Choosing the right camping tent will depend on the number of people who will be sleeping in it and the conditions in which you'll be camping. Tents can be classified either by their shape or by the weather conditions they're rated to withstand. Purchase a tent that can take the most severe weather you expect to encounter on your camping trip.
Ridge Tents
Ridge tents feature a ridge at the top, in the middle of the roof, with steep slopes on either side. These tents come in all sizes, from lightweight backpacking tents to large family models, though most ridge tents you'll find in department stores will hold only one to three people. Most ridge tents are fairly simple to set up, with a pole at each end and a third pole or a rope stretched between them to support the roof. Guy ropes on the outside keep the tent upright and provide stability.
Dome Tents
Dome-style tents have become the tent most people think of when imagining a family camping trip. The tent fabric, poles, guy ropes and stakes all work together to give dome tents their stability. These tents tend to be lighter weight than other styles, and because they have a low, rounded profile they stand up better to heavy winds.
Frame Tents
Frame tents are usually larger than ridge tents, and are designed for family camping trips. Their construction includes a sturdy frame of interlocking poles to support the canvas. Guy ropes attached to tent stakes provide stability and hold the tent down in the wind. Frame tents feature a more efficient use of ground space, making them the ideal choice for busy campgrounds.
Three-Season Tents
Three-season tents are the most common family camping tents. They are wind and water resistant, but are not designed to withstand snow or other harsh winter conditions. The most common shape for a three-season tent is the dome.
Four-Season Tents
These tents can withstand extreme winter conditions and make a good choice for die-hard backpackers and hikers. Four-season tent construction allows snow to shed off the sides and keep the tent from collapsing under the snow's weight. Four-season tents also feature thicker fabric to provide extra insulation and an added barrier to the wind. The construction of these tents also makes them more durable and able to handle weather conditions that would destroy most three-season tents.
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