{ TOP 25 } Best Camping Tents – 2020 Reviews

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When it comes to camping, there’s no piece of gear that’s more important than your tent. As your home away from home when you’re in the great outdoors, a quality tent is essential for protecting you from the elements each night. But, with so many different models out there on the market today, finding the best camping tent for your needs is incredibly difficult.

To ensure that you have all the information you need to find the right tent, we’ve compiled the ultimate resource for the best rated camping tents. We’ll talk you through the basics of choosing a camping tent and answer the most common questions we get about these shelters. Plus, we’ll even provide our recommendations for the top rated camping tent brands and models out there.

Start here to learn about the different features you should consider in a tent.

Learn more about the most reliable camping tent manufacturers in the industry.

Check out the safety guidelines from expert to stay happy and safe outdoors.

Learn about common mistakes when buying tents so you choose the right one.

The process of choosing a camping tent can be tricky because there are many different factors you need to consider when selecting the model that best fits your needs. With so many tents out there, this can be a daunting task, so it’s important to know what to look for in a camping tent. Here are some of the most important features and characteristics to keep in mind:

In the world of tents, you can buy either a double wall or a single wall model. Basically, a double wall tent has two parts – an inner tent body and a waterproof tent fly. This is by far the most popular model for tents as it provides a lot of versatility in a range of different conditions. 

Double wall tents are ideal because they offer ample breathability, due to their mesh inner body, while also protecting campers from the wind and rain. Single wall tents, on the other hand, tend to be lighter and more compact than their double wall cousins. However, they are often less breathable and less weather-resistant.

The most common tents are known as “freestanding” tents because they can be set up without being anchored to the ground. While the majority of tents available on the market today are freestanding tents, which are easier to set up, semi-freestanding models are becoming more popular.

Semi-freestanding tents tend to weigh less because they use fewer poles in their construction. This makes them common in the ultralight world, but they often aren’t strong enough for very harsh conditions.

Tents can come in a variety of different shapes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Most modern backpacking tents will be either dome, a-frame, or tunnel tents. These three shapes tend to be best in high winds, but offer less livable space than alternative models. Car camping tents, however, will generally have a cabin shape, which helps maximize interior space.

The sleeping capacity of a tent is of the utmost importance because it dictates the number of people you can fit inside. While the most popular backpacking tents are made for two people, you can find models that fit up to twelve campers.

Generally speaking, it’s best to buy a tent that can accommodate the average number of people you go camping with. However, if you really like your personal space, it might be a good idea to get a slightly larger tent. Although this means carrying a bit of extra weight, that added space can be essential for storing your gear inside your shelter at night.

No one likes to feel cramped, but a tent is an inherently confined space. For the most part, backpacking tents will offer minimal interior space because they’re trying to minimize weight and packed size for backcountry adventures. Car camping tents, on the other hand, will often provide much more interior space and comfort than backpacking models.

If maximizing interior space is important to you, look for a tent that’s got straight-sided walls and tall ceilings. These two features will increase the livable space inside a tent and make it much more comfortable to be in. However, tents with straight walls and tall ceilings tend to be heavier and less durable than more compact models.

The doors of a tent might seem like a boring thing to look at, but they can make a huge difference to the functionality of the tent. Having small doors makes it more difficult to get in and out of the tent at night. Plus, if you only have one door, you’ll have to crawl over your tent mates to answer nature’s call while camping.

Thus, the most comfortable tents will have multiple large doors that allow for easy entry and exit. Additionally, the best tents will have one or more vestibules, which are basically covered openings to your tent. Vestibules are an ideal place to store your gear outside of your tent to protect it from the elements.

Keep in mind, though, that more doors and larger vestibules translate to heavier and bulkier tents. So, while these features are great, they do have some drawbacks.

The main purpose of a tent is to protect you from the elements, but some tents do this better than others. The most waterproof tents will be made of a durable, high denier ripstop nylon with a DWR coating. The DWR coating helps water bead off the surface of the tent to stop it from soaking through.

Wind resistance, on the other hand, has less to do with the materials of the tent and more to do with the structure of the shelter itself. Generally, dome shape and tunnel tents will hold up better in the wind than cabin tents. 

