Top 5 Key Factors to Consider Before Buying A Camping Tent

Top 5 Key Factors to Consider Before Buying A Camping Tent - Portal Outdoors

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Looking for the best camping tent? Hundreds of models and types of camping tents on the market offer varying levels of comfort and additional features. Still, choosing from the many options can be difficult if you don't know what to look for when comparing tents. That's why we've put together this handy yet simple guide, so you're fully aware of the factors to consider before buying a camping tent and spending a well-deserved holiday.

Space and Comfort

When we talk about comfort for a tent canvas, we mainly talk about space. A room is considered comfortable if its width is greater than 60 cm. Remember that the bigger the size, the heavier the camping tent will be. We recommend going with the larger size, as you can expand your camping group anytime. However, if you are specific about travel and your group is small, then even a small-sized camp will suit you best.

●Overall Use of Space

The most important thing in preparing to purchase a camping tent is to define its purpose, that is, how we will use it. What matters here is the folding system, i.e., the choice between popular self-folding and traditional tourist tents. The time of year is also important here, as is where we are going.

●Vestibule Space

A tent vestibule is essential camping gear, providing extra space for storing gear and other items. While not all tents have vestibules, they can be a great way to save space, especially if you are camping in a space-restricted area. Vestibules also help to protect your gear from the elements, keeping it dry and safe from wind and rain. When choosing a tent, always check for vestibule space to ensure that you have enough room for all of your gear. A vestibule can make your camping trip more comfortable and enjoyable with a little planning.

●Pockets, Clips, and Storage

If you're planning on camping, you might be wondering what storage options are available for your tent. One option that you might not have considered is a tent storage pocket. Tent storage pockets are designed to be attached to the outside of your tent and come in various sizes to accommodate different items. Some pockets even have clips or loops so you can attach them to other items, like a backpack or a sleeping bag.

In addition to being a convenient way to store items, tent storage pockets can also help to save space in your car or van. If you're tight on space, a storage pocket can be a great way to free up some room. So before you go on your next camping trip, be sure to check out the wide selection of tent storage pockets that are available.

●Height/Headroom

The availability of sufficient headroom is often necessary for a camping tent. Particularly if the camping team consists entirely of tall adults. Thus, the tent's height or headroom is another factor you cannot ignore.

Cabin tents, sometimes called frame tents, are often among the largest tents available and are frequently used for family camping. These tents offer more room than most tent styles, especially near the edges, and are often tall enough for adults to stand. In addition, most models have walls that serve as partitions, which allows this tent to have different "rooms."

●Bed Space

The sleeping bag is the camping accessory that you must always have for a good sleep and a good night. A camping mattress or sleeping bag allows you to rest or sleep in case you intend to camp overnight. Whether in a tent or a cabin, having a suitable sleeping bag is essential. When selecting a camping tent, measure the space available for putting in your mattress or sleeping bag.

Weather Resistance

Another essential point to consider before choosing a model is the quality of the materials. You don't want a tent that breaks and leaks after a few uses. Thus, we recommend you opt for models made with a higher-density fabric material like nylon and polyester. These tents are durable and can easily withstand harsh conditions. There are three main materials:

•Polyester: polyester tents are the cheapest on the market, but also the least insulating and those with a more limited lifespan (less than ten years).

•Polycotton: mid-range, good insulation, able to support you for more than ten years.

•Cotton: the top of the range when it comes to tents. Excellent insulation and impermeability allow it to adapt to all climatic conditions. Material that resists UV rays well and has good longevity (15-20 years).

●Hot and Cold Day Options

Choosing your tent carefully depends on the season you are camping and whether you prefer to camp on a hot or cold day. Some models are indeed only designed to protect only from the cold or just from the heat. According to this criterion, there are three types of tents: 2 seasons, three seasons, and four seasons. 2-season tents are intended only for the summer seasons (spring and summer). Generally made with light fabrics, mosquito nets, and ventilation holes, they are designed to offer maximum comfort when it is hot.

●Rain Fly

The Rain Fly or Raincoat is an extended roof covering that provides additional protection against rain and dew. However, not all models come with these rain covers. Prefer to choose tents equipped with rain covers, as they will be suitable for all seasons. They are made of waterproof material and provide maximum protection against rain for a long time.

●Ventilation

A camping tent with more doors will give you better ventilation and plenty of exit points. It also makes the overall design look elegant and practical. However, with more doors, the cost also increases. So, identify a model based on your budget and your tastes. If you don't like extensive camping, you may even prefer to go with fewer doors or affordable models.

●Poles and Stakes

Almost every camper has broken a pole while pitching a tent. This is annoying because, on the one hand, you cannot fix the camping tent to the ground properly, and on the other hand, you have to buy new tent pegs before each camping trip. The tent pegs supplied with the awning or trekking tent are not always suitable for all surfaces. For example, if you want to pitch your tent on soft ground, you can secure the tent with sand pegs. Knock pegs or screw pegs are suitable for hard or extremely hard surfaces and ground pegs so that the camping tent is stable.

The choice of material is also crucial to ensure the safety and stability of your tent. For example, plastic tent pegs hold up particularly well in grass, sand, pebble or forest soils. On the other hand, aluminum and steel tent pegs are easier to drive into the hard and stony ground. Hence combined with the right tent poles, the camping tent or caravan awning stands stable.

●Guylines

Guylines or Guy ropes are sturdy guy ropes used to secure a camping tent. In addition to tent pegs, you also need sturdy guy ropes to secure your tent securely and optimally on the campsite.

You can securely attach the awning to your vehicle with a rubber tent peg, so you don't have to worry about the awning or sunshade coming loose, even in windy and bad weather. The practical awning sets with impact screw anchors, anchor plates and storm hooks are also suitable for attaching an awning.

A tent cord made of sturdy multi-strand polypropylene gives you a particularly strong grip when securing the camping tent. The tent cord is available in different lengths so that you can flex different awnings or trekking tents. The tents can also be stabilized using elastic and resistant tension rubbers.

Ease of Use

Another factor you need to keep in mind when choosing a tent is how easy it is to use.

Unfortunately, many tents are complicated to set up and take down, which can take valuable time away from your camping experience. If possible, try to pitch the tent you're interested in at the store to see how long it might take.

Fortunately, tent makers realize that people don't want to spend hours setting up and taking down a tent, and many are designing tents faster than ever to set up and take down. Also, some tents are easier to set up and take down than others. For example, two of the easiest types of tents to set up our pop-up tents and inflatable tents.

Durability

Camping in the rain can be a wet and unpleasant experience, but it doesn't have to be. With the right gear, you can stay dry and comfortable even when the weather is less than ideal. One of the most important things to consider when camping in the rain is the durability of your tent.

Make sure that your tent is made with waterproof protection throughout the reasonable lifetime of the tent. This will reduce the need for a footprint and fabric consumption and waste.

In addition, make sure that your tent is properly ventilated to prevent condensation from building up inside. With the right precautions, you can enjoy camping in any weather.

Family Friendliness

Tent size is most often expressed by describing how many people it is intended for. We can find single, double, triple and quadruple tents and larger tents that function like a country cottage. We can easily find large tourist tents that accommodate up to 8 people and provide space for a comfortable rest.

Small tents for two people are ideal for holidays as a couple by the sea. But the larger ones are a delight for large families and groups of friends who wish to enjoy a preserved natural setting and the friendly atmosphere of a campsite.