● Outdoor · Buying guide
How to choose a camping tent
Capacity, season rating and weight narrow the field fast.
Capacity
Size up by one person for comfort and gear storage.
Season rating
Three-season tents handle spring through fall. Four-season tents are built for snow and strong wind, and are heavier and warmer.
Poles and weight
Aluminum poles are lighter and more durable than fiberglass. For car camping, weight matters little; for backpacking, it matters a lot.
Practice at home
Pitch a new tent in your yard or living room first. You'll find missing parts and learn the setup before you're doing it in the dark.
Keep researching
