To choose a camping tent, you should take into account some basic characteristics, such as the type of tent, the size according to the number of people, and the season in which you will use it.

Size:

The size of a tent is usually calculated according to the number of people it will accommodate. It is important to know that the necessary space for one person is calculated as 55x185 cm. If a tent is advertised as a two-person tent, it means that it can definitely fit 2 people, but it is not certain that it can also fit your belongings. If you have a car nearby, then you don't need a larger tent. However, if you plan to camp for many days and it's not convenient to have your belongings in the car, then we recommend choosing a 3 or 4-person tent for comfort.

Types:

Igloo 

The Igloo tents are the most common tents. They feature diagonal poles that create the frame of the tent so it can stand, and they also have provisions for stakes to secure it to the ground for greater stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. Most of them are double-layered, with the first layer usually made of some perforated fabric or mesh, while the second is sturdy, durable, and wind-resistant, and sometimes it may have a sunshade lining.

Pop Up 

The pop-up tents have increased in popularity in recent years due to improvements in materials and the convenience they offer for simple use in the summer. Their main advantage is quick and easy setup, even for beginners. However, they have some downsides, such as being made of single-layer fabric and not having much resistance to strong winds. They are usually not very tall, resulting in limited comfort inside, and when folded, they take up a lot of space, making them unsuitable for situations where hiking is required before camping. However, they are an ideal choice for short overnight stays in good weather conditions.

Tunnel 

The tunnel tents are ideal for multi-day stays, especially in organized camping. They have multiple compartments and, due to their design, are suitable for families who prefer a large tent with separate areas. However, they require good anchoring to the ground, as they are affected by winds, particularly if they hit from the side. A significant advantage is that they are very spacious since the side walls are vertical, resulting in a very large usable space inside the tent.

Car 

If you want to take your camping experience to the next level, then you need a car rooftop tent. It is secured to the car rack with 8 or 10 screws, depending on the model, and is quite resistant to winds. The maximum load of the tent differs from the maximum load in motion. In Europe, the maximum allowable weight, in motion, recommended by manufacturers is usually 75 kg. However, the maximum weight for camping is significantly higher (usually over 200 kg) and is always stated by the manufacturers. These tents are considerably more expensive due to their unique construction, but if you choose 3-season or 4-season tents, they are extremely durable in all weather conditions and very stable.

Mountaineering

The mountaineering or geodesic tents have two main characteristics: they are very aerodynamic and extremely lightweight. The poles intersect to create a very stable structure, resistant to strong winds as well as heavy snowfall and rain.

Many geodesic tents are made of a single fabric, but some are so advanced that they are completely waterproof while also being "breathable".

Beach

If you want to go to the beach but are not a fan of umbrellas, a beach tent will be a great solution! It is a tent that is open at the front for easy access, but provides shade and is enclosed around to protect you from the wind and potential sandblasting. It is extremely convenient for the beach and you can find it in a pop-up type or with an automatic mechanism so you won't have to struggle with poles in the hot sun!

Usage Season:

Tents are categorized into summer, 3-season (spring, summer, autumn), 4-season, and winter.

Summer tents should have good ventilation and openings to allow airflow and prevent heat buildup. Higher quality tents offer advanced fabrics that "breathe" and allow moisture and heat to escape from the tent. However, always keep in mind that no tent can remain cool when exposed directly to the sun for long periods. For this reason, try to set up your tent in a naturally shaded area, such as under trees or next to a hill. Don't forget that you can use sunshades for protection from the sun.

3-season tents typically consist of 2 fabrics. The bottom fabric is usually made of simple mesh, while the outer fabric is sturdier and provides coverage, waterproofing, and wind protection. If the tent is set up and secured properly, it becomes resistant even to very strong winds.

4-season tents can be used from winter to summer but not in extreme weather conditions such as snowfall or very low temperatures. The fabrics are usually thicker for protection against the cold in winter but have openings for airflow in summer. Although they sound tempting, the truth is that a tent for all seasons cannot be as effective as a tent designed for a specific season.

Winter tents are usually geodesic and are aimed at mountaineers. Their fabrics are very durable with insulation for the cold, and very good waterproofing for resistance to heavy rain or snowfall. Additionally, their construction is very sturdy to withstand stormy winds.

What does the waterproofing rating indicate in camping tents?

The waterproofing of a tent indicates how much water the outer fabric can repel. It is measured in millimeters (mm) and refers to how many millimeters of vertical water column (and thus pressure) a square centimeter of fabric can withstand without being penetrated by water.

The higher the waterproofing rating, the less breathable the fabric is, and thus the warmer the tent. Common waterproofing values range from 500mm to 10000mm. Theoretically, any fabric with waterproofing >1000mm is considered waterproof. For example, a summer tent may have waterproofing from 500 to 1500mm, while a winter tent has over 3000mm.

Parts

The main parts of a tent are the inner and outer fabric (if available), the poles, the stakes, and the guy lines. 

Many tents have double fabric and their benefits are definitely many more! The inner fabric usually consists of mesh or fabric in specific areas, depending on the season for which it is intended and the infrastructure for the poles to pass through. It is also connected to the base of the tent, which is made of thick durable material, usually tarpaulin, to prevent tearing easily while also protecting against dirt entering the tent. The outer fabric, on the other hand, provides privacy and protection from weather conditions. It can be waterproof (you will see the waterproofing ratings above), but it can also provide sun protection.

The poles form the structure of the tent and support the fabrics. They consist of many smaller rods that are connected to each other with an elastic cord and interlock with one another. They are usually made of fiberglass or aluminum. Aluminum poles are significantly lighter but also more expensive, which is why they are mainly used in mountaineering tents.

The stakes are the metal pegs that are driven into the ground to secure the tent. They come in many different types depending on the ground for which they are intended. For example, you need different stakes for soil and others for snow or sand where the ground is very soft.

The guy lines  are located on the sides of the tent at reinforced points, and their purpose is to stabilize the tent so that the poles do not bend in case of strong winds. We usually tie them to the ground, to stakes or stones, or to trees, thus allowing the outer fabric to remain taut and facilitating the passage of air through the tent.

If this information did not cover your questions, you can also watch the video below to clarify any doubts.

• After learning all the features, now read the guide with the best tents on the market!

• Read more: The list of essentials for camping!