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Best tents for families – 8 things to consider

WhistlersFather22

Choosing the best tent for a family camping trip is fun. No – really! Involve the kids, and it will be an adventure in itself.


But with such a wide array of options available on the market, it's easy to get overwhelmed by choices. Here are what we reckon are the 8 key things to keep in mind when choosing a tent for your family:


1. Size and Capacity:

When selecting a tent for your family, consider the size and capacity you will need. Ensure the tent is roomy enough to accommodate all family members comfortably, along with any gear you plan to store inside. Look for tents with multiple rooms or dividers for added privacy and organization.


2. Seasonality and Weather Resistance:

Consider when you will be camping and pick a tent that matches the weather conditions you're likely to experience. Look for tents with proper ventilation for hot summer nights and sturdy construction for protection against wind and rain. A 3-season tent is versatile and suitable for most family camping trips.


3. Ease of Setup:

Try and pick a tent that is really simple to set up, especially if you have children helping out. Go for tents with color-coded poles and user-friendly designs. Quick assembly features like these will make the setup process as easy as can be.


4. Durability and Quality:

Invest in a high-quality tent that is durable and built to last. Look for tents made from sturdy materials – experts recommend the likes of ripstop nylon. Polyester is a good choice too, especially if it has reinforced seams and waterproof coatings. This can ensure longevity and it will offer protection against the elements.


5. Portability and Weight:

Think carefully about the portability and weight of the tent. No one wants a 400 pound leviathan unless it's a complete family reunion that includes third cousins! This is especially true if you plan to hike to your destination. Choose a lightweight tent that is easy to carry and pack – without compromising on space and comfort for your family.


6. Storage and Organization:

Look for tents with ample storage options such as pockets, gear lofts, and vestibules to keep your camping gear organized and easily accessible. Having designated storage spaces can help keep the tent clutter-free and maximize living space.


7. Ventilation and Airflow:

Good ventilation is really important if you want a comfortable camping experience. Pick a tent with mesh panels, windows, and adjustable vents to promote airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent, especially during humid or rainy weather.


8. Budget and Value:

Set a budget for your tent purchase and consider the value you are getting for the price. Compare features, quality, and durability across different tent models to find the best value for your family's camping needs.



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The authors of Best Tent Blog assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. Every camping decision you make is your own and we accept no liability whatsoever.

Best Tent Blog was created over a beer one night when three friends were talking about what, exactly, they so loved about the great outdoors.

 

Mitch, our founder, put down his drink to explain that his own particular fascination with camping tents stemmed from a trip he'd had when he was just 10 years old on a rough strip of grass not far from his best friend's house. In the middle of town.

 

It was the least glamorous introduction to camping that anyone could imagine – five pre-pubescent guys wedged into a three-person tent with just enough floor space to accommodate them and their (limited) camping gear.

Camping tents were fairly unwieldy back then, and Mitch remembers the hellish struggle of trying to haul the fart-infested sack of canvas back to his friend's house.

Other tents of the lightweight variety were for more serious campers, he quickly realised, upon buying a camping magazine from the local news guy a few days later.

"That magazine introduced me to a world of backpacking tents, car camping tents, tent poles, four season tents and a whole lot more," Mitch says. "The ads at the back were full of exciting-looking products that made me want them for no other reason than they looked cool. I was hooked."


 

Fast forward a few years, and Mitch was camping on a small island with his girlfriend when he noticed that she'd inadvertently hitched a pair of boxer shorts out of his backpack and was swinging them around the tent on a pole like an all-conquering flag-waver.

Then there was the time at a sold-out summer rock festival where he attempted to leap over a friend's two person camping tent and fell face-first over a guy rope, hurtling headlong into the tent body.

 

The fact is, we all have stories like this (OK, not exactly like this). Whether you're a serious backpacker who has hiked the Appalachian trail or an occasional weekend camper – tents will have somehow wormed their way into your affection. And your drinking stories.

 

You'll maybe have discussed the intricacies of interior space with a guy in a camping store; exchanged your views on fair weather camping and multi-room family camping tents; you'll have wondered if you could convert the family Nissan for a weekend of car camping.

 

This is the tent-lover's life. And once you're in – you're in.

 

 

As well as wanting to give people an idea about the best tents for their needs – based on reviews from experts and the most-respected websites, such as outsideonline – we wanted to encapsulate that love of camping that affects so many of us.

 

In our blogs, you'll find information about the:

  • Best camping tents

  • Best backpacking tents

  • Budget camping tents

  • Gear storage

  • Waterproof tents

  • Camping trip ideas

  • Tent material

  • Sleeping pads

  • Outdoor gear

 

And more. Whether you're looking for the best tent blog, the best camping blog, the best outdoors blog or – more likely – a two minute distraction from your day job, we've hopefully got you covered.

We have information about what is the best camping tent in different scenarios, the best budget tent, the best overall camping tent and you'll find blogs about fishing, hiking trails, weather resistance and sleeping bags too.

Whether you have one tent and are looking to acquire more, or you already have a six person tent, a backpacking tent and a brace of dome tents for visitors, we hope you'll find something here that keeps you entertained, informed – and fuels your love of the great outdoors.

Here's to you, here's to us – here's to another night under the stars.

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