This is because the straight-sided walls and high ceilings of a cabin tent catch the wind and can cause the poles in the tent to break. Therefore, if weather-resistance is your goal, it’s best to look for a more compact dome or tunnel backpacking tent for your adventures.

No one likes to spend hours setting up their tent when they get to camp. So, finding a tent that’s quick and easy to set up is ideal. Most modern tents will feature some form of color-coded system to help you figure out where to put the poles during the setup process.

Generally speaking, tents with fewer poles will be easier to set up. You’ll also find that freestanding tents are a bit easier to pitch than semi-freestanding varieties. So, if you struggle with setting up tents, look for a relatively simple freestanding model.

The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned money on a tent, only to have it break after a day or two in the mountains. Durability is a concern for any camper, so it’s certainly something you should look for when shopping for a tent.

The most durable tents on the market will be made with a high-denier ripstop nylon fly and robust aluminum poles. While you’ll certainly find other materials in some of the most popular tents, lightweight fabrics and thin carbon or aluminum poles tend to break easily in high winds. Therefore, if durability is your top concern, look for a tent with some beefy poles and thick rainfly fabric. 

The weight of a tent is more of a concern for backpackers and climbers than it is for car campers. However, even if you don’t have to carry a tent on your back, a heavy shelter is still a pain to transport and set up.

Generally, lightweight tents will be less durable than heavier alternatives, unless you’re willing to pay top dollar for premium lightweight fabrics. Ultimately, every camper needs to decide whether they want to prioritize weight, durability, or cost when it comes to their tent.

The packed size of a tent greatly affects your ability to pack it into your backpack on a camping trip. Although this is less of a concern for car campers, backpackers tend to prefer tents that are quite compact. A bulky tent is quite annoying to pack and can make things difficult for you at camp each morning on a backpacking trip.

When buying a new tent, it’s often a good idea to buy from a trusted brand. While there are dozens of tent manufacturers out there, these are some of the best brands in the business today:

Utah-based Black Diamond Equipment was founded in the late 1980s by world-class climber Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia fame. Although it started out as a climbing gear company, Black Diamond expanded its repertoire over the years to include a large line of hiking and camping gear. These days, their line-up of tents are known for being some of the most durable and functional, particularly for adventures deep into the mountains.

MSR, or Mountain Safety Research, is a Seattle-based company that specializes in stoves, water filters, snowshoes, and tents. MSR is constantly innovating, finding new ways to create lightweight, yet robust tents that are designed to withstand the test of time. They offer everything from super light shelters to durable four-season tents so they’re a great companion on any camping trip.

The North Face was founded by legendary climber Doug Tompkins as a climbing gear manufacturing company in the late 1960s. Since then, they’ve branched out, becoming well known for their technical and lifestyle clothing. When it comes to tents, The North Face makes a fantastic line-up of burly expedition tents that are perfect for an extended trip into remote terrain.

Nemo is a New Hampshire-based company that’s popular for its cutting-edge, innovative technology. Most of Nemo’s tents fall into the “lightweight” category, but they’re always looking for new ways to improve on the classic tent design. One of their most popular innovations is AirSupport Technology, which increases the durability of tent poles for use in harsh weather.

Marmot has been making outdoor sporting goods since the mid-1970s, particularly for campers and hikers. Their line-up of tents focuses on simplicity and value, so they’re a great company to check out if you’re on a budget.

As an industry leader in outdoor sporting goods for 120 years, Coleman is perhaps the best-known name on this list. While Coleman got its start as a manufacturer of gasoline lanterns, these days, they have a huge line-up of camping gear available for your adventures. Coleman’s tents are affordable, functional, and comfortable, so they’re popular amongst car campers around the world.

Looking for a new camping tent? We know you have a lot of different models to choose from. So, here are our top picks for the best rated camping tents on the market today:

Here are 8 best rated camping tents, categorized by sleeping capacity:

With an amazing combination of livability and lightweight, the MSR Hubba NX 1 is a solo backpacker’s dream tent. Specifically designed for three season camping, the Hubba NX 1 uses Easton Syclone Poles and Xtreme Shield waterproof technology for maximum weather-resistance in the mountains.

