Let’s Talk Tents – 5 Things To Look For In Camping Tents

You’ll always remember your first camping experience. Rising and retreating with the sun, the sound of zips at all hours, and being at one with nature. All these moments are made possible with the right tent, and you can be sure that an inadequate tent will have you remembering the experience for another reason entirely. From camping connoisseur to tent trainee – how do you find the right one for the job? Here’s our round up of 5 things to look for in your new camping tent.

1. The number of people using the tent

Is camping something that you just share between you and that special someone, or is this a family affair? It’s best to have an understanding of who will be using the camping tents, to save you choosing something completely unsuitable. You’ll get a better understanding of what sort of durability you require from your desired tent when you know your usage requirements. Also take the recommendations of ‘2 man’ or ’4 man’ lightly, as you may find a 4 man tent nice and snug for only 2 of you. Tents are designed to be compact, so check the measurements and mark them against your own.

Do you need a large family tent, or something more lightweight

2. Find the right material

It may surprise you to know that tents are made from a myriad of tent materials to suit just about every climate and function. Keep the seasons in mind when you are looking for your next tent, so you can weigh up the need for ventilation or extra insulation. All tents are waterproof, although cotton and canvas material tents will become very heavy if they remain wet, which could slow down your pack-up time. 3. A set-up and pack-down that will work for you

3. A set-up and pack-down that will work for you

The intricacy of your tent will vary on the model you are after, and your intended purpose. Always ask the question of how long it takes to set up and packdown the tent, and you may even be cheeky enough to ask a sales assistant to show you how it’s done in store. If you are looking for a tent that will work for that one-night concert or quick getaway, an easy to use tent will be the way to go. Another consideration is where you will be pitching your tent – sand, shrubbery, grass or other terrain. Have an understanding of location, so you can work out which tent works best, and how long it’ll take to be erected in that environment.

We love our camping set up-but it’s on the bulky side!

The intricacy of your tent will vary on the model you are after, and your intended purpose. Always ask the question of how long it takes to set up and packdown the tent, and you may even be cheeky enough to ask a sales assistant to show you how it’s done in store. If you are looking for a tent that will work for that one-night concert or quick getaway, an easy to use tent will be the way to go. Another consideration is where you will be pitching your tent – sand, shrubbery, grass or other terrain. Have an understanding of location, so you can work out which tent works best, and how long it’ll take to be erected in that environment.

4. The price you want to spend

Casual campers can secure a tent for a reasonable price that will keep them comfortable for many camping trips to come. Seasoned campers may look for something hardier, with a few more bells and whistles. Be mindful of cheap quality and second-hand tents, as the sole purpose of a tent is supposed to keep you safe from the elements and wilderness – a value not to be skimped on. Those minimal savings won’t be worth it if your tent has a gaping hole. Great for the mosquitos, but less than ideal for you! Look around to find the right price for the tent you’re after.

5. Make sure it’s right for your camping style

The buzz of glamping is still alive and well, and has opened the avenue of camping to a whole new market. It’s worth noting that camping and glamping are worlds apart, so make sure you know which camp you fall in (so to speak). If you are looking to fit out your tent with cooking equipment, a mini bar, or even television – you will need to find something tall and wide. There are tents that are more accommodating to power cords and sectioned spaces, so conceptualise what you ideal camping scenario is and then hone in on the tent that will bring it to life.

There are so many different types of tent available now

Camping allows you to treat the country as your personal backyard, pitching a tent with an impressive view of some of the most incredible scenery in the Southern hemisphere. But before you walk, drive or skip off into the sunset – make sure that you find a tent that will make this camping experience an enjoyable one where you return home in one piece.

This is a collaborative post.