Camping tents come in various types, shapes and sizes. And if you’re a new camper and planning to get one, you’ll be surprised how overwhelming this task can be. Whatever you do, don’t resort to buying just any portable shelter. Base your choice on your favourite camping style instead. Here’s a list to help you decide.
A-Frame Tents for Rainy Weather
If you love solo camping or travelling with your best mate despite the inclement weather, then a good old A-frame or ridge shelter is for you. Its canvas stretches on both sides while being supported by a vertical pole. This form creates two sloping ends that prevent rain from pooling on top. Also, with well-positioned guy lines and tie-outs, ridge camping tents remain stable in bad weather.
The sloped ends, however, mean limited headroom and storage space. And so, this type suits travellers who plan to spend more time outside. If you often camp with the family or a big group, a bell tent is an alternative.
Dome Tents for Tall Campers
Is headroom and lots of storage among your camping priorities? It looks like the spacious dome-shaped shelter is your perfect match. Typically, this type of tent has two flexible poles that intersect on top, creating a high centre point for better mobility. Dome tents also often have the porch area or vestibule space for keeping your shoes and camping gear outside.
Another great thing about a dome home is its mesh top and rainfly. With these two features, this tent can tag along with your summer and rainy camping trips. Some models, like the Coleman Carlsbad 4-Person Dome Tent, even come with sun-blocking technology. Its light walls cannot withstand rough weather, though. But if you are looking for a dome tent fit for winter, check out the GeerTop Toproad 4-Season Dome Tent.
Geodesic Tents for Heavy Wind
Levelled up dome tents, however, include more crisscrossing poles to ensure strength and stability. So, if winter camping and mountaineering are your favourites, consider getting a geodesic dome shelter. It’s the ideal choice for people who want both versatility and comfortable camping.
With additional tent poles, a geodesic home can take time to assemble. And while it is one of the most durable and stable camping tents available, this type is also more expensive.
Cabin Tents for Large Families
Camping is extra fun and adventurous when you are with your clan! So, for your family camping trip, you can all stay in one big cabin tent with lots of extra space. This type is typically a single-room shelter. But there also models that include internal dividers to create individual rooms. Aside from being spacious, a cabin home often has ample headroom, enough for you to stand comfortably inside.
Because of its generous size, however, assembly and packing up can take a while. It’s heavy and bulky, too. A cabin home is not as stable in bad weather either. Still, it’s an excellent option for a large family who’s into casual hanging out and fair-weather camping.
Pop-Up Tents for Backyard Camping
For a family who loves the outdoors but not so keen on spending the night in the wilderness, a pop-up shelter fits the bill. This type has spring-loaded poles, allowing it to pop into shape within seconds. It’s super easy to set up and pack!
The kids will surely love having this in the garden, by the pool area or at music festivals. However, as these are ultra-light tents, pop-ups are not the best when it comes to standing up to strong winds and bad weather. If you love all sorts of camping styles, you might want to get a more versatile shelter.
Rooftop Tents for Road Trips
Put a camping tent and an RV together, and you get a car-top shelter. Others may not find this type appealing as they prefer sleeping on the ground. However, it’s the perfect option for people who travel with their 4WD. Top-heavy cars with a roof rack are also ideal for rooftop camping tents.
As it is above ground, you won’t have to worry about bugs and insects crawling their way inside. Car-top homes also offer convenience to overland adventurers who cannot always find a traditional campsite while travelling. Most rooftop tents, however, are expensive and need to stay on your car roof.
For something more flexible, the hitch-and-pitch concept lets you mount the tent to the back of your vehicle using a trailer receiver. When you’re ready to rest, unfold it and extend its legs. Now, you can still go on a car adventure with a tent that does not involve a slippery ladder!
Swag for Solo Hikers
A swag is your tent-and-mattress roll for the outdoors. This type is easy to assemble and pack. On certain occasions, you can comfortably sleep inside even without a sleeping bag, making it ideal for backpackers and solo hikers.
Although swags are available in various sizes, they can only fit up to two campers. Large-frame individuals may even find them too confining. Their compact size, however, makes swags a quality option when it comes to lightweight camping. This buying guide and review might help you find your ideal swag home.
Backpacking Tents for Multi-Day Hikes
Now, if your ideal camping is spending several days outdoors with lots of hiking, consider adding an ultralight backpacking tent to your buy list. This type can stand up to the elements, yet its compact packed size also makes it easy to carry anywhere. The Naturehike Cloud Up 2-Person Tent, for instance, is a great starter.
The best camping tents are indeed not dependent on the price, brand or type. Manufacturers intentionally created them with varying features to fit the needs of both casual and experienced campers. Hopefully, this comparative article leads you to your perfect home away from home!
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