If you want to take yourself out of the hustle and bustle of city life, you can always try getting out of your comfort zone. If you’re looking to connect with yourself and nature, then perhaps you should try camping. If this is something you haven’t tried before, don’t worry, since it’s very easy to learn the basics.
When it comes to camping, you need essential stuff. One of the most critical items that you should never forget is a tent. There are currently numerous tents being sold in the market today which can suit all different types of camping requirements.
With that said, you might get a little overwhelmed or confused with so many options available. To make sure that your camping experience goes off without a hitch, here are some tips a newbie, like yourself, need to remember when buying tents:
How many times will you be using the tent?
Since you’re new to the whole camping experience, you might only be using the tent a couple of times a year. Thus, you don’t really need to get something that would cost you a lot of money.
However, if you’re thinking of using a tent multiple times a year and in different conditions and seasons, then you have to choose something sturdy and well-built. You need something that can protect you from the elements.
Seasonality is also a factor that should be looked into when purchasing a tent. Take note of these types of tents that’s season-specific:
- Three-season tents – are used for spring, summer, and fall. It has a lightweight design that can keep you warm when it rains or when there’s a little bit of snow.
- Four-season tents – offer more protection, warmth-retention, and ventilation from harsh weather conditions.
If you’re not sure what tent to buy, you can always read and get camping tent reviews from reputable websites.
Tent material: nylon or polyester
Various materials are used in making different types of tents. These are usually made from either nylon or polyester. Here are several reasons why these materials are best for tents:
- Tents produced from either nylon or polyester are more affordable. As a newbie, you want something that won’t put a hole in your pocket, so choose something budget-friendly.
- These materials also tend to be on the lighter side since tents made from less bulky fabrics would be easier to carry or to transport.
- When it rains, tents made from nylon or polyester are usually waterproof, and they dry out faster. Taking care of tents made from either of these materials is also easier since they don’t require a lot of work or maintenance at all, saving you both time and energy.
How many people will use the tent?
This is a crucial question. If you’re just by yourself, then something small would suffice. However, if there will be more people, then the size of the tent should be something you should consider. Make sure you check the internal and external configurations. You don’t want to end up squashed like sardines in one tent.
When it comes to choosing a size, remember that there’s always a tent size for every type of camper out there. Take time to figure out if a specific tent size would be the right one for your group.
Apart from the people who’ll be using the tent with you, also consider allocating space for your other things, including your sleeping gear. Given this, it’s safer to opt for a bigger sized tent. When you do, make sure it’s something that’s convenient for you to transport or carry.
Conclusion: choose the right tent for you and enjoy
If you’re buying a tent for the very first time, it’s only natural that you have a lot of questions. It’s going to be a new experience for you, and it goes with the territory. Once you’ve managed to absorb all the necessary information that you need, then go ahead and make your tent purchase.
When it’s time to put your newly-purchased tent into action, make sure you read the manual. If you’re setting it up for the first time, you might run into some minor hiccups. But, once you get the hang of it, you would surely have the tent up in no time.
When you have everything all sorted out and set-up, don’t forget to enjoy the whole camping experience and your brand new tent. Also, and most importantly, don’t forget to make your health and safety a priority during your camping trip!
Featured image: Shutterstock
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