What features should one look for or avoid when purchasing a tent?

Answer 1

Never underestimate the value of a spacious tent. If the tent is normally going to be used by 2-3 people, get a 6-8 person tent. (12x8)(13x9) Be sure to purchase a tent you can stand in. You won't be disappointed. Most larger tents take no longer to erect than does a small tent.

Answer 2

Friend while purchasing any pop up tent consider these points before making any decision 1.Consider the purpose: One of the most common mistakes made while purchasing a custom tent is to buy a good looking tent. First decide the purpose. Is it for corporate events? How many people will be using it? How big or small should it be? If the tent is for a wedding or family picnic then you may end up hanging a lamp or drape from the roof of the tent. Search for sturdy tent frames that enable attachements. 2.Limited budget: Another mistake tent users make is to buy a tent on a limited budget. In this situation, many essential parts are sacrificed. A family of four may decide to purchase a smaller tent. Cramped quarters can turn any family camping trip into a wearisome endeavour. 3.Tent material: If you are sure of all weather camping, then purchase a tent which is water proof and resilient to wear and tear. You don’t want water dripping into the tent. 4.Colour: This may sound silly and trivial but choosing a pink tent for a nature camp will only distract everyone. Besides it leads to embarrassing photographs. In the same way, a black tent on a hot day will turn into a hot oven. 5.Setting up: Select a tent that is the least tedious to set up. How many people will be available to set up the tent? A family of four could effectively mean that the tent has to be set up by the father. Take this into account and select a tent that is simple to set up. 6.Weight: Do you have a vehicle or will you be trekking to your location? If it’s a corporate retreat trip then you can’t expect managers and company heads to carry a heavy tent. Search for a tent which is light weight. If the parts can be dismantled and distributed, even better. 7.Testing the tent: Customers are often too shy to ask for a trial. Purchases are made by just looking at the picture or illustration. Since you are spending a considerable amount of money on the tent, it is your right to try it out first. A reputable company will be more than happy to give you a free demonstration. 8.Camping Accessories: there will always be a moment when you face a dilemma - essential accessories that are expensive or cheaper accessories that are merely decorative. A tent supplier may throw in freebies which you may not need. Study carefully and if possible try and get essential accessories instead.

Answer 3

One of the important things is whether or not the main people who will be using and/or sleeping in the tent would be satisfied with it.

For instance, a tent with separate rooms/areas with breathable & in-built mosquito nets at the entrances is far better than one without.

My tent (see direct link below) is amazing since it sleeps 6 people, has three pods, a generous 'living area', a full groundsheet that clips in place and, being over 6ft tall, I can actually stand (or just about) inside it at the middle.

If you're sleeping 4 people then the tent like I have could be advantageous since if it's 2 adults and 2 children, the adults can share a pod and the children get their own. Or if you're sleeping 4 adults (and they are both couples) each can share their own pod and you could use the third pod for changing in and/or storage. Again, if just 2 adults are sleeping in the tent then both adults can have a pod to themselves and then the third pod to change in and/or use as storage space.

However, you did not specify what sort of use any tent that you plan to purchase would be subjected to nor did you specify how many people would be using it and/or sleeping in it and so the features you require do really depend on these things.

If you would care to elaborate I could help you (for free) in finding a suitable tent to purchase.

One thing to may be look out for is the tent's brand since the bigger/well know the brand -- the higher the quality is likely to be.

Feel free to contact me should you wish to take up my offer of help and/or to let me know if you've updated your question with extra information.

Answer 4

I just bought a tent
I wanted an entrance way fly, that stay out in front so if it rains it is like a small over head that helps stop the rain from coming in.
another thing I wanted was another piece of the tent that goes above and over the actual tent itself, this does a few things, one keeps the actual tent cooler because the sun does not hit the tent, it hits the covering above the tent instead,
also if it rains, the above pieces keeps the rain from hitting the tent itself, ( this does tow things, one helps keep the tent dry, and it helps stop the noise of the ran hitting the actual tent itself)
the tent I got all four walls can be opened up and they have screen on them for hot days or night...
and of course ask about the ease of setting up the tent..I use three fiberglass poles two to hols the tent up, and one for the front doorway...
the ends of the tent also have an over head piece of tent so if it rains, the rain does not hit the windows...because of the little roof like pieces above the windows...
ask the place your buying the tent from a lot of questions.
good luck
smile
have fun

Answer 5

It all depends what you are going to use it for. If you plan on climbing Everest then it probably wouldn't be wise buying a £15.99 Argos Special...! XD

No, really - mosquito net linings have to be a big plus, pack weight and size - as you don't want to be carrying round the equivalent of a breezeblock all day. Sectioned off areas in the tent so you don't have to sleep with your cooking pots in your face would be good....
Personally if you are just going to do general campsite camping, late Spring, Summer and early Autumn then a domed tent is better than one of those triangular style ones - much more roomy. If you're going in a car then might as well get a decent size tent big enough to walk around in. Whatever make you get, they're always a bit of a pig to put up!

Really, if you want your tent to last more than a Glastonbury weekend don't buy anything for under £100.

But then if you are going to take it to places like Glastonbury then I wouldn't recommend a tent costing more than about £20, as it's going to flood with rivers of mud, and some drunk is only going to fall on it...! :P

Answer 6

Some tents pitch (put up) inner first - so ya get wet while putting the tent up, so either go camping somewhere dry (ie not UK), or buy one that pitches both inner/outer together or outer first. Or do what i do learn to put yer tent up real fast!!

Also never mind the fabric (unles it canvas - then forget it) get
the best possible quality zip that money can buy. Ask in a good camping shop they will help.


If youre backpacking (like i do) get one that less 5kgs (mines 2-3kg) , if youre in a car dont worry about the weight as long as you can lift it out from the car boot! Enjoy.

Answer 7

Look how easy it is to put up. Make sure its waterproof you can buy something that you paint onto the surface to enforce this. Get one with an inner tent to keep bugs and creepy crawlies out. One where there is a seperate space for cooking etc. If you have a family get a biggish one with room to move. If you are backpacking get one easy to carry. Get a list of some good camp sites where you want to visit. Happy camping.

Answer 8

first of all, how much u willing to spend? Yes, money do makes a big deal when choosing a tent.

Most tents are "made in china" these days, or in thailand, vietnam, where cheaper labour is, the manufacture is.

but can still find tents being built partially in western countries.

Back to main topic: different seasons will affect what to look for? and how many u wish to put in the tent? with 4 legged? with bicycles, canoes, kayaks etc?

u got to specific what are your primary needs, like buget, how many persons, what type of seasons, at what type of places(beaches, forsets, jungles, base camps, etc),

email me, will glad to help u with yr desire specifications as different tents are for different purposes.

[e-mail]

Answer 9

Size and weight. How many people do you expect it to sleep. And are you just going to pop it up after unloading it from your car or are you going to back pack with it for miles? The purpose of your tent will determine the features you will want.

Answer 10

Find one tall enough so that you can stand up and change your clothes. Lay a tarp underneath it to keep out moisture.