The Basics: Tents

Buying a tent is sort of like buying a car--there are so many models to choose from. To facilitate your shopping experience, come to the store with a game plan. Have an idea of what kind of camping you'll be doing. Do you need something that's compact and lightweight for a overnight hike into the backcountry? Or do you need a roomy family-camping tent for car camping?

With a sea of choices out there, outdoor manufacturers are sure to have model that fits your needs. They break tents down into three main categories: family, three-season/convertible, and four-season/mountaineering tents. As a general rule of thumb, family camping tents are larger, fitting 4 to 10 people, and are good for moderate weather conditions, since parents don't usually take little ones ice climbing. Look for models that separate the tent into rooms for an easy way to get privacy.

Three-season/convertible tents are general-use tents meant for spring, summer and fall weather conditions. Some can be "converted" into a tent for extreme winter conditions with the use of protective coverings over ventilation windows. Four season/mountaineering tents come in single-wall and double-wall models, with single-wall tents being the lighter of the two. They are meant for cold weather conditions, and the tent is built to withstand wind and radical weather conditions all year long. Four season tents are becoming more popular because of their versatility (they can be used in extreme and fair conditions) and improved ventilation systems.

How to Shop

When you're heading to an outdoor specialty shop to buy a tent, think of one word: simple. Above all else, you want a tent that's going to be easy to assemble when you're out in the middle of nowhere and Mother Nature's howling. The best way to tell if a tent is right for you is to set it up in the store. And, since you may receive some coaching, be sure to set the tent up again in your backyard before heading to the backcountry.

The tent's overall design and its technical features are two factors that affect price. These days, outdoor manufacturers are designing tents with sophisticated designs and ventilation systems meant to keep air circulating, the tent anchored and you more comfortable. For example, four-season/mountaineering tents may feature highly wind-resistant fabrics, larger diameter aluminum poles, lower profiles and more ventilation points--additions that all amount to more money. But you're paying for a structure that really lasts in radical winds and weighs less for the strength it packs.

Also, when shopping for tents, keep in mind accessories that mean spending more money but getting more comfort. Some tents come with attachable options, like attics and pockets, which are great ways to store additional gear. A footprint, which protects the tent's bottom from rugged terrain is also a plus, though you usually have to pay a little extra for that as well.