What kind of tents are there?
Where shall we start? Tents really do come in all shapes, sizes, and weights. And your choice depends entirely on the activity you are going to undertake, what your party looks like, and the type of tent that best suits these factors. It goes without saying that a trekker does not go out with a big tunnel tent. Or that you donβt spend three weeks holidaying at a campsite in a lightweight trekking tent. Weβve summed them all up for you!
Tent type
The four main types of tents are as follows:
- TheΒ dome tent: also known as the igloo tent, has two intersecting arches, around which you stretch the inner and outer tent layers. The advantage of a dome tent is that it is compact, lightweight, and suitable for unstable ground thanks to its self-supporting arch structure. You also need very little space because the tent is self-tensioning, so you donβt need storm ropes.Β
- TheΒ tunnel tent: this tent is set up with one to four poles, parallel to each other. A tunnel tent consists of a large living area and storage space, often divided into several compartments. Handy for family holidays or if you just like a lot of space! You set it up super fast and it also just stays put neatly thanks to the storm ropes.Β
- TheΒ pop-up tent: the tent that pitches itself as soon as you throw it in the air. A pop-up tent is often more affordable than a classic dome or tunnel tent, and its ease of use makes it perfect for a festival weekend. The downside? They arenβt that compact and putting it back in the bag is often an art form. Fortunately, you can always find people at festival campsites who have practised in their backyards for a long time and can help you out.
- TheΒ lightweight tent: if you are hiking in the mountains, you need a tent that fits in your rucksack, is lightweight, and can withstand all types of weather. You take on this kind of adventure with a trekking tent made of materials that can take a beating.Β
Activity
- Festival:Β theΒ pop-up tentΒ is the perfect festival tent thanks to its ease of use, but youβll also sleep like a log in aΒ domeΒ orΒ tunnel tentΒ (and have more space). They are all easy to set up, but have limited waterproofing and are therefore less suitable for long-term use. Fortunately, a festival doesnβt go on for weeks!
- Family holidays:Β the most important thing during a family holiday is to have enough space for the whole family to sleep, live, and eat in the tent. If you have aΒ domeΒ orΒ tunnel tentΒ with you, youβre sure to have enough space, including for your belongings. They are a bit heavier, but thatβs not a problem if youβre travelling by car!
- Weekend away:Β domeΒ orΒ tunnel tentsΒ are perfect for a weekend camping trip, a sleepover in the garden, or as an extra tent for the kids on a longer trip. They are more durable than the average festival tent and often come with an extra porch. Ideal for your gear or backpack!
- Walking or cycling holidays:Β weighs the least and takes up the least space. Those are your two most important criteria as a hiker and cyclist. AΒ lightweight domeΒ orΒ tunnel tentΒ for trekking and cycling is also more resistant to the weather elements than other tents!
Number of people
Thereβs nothing more annoying than being so crammed that you have to use your backpack as a pillow to save space. AΒ golden tip: always take one sizeΒ biggerΒ than the number of people sleeping in the tent. Are just two of you heading out? Then choose aΒ three-person tent. Then you are sure to haveΒ enough room for your luggageΒ too.
The only exception to this rule are hikers going trekking in the mountains. You definitelyΒ donβtΒ want to lug aroundΒ extra weight or unnecessary luggage. So base your choice on actual occupancy in that case!
FAQ β frequently asked questions about tents
Whether youβre spending the night in a farmerβs field or at a child-friendly campsite, there is a tent perfectly tailored to your camping needs. There are four elements to consider:
- Your activity: you donβt take an expensive trekking tent to a festival, just like you donβt take a basic pop-up tent on a weekend away with the family. Your activity really determines what kind of tent you need.
- The type of tent: tents come in many shapes and sizes, each with its own advantages. A dome tent, for example, has a small volume and weight. A tunnel tent, in turn, offers plenty of living and storage space.
- The number of people: will you go out alone or take the whole family?
- Weight: not only the size, but also the materials used determine the weight of your tent. This is especially important when trekking. If you travel by car, then it all matters a little less.
It can get very cold in your tent on spring and autumn nights. Hereβs how you can keep it warm:
- Choose a four-season tent, a winter sleeping bag with a low comfort temperature, and a sleeping mat with a high R-value.
- Lay extra insulating mats or a tent carpet on the ground.
- Dress in layers.
- If itβs really cold, get into your sleeping bag a bit earlier with a heat cushion or a drinking bottle with warm water.
- Are you travelling by car? Then you can also take an electric heater with you, for example, and heat your tent even more.
- Never make a fire in or near your tent! Flammable substances and your tent fabric do not mix.
The temperature in a tent can rise considerably during the summer, but fortunately, it usually cools down again in the evening. Hereβs how you can keep it cool:
- Choose a BlackOut tent from Coleman. The blackout tent fabric not only blocks out sunlight, it also keeps your sleeping area up to 5Β°C cooler during the day and up to 1Β°C warmer at night.
- If possible, do not pitch your tent until after sunset.
- Choose a campsite by the water or with a lot of shade, taking into account the shifting position of the sun.
- Point the entrance of the tent towards the wind.
- If necessary, hang an extra sun sheet or tarp over the tent to block the direct rays of the sun.
- Ventilate sufficiently: you can allow the air to circulate by unzipping two βdoorsβ or windows a little. This allows fresh air in and warm air out.
- On a dry night, some tents also allow you to remove the outer tarp for a fresh nightβs sleep under the stars.
- Sweep the floor regularly with a hand brush or wipe it down with a cloth.
- Do not use aggressive cleaning agents. First, brush over the dirty spots and then go over them with lukewarm water and a cloth. PVC tent tarps can also be cleaned with soapy water.
- Try to remove bird droppings as quickly as possible, as they can damage the tarp. Use water and a brush to clean up fresh droppings; use a spoon to scrape off hardened droppings. Brush the area clean afterwards.
- Always impregnate your tent after a thorough cleaning to make it waterproof again.
Choose from our many top brands
At A.S.Adventure, you will find an extensive range of tents for every type of camping trip. Choose from our many top brands - like Vaude, Jack Wolfskin, FjΓ€llrΓ€ven, Coleman - and find the suitable camping tent for your next camping trip.
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