What Type of Tent to Buy?

Trying to decide what type of tent you need can seem confusing. There are many different types of tents on the market, all for various camping trips.

First, know how your tent will be carried. Will you be driving right up to the campsite, hiking, biking or boating? If you’re driving, frame tents are the first choice of many campers. They are usually large enough to walk around in and can feature separate bedrooms, cooking facilities and a living space.

Ridge tents are also a perennial favorite among campers who don’t have to carry their equipment very far. They feature a horizontal post that is held up by two vertical posts, with canvas stretched over all of them. The resulting triangular tent is great for pleasant weather, but isn’t suitable for rain or high winds.

Hiking tents and pop-up tents are great for campers who will be using bikes, boats or sturdy boots to get to their campsite. They are both lightweight, easily collapsible and small enough to carry on one’s back.

If you still aren’t sure what you are looking for, take a trip to your nearest sporting goods store and explain your circumstances to a salesperson. With any luck, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for.

When you do, you’ll be well on your way to a great first camping trip.