Camping Tents for Every Camper to Enjoy
When planning a camping trip, the possibilities can be endless. There are innumerable sights to see, seasons to experience, and areas to explore. However, no matter what the particular circumstances of a trip are, it is vital that campers are always prepared for any type of weather or terrain. To do this, you must be equipped with the proper camping tent. There are many different types of camping tents, and all campers are sure to find something that suits their individual needs. The trick is to know all about the different types of camping tents before making a purchase.
THE THREE TYPES OF TENTS
In terms of shape, there are three different types of camping tents: ridge tents, dome tents, and frame tents. These tents each feature their own benefits and drawbacks, and different types of tents will suit different camping needs.
Ridge tents are what people generally imagine when picturing a camping tent. They consist of a sloped, triangular roof which then drops down to form straight sides. An even smaller version of the ridge tent is the A-Frame tent, which consists solely of the triangular overhang and a base. Ridge tents come in a variety of different sizes, but are commonly associated with smaller tents suitable for one to three people. Ridge tents are generally light, compact, and easy to assemble. They are ideal for backpackers, explorers, and heavy-duty hikers who do not wish to use their tents for any activities other than sleeping.
Dome tents have a large, rounded top that looks like a portion of a sphere. These are extremely lightweight tents that depend on their design and structure, rather than heavy materials, to anchor themselves to the ground. Dome tents come in a wide variety of sizes. However, due to their rounded shape, much of the space that dome tents require for setup is not usable by the tent’s inhabitants. They can also be rather difficult to assemble for novice campers. Dome tents’ shapes hold up very well to wind, but their lightweight materials make them impractical and possibly dangerous in heavy storms.
Out of all the types of tents, frame tents (also referred to as ‘cabin tents’) are available in the largest sizes. They are capable of housing numerous people and are suitable for family camping trips. You can even park your car inside some of these tents! Frame tents are essentially ‘box’ tents; they consist of durable, weighty poles that form a cube, which holds up an outer covering. In the past, these tents suffered many leaks and constant breakages, but modern advancements have led to many improvements in frame tents’ design. Still, it is not advised to use frame tents in harsh weather or terrain.
THREE SEASON OR FOUR SEASON?
Another factor that one must consider when purchasing a camping tent is the time of year that the tent will be in use. Many novice campers do not realize the importance of purchasing a special tent for long term camping or wintertime camping. Before purchasing a tent, consider whether a three season tent or a four season tent is right for you.
Three season tents are appropriate for shorter camping trips that will not experience any harsh weather. These tents are generally less expensive and easier to carry than four season tents. They are lighter, easier to assemble, and less of a burden to deal with overall. However, three season tents simply cannot handle heavy rain, wind, or snow. They also will not keep campers warm during chilly temperatures.
Four season tents are specifically designed to accommodate campers during rough winters. These tents are heavier than four season tents because they are manufactured to be sturdier and more durable. They are also some of the pricier tents on the market, due to the added technology and higher-end materials that they require. However, campers will always stay safe and warm inside a four season tent. Four season tents are designed to withstand storms without bending or breaking, and come with specialized ‘flood floors’ in case a leak occurs. Additionally, their highly insulated materials will keep the inside of the tent toasty warm. If you expect some rough weather on your camping trip, then a four season tent is certainly worth the extra money.