What do I need to know about buying a camping tent?
I have been shopping for an approximately 10×10 camping tent for car camping (not backpacking). I have looked online at REI, Campmor, EMS, Sierra Trading… and in the store at Walmart and Dick’s Sporting goods. I’ve compared features so I know what’s typically available. I’m trying to find out why there is such a huge variance in prices… what is the value of a $200 tent vs. an $80 one with nearly the same features. (is it the material?) I’m looking for other people’s advice and experiences!
Things like double-layered fabric, sealed seams and ripstop fabric make for a better and more durable tent that will keep you warm & dry. Same goes for aluminum poles and stakes. I think REI gives really good value for the money, especially their campdome series – I have had one for years and it’s still in great shape. They also are very easy to set up. If you plan to use it more than one or two times, a quality tent is worth the money. Sure, you could get the Motel 6 of tents, but I think the Holiday Inn Express is worth a few more dollars. I do not recommend the "Four Seasons" of tents (like Mountain Hardware or North Face) unless you’ve got $$ to burn or plan to use it more than you use your bed.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
A tent with a bottom is better-keeps you dry and the insects and small critters out.
Windows provide ventilation & screens keep bugs out
Look at the zippers -they are the first thing to break in a cheap one.
No tent is water proof get one with a rain fly or buy a seperate one.
The better ones will stay dry inside only if you don’t tuch the tent.
Center height -can you change your clothes without touching the tent and making it drip.
Are stakes needed and are they included?
They are on sale quite often.
References :
February 4th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
answer no.1 is gud… pretty much got it all.
price variance: sum tents are made of more durable materials than others, while sometimes its just branding.
i’ve personally never been car-camping, so i donno much about sum tents.. but i’ve bin backpacking often, so my prefernce is give to lightweight tents that fold easily,quickly and compress a lot and ones that offer best person:weight:size ratios.
make sure you get a tent with a fly and screens!! bugs and weather can make or break a camping trip. i tell u from experience
References :
February 4th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Things like double-layered fabric, sealed seams and ripstop fabric make for a better and more durable tent that will keep you warm & dry. Same goes for aluminum poles and stakes. I think REI gives really good value for the money, especially their campdome series – I have had one for years and it’s still in great shape. They also are very easy to set up. If you plan to use it more than one or two times, a quality tent is worth the money. Sure, you could get the Motel 6 of tents, but I think the Holiday Inn Express is worth a few more dollars. I do not recommend the "Four Seasons" of tents (like Mountain Hardware or North Face) unless you’ve got $$ to burn or plan to use it more than you use your bed.
References :