Buying a tent is one of your most expensive outdoor equipment purchases, and just like other gear there’s a lot to choose from when selecting a tent. For hiking you’ll want the lightest one you can afford that meets your space and weather/condition needs. For camping you have a lot more flexibility as weight usually isn’t an issue. Below are a few tips for selecting a tent.

Camping Tents

For camping you have a lot of options because you’re not limited based on weight. If you are single or don’t have kids you probably don’t need a 6-person tent. You may even be fine using the same tent for hiking and camping. If you have a family a larger tent is in order. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a camping tent if most of your camping is done during milder months and climates. I’ve had a lot of luck with Wal-mart tents. My family camping tent (10×12 ft) is large enough to stand up inside, it holds my inflatable air mattress, and still has plenty of room for kids and gear. It keeps the bugs out, protects us from rain and dew, and provides privacy.

Hiking Tents

If you hike any distance you’ll appreciate a lightweight tent. There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a hiking tent. One is the length of the tent. If you are 6’ tall or under most standard tents (84-88 inches) will work fine, but if you are taller look for a longer tent (92 inches). Go ahead and buy a footprint for your tent as well. Tent bottoms are tough, but if you are spending $300 + on a good hiking tent you’ll want it to last as long as possible.

Things I consider when buying a hiking tent

Weight I want it as light as possible

Doors I prefer doors on both sides so I don’t have to crawl over my wife at night to answer nature’s call.

Ease of Setup Be sure it’s easy to set up. I prefer freestanding, tension truss or dome style tents. These are easy to setup, move around camp as needed, pick up and shake clean in the morning, and easy to break down and pack.

Zippers Be sure the zippers move freely and don’t snag.

Rain Resistance When I was a kid I spent a lot of time sleeping in wet tents. I’ve been lucky since then with tents that resist rain. A rain fly that rest above the tent (layer between tent and fly), doors a few inches from the ground, and a water proof floor will help keep you dry.

There are a few other things that will make your hiking trip more fun like mesh windows so you can enjoy the night sky, inside pockets to organize essentials, and a vestibule to store gear.

Below are a few of my favorite hiking tents for 2010

Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3 Tent – This is a three person tent, but it’s also good for two hikers with a lot of gear or one parent and kids. It weighs at just over 4 pounds and is easy to set up. Big Agnes has a lot of fans, and I’ve only heard good things about the company.

Mountain Hardwear Light Wedge 2 – Mountain Hardwear is another company that produces great gear, and this tent from them is a favorite. It’s especially good for taller hikers.

REI Quarter Dome T1 Tent – If you like to hike, or sleep, alone this is a great tent choice. My closets are filled with REI gear and I’ve found their gear to be as good and comparable to more expensive brands. This tent is very light at around 3 pounds.

View from tent photo by Frederik Vandaele

Mt. Whitney camp photo by Rhonda Thompson Photography

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