Camping tents – What to consider when choosing one for you camping trip

The pyramid shape is the most basic of camping tent shapes. It is easy to set up with just one pole supporting it in the centre. The pole can also double as a hiking stick.

The A-frame tent, also called the pup tent looks like a prism (the triangular cube) and uses 2 poles instead of one like the pyramid shaped tent. To say it in other words this is the shape when you have 2 triangles connected at a length.

The dome shaped tent is a favorite among families as a family camping tent. It has a large space and lots of standing room and usually comes with large windows and a rain fly over the top.

The tunnel shaped tent is formed by a series of hoops connected together much like the shape of a covered wagon. It forms a "tunnel" and usually has more usable space than the dome shaped tent.

People may consider sizes when choosing camping tents for different reasons. Some people just want a large camping tent because they want space. Others need to accommodate a few people or a whole family.

It is important that there is a large campsite if you want to use large camping tents. A large camping tent can accommodate up to 10 people.

If you are going to carry your camping tent around on you back then weight is the most important consideration.

Certain backpacks may not be able to accommodate the weight of the camping tent if it is too heavy as most backpacks are usually designed with a weight.

Even if your backpack can handle heavy load, unless you are strong and have a high stamina, a heavy camping tent could be more trouble than it's worth.

Tarp camping tents are light and inexpensive but they lack the features of high tech camping tents.

We've already covered one part of camping tent design i.e. its shape. Other aspects of design include color, the ability to withstand weather conditions and ventilation.

In some parts of the world it is illegal to use bright colored camping tents and in some places bright colored camping tents are a requirement.

Color also affects its ability to keep out or keep in heat. For winter camping a dark colored camping tents are recommended as they help absorb the heat from the sun, keeping the interior of the tent warm. Bright colored tents can help keep out the sun's heat during summer.

Three-season tents and four-season tents are an example of great designs that can withstand wind, heat, rain or heavy snow. The extra poles in four-season tents make them heavier than three-season tents. Camping tents with floors keep the inside of the tent dry.

There are generally types of material used to make camping tents; rip-stop nylon and polyester/cotton blends. Rip-stop nylons are seen in high quality camping tents and it performs better for ventilation and keeping out the rain.

Some nylons are coated with polyurethane and silicone to keep out the rain even better. The material of the camping tent also affects its weight.

Camping tent ease of use is referred to the ease and speed of set up. Pyramid tents are easy to set up because of its simplicity but lack the space and don't usually come with floor which can be a problem when you are encountered with rain.

Some camping tents are more sophisticated and yet fast and easy to set up. An example is the Turbo tent which sets up real quick as the poles stay connected and there is no need to figure out where the tent parts go.

Generally for camping tents you get what you pay for. Large camping tents are more expensive than small tents.

Innovation and better technology as well as material also leads to higher prices. Price ranges from $18 to more than $600.