Although it packs down small and weighs just over 2 lbs (1kg), the Hubba NX 1 features plenty of interior head and elbow room for your comfort. It also has a large side-entry vestibule, which is perfect for storing gear at night while you sleep. Plus, the Hubba NX 1 has an incredibly simple set-up system, thanks to its single pole and color-coordinated rainfly.

Nemo designed the Dragonfly to help bridge the gap between weight and comfort in the world of backpacking tents and it certainly lives up to expectations. Thanks to its two large doors and two vestibules, it’s easy to get in and out of the Dragonfly at night, even while storing your gear.

The Dragonfly has a single pre-bent DAC Featherlight pole that cuts weight while providing plenty of durability and an easy set-up. The Dragonfly’s inner tent is made with a white no-see-um mesh netting to protect you from the bugs while the integrated 20D nylon tub floor keeps you dry in the rain. There are also plenty of pockets in this 2 person tent so you can stay organized while you camp.

This spacious, yet lightweight three person tent from Marmot is great for a variety of camping adventures. The Fortress 3 uses a full fabric inner tent with large mesh panels to strike the perfect balance between insulation and breathability. Its two large D-shaped doors make it easy to get in and out of the tent while the vertical walls of the Fortress maximize interior living space.

The Fortress 3 has integrated pockets for organizing gear inside the tent while a special lampshade pocket can hold a headlamp and provide light for the entire tent. If that wasn’t enough, the Fortress 3 is fully seam-taped around the fly and floor for increased weather-resistance in poor conditions.

A veritable fortress in the outdoors, the North Face Bastion 4 is a do-anything 4 person tent for all exploits in the backcountry. The Bastion 4 features a dome-shaped construction with crisscrossing poles for added strength and durability in the most severe storms. It also has high-strength guylines and equalizers to help keep your tent anchored down in high winds.

Inside the tent, the Bastion 4 has 10 interior pockets and lots of hanger loops for easy organization. The downside to the Bastion 4 is that it’s quite heavy, but as one of the most durable four season tents out there, a little extra weight seems like a fair compromise.

A time-tested classic of the camping world, the North Face Wawona 6 is a fantastic shelter for car camping in a small group. This spacious palace-like tent has enough room to sleep 6 campers, providing them with ample headroom, extensive personal space, and the ability to stand upright.

Unlike many other tents in our review, the Wawona 6 is a single-wall tent, so it’s easy to pitch in just a few minutes. It features a huge front vestibule that’s great for gear storage, as well as a second door in the rear for convenience. Inside the Wawona 6, there are plenty of mesh pockets and hang loops for gear storage, as well as a drying line so you can always have dry clothes when you’re on the go.

Do you love camping but hate the bugs? If so, the Coleman Evanston Dome 8 just might be the best 8 person tent for your needs. This beloved Coleman tent is incredibly easy to pitch in just a few minutes, making it ideal for camping with a large family. Although it’s easy to set up, the Evanston Dome 8 features Coleman’s WeatherTec System which protects you and your family from the rain and the wind while you’re out and about.

The Coleman Evanston 8 is large enough to fit two queen-sized airbeds for maximum comfort, or you can house 8 campers in their sleeping bags. The best part? The Evanston Dome 8 has a very spacious front mesh screen porch that provides ample outdoor living space without the bugs. What more could you want?

As one of the best camping tents under $200, the Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Cabin is a good value for the money. This large cabin-shaped tent is easy to set up in just 60 seconds with no assembly, thanks to its pop-up design. The Dark Rest Instant Cabin also integrates Ozark Trail’s proprietary dark rest technology to block sunlight, cooling down the tent and making it easier for you to get a good night’s sleep.

Inside the tent, there are multiple skylights and ceiling panels, so you can adjust the light in your living space. The Dark Rest Instant Cabin also has eight large windows for breathability and has a removable room divider so everyone can have some privacy. With enough room for either two queen airbeds or ten campers, the Dark Rest Instant Cabin is a great budget tent for a large family.

Looking for the best camping tent under $300? Look no further than the CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent. This shelter from CORE can be pitched in under 2 minutes, thanks to the tent’s pop-up design. With pre-attached poles, all you need to do to get started is unpack, unfold, and extend the tent for a quick and easy set up.

