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Choosing A Tent
There are so many tents to look at when considering a purchase that the process may appear too daunting, but it needn’t be! If tou break down your requirements into a number of factors, including roominess, capacity (number of people), weight, features, weather resistance and price, the whole procedure is streamlined.
Range
At The Wilderness Shop we have around 25 different tents from 7 of the best manufacturers worldwide. “Why?” Each brand and model has its own pros and cons to best suit your requirements.
Tent Wall Selection
All our tents are clearly displayed with color pictures, dimensions, pricing and other relevant information. We can readily set any tent up for you, giving you a better idea of how to do it yourself when the time comes!
Download The Wilderness Shop’s Tents & Bivy Bag Brochure for more information.
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Factors to consider
Expected weather conditions that you will use your tent in is a primary factor. A 2 season tent is best for summer use, edging over into spring and autumn use. A 3 season tent is designed for use in spring, summer and autumn. A four season tent is for year round use, possibly suitable if you are caught out in the snow. A ski touring tent is for exactly that, snow camping. (Note our seasons are based on Australian conditions.)
Roominess is a very personal thing, both inside the tent and the vestibule space. If you are minimalist and do not spread gear around, then a small tent is suitable. Go for more space if you want to unpack all your goodies so they are on hand. If you want to keep your boots and pack out of the elements, consider a spacious vestibule. In the event of bad weather this will also give you some cooking space Alternatively if your pack is left outside under a pack cover then you may be happy with a small vestibule.
Capacity is the number of people a tent will fit inside without gear. Some 2 person tents are smaller, therefore suited for use in good weather, while others have more room to sit out a storm. A couple of tents are referred to as 2-3 person, meaning they are roomy for 2, small for 3. Bigger people after a 1 person tent may look at a small 2 person tent. Adopt a flexible attitude here!
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Weight is affected by many things. However if it is too heavy for you to carry, it is not the right tent for you. A smaller tent will be lighter. More expensive tents will use the latest materials and technology to reduce weight. Tents designed for severe weather may be heavier than a 3 season tent.
Features such as 2 doors and vents high in the roof will result in better ventilation. Some tents allow you to open and close the vents while still inside. Pockets in the side walls or a mesh loft are both handy for storing gear. A ceiling clip for hanging a lantern can be useful in winter. Extra pegging and guying points add stability in strong winds.
Ease of Set-up is something to consider, especially if you are solo camping. All of our tents are normally available for set-up in the shop, so you can see this for yourself. Once you have set a tent up 1 or 2 times, you will be more familiar with it, and the time required will be reduced.
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