Camping Tents

Never in the history of camping have campers and outdoor families had so many choices in practical and functional shelter designs at discount rates. At Altrec.com we look for the best quality camping tents with features that fit your lifestyle.

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3 Season Tents

4 Season Tents

Family Camping Tents

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Ground Cloths / Footprints

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Tent Accessories

A few things to keep in mind when buying a camping tent - bigger is usually better!

While backpacking and mountaineering tents are ideal for packing down the trail, camping tents offer more room and better use of space, especially if you're camping with young children. Single adults and couples can often get away with using compact backpacking and climbing shelters, but these tight confines seem to shrink the moment you introduce young children and exuberant pets. Large multi-room tents give you designated areas for specific activities and there are considerable advantages:

∙ You create areas away from foot traffic for clean sleeping bags and cots.

∙ You isolate dirt and grit tracked in by boots and shoes with a "mud room area."

∙ You separate younger sleepers away from older, restless siblings at night.

Paha Que is one of the big outdoor leaders in quality camping and group tent technology. The company offers an extensive product line featuring architectural enhancements that work well in a range of wilderness environments. Unlike the cheap shelters found at discount camping outlets, Paha Que equipment is rugged and withstands years of use even after being pitched in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Other proven backcountry equipment companies like Sierra Designs recently expanded their tent selection to include six-person tents for families seeking quality on a budget.

Weathering the Storm

All you really need is a good stiff wind or a downpour to find the difference between a quality camping tent and one designed specifically for a quick sale at a discount outlet. That doesn’t mean that you won't find a weather-resistant family tent for a good value--it's all about knowing what to look for when you shop. An integrated or attachable waterproof camp fly is excellent for any tent and works better than improvised plastic tarps that frequently blow away or flap loudly in mild winds. Value-priced family tents sometimes compromise ventilation features, so it's important to examine airflow components when looking at camping tents that can accommodate four or more adults, especially if you're dealing with temperatures on either side of mild and comfortable. Some tent designs tout cross ventilation through open door and window screens, but this only works when there's a breeze. A better but sometimes less affordable alternative is weather-resistant ceiling vents that allow warm air to rise and escape before building up as condensation. If all these enhancements seem a little overwhelming, think about where you camp and how you intend to use your camping tent. If you're camping in a desert, waterproof features won't be as important as ventilation. If you spend a couple of weeks each year camping on the beach, it's a sure bet that you'll need heavier poles and guy lines for breezy conditions. Favorite camping environments can often help you decide which tent features are right for you.

Functional Space That Fits Your Style

Many families look to large, multi-room camping tents as a solution to certain sleeping schedules and arrangements, but you should also consider what you'll be doing in the tent--especially if damp weather limits the use of your campground campsite and other surroundings. Many walled tents feature a central area sized to accommodate a small table and chairs for card and board games. These added options can enhance the quality of your camping trip even when the weather is less than ideal. Other campers often store their equipment (expensive fly rods, GPS units, computer laptops, kayaking gear) inside a designated tent space to keep their best camping and outdoor gear out of sight from other curious and less than ideal campers in nearby campsites. If you sleeping on a camping cot, consider the ceiling height of your sleeping area and make sure you have the fit you need for your sleeping bag, sleeping pad and other gear.

With enough planning, buying camping tents can be a positive experience--especially when you know exactly what you're looking for. Make a list of what activities you intend to do while camping so you can identify the tent features you'll need for many years to come.

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