Selecting The Right Camping Tent

There are a few things that are essential when you are camping – food, water, and shelter. Anything other than that is just a luxury that will make life more comfortable, if you are able to take it with you.

Shelter and water are the most important things – shelter usually comes in the form of a tent, and there are a bewildering array of tents to choose from. The right tent is one that is light enough to carry with you, the right size, and sturdy enough to keep you warm and protected from the elements.

How Many People?

Camping Tents come in many different sizes. If you plan to be camping by yourself, then a small one-man tent should be more than enough – anything else will just weigh you down.

If you are camping with friends or family then you should either take more than one tent, or a tent big enough to accommodate everyone. Many tents have several different sized 'rooms' inside them, so pick one that will give everyone the space and privacy they need.

Security and Shelter

A camping tent is in place to keep you safe from the elements. You may not think that’s necessary but wait until it rains, or it gets too cold. Not only that, but you also must keep yourself protected from bugs. Mosquitoes especially will quickly ruin your camping trip if you don’t keep them at bay. Bug spray will go a long way but your camping tent will keep them away from you while you’re sleeping. And, as anyone who has ever tried to sleep with a mosquito buzzing in their ear will tell you, the night time is the best time for keeping the bugs out. So make sure your camping tent doesn’t have any holes and make sure you secure it tight or else you may find yourself with some unwanted sleeping guests.

You should be able to test out tents at your local camping or survival store. They often have tents set up in a display room so that you can see for yourself how big they are, and how they are arranged. Pick a tent that will let you set everything up comfortably, and give you space to 'live' in it.