Planning a camping trip? Here is a list of the different types of tents and their uses in camping
Camping trips are wonderful but can turn miserable with the weather if you do not have the right tent. There is so much to consider when choosing the perfect tent for a camping trip. It is so important to choose a tent that can withstand all weather conditions.
There are so many different styles of tents to choose from. The first thing to consider is the number of people you need to fit into your tent. It is a rule of thumb that you always add 1 extra person to your count so the tent does not get too cramped. This is especially helpful for longer camping trips. For example, if you’re camping with 5 people, consider getting a tent recommended for 6 people. The next thing to consider is the durability of your tent. The most common choice for camping is 3-season tents, designed for mild weather conditions. These are perfect for camping in summer and they have mesh panels for airflow and to keep out insects. If they are pitched properly using a taut rainfly, 3-season tents will keep you dry in the rain. However, they will not withstand a harsh storm or violent wind. A 4-season tent is more durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions such as snow and fierce winds. They have more poles to ensure the tent is sturdier in wind, rain and snow. They also have fewer mesh panels and are made with heavier fabric so that the tent stays warmer in cold weather. These tents are ideal if you plan on camping in cold weather. There are so many types of camping tents on the market it can be overwhelming to choose one that’s perfect for you. Here is a list of some of the basic tents that are available for camping.
Basic Ridge Tent
This tent is the classic old-school camping tent. It has a cross pole called a ridge that goes from one end of the tent to the other laterally and holds up the roof. These tents are basically the typical tent shape you imagine when you think of camping. They are quite stable but the standing room is limited to the centre of the tent were the cross pole is. It’s perfect if you plan on spending lots of time outdoors and just sleeping in your tent. It can become problematic if you have a few people in your tent and it starts raining.
Dome Tent
This tent is dome-shaped which allows for rain and snow to slide to the ground instead of collecting at the top of the tent. Dome tents are stable when they are smaller but tend to lose stability as they get larger.
Geodesic and Semi-geodesic tents
This sounds fancy but it is just a term for a tent that has poles that criss-cross over the surface and intersect to form triangles. This makes the tent more stable. The structure handles all weather conditions much better than any other tent structure. If you plan on camping in areas where wind, rain, hail and snow is common a Geodesic tent is your best choice.
Quick pitch tents
These tents are easy to pitch, essentially you just unleash a spring or throw it up in the air and it pitches itself. Initially, these tents were only suitable for camping in good weather. The tents are now manufactured with much more durability and better fabrics. They can withstand mild rain and wind but are still better left for camping when the sky is blue and there is no fierce wind.
Tunnel Tents
This a very common tent for family camping trips. Flexible poles are used to bind dome-shaped tents into semi-circles and stand them in lines to form a tunnel tent. Many tents can be linked up making it ideal for camping trips with lots of people. It may become a little problematic if too many domes are attached for people in the middle of the tent to make their way out during busy times.
Frame Tents
These traditional tents use a rigid framework made up of stainless steel or aluminium poles. These tents are spacious and offer consistent headroom throughout the tent. It looks like a little house made of poles and fabric. It is also extremely stable when erected. They are much bulkier than flexible pole tents and heavier to carry around.
Hoop Tents
Hoop tents are made of three arched frames. This makes the tent spacious with comfortable standing space. Snow and water also slide of the frame due to the dome shape. These tents are actually very compact and lightweight. They work well in most weather conditions except heavy rainfall, snow and extreme wind.
Single Hoop Tents
These tents are made with a single curved pole and usually not meant for serious camping. It’s small, so it is ideal for 1 or 2 people during a short day trip or a cyclist needing to stay overnight in good weather conditions.
Pyramid Tents
As the name suggests, this is a tent shaped like a pyramid. While this tent looks quaint it is not ideal for long camping trips as there is not much standing room. It may best be suited for 1 or 2 people and will not hold very well in bad weather conditions.
Pop Up Tents
Recently pop up and beach tents have become a popular site at picnic sites and on the beach. While they definitely should not be used for camping, it’s a really good idea to get a beach tent. They are perfect for temporary shelter during the heat, for changing out of your swimwear or to shelter a sleeping baby. These tents typically have a dome shape and simply pop up when released from the outer cover.
Camping is always fun, don’t forget to pack your gas stove, some hand sanitizer, bug spray and plenty of resilience!
