Camping Chat

Looking to buy a camping tent? Sure, you can go to your discount store and pick up the cheapest tent you can find. But you may be less than satisfied with it when you actually take it out to the field. When you are deciding on purchasing a camping tent, there are a few types that you should consider. First, you have to decide what kind of weather you will be camping in? If you do a lot of cold and inclement weather camping you will probably not enjoy the 3 season tent. However, you shouldn’t have to buy an expensive 4 season camping tent if all you do is camp in summer months.

Mostly there are three different types of camping tents. The time of year and conditions the tent can be used is part of the rating for each.

All-season or convertible - these are used year round but despite the name do not perform well in harsh winter weather. Weight is generally not an issue.

3-season - this type of tent works well for all but the harshest cold weather condition.

4-season - built for extreme cold weather climates.

Most camping tents are rated for three seasons which basically mean they are not great for winter camping. Though they will cost a lot more, the 4 season tent is able to withstand harsh winter conditions. 4-season tents are typically the lightest, smallest and most expensive, used mainly for high elevation expeditions.

You also have to consider the time of year you are camping. Camping in a tent that is built to keep the elements out may not be very comfortable if you mostly camp in the summer. All tents have some ventilation but those made for winter conditions are made to keep the heat in…not let it out like a summer weighted tent. 3 season camping tents are definitely better for warm to hot weather camping. More options are provided for ventilation.

Most people would prefer to buy a cheap camping tent. Everyone has a budget, but cheap tents may not be very waterproof. Ideally you want a camping tent that does an adequate job of keeping moisture from coming inside the tent but also allows adequate ventilation.

Camping tents can be purchased that have a water-resistant coating that still allow for ventilation. Most camping tents have a waterproof rain fly that attaches to the tent poles and still allows for ventilation. And lastly, many camping tents have floors sewn in to the bottom.