Camping is a great way to enjoy the great out of doors, explore new places, or just enjoy getting away for a few days when you have a limited budget. Camping is inexpensive and fun if you have the right gear and the most important of all your gear is an outdoor camping tent.
A camping tent provides you protection from the elements and a safe warm place to sleep. It is your home away from home whether you are partaking in a backyard camp out for one night or a month-long trek into the mountains. So understanding, the different types of camping tents and what kind will best meet your needs will help you choose the best one for you and your family.
Seasonal Tents
Most outdoor camping tents are designed to be two, three, or all-season tents. The difference in the tents for various seasons is usually the material used or whether the tent has a single or double-wall and the way the ventilation system is designed for the tent. Most campers choose either three-season or all-season tents no matter what time of the year they plan to do most of their camping as weather can change depending on where you camp. The one thing to look for is that no matter how many seasons the tent is designed for there should be adequate ventilation through windows, skylights, or sleeves to keep the condensation down.
Outdoor Camping Tents By Use
Outdoor camping tents are also designed for different uses. There are backpacking tents, one, two, three, and four-man tents, family tents and expedition tents.
Backpacking tents are usually designed for one, two, and sometimes three people. They are extremely lightweight enabling them to be carried along with the backpack when people are traveling by foot to out of the way places. These are usually basic tents with few extras as their design has to be small and lightweight.
Expedition tents are usually designed for larger numbers of people and in many cases are designed for different seasons. These tents are used as base camps for mountain climbers and for other people who camp in groups for a somewhat longer period of time such as Boy Scout troops and others.
Individual, couple, and family tents are usually set up by the number of people they will hold. These tents are designed for car camping and many have additional features such as pockets to place small items, overhead lofts, attached screen houses, and even electrical outlets so that you can hook up electric lights when camping in a campground that has all the amenities. Many of these tents can be purchased as one-room tents or may have divided rooms for added privacy.
When choosing the right outdoor camping tents for your specific needs it is always wise unless you are planning on backpacking to buy a tent slightly larger than what the manufacturer recommends. This will allow you to sleep a little more comfortably and give you a bit more space if confined during a rainstorm or other poor weather.
Also, look for additional features that will make your camping trip more comfortable such as verandas for storing backpacks and a good rain fly. Choosing a roomy well-ventilated camping tent can make your camping experience all the more enjoyable.