There are many different types of camping tents designed to meet a variety of needs under different conditions. The two most popular forms of camping are "car-camping" which is camping in a tent but near your car, and "mobile camping" which includes backpacking, canoe camping, bicycle and motorcycle camping. Mobile campers use lightweight gear than can be carried for long distances. Winter camping is also popular among more extreme enthusiasts and requires a four season tent.
Car camping is very popular, especially for families with children. Car camping allows you to bring plenty of gear for everyone. If you have truck you can bring bicycles, lawn chairs, and even the gas grill from your deck. When purchasing a family tent, size and weight are more of a preference, as they are only carried from the car to the campsite. Family tents can hold up to 10 ten people and are over six feet tall. They are classified as three-season tents and come in a variety of sizes and prices.
Bargain tents can be purchased from retail stores like Wal-Mart and Target. They are cheaper then premium made products and can be purchased for a fraction of the cost. These tents are made from cheaper materials and won't hold up as well as a tent of higher quality. However, a bargain tent is great for the family starting out. With proper care and maintenance, a bargain tent can last several years. Premium made tents have tighter seals and a better construction to ensure against leaks. By purchasing seam sealer and water repellent and applying it thoroughly can help a bargain tent withstand the elements. Also placing your tent on high ground and throwing a tarp over it will help keep you dry.
You can purchase premium made family tents constructed from high quality materials from outfitters like REI and Cabello's. These tents are more expensive but will protect your family from the elements for many years to come.
The different types of family tents are cabin tents and dome tents. Cabin tents are large spacious tents with upright walls and high ceilings. Some models come with room dividers and gear storage space. Dome tents are much sturdier in the wind. Some models can be very tall, but their walls will slope gently to the ground, reducing space.
There are also many different types of screen shelters and canopy sets that can offer your family shelter from bugs and moderate rain. Screen tents can cover the picnic table to provide a bug free place to eat or play games at night. However, screen tents only keep out light rain. For heavier rain, a canopy with walls is needed.
Backpacking tents come in a variety of styles to suit different needs. They are categorized as solo, 2-person, 3-person, and 4-person and made for either three or four season use. They are constructed from high quality lightweight materials and can withstand wind and rain. Backpacking tents are more expensive than tents intended for car camping and can only be purchased through outfitters like REI, Cabello's, and such.
Four season tents are made to withstand heavy snow loads and offer less ventilation to conserve heat. They have additional poles to provide extra strength against high winds. The downside to four-season tents is that they are heaver and the lack of ventilation can be a problem in humid climates. Convertible models are available for year round adventurers, but the convertible is still heavy like it's four-season cousin.
Bivy Sacks are waterproof breathable barriers for your sleeping bag. They have a pole supported head space with bug meshing. Bivy Sacks are ideal because they are vey small and lightweight. However, some people may feel that they are vey stuffy and confining.
Single wall tents are lighter than traditional tents. Models are made to for use in cold snowy weather and use pressure to keep out condensation. Other models are made for three-season use. Single wall tents can also feel stuffy and confining.
Backpacking tents are used by canoeists, bicyclists, and motorcyclists for lightweight shelters they can carry with them as they travel cross country.