Choosing the right tent

There are many things to consider when purchasing a tent.

As a general rule, buy a tent that is rated for 2 more people than will actually sleep in it. For example, if you need a tent that will sleep 4 people, buy a tent that is rated for 6 people. The reason for this is that the tent rating systems do not take into account your gear or room to move around. However, if you will be heading into the interior, you may want to split up your party into smaller tents. The more people the tent can hold, the bulkier and heavier the tent becomes!

Many tents come with a fly for rainy weather. The fly should cover the sides of the tent, not just the top.

The floor should be one-piece, waterproof, and come a few inches up the sides of the tent where it meets the tent wall. This keeps the seam off the ground and away from water.

Windows and/or roof vents help to improve air circulation and eliminate condensation inside the tent. There should be bug-proof meshing in all vents and doors to keep the bugs out.

Lastly, the tent should have a heavy-duty zipper on the door. If the zipper breaks, it is likely that you will have to buy a new tent!