The Instant Cabin tent is incredibly roomy on the inside and has a large double door design, which makes it easy to access the interior of the tent. Once you’re inside, you can zip up the privacy panels on the doors and windows, if you need some personal space. Or, you can use the hanging storage pockets to organize your gear. Plus, you can use the included room divider to split the tent in two and provide everyone with the personal space they desire.

Here are the 7 best tents, categorized by camping type:

As one of the best-selling, best quality two person backpacking tents ever, the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 is a great shelter for hikers who head to remote terrain. Designed specifically for mountain pursuits, the Hubba Hubba NX 2 strikes a nice balance between livability and packability.

The Hubba Hubba NX 2 uses Easton Syclone poles and MSR’s proprietary Xtreme Shield waterproof technology to provide ample weather-resistance in any storm. The tent itself features two large StayDry doors as well as two sizable vestibules for external gear storage. Or, you can use the interior gear storage pockets for organization. The best part? The Hubba Hubba NX 2 sets up in just minutes, thanks to its single pole, color-coded design.

Made to last, the all-weather Big Agnes Titan 6 mtnGLO tent is a car camper’s paradise. The Titan 6 has an external pole design, so you can set it up quickly as either a full tent or just as a shade shelter for a large group.

When it comes to livability, the Titan 6 is one of the most spacious six person tents around, thanks to its straight-wall design and high center height. You can even add on the large optional vestibule for added outdoor living space and extra shade. Oh, and the Titan 6 even comes with Big Agnes’ mtnGLO system, which illuminates the tent, wherever your adventures might take you.

Motorcycle campers are a unique breed and they need a tent that can handle the rough conditions of life on the road. Unlike other tents, which just offer a small place to lay your head at night, the Vuz Motorcycle Tent provides ample living space for maximum comfort.

This 18 foot (5.5m) long tent has four points of entry for your convenience. It’s a three-season camping tent that can withstand heavy rain and wind for use in any conditions. Although it’s quite spacious, the tent packs down into a small stuff sack, so it’s perfect for use with a motorcycle. If all of that wasn’t enough, the Vuz Motorcycle Tent even has a built-in motorcycle garage so you can keep your bike safe at night.

Are you looking for the perfect camping companion for your truck? The Napier Outdoors Sportz Truck Tent just might be exactly what you need. This affordable truck tent is one of the best out there for under $300 and offers plenty of space for life on the road. 

The Sportz Truck Tent is quick and easy to set up, right on the bed of your truck so you don’t need to waste time looking for that perfect campsite each night. It features a full floor design for maximum warmth and comfort each night. Plus, it has a large, awning-style opening to provide extra shade and weather protection, wherever life might take you.

Canvas tents are well-known for their durability and versatility, and the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow 6 is no exception. Made with a durable, 100% cotton duck Hydra-Shield canvas, the Flex-Bow 6 is an ideal hunting tent for use in any conditions.

The Flex Bow 6 has a comfortable 6’6” ceiling height and two large D-shaped doors for your convenience while camping. It also has four large windows with no-see-um mesh and two vents to help keep air circulating in hot weather. The Flex Bow 6 even has a large awning over the opening to expand your living space into the outdoors for added comfort on your next hunting trip.

As one of the few tents out there that are specifically designed for bike camping, the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL is a must-have for any bikepacker. This award-winning tent has a vertical door and steep walls for maximum interior space for more comfort on your bike camping adventures. 

Although it’s built to withstand the rigors of any three-season outing, the Fly Creek is made with some of the lightest materials on the market today, including DAC poles and high-quality ripstop nylon. It’s easy to pitch the tent in just minutes for the perfect night’s sleep on the road. At just about 1lb 11oz in weight, the Fly Creek HV UL is the perfect companion for those fast and light biking trips, anywhere on earth.

The Black Diamond Ahwahnee 2 is an incredibly versatile single wall tent that’s perfect for a desert camping adventure. Designed for two people, this single wall tent is both waterproof and highly breathable, cutting down weight thanks to its single wall design.

For desert camping, the Ahwahnee 2 is quick and easy to set up but is incredibly strong against the wind, so it’s great for exposed environments. Plus, the Ahwahnee 2 features two full side doors with integrated mesh that can be pitched out like awnings for extra shade and ventilation on those scorching hot desert days or for added weather protection during those occasional desert storms.

