Main 4 Types Of Tents: How to Choose the Best Tent for Camping?

The Tent is one of the most important pieces of camping gear. The days when building a tent meant staking all corners of the fabric into the ground to make it stable are long gone. Instead, tents are now set up by placing a center post, adding breathable tent fabric over it, and staking the corners into the ground. And you can do it just by purchasing the tent of your choice. 

These days, different styles of tents are shaped with a wide range of features that you can choose from. But choosing from so many different kinds of tents for camping can be hard. To help you narrow down your search, today we are going to discuss 4 types of tents in this article. 

What is the use of a tent?

Tents are called portable shelters. A tent consists of a sturdy frame covered with stretchable material. The tent is usually used for shelter during outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. Tents have a very wide and significant use that has been used in history. Besides using tents for camping many people used to live in tents as home. When wars took place, soldiers used to live in tents. They still do. 

The Red Indians and many other tribal people still live in tents. Tents have evolved a lot since then. Now tents are made with technology. They are more secure. They are mostly used for camping or outdoor living purposes. Many people are choosing tents over houses as they are very cheap. 

Tent prevents you from exposing yourself in the first or any other outdoor spots. Tents give you privacy. You can also use it for resting in the middle of hiking or any event. 

In addition, it protects us from various extreme weather conditions. The tent keeps us dry during the rainy season and keeps us warm in the winter camping when it is cold and windy. We generally use tents as shelter in all kinds of weather conditions, so they’re not only useful in cold weather but also provide protection in any kind of weather. Not only that, even when you are camping, you will need protection from bugs or any kinds of reptiles, only a tent can save you. 

How to Choose the Best Tent for Camping?

If you are new to camping then buying a tent can be overwhelming for you as there are too many choices and you have no experience. This can often lead to poor decisions. But do not worry as we are going to talk about how to choose the best tent for camping. 

Type of camping activity 

Your choice of tent depends largely on your camping activity. If you are a hiker then you will need a tent that is easy to carry around like- backpacking tents. And if you are a car camper or camping outside your car with your family, you will have no problem carrying a large tent as the weight will not be an issue then. 

Tent capacity

Even a beginner knows that buying a tent would depend on how many people will be staying inside it. If you can afford it is better to take a 4-person tent although there are two people. Because as you will have luggage and other belongings inside the tent, it can become crowded. 

Weather condition 

Camping is essentially about exploring and adapting to a number of landscapes and weathers, and that is one of its joys. But still, you should always be aware of the weather condition because it can change at any time. For a first-time camper, you need to know Camping Temperature like Camping 20,30 or 40 degrees.

Maybe you have gone camping on a sunny morning but at night it might rain, also it might get windy. You will need to prepare for that. You can get a full coverage tent to stay safe from the weather, but a tent can not actually protect you from too much harsh weather conditions. You can take a 3 season or 4 season tent for that.

Correct Size 

Well, you must choose the size that feeds your needs well. Some tents have a higher roof and some have lower roofs. If you are a tall person, then a tent with a short height can be a huge problem for you. 

Also, your tent must have enough space for sleeping bags or tent bags to fit perfectly which will give you some comfort in an unknown place. There are many Sizes of Air mattresses that fit 3,4,6 Person Tents many that can accommodate up to 20 people.

Weight 

If you plan on carrying your tent to your camping site, the weight will be a big consideration. However, it won’t matter if you drive your tent to the campsite. Nevertheless, it is better not to overload your vehicle or bring extra weight with you. Because even though you do car camping and camp a little far from your car, it will all depend on your muscle strength to carry a heavy tent. 

So, it is better to keep it as light as possible. There are typically two weights on camping tents. All the gear you normally carry is included in the “maximum weight,” including the tent canopy, poles, guy lines, rainfly, stakes, stuff sack, etc. Meanwhile, “Minimum weight” includes everything except the, lines, stuff sack, and stakes

Design 

Well, you need to like the design of the house you live in, as such you need to like your tent design too, there are some tents which do not need much effort to set up. 

As a beginner, you should definitely prioritize the ease of use while buying a tent. Because if you buy a tent but then can not set it up on the camping spot you will be in huge trouble. 

Budget 

You might like a tent but that does not fit your budget, and you will have to come back empty-handed then. You should determine what are the best options available within your budget and choose a tent accordingly. 

Main 4 types of Tents

There are many different types of tents to choose from. But there are main 4 types of tents which are vital. The others are just classifications that are diverted from them. You will become an expert at camping in tents if you know how to use them correctly. So, the main 4 types of tents and their description are given below: 

1. Walled Tent

A walled tent is made up of nylon and polyester, two powerful materials. The tent features wall-type windows which makes it look like a house wall. With its extra space for sleeping, this tent can accommodate many people. Besides protecting you from wind and rain, this tent will also protect you from cold weather. With this kind of tent, you can open the windows to quickly ventilate your tent.

A wall tent, also familiar as an outfitter, safari, or sheep herder tent is a type of tent that has four straight vertical walls that provide more headroom than traditional pyramid-shaped tents.
Wall tents are suitable as a four-season tent, as they are able to accommodate a wood stove. Wall Tents are lightweight yet sturdy, easy to carry.

2. Dome Tent

In a dome tent, the interior space is usually extra-large, so you can move around easily without exerting any effort. The tent is freestanding, making it easy for beginners to use. There are two strong and flexible poles in a dome tent. The poles cross each other at the top of the dome. This tent also has moorings on each corner. When problems occur, the tent’s poles bend, giving it greater stability. Dome tent perfect for 1 person camping.

