“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.”
-Edward Abbey
When it comes to camping, no gear is more iconic than the tent.
Apart from being your nighttime shelter, a camping tent also serves as a place where you can store some of your belongings. All that said, the right camping tent can make all the difference in your outdoor excursion. If you are a seasoned camper, there may have been plenty of instances in the past where you had an experience with a lousy tent. Recalling these memories would probably bring to mind poles snapping in the wind, cramped quarters, wet belongings, and frustrated and exhausted campers. If all of these sound familiar to you, then you ought to be on the lookout for durable, reliable, and sturdy tents.
With so many options available today, choosing one may be overwhelming but fear not, this article is here to help you find the right tent just for you. The best tent is one that should be easy to set up, spacious, and comfortable to sleep in.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A TENT
a.) Versatility
Economically, you would want a tent that should do it all. While others may want a tent for each type of activity, having a tent that covers all sorts of activities is better for your pockets. Tents that fall into this category are great for a myriad of activities that include front-country camping and backcountry trekking.
b.) Space
Before you buy a tent, you need to have an idea of how many people will be sleeping with you inside your tent. Also, if you wish to be able to stand up inside, you should look for tents that are spacious enough to allow you to do so. Generally, it is a good idea to size up with camping tents (get a 4-person tent to sleep 2-3 people). This is because manufacturers tend to overestimate how many people can sleep in them.
c.) Price
Tents are not cheap. Some of the best ones can cost you upwards of Php25000. However, you do not need to spend that much just to have a good and comfortable time camping. Below is a list of camping tents at a variety of price points to ensure that you get the best one that suits your needs and fits your budget.
d.) Ease of Setup
One thing you need to keep in mind when it comes to choosing tents is that larger tents tend to have a more complicated setup process than small tents. However, this does not mean that they are difficult to pitch. That said, it is recommended to practice setting up your tent at home to avoid confusion and frustration once you set it up at the campsite.
e.) Weight or Size
Weight is an unnecessary factor to consider if you are car camping. If you are backpacking, however, the size or weight becomes a paramount consideration. That said, having a tent that does not take up a lot of space and is easy to maneuver is recommended. Even if you are car camping, you will want a lighter or more compact tent if you have a small vehicle. The same goes if your campsite requires you to venture away from your car or have limited storage at home.
BEST CAMPING TENTS OF 2024
1.) Coleman Instant Tent (6-person tent)
The Coleman Instant Cabin is easily a crowd favorite as it allows for quick and easy setups, which allows you to assemble the tent as fast as in a minute. In this way, you can get started on your outdoor adventures right away without being bogged down by the logistics of setting up camp. Another feature that makes this tent great is the WeatherTec system which features patented welded floors and inverted seams, which ensures that you stay dry even if it starts to rain. The 6-person tent easily offers enough room for two queen-sized air beds and comes with integrated storage pockets where you can keep small items organized.
2.) Eureka Space Camp 4
The Eureka Space Camp 4 features a welcoming shelter and a versatile rainfly. It has two generous vestibules to protect your gear in the event of inclement weather, which you can see upon zipping the rainfly down. If you are looking for an affordable, high-quality tent, the Eureka Space Camp 4 is a good option.
3.) Coleman Octagon 98
Some of the Coleman Octagon 98’s features are high ceilings, spacious interiors, and window zippers that tie back like curtains allowing you 360-degree views. It also comes with a “hinged” front door that swings open which makes entry to and exit from the tent convenient. If you are looking for a more affordable version of this tent, you can opt for its less expensive half-fly version.
4.) REI Half Dome SL 2+ & 3+
If you are looking for the convenience of a smaller camping tent for backpacking excursions, the REI Half Dome SL 2+ & 3+ might just be the tent for you. Keep in mind, however, that whole it is still much roomier than average backpacking tents; you would not be able to stand up in this tent as it is not as spacious as bigger camping tents.
