9 Trusted Tent Types to Take to the Great Outdoors
Wherever you live, there’s most probably a beautiful camping spot near you worth exploring. Before you pick your outdoor home, you need to consider different tent types.
When you find the perfect tent, you get a reliable shelter for your adventures. Tents were the most popular form of camping shelter in 2017. They are popular among men, women, and especially with Millennials. Whether you want a temporary home for an overnight music festival or a trek in the mountains, your tent should meet all your demands.
And meeting your demands is why tent types are so important. There are different tent types for every type of camping trip. The best tent for you depends on your needs.
Contents
WHAT IS A TENT?
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Nomadic people and ancient civilizations used tents as more permanent shelters. Also called a portable shelter, a tent features a sturdy framework. This framework protects users from the elements as well as security from animals, vegetation, and debris.
A tent has different parts. These parts include tent poles, which act like its skeleton. Tent poles consist of lightweight materials that are linked by cords. It also has pegs to keep it the tent securely positioned. Tents can also have storage pockets on the inside. And tents generally have a vent that keeps the air flowing and help manage internal condensation.
WHEN DO YOU USE A TENT?
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Because most tents are light and portable, users can carry it around easily wherever they go. Tents offer a myriad of uses, whether you want to take it backpacking, kayaking, heading to the park, hunting, camping outdoors, or even hanging out with your family in your backyard.
A quality tent can be used in any way you want. There are tents for soldiers in the field. But canopy tents provide functionality and an excellent ambiance for outdoor functions.
FEATURES OF A TENT
When considering different tent types on the market today, you need to keep in mind the various features of tents.
If you don’t want a stuffy tent, choose tent types that offer a window. This feature refers to an opening in the top, side, or door of the tent that provides light, air, and sound passage. Windows are usually made with a mesh material, although there are tents whose windows are completely bare.
The purpose of your tent is to give you a place to sleep. But you can’t do this if your tent’s floor is loaded with your stuff. To help make your tent tidier, get one of the tent types with an organizer.
This feature refers to pockets that function as compartments. Some organizers are built-in, while others are attached using adhesive material. This spot is where you can put items you plan on regularly using, such as matches, soap, flashlights, towels, knives, and even shoes. With an organizer, you can have all your essential things in one place.
Enjoying time in nature is great. But if your camping spot is riddled with bugs and mosquitoes, you can say goodbye to fun camping. An insect shield contains ultra-fine mesh material to repel flies, ticks, and mosquitoes. This way, you can easily keep bugs at bay.
A rainfly is a waterproof outer layer of your tent. This feature can also refer to the hood of your tent that prevents precipitation from entering. A rainfly is an essential thing to have if you want to cut down on dampness and don’t want condensation inside your temporary home.
BENEFITS OF CAMPING WITH A TENT
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Many people prefer to have a tent ready for when they get tired of the city life and want to go on an adventure outdoors. All tent types offer you a way to focus on enjoying being outdoors without dealing with external distractions.
Many people prefer to camp outdoors over other recreational activities. When you’re breathing fresh air, you will immediately feel happier because your body releases serotonin. You will also normalize your blood pressure levels and feel less strained. Once you experience the positive effects of being in nature, you will want to go camping every weekend.
Camping and traveling cost a lot, and a big chunk of your expenses goes to your accommodation. If you want to cut down on your costs, buy a quality tent and stock it with supplies that you need.
CAMPING ACCOMMODATIONS
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Here are some of the most popular camping accommodation choices, together with their key characteristics.
TENT TYPES
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Before you choose a tent, you should consider the various tent types that can cater to your needs. The capacity of these tent types depends on the model.
HOW TO CHOOSE A TENT
When getting a tent, pay attention to its weight. If you will carry it around, choose one that contains lightweight materials. For this, non-freestanding tents that do not require dedicated tent poles would work well. For regular users, it is better to get a freestanding tent, which offers excellent packability.
If you don’t mind carrying additional weight, it’s better to get a larger tent so you’ll have more room to roam around and to store gear.
If you’re a beginner at camping, get a tent that offers easy pitching. This way, you won’t have to worry about spending hours figuring out how to set up your temporary shelter. If you’re camping with friends or family, you could choose more complicated models that require two or more people to set up and store.
Be sure your tent comes with sturdy poles that will keep you secure throughout the day and night. Double-check the zippers and the seams, and ensure that it is rust-proof and double-reinforced.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE SEARCHING
FOR A TENT
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It would be impractical to get a tent that cannot sustain you and your camping needs. For example, think about the season when you plan on using your tent, so you will know what tent season rating to get. If you plan on camping in cold weather, you will need a tent that performs well in harsh conditions.
One of the major factors you should consider is how many people are going to sleep inside the tent. Get one of the tent types that can fit everyone comfortably. Most tents can fit two, four, six, and eight people.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SEARCHING
FOR A TENT
You don’t want to travel with a tent you don’t find appealing. Because of this, pick a tent with a design, pattern, or color that you love. This way, it won’t be an eyesore to you and other campers.
The fabric of your tent has a great impact on its usability, durability, and life span. Depending on your preference, get a tent made of polyester, canvas, cotton, or nylon. Some tents contain specialized fabrics.
HOW TO SET UP A TENT
A beginner may find it intimidating to set up a tent for the first time. But all the tent types are fairly easy to pitch once you get the hang of it.
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First, ensure that you have all the parts and components of your tent ready. When you’ve chosen an ideal spot, set up the foundation. This step includes the protective tarp or groundsheet, which will serve as the base. Then, roll out your tent on top of the base and connect the tent poles flat on the ground.
Bend the poles and slide it through the tent sleeves. Now, it’s ready to be staked into the ground. This step will keep it in place. Once you’re done, attach the rainfly, and you’re all set.
TENT CAMPING TIPS
If you’re a first-time camper, there is a lot you need to know to prevent mishaps. Remember these tips so you can become a happy camper.
Don’t wait until you reach the campground to try out your tent and other gear. If you make this mistake, you might fumble around in pitching your tent. Practice in your backyard or living room, and check the additional features of your tent for safety.
To ensure that you won’t forget anything, make a checklist. This tip will help you stay organized when it comes to your tent and other belongings. You can simply revise your list if you need additional items.
Unless you want a terrible experience, monitor the weather before going on your camping trip. There’s nothing worse than setting up your tent in heavy rain. The main point of camping is to give you a relaxing experience outdoors — so don’t go camping if the weather tells you to stay home.
MAKE YOUR ADVENTURE BETTER WITH A TENT
Armed with knowledge about tent types, you are ready for the great outdoors. So say goodbye to Netflix and chill for the weekend in your tent among nature.
Did we forget any tips on tent types that you know? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below!
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Paul Grove has been passionate about hunting for as long as he can remember. He recalls hunting squirrels with his dad’s trusty Winchester Model 63 as early as age 9. As he grew older, his hunting interests, tactics, and gear have refined. He was also fortunate enough to be born in Wisconsin, thus having unhindered access to some of the nation’s best whitetail deer hunting spots. When he’s not chasing deer or other large to massive game on public lands, he is field-testing various fishing gear in a never-ending quest to find that perfect fishing setup. Is his passion for hunting and fishing innate or acquired? Paul believes that it is more about passing down a family tradition.