3. Pyramid Tent 

Tents using a pyramid shape have a single pole that supports the tent’s middle, with the fabric pulled out and nailed into place along the sides. Pyramid tents are small types of tents. Since the center pole can get in the way this is not recommended or liked by most capers. 

4. A-frame Tent

They are formed into a triangle or Letter-A shape and tend to be held up by poles on both ends. These are the oldest types of tent. Two people can sleep in them. These tents have little air space because the sides slope inward. However, their floor space is sufficient. Tents of this type are generally inexpensive, but they are slowly losing their appeal as the popularity of modern tents are growing. 

4 Types of Tents BSA

Before you buy tents apart from buying according to the size, weight and design, you can also check out the tents that are approved and suggested by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). You can find the following excellent 4 Types Of Tents BSA, which are suitable for safe scouting.

1. Dome Tent

Dome shape tents are typically large and have more room inside them for you to move about while remaining comfortable inside. Dome tents have very flexible poles that stay crossed with each other to hold the tent. But they need to be set up correctly and it might be a little tricky. Dome tents have enough space for accommodating 4 people inside it. 

2. A Frame/Ridge Tent

In addition to the rainfly, mosquito net, and waterproof floor, A-frame tents resemble the letter A. In order to keep you dry during rainy weather, the tent is shaped in such a manner that sheds water. Today, ridge tents consist of waterproof nylon and polyester poles and are supported by aluminum poles. Two people can comfortably sleep in this type of tent.

3. Wall Tents

Wall tents are made with polyester and nylon. They are mimics of walls that can protect you from the wind and cold weather. Those erect pillars of the wall tent contain two vertical pole that hold it up. It can accommodate many people at once so it is best for large families when they go for a long camping trip. Wall tents are perfect for hammock camping.

4. Breathable Tents

If you are going camping in the rainy season then you can take breathable tents with you. This tent will save you from the rain. By using this tent, you will not have to carry a rainfly. Also, it is very lightweight and durable. 

Types of Tents for Camping

Over the past few decades, tent design has advanced significantly. The market has a wide range of tent types. Different types of tents are better suited to different types of camping, so it is important to know about these different types. Summertime is the most popular season for camping because the weather is typically warm and dry.

The 10 main types of camping tents and their usage are discussed below: 

Frame Tents 

Frame tents are shaped like the letter A. They are very traditional tents used for camping. But now they are hardly used for being one-walled as they can not provide enough protection. Also, it feels very congested inside these types of tents. 

Dome Tents

The dome tent has a lot of space inside so it is popular for accommodating a large group of people at one time. Also, it is very easy to set up. But they are very heavy to carry by foot, so they are mainly used in car camping. 

Pop up Tents

Pop-up tents are most popular among beginners as these tents do not need much effort to set up. They can be built instantly. 

Geodesic and semi-geodesic Tents

The poles of a geodesic tent cross each other. This structure is very stable. Four people can be accommodated at once. Then again, it is very hard to move them. 

Instant or quick-pitch Tents

The instant tent has a coiled, spring-loaded frame permanently fixed to its fabric. As the tent is twisted, the frame forms into a tent. It is also a popular tent among beginners as you do not have to be an expert to use it and set it up. 

Knuckled-jointed

Knuckle jointed tents are also very easy to set up. In this system, a spring-loaded joint or knuckle provides the movement. They can either hold the pole straight or break it. 

Inflatable Tents

The inflatable tube tent market has seen drastic growth in the past few years. But no expert will use it as it is quite heavy and it is pricey as well. They are popular because of their easy setups. 

Tunnel Tents

Tunnel tents have lots of headroom and are shaped like a tunnel to provide multi-room tents and space. It has the ability to protect you from bad weather. 

Large family Tent  

Large family tents are specially made for large families who go camping. This tent is designed by enlarging small tent shapes so they can accommodate big families.

Tepee Tents

Teepee tents are popular for their lightweight. But they have very limited space as their roof is high but narrow. This is mainly used for events to give an aesthetically pleasing look.

Related: What size tarp do I need!

Types of Tents for Events

People are increasingly choosing to hold their events outdoors for more fun and more beautiful pictures, so tents are also essential for such events. These occasions may include birthday or anniversary celebrations and corporate gatherings. Types of tents for events are given below: 

Frame Tents

A-frame tent is distinguished by the boxy shape of its roof structure. As a result, there are no interior poles on the roof, but instead, they are held together by frames that interconnect. The height of the tent’s roof can also be adjusted easily.

Pole Tents

It is typical to pitch pole tents on grassy terrains since tent stakes are needed to stabilize the tent structure. These tents are available in both small and large sizes and are ideal for small gatherings and events such as barbeques.

Sailcloth Tents

A sailcloth tent has an elegant look and can add to the ambiance you would like with its ability to let light in. With sailcloth tents, you do not have to worry about rain or wind ruining your event.

Types of Tents for Weddings

Summertime is the perfect time for outdoor weddings! These short-lived sunny spells and temperatures allow you to soak in the sun while it lasts and it can be celebrated the best with summer weddings that are held outdoors and the whole wedding crew are living in tenets. 

The wedding tents can be the same as event tents, but there are also tents like- Marquee Tent, Tropical Style Tent, Teepee Tent, clear tent and yurt tent types you can use for weddings.

Conclusion

The tent has the solution to every kind of outdoor event, whether it’s for camping, wedding, or corporate events. The variety of tents make the events more enjoyable as you can choose according to your needs and design.

However, it is important to know the right use for every tent to ensure the fullest use of tents.