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