Here are the ten best tents, categorized by tent type:

Just because a tent is lightweight doesn’t mean it’s going to be an ideal ultralight backpacking shelter. While many ultralight tents struggle to balance livability and durability with weight savings, the Nemo Hornet Elite Ultralight seems to get it right. This super-compact tent is a top choice for minimalist backpackers that won’t sacrifice quality in their gear.

The Hornet Elite is made using top-of-the-line 7D ripstop nylon for the fly and DAC featherlight poles for durability and weight savings. The tent itself is remarkably spacious and contains black no-see-um mesh for added ventilation on hot nights. Oh, and the Hornet Elite comes with Nemo’s Divvy dual stage stuff sack so you can easily spread the tent’s weight between two hikers. 

When it comes to staying dry in the rain, there really isn’t a better option than the Black Diamond Bombshelter 4. This expedition-style dome-shaped tent is made for adventures into the world’s most extreme environments.

Although it’s just a single-wall tent, the Bombshelter’s four intersecting poles provide incredible durability and stability in high winds as well as exceptional waterproofing in a storm. You can even set up the entire tent from the inside, so you can stay protected from the rain throughout the setup process. The Bombshelter even has an optional vestibule to add plenty of gear storage and outdoor living space during an expedition.

As one of the strongest expedition tents around, the Black Diamond Fitzroy 3 can house three adults or two adults and all of their gear on any winter outing. The Fitzroy has a steep-sided design that maximizes headroom and interior living space while also improving its durability in heavy snow.

The Fitzroy can be set up from the inside during a storm and is amazingly stable in high winds, thanks to the four crisscrossing poles. Inside the tent, there are mesh pockets for gear organization, while the two double doors with mesh paneling make it easy to enter and exit the tent or increase the ventilation, so it’s perfect for winter camping.

Superbly spacious, the Marmot Limestone 4 is a great family summer camping tent for warm-weather trips. The Limestone 4 features vertical walls for plenty of headroom, as well as a more comfortable camping experience.

When it comes to weather resistance, the Limestone is fully seam-taped and has a tub floor to keep you dry. But, on warm days it also features ample ventilation, thanks to the large mesh paneling in the inner tent. There are also plenty of interior pockets for organizing your gear as well as two large doors and vestibules for convenience and gear storage, making the Limestone 4 an excellent family tent.

Do you enjoy camping under the stars but hate having to set up your tent? Well, with the CORE 4 Person Instant Dome Tent, you don’t have to worry about spending hours pitching a tent when you arrive in camp.

This instant tent from CORE features pop-up technology that effectively pitches itself in 30 seconds or less. The tent can accommodate 4 people in sleeping bags or one queen-sized air mattress and has an interior height of 54 inches (137.2cm). Plus, the CORE has an internal gear loft for organization as well as an electrical cord access port so you can stay connected while camping.

If you long for life on the open road, the Tepui Explorer Kukenam just might be what you’re looking for. This rooftop tent can house up to three people all-year-round during any road trip. It’s made with high-quality 600D ripstop nylon and is both UV and mold-resistant for added durability.

During the summer months, the Tepui’s large mesh panels provide plenty of airflow while the overhanging canopy protects you from the rain. Oh, and the tent is quick and easy to set up so you can get a good night’s sleep wherever life takes you.

Built specifically for large families on a budget, the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent is a fantastic home away from home on a camping trip. The tent can be set up in just 60 seconds, thanks to its pre-attached poles. It also features CORE H2O Block Technology and fully sealed seams to keep you warm and dry at night.

The tent itself has large windows and doors for added ventilation and easy entry but also has zippered privacy panels for use in busy campgrounds. Inside, you can easily organize your gear with the hanging storage pockets or you can use the included room divider to give everyone the privacy they need.

A day at the beach should be comfortable and relaxing. With the Pacific Breeze Easy Set Up Beach Tent Deluxe XL, you can turn that concept into a reality. The Deluxe XL is both lightweight and compact, as well as incredibly easy to pitch in just seconds.

The tent itself provides UPF 50+ sun protection for those long beach days, as well as some shelter from the wind and the rain. The Deluxe CL has three large windows that allow for plenty of ventilation on hot summer days. Oh, and you can even zip up the extendable floor to turn it into a privacy shield for changing out of your wet swimsuit on the go.

