How to Buy a Family Camping Tent

Hiking in the woods, canoeing on a bright summer's day and fly-fishing are all activities your kids will remember for a lifetime. Camping is a wonderful way for your family to bond, but it's important to travel properly equipped. Your biggest investment will be your home away from home -- the tent. An outfitters store will be crammed with a wide variety of camping gear, so decide on the type of tent you'd like to purchase before you go shopping.

Instructions

    • 1

      Consider your schedule. Are you primarily warm-weather campers or are you likely to take your kids for an adventure in the middle of a snowstorm? There are several categories of tents designed to house all types of outdoorsmen. Summer or screen tents are lightweight, well ventilated and screened to keep out the bugs. Three-season models will withstand wind and rain, but not snow. Convertible tents can be stripped down for summer or equipped for harsher conditions. Finally, mountaineering tents are designed for the wind and snow of winter.

    • 2

      Visit a store that will allow hands-on practice. A tent may look perfect pictured on the box, but it won't do you much good if you can't figure out how to erect the poles or stretch the fabric. A good outfitter will have an outdoor space where you can practice putting together several different models to find a good fit for your family.

    • 3

      Think about the advantages of weight versus durability. Fiberglass poles will last a long time, but are much heavier than aluminum supports. Nylon is lightweight, but will rip more easily than canvas. If you're planning to hike miles with a tent on your back, a lightweight model may be better for your family. On the other hand, if you'd like the traveling house to accompany your family on many camping trips, heavy, but sturdy materials are preferable.

    • 4

      Consider your space requirements. Some tents have multiple rooms, which your teens may appreciate if they want a break from family time. Others are designed with high ceilings for tall occupants. The packaging will tell you how many people a tent can accommodate, but the number doesn't include storage space. If you camp with a lot of gear, you may want to buy a larger model.

    • 5

      Look at other features. Does the tent come with a full coverage rain fly? Does it include a warranty? Decide which features are essential for your family and invest accordingly.

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