What To Look For
The best camping tents are more than just shelters from the elements--they're a camper's home away from home. Tents keep campers comfortable regardless of the weather outside, allowing them to enjoy the great outdoors without being at its mercy. When shopping for the best camping tent, keep an eye out for strong fabrics such as ripstop nylon, copious amounts of venting and mesh to prevent condensation from forming, and a well-designed pole setup to allow the tent to hold up to windy conditions.
Common Pitfalls
Many tents are designed for specialized conditions, and may not be ideal for varied usage. Some winter tents are far too hot for summer use, and lightweight summer tents can't handle harsher weather. For a good all-around tent, look for a three-season tent, which is designed to handle anything from summer weather to wet winters; or four-season tents, which are designed to keep things cool in hot weather, but sturdy enough to handle winter snow.
Where To Buy
REI.com and Altrec.com offer a wide selection of tents from which shoppers can choose, allowing them to sort their searches according to price range, brand, and user reviews, and they frequently offer discounted gear for people who are looking to spend a little less. Additionally, both offer 100 percent satisfaction guarantees and easy return/exchange policies, should your tent not live up to your expectations.
Cost
Tents can vary widely in price depending on their features and intended use, ranging in price from around $100 for a basic setup to well over $400 for a high-end four season tent as of 2010. You can expect to spend $150 to $250 on a decent camping tent, but with a little searching, you can probably find some tents online on clearance for less.
References
- Backpacker: "Editor's Choice Tent"
- Outside: "Gear of the Year: REI Half Dome 2+"
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