There’s nothing wrong with camping in style, which is why the White Duck Outdoors Premium Luxury Avalon Canvas Bell Tent wins our award for the best canvas tent. This tent from White Duck Outdoors is made with ultra-durable water-repellent cotton canvas for maximum weather-resistance. 

It features a stove jack opening, so it’s perfect in winter, but also has zippered mesh windows for summer ventilation. Inside, it’s incredibly spacious and offers a 9 foot (2.7m) center height, so it’s comfortable for the whole family during extended camping trips.

MSR Access is a fantastic 4 season camping tent for year-round adventures. The Acces comes in a one-person and a two-person model, both of which are perfect for use in the summer or winter. Ideal for treeline winter adventures, the Access is lighter than a traditional mountaineering tent, but also strong enough to hold up in heavy snowfall.

It offers superior warmth due to its limited mesh paneling but also ventilates well for a four season tent. The Access can even be set up in minutes, thanks to its single pole and color-coordinated system, which is ideal for colder environments.

Here are some of our top tips for making the most out of camping in a tent:

If you like to camp in the winter, you’ll need to find some way to insulate yourself from the cold. Thankfully there are a few different methods for insulating your tent for winter camping. Here are a few:

• Use a ground mat. A rug, blanket, or thick towels can be used as added insulation to protect you from the ground. If you’re backpacking and can’t bring anything too bulky, you’ll want to use two sleeping pads for extra warmth. One inflatable sleeping pad on top of a foam sleeping pad usually does the trick.
• Find a natural windbreak. Much of the cold that we feel while winter camping is due to the cooling effect of wind. To help insulate your tent against the wind, try pitching it somewhere with a natural windbreak. Behind a stand of large trees or boulders is generally a good idea.
• Use a thermal blanket. If it’s really cold out during a car camping trip, you can try taping a thermal blanket to the roof of your tent. This can help reflect your own body heat back toward you to make the entire tent warmer at night.

While “roughing it” can be fun for some, it’s not everyone’s idea of a good time. However, there are plenty of ways to stay comfortable while tent camping, the key is finding a system that works for you.

If you find that you’re generally uncomfortable while sleeping in a tent, the most important thing to consider is the quality of your sleeping pad. Since most of us are used to sleeping on a mattress, a thin foam sleeping pad can seem quite uncomfortable. So, it’s generally best to look for a thick inflatable sleeping pad which will better mimic the mattress you use at home.

Finally, if you don’t have one already, a camping pillow is a must-have. Although it might seem like a minor accessory while camping, a pillow can make you much more comfortable at night. There are plenty of great inflatable options out there, like this one from Exped, which adds comfort without extra bulk in your pack.

Staying warm at night is of the utmost importance while camping. If you’re struggling to stay warm, try the following techniques:

• Use a warmer sleeping bag. If it’s 30 degrees outside and your sleeping bag is only rated to 40 degrees, you’re probably going to have a miserable night’s sleep. Instead, try a warmer sleeping bag that’s designed for colder conditions.
• Try a sleeping bag liner. If you can’t quite afford a warmer sleeping bag, you can always try an insulating sleeping bag liner. Some, like this one from Sea to Summit, can increase the warmth of your sleeping bag by up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius).
• Wear a hat. We lose a lot of heat through our heads often because it’s the only part of our body that isn’t covered in clothing. So, wearing a hat at night can help you stay warm.
• Try a hot water bottle. Before you go to bed, boil some water and put it in a hard plastic water bottle, like a Nalgene. Then, take the water bottle into your tent and place it in your sleeping bag. Soon enough, you’ll start to feel the warmth from your hot water bottle, especially on a colder night.
• Wear insulating thermals. The clothes you sleep in have a huge impact on how warm you are at night. If you’re not already wearing insulating long underwear, it’s highly recommended, especially for your lower body.
• Don’t forget warm socks! More often than not, people have cold feet when they camp. Generally, this is because they don’t have a warm pair of socks to sleep in at night. Get one pair of dedicated sleep socks that are extra warm and keep them in your sleeping bag. These socks need to stay dry at all costs so you can have warm feet each night.

