturdiness, but it can | | | | camping in extreme conditions, a four-season tent |
| be very difficult to erect. | | | | will be more suitable. |
| Dome tents are one of the most popular types | | | | With some background on the set up, as well as, |
| of camping tents today. It uses fiberglass or | | | | the advantages and disadvantages of the |
| plastic poles that slip through sleeves in the fabric | | | | different types of tents available today, you'll be |
| cloth. It's top is shaped like a dome. Although it | | | | in a better position to pick the appropriate tent |
| makes less efficient use of space, it is very | | | | for your needs. Most tents are able to be |
| lightweight and provides easy set up and collapse. | | | | transported in cars and will be able to be set up in |
| Although fairly stable, in high winds it can be | | | | a 5 to 25 minute time allotment. Remember, you |
| unsteady. So guy lines and stakes are really | | | | want to allow for enough room for you entire |
| important with this type of tent. | | | | party and also want to be dry in different |
| The geodisc tent is a variation of the dome tent. | | | | weather conditions. Tent cloths are sewn |
| Although it is framed and the set up is similar to | | | | together but sealant is applied to keep rain out. |
| the dome, the poles cross and interconnect | | | | Check the sealing. Cost may also be a factor for |
| providing more security and sturdiness. Like the | | | | you. Dome tents are cheaper than the ridge |
| dome, it is lightweight. Because of the more | | | | construction tent. A general store will offer an |
| complicated pole connections, it is more difficult to | | | | affordable tent if you will only be using it |
| set up. | | | | periodically. But if you want the best tent that will |
| Another type of tent is the expedition or touring | | | | last a lifetime, go to a specialty camping store. |
| tents. This type of tent is a combination of the | | | | Consider your options and your situation. An |
| ridge and dome tent. It includes windows and a | | | | informed shopper will have a pleasant camping |
| roomy porch area for shade and shelter. It is | | | | tent buying experience and will be able to make |
| very spacious and is high, allowing for easy | | | | the best choice for their needs. |
| standing. | | | | |