Choosing the best family tent is not a difficult task. Alternatively, it can be turned into a puzzle! It all depends on how you approach it, whether you are clear about what you are searching for and have an idea about how you will mostly use it later.
Now, in a time when the Coronavirus pandemic has prompted us to seek out open spaces and many people have returned to the countryside and outdoors, outdoor activities have become popular. And to that, there are the difficulties associated with travelling across nations, even during the months when the illness was less widespread, and tolerance was higher. So, in all of those top rated camping tents, how do you pick the best one for your needs?
So, to reduce your hassle, I have done an extensive research combine with my own experience and produced a complete buying guide to the prefect family tent. Don’t worry, unlike other guides this one just contains 5 key pointers. Also, to answer your question about “What is the best family tent for camping” we have included our personal favourite articles at the end of this article. So, let’s get started!
The Top Rated Camping Tents
5 Essential Tips to Find The Best Outdoor Tents For Camping
1. Application and Structure of the Tent
Choosing the right tent is important because it will determine how you will be using the tent. For example, whether you will be sleeping in the tent at a campsite or trekking through the wilderness, whether you will be using it in mountainous areas or for climbing, whether you will be carrying it in your backpack or driving it in your car. Before looking at specs, you should be clear on the use or uses that you intend to put it to, and then you may start focusing on other aspects of the product characteristics.
Each tent-type is subdivided into two categories: monolayer and double layer. And the name is logical; the first ones have only one layer of fabric, and the second ones have a double layer or roof, with a waterproof exterior and an inner that is usually made of mesh, which is not waterproof but allows for more airflow and breathability.
The monolayers perspire more heavily, and even though they heat up more quickly because of our own breathing, if the temperature difference between the inside and the outside is significant, you may find that the condensation has caused drops of water to form and that everything is wet in the morning. However, it must be noted that, theoretically, all other things being equal, they tend to weigh less than they should.
Monolayers should be avoided as much as possible unless you are camping in a dry area or are looking for a specialized use of their advantages.
2. Weight and Recommended Use
Even if you must carry it on a long walk, the most important thing is to have a lightweight yet durable product. Aside from that, there is a great deal of variation, as you can buy everything from ultralights that weigh just over half a kilogram (there are few) to heavyweights that weigh more than 50 kilograms.
It doesn’t matter what size you buy because weight is proportional to material and size. Weight is also proportional to design (the igloos normally weigh less than the Canadian ones), to the quality of the material and resistance (the waterproof ones are heavier), and, in many situations, the price is higher too. Please keep in mind that the minimum and maximum weights are occasionally separated. That is, the weight of the canvas itself, as well as the weight of the canvas when it is equipped with pegs, guy lines, and so on. That would be the complete weight, and that is the one that we are most interested in.
Another important detail is knowing what kind of weather you will be experiencing and where you will be using the tent. This depends on factors such as rainfall, temperature, snowfall, whether it is winter or summer, camping, high mountains, and so on. The 2-season ones are typically those that are only used in the summer, are larger and ventilated, are resistant to rain and light wind, whilst the 4 season ones are typically those that will stand more extreme conditions like snowstorm, etc….
3. Roof Waterproofing
Aside from taking into consideration the season, you need consider what is known as the water column, which is the waterproofing of the tent. There are commonly two requirements for roof water columns: roof water column 1 and roof water column 2. Logically, as in the preceding situations, the larger the permeability of the material, under the same conditions of quality of the material, the greater the weight is likely to be. As a result, the price is equally important.
An important feature of recent requirements is that they make certain that the seams are properly sealed to prevent rain from seeping in between the cracks. In addition, the quality of the fabric will be important, however I will limit myself to the material for the time being.
4. Ventilation
As we have said before, it is important to keep the air fresh. Because single-layer tents provide less protection, they are typically poorly ventilated, causing the air to condense inside and causing the user to wake up dripping wet (jacket, clothes, etc). The twin roofs do, in fact, remedy this problem. However, there are certain tents that have better ventilation than others.
It is possible to find tents with several entrance doors, which aid in ventilation (particularly in the summer), tents with ventilation chambers, tents with windows, etc. It is one of the specifications that is of utmost importance to the user depending on the specific use!
The mosquito net, which is normally a double door, allows for better ventilation of the tent during the warm months if the door is kept open without allowing insects to go inside it.
5. Shape and Type of Assembly
It is not a top priority for now, but it has the potential to become one. Tents that remain permanent and others that can be transferred; those that require rods and those that do not; tents that require pegs and others that do not; tents that can be put on concrete… There is a tent for every occasion and every budget. As a result, there are up to four models:
Affixed to the ground or with guy wires: These types of anchors are the most prevalent and best-selling. They are secured to the ground with ropes, which are referred to as guy wires, which pass through pegs, stones, and other similar objects. Even within these tents, there are several versions, some that can be set up quickly, and some that require more effort.
Snapshots: They are automatically mounted by a system; all you must do is take them from the protective cover. The folding process is perhaps the most difficult.
Self-supporting: These structures are referred to as self-supporting since they do not require the usage of ropes to be supported. The structure is self-maintaining, which allows it to adapt to any sort of ground thanks to the system of rods that support it (rock, cement…). Even these can be purchased with or without a fixation for further security.
Inflatables: The construction of inflatables is not supported by flexible rods, but rather by air ducts, which must be inflated for them to function.
From there, you can customize each one to your liking. If you have never put up a tent before, it is better for you to choose an instant set-up or pop-up tent, or an inflatable tent, which will take longer to set up but will be more convenient in the long run. Inevitably, if you enjoy trekking and hiking as well as adventure in general, it is better for you that you become familiar with the basics off setting up your tent.
While experience is important in some circumstances, speed is often more important. Finding a tent that is ready in a matter of minutes is advantageous when the night falls on you. Keep this in mind when making your selection.
Conclusion
So, now that you know how to choose the perfect family tent for camping, you can easily look up for tents based on your requirements. However, if you are searching for “What is the best family tent for camping,” then to make your search easier, you can look at the “7 Best Rated Camping Tents for Families!” which are some of the best sellers! I hope you enjoyed this article, if you think I forgot something or if you simply want to share a story or some advice, please feel free to leave a comment below. Be Safe And Happy Camping.!