The Best Camping Tents for Every Guy’s Budget

Peak camping season will be here before you know it. Whether you’re a summer camper who loves to hit the hiking trails or a spring jumpstart camper that’s up to explore somewhere you’ve never been, you’ll need the right essentials. Rations, clothing, boot, and of course, the best camping tent for your needs. Your camping tent could make the difference between a memorable adventure or a disaster you’ll wish you forgot. It’s important to know not all camping tents are made the same. And what you end up buying should be directly influenced by the adventure you are undertaking. We asked an expert to weigh in on what to look for when shopping for the best camping tent for your nature getaway from top camping tent brands. After all, it’s never too early to start preparing for the camping season ahead.

How To Find the Best Camping Tent

There is a lot to consider in your search for the best camping tent for your adventure needs. You’ll want to consider the season, type of adventure (backpacking or campground,) and the number of people using it. Obviously, if you have a family, a one or two-person camping tent just isn’t going to cut it. (Leaving the kids to the elements is never a good look.) Opt for a tent that comfortably fits at least four people.

Aside from the size, there are generally three types of camping tents: three-season, three or four-season, and four-season tents. Three-season tents are cooling, lightweight, and act as a shelter in the spring, summer, or fall with mesh vents for easy, breezy airflow. Three-to-four or four-season tents are a lot more heavy-duty, built to withstand heavy rain and snowfall, and are made with heartier materials and more poles than your standard three-season tent. The grade goes up to five and beyond for more professional outdoor enthusiasts.

Seasoned camper and the manager of BackCountry.com’s Gearheads Mikell Bova gave us his expert advice on how to shop for the best camping tent for your outdoor adventure.

“The most important things to consider are weight, packability, durability, and interior space," says Bova. "I tend to choose a backpacking tent that is middle of the ground weight-wise for increased durability. Be sure to align your checklist with the style of camping you'll be doing the most."

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Cabin Tent or Dome Tent?

There are two main styles of camping tents to familiarize yourself with: cabin-style and dome-style tents. Cabin tents usually have a higher peak point, with almost vertical walls, offering more space to move. These are ideal for campsite camping. Dome tents tend to be a little stronger, made with more poles and to withstand a storm—but sacrifice some living space. They are usually packable and better for backpacking adventures.

When it comes to deciding between a cabin or dome tent, it all depends on what type of camping you're doing, according to Bova.

"If I’m car camping, I like to live in luxury in the woods, so a cabin style tent is essential so I can spread out," says Bova. "I am more concerned with sheer floor space, peak height, and ease of set up. If I’m backpacking, weight is going to be my biggest concern. Since I’ll have to carry everything on my back, you can’t beat the packability of a dome tent. Also, a good vestibule makes it easy to keep your shoes and backpack dry while allowing you to maximize the precious interior space in the tent.”

Bonus features to look out for when shopping for the best camping tents are ample ventilation and multiple doors. Bova explains that two entryways help ventilate the tent, keeping condensation from building on the roof of your tent. Plus, a second door is great for making a quiet exit in the middle of the night when nature calls

With expert advice and lots of time sorting through the variety of tent options on the market, we rounded up the best camping tent to buy this year from tent brands like Coleman and Marmot, all available to buy online now. From the most waterproof tents to the most durable and spacious, there is something for any outdoorsman to make the most of their upcoming adventures.

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