By Ethan Ribb

Choosing camping tents can be a very tough task. There are many variables, which means a little research will have to go in to choosing one. Some of these variables include:

1. Tent Size
2. Cost
3. Weather Conditions

Tent Size:

Choosing the tents size also depends on a number of variables.
· How many people will be camping?
· How tall is the average camper?
· How much room will you need for storage and supplies in each tent?
· How big is your campground site?

If you're going camping with two adults and two children, the average size family, you may only need one large tent (if the children are small). If the children are teenagers, you may want to consider getting them their own tent. If you decided to go with one tent, make sure it isn't too large (over 10' X 10') because large camping tents tend to be unstable in harsh weather. Take into account the average height of your campers; if the average is 5', but there is one 6' tall person, you probably want to go for a tent that has at least a 7' peak.

Consider how long you will be camping for. If you're going to be bringing a lot of food, clothes, and other supplies, you will need more room in your tent. Think about how much room each person will need to sleep comfortably. For a 6' tall person, I would make sure that they have a 7' long place to sleep, as well as 3' wide. So a camping tent with two adults (one of them being 6'), the tent should be at the very least 7' X 7', bigger if you want room for any supplies. And finally you need to know how big your campsite will be. You want to make sure you can fit your tent(s) on the site, all being on level ground.

Tent Cost:

As with most consumer products, you usually get what you pay for when it comes to tents for camping. The higher priced tents usually come with higher-grade fabrics that keep your tent both cool and dry. At the same time, there are many cheaper tents out there that can serve your purpose. If you and your family are new to camping, and you just want to try it out at a campground close to home for a weekend, consider a cheaper tent. If you really grow to love camping, then you can upgrade later for those longer camping trips out in the sticks.

Weather Conditions:

Planning way ahead for a camping trip is usually a great idea, but the one thing you can never plan ahead for is the weather. Rain, wind, and harsh sun rays can come at any time, and if they do, you want your camping tent to be able to handle it. Rain is a problem that has been solved by most tent manufacturers. You need to make sure that your tent has a waterproof rain fly that can rap around the tent, allowing you to stay dry, and the tent to stay ventilated. The rain fly, when rapped around the tent, also provides good shade when those sun rays are beating down on you. In high wind situations, nothing can beat a Geodesic tent design. They are shaped like igloo's and reflect wind no matter what direction it's coming from. If a Geodesic tent is too impractical for your needs, make sure your tent comes with some good stakes and sturdy poles.

If you keep all of these variables in mind when shopping for camping tents, you are sure to have a great camping experience ahead of you. Another great tip before you head to the campground with your new tent is to test it out in your yard first. This will ensure that you are able to pitch your tent without any problems, as well as guarantee that there are no missing pieces. Enjoy your tent and have fun camping!