One of the main aspects of camping that often directly influences the experience you have is your tent. Choosing the right shelter can sometimes be difficult, as a lot depends on your personal preferences, requirements, and budget. In addition, important factors are other features of the tent, such as weight, size, and dimension, as well as materials, durability, and purpose (for example, tent for summer camping, all-season tent, etc.).
Today, many different tent models are available in sports stores. Some provide more space inside, others are more weather-resistant, and some may offer a faster and easier installation method, for example, an inflatable tent for camping.
In each case, the features of the tent are determined largely by its shape. However, how do you know which tent shape is best for you? To make the process of choosing a tent model easier, we have compiled a list of the # most common types of camping tents you can find. The more you know, the easier it is to choose.
#1 Backpacking Tent
Such a type of tent is the most popular among hikers and new campers. The key and the only purpose of a backpacking tent is to provide you with shelter for the night. These tents are not usually comfortable enough for spending time inside.
One of the core benefits of backpacking tents is that they are light in weight, small in size, and easy to carry, so you will not be tired while walking. It is also very suitable for camping without a car because it is not heavy and does not take up much space in your bag.
Among the cons of a backpacking tent is that it has very little space, so you will not be able to store a lot of luggage in it. Also, such tents are not strong enough for bad weather, so keep it in mind when planning your camping.
#2 Cabin Tent
Along with the backpacking tents, another common type of shelter is the cabin tent. The main difference is that such a tent has vertical flat walls and high ceilings, so the tent has enough space to stand tall.
One of the pros of such a tent is its spaciousness. That’s why this type of shelter is ideal for camping with a group of friends or your family because everyone has enough space to sleep and store their luggage in a tent.
The cons of cabin type are that such a tent is more suitable for the summer or spring period and does not tolerate harsh weather like strong and rapid gusts of wind.
#3 Dome Tent
Dome tents construction includes two tent poles that are connected in such a way as to form a dome shape. These tents come in a variety of sizes and are ideal for different purposes be it solo travel or camping with friends.
Some of the main pros of dome tents are that they are usually lighter than many other shelter types, as well as their design provides more headroom. Additionally, many dome tents have a vestibule, which gives extra space for storing equipment and luggage.
The cons of dome tents include low stability in strong winds due to the design features of this type of shelter. That’s why you should pay attention to the secure tightening of the tent when going camping in bad weather.
#4 Instant Tent
An instant tent is a more innovative and modern type of shelter, also known as a pop-up tent. In terms of features and appearance, these instant houses can be similar to popular backpacking tents in some cases. However, the main difference is in the way such a tent is set up.
The pop-up mechanism will automatically complete all operations within a few seconds, making it a good choice if you are looking for a convenient shelter for trips in nature. This type of tent is ideal if you don’t want to spend a lot of time learning how to pitch a tent and trying to understand how to make everything properly.
The main con of instant tents is their poor weather protection. Due to this reason, this type of shelter is most often used in summer camping.
#5 Multi-Room Tent
This type of tent is ideal for families with children. Thanks to its design, the multi-room feels more like a home than a tent. This way, you may enjoy separate bedrooms, a lobby, storage for gear, common space, etc.
However, all these amenities affect the size and weight of the tent. That’s why such shelters are usually heavy and bulky. Therefore, it is best to go camping with a multi-room tent if you get to the campground by car.
What’s more, the construction of the tent is more complex and requires some time to set up. So, ensure you have read the instructions before the trip.
Multi-room tents are available in different models, including all-seasoned tents. Thus, such a type of shelter is ideal for camping year-round. The most important aspect is to make sure that the materials are durable and provide good protection.
In Conclusion
Each type of tent has its own advantages, disadvantages, and features. That is why it is always worth determining what type of camping you like best, what is important to you while staying in nature, and what season is preferable for you specifically.
If you are a beginner and don’t know what type of tent to choose, you can always ask for advice from more experienced campers, especially those whose style of travel best matches your plans.
