Simply Hiking

Looking to buy a camping tent? Sure, you can go to your discount store and pick up the cheapest tent you can find. But you may be less than satisfied with it when you actually take it out to the field. When you are deciding on purchasing a camping tent, there are a few types that you should consider. First, you have to decide what kind of weather you will be camping in? If you do a lot of cold and inclement weather camping you will probably not enjoy the 3 season tent. Conversely, if all you do is camp in the summer, you won’t need to buy an expensive 4-season tent either.

Mostly there are three different types of camping tents. Each one is rated for the time of year and conditions you plan on using it.

All season - these are typically cabin or family tents that generally do not perform well in harsh winter weather. Weight is generally not an issue.

3 season - this tent works well in most all conditions with the exeption of harsh winter climates.

4-season - built for extreme cold weather climates.

Most camping tents are rated for three seasons which basically mean they are not great for winter camping. The 4-season camping tents are able to withstand the elements year round, but they will cost considerably more. 4 season tent are made for the harshest conditions and are light, small and typically very expensive.

You also have to consider the time of year you are camping. If you mostly camp in the summer you do not want to be inside a tent that is built to keep the elements out. Most decent camping tents have some kind of ventilation but those made made for winter conditions also are made to keep the heat in…not let it out like a summer weighted tent. 3 season camping tents are definitely better for warm to hot weather camping. More options are provided for ventilation.

Many people are seduced by cheap camping tents. Everyone has a budget, but cheap tents may not be very waterproof. Ideally you want a camping tent that does an adequate job of keeping moisture from coming inside the tent but also allows adequate ventilation.

Camping tents can be purchased that have a water-resistant coating that still allow for ventilation. Most camping tents have a waterproof rain fly that attaches to the tent poles and still allows for ventilation. And lastly, many camping tents have floors sewn in to the bottom.