| If you love camping, and plan on doing it for years to come, the first features you should look for in a tent are its durability and longevity. Set a budget, but don't be penny wise and pound foolish. An inexpensive tent that barely lasts a year is hardly a bargain. The size of your tent depends on how many people will be using it, the type of camping you enjoy and the size of your vehicle. Tent capacity is based on the total square footage of the tent, and how many standard sleeping bags will fit into it. For example, a 2-person tent will accommodate just two people, without any extra room for storage space. In most cases, a 4-person tent will be more comfortable for two people. This will give you ample room to spread out and store your gear. If you are camping with your children or another couple, a multi-room tent will provide some privacy. These tents come in 2-room styles, separating the rooms with an inside tent wall with a zippered door. There are 3-room styles that are similar to the 2-room. These have an added screen room, which can be used for changing wet or dirty clothes before entering the other rooms of the tent. In the event of rain, you can use this room to eat your meals. Tent construction should also be considered. Generally, aluminum poles are sturdier than fiberglass. You also want to be sure that your tent has a sufficient rainfly, along with folded seams and double stitching. A roof vent is a nice feature that allows air circulation at night, while preventing condensation from occurring inside the tent. |