If you live somewhere that’s particularly warm and muggy in the summer, camping can seem a bit uncomfortable. However, there are ways to stay cool even while camping in the heat. Here are some options:

• Find some shade. Often, it’s warmer in a tent than outside of it, especially in the middle of the day. If it’s oppressively hot in your tent, try pitching your tent in the shade instead.
• Go for a swim. Swimming is a fun and easy way to cool off while camping. Plus, it’ll help you feel squeaky clean after a day on the trail.
• Get a cooler sleeping bag. If your sleeping bag is too warm for the conditions, you’ll have a hard time sleeping. A lightweight summer sleeping bag can make a huge difference.
• Try a tent fan. When you’re car camping in the heat, you can consider using a small tent fan. This will help keep air circulating in your tent and can provide some cooling relief.
• Vent your tent. Most tents come with some sort of built-in ventilation system. However, you can vent your tent even more by rolling up the rainfly, especially at the door/vestibule for added airflow.

The vast majority of quality camping tents will come from the factory fully waterproof. However, if yours didn’t, or you need to re-waterproof your tent, here’s what you want to do:

• Make sure your tent. is clean and completely dry.
• Check the seams for leaks. If your tent has leaky seams, you’ll want to buy some Seam Grip. Once you have the seam grip, you can go ahead and use the included brush to cover all the seams of your tent with the sealant. This will stop water from dripping into your shelter at night.
• Refresh the DWR coating. Most tents have a DWR coating on their rainfly. This helps water bead off of the fabric and keeps you dry in your tent. To refresh the DWR coating, you’ll need Nikwax Solarproof. First, you’ll spray the tent with some clean, fresh water to get it damp. Then, you evenly apply the waterproof spray on the outside of the rainfly. After a few minutes, use a damp cloth to wipe off the excess coating before setting your tent out to dry completely.

While every tent is different, there are some standard procedures you can follow to pitch your tent when you arrive at camp and fold it up at the end of your trip. Here are some of our top tips:

Setting up a tent may seem very complicated, but there is a method to this madness. These are the steps you should follow:

1. Find a flat spot. No one likes camping on an uneven surface, so start by scouring camp for the flattest place to pitch your tent. Ideally, you’d find a nice grassy patch of ground, but if not, look for a place with minimal rocks and twigs.
2. Prep the tent body. Generally speaking, you’ll then need to lay out the tent body where you plan to pitch it. Try to orient the tent so that the door is facing the way you want it to when everything is finished.
3. Set up the poles. This step differs from tent to tent. While some tents use a “clip-on” method for their tent poles, others have sleeves that you insert the poles into. Regardless, step three of pitching a tent is to set up the poles. Once this is done, you should have a fully set-up tent body.
4. Pitch the rainfly. After you’ve set up the tent body, it’s time to cover it with the tent fly. So, orient the fly to ensure it lines up with the doors of your tent. Then, attach the fly to your tent body. For some tents, this is a clip system and for others, you’ll need to skip this step and head right into staking out the tent.
5. Stake out the tent. The last step in pitching a tent is staking it out. To do this, you’ll place your tent stakes in the ground at a slight angle away from the tent. Then, take the tent guylines, wrap them once around the stakes, and fasten them back to the tent using a knot of your choice. The trucker’s hitch is ideal for this purpose. Voila! You have a fully pitched tent!

At the end of your camping trip, you’ll need to pack up your tent. If you’re not quite sure how to do this, follow these steps:

1. Disassemble the tent. Take the tend apart and separate the fly from the tent body and the poles.
2. Lay out the tent fly and body. Lay the tent fly down on a flat piece of ground. Then, cover it with the tent body.
3. Fold the fly and the body. Fold the tent fly and the body so that it creates one long, rectangular length of fabric. Place the folded poles at one end of the tent and roll the tent up tightly.
4. Place the tent in the included stuff sack. Finally, place the rolled-up tent in its stuff sack to complete the process.

