CHOOSING THE RIGHT TENT
How much space do you need? What are you are using it for? Is the weight of the tent important? What time of the year will you go camping? How far do you have to carry it?
Some quick tips Chose a tent that is easy to set up. Make sure it provides enough weather protection for your needs.
Choosing a backpacking tent Unless you are camping close to your car you will have to carry your tent, which means weight and packability will win over size and space.
Single vs double walled tents: Most tents are double walled, which means they have a breathable inner tent overlayed with a waterproof outer tent/fly. This allows condensation to more to the outer layer keeping your tent dryer on the inside.
Weight: If carrying your tent any distance, look for a tent that weighs around 2 pounds per person.
Netting: Important for keeping out sandflies and mosquitos and also for allowing the tent to breathe.
Tent poles: Aluminium: Great weight to strength ratio which makes it an excellent choice. However, they need looking after if you camp close to the sea due to corrosion. Fibreglass: Lightweight, inexpensive but can shatter under pressure. Carbon Fibre: Super lightweight but expensive. Steel: Strong and rigid but heavy and corrosive.
