Picking a Tent

Picking a Tent For a successful and happy camping trip it is essential to have the correct equipment. Campers need to be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions...even in summer!! You must have camping kit that can cope with these conditions, which will ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. On this site we offer some advice on what to look for.

Tents come in all different sizes and styles, ranging from a one person model designed to neatly fit into a rucksack, for lightweight camping, to an eight berth frame tent, which could be used for a family holiday. In between there are numerous different kinds of tents made in lightweight nylon or polyester that can be fitted into a small car and used in a variety of locations.

Dome Tents Dome tents are, as you would expect, dome shaped. These are erected quickly and easily by using two or three bendy lightweight poles that cross at the top. These flexible poles are usually made from glass reinforced plastic or aluminium. The smaller variety of Dome Tents are ideal for backpackers but there are plenty of larger dome tents, which are popular with families.

Ridge Tents Ridge Tents are triangular in shape, they have a horizontal pole running along the top of the tent, supported by two vertical or A shaped poles at each end. They are usually made from canvas and have wooden poles. They are sturdy tents with plenty of headroom that should be pitched end onto the wind.

Touring Tents There are many tents that come under this category - chalet, extended/high ridge, extended dome, to name a few of the most popular, which are usually made from nylon or polyester with steel, alloy or glass reinforced plastic poles. Some extended/high ridge tents or dome tents have large porches, which are handy for shelter or cooking in, they may also have windows. These are popular tents for weekend breaks, family holidays etc.