If you’re going to invest a substantial sum of money into a new camping tent, you’re certainly going to want to take care of it. Tent care, in general, is more of an on-going task, rather than something you do every once in a while. Here are some tips to help ensure that you get the most out of your tent:

• Zip carefully. A malfunctioning zipper is perhaps the most common issue we see with tents. Thankfully, it’s possible to avoid most zipper problems. Be careful when using your zippers and always zip slowly. Avoid simply “pulling” the door of your tent to open it, just slide the zipper open each time.
• Take care of your tent poles. After zippers, tent poles are the next most likely thing to break. When it comes to tent poles, never force them to bend too far, or you could risk snapping them. Additionally, if your tent uses pole sleeves, be careful when you insert the poles or you could risk poking a hole in your tent.
• Avoid rocks and twigs. Rocks and twigs under your tent are a surefire way to poke holes in your tent floor. Choose “soft” tent sites, like grass and pine needles, whenever possible.
• Push poles, don’t pull. If your tent has pole sleeves, always push your poles to remove them, never pull. If you pull the pole, you can snap the shock cord on the inside and break your tent poles.
• Never store a wet tent. As soon as you get home after a trip, hang your tent up to dry. Your tent should be completely dry before you roll it up and pack it away or it could grow mold and mildew.
• Clean your tent frequently. While you don’t have to do this after every night of camping, an occasional rinse off with fresh water can make a big difference in the life of your tent. If your tent is particularly dirty, you could even do some spot cleaning with a sponge and a non-detergent soap.
• Reapply waterproofing treatments regularly. Even the most waterproof of tents will require a reapplication of the waterproofing treatment every once in a while. Check out the section in this article about waterproofing your tent to learn more about the process.

Camping is a fantastic way to spend more time in the outdoors. But, it is possible to get hurt if you’re not careful. These are some of our top safety tips for tent camping:

• Never cook in your tent. During a storm, it may be tempting to simply cook your dinner inside your tent. However, doing so can expose you to carbon monoxide, a deadly gas. Carbon monoxide forms and builds up when fuels, like the isobutane found in your gas canisters, aren’t fully combusted. When this happens in an enclosed space, like your tent, it can lead to serious injury or death. So, do yourself a favor and only cook outside.
• Be careful where you pitch your tent. Before you select a campsite for the night, look above you. Is there a dead tree or branch waiting to fall? Is there a high likelihood of rockfall that could hit your tent? These are the kinds of things we should think about every night while camping to avoid any potential dangers.
• Store your food properly. If you’re camping in bear country, you shouldn’t have food in your tent. Generally, if you’re in bear country, you’ll need to either use a bear hang, a bear canister, or a bear box to protect your food from these loveable mammals. Check in with your local authorities to see what the regulations are.
• Camp away from your fire. While it might be convenient to have a fire right outside your tent, this can be dangerous. If the wind shifts, your campfire can quickly engulf your tent and your gear, potentially leaving you in the woods without any shelter for the night. Always keep your campfire at least 15-20 feet (4.5-6.1m) from your tent.

Buying a camping tent is a big investment, so you certainly want to get it right the first time. However, we often see a number of different mistakes from people who are perhaps over-eager to get a tent and get out into the mountains. Here are some of those mistakes and ways to avoid them:

• Buying a tent that is too small. Getting a tent that’s too small for your needs will make you feel cramped while you’re camping. Unless you’re planning on camping alone, you’ll probably find that you want more personal space in a tent with another person than a two person tent can provide. So, it’s worth considering a tent that’s rated for 1-2 people more than you actually need.
• Winter camping in a three-season tent. Since many people want to buy just one tent that they can use in a variety of settings, we often see people buy three season tents for winter use. While some three-season tents are okay for four season adventures, you risk damaging your tent in high winds and heavy snowfall if you do this. Thus, if you do think that you’ll camp in the winter, consider buying both a three-season and a four-season tent.
• Buying the wrong kind of tent. At this point, you’re well aware that there are many different kinds of tents out there. While some tents can be used for a variety of different camping styles, some are more discipline-specific. The issue we generally see is that people try and take a heavy, less robust car camping tent into the backcountry. So, if you do plan on going into the mountains, we recommend a tent that’s specifically made for that purpose.

At the end of the day, a camping tent is a major investment. As your home away from home when you’re outside, you need to be sure that the tent you buy is going to be reliable enough for any adventure.

That being said, there is no one-size-fits-all tent that excels in every environment. Instead, it’s important that you focus on the features that are most important to you so you can get the best camping tent for your needs. Happy trails!