Everything Tents Episode 1: Types of Tents & How to Pick The Right One For Your Adventure
Everything Tents: Your Introductory Guide to Choosing the Right Outdoor Shelter
Now that you're dialed in with your sleep systems, we're excited to kick off our brand new series: "Everything Tents!"
Your tent is more than just a place to sleep; it's your portable home in the wilderness, providing essential shelter from the elements. In this series, we're doing a deep dive into the different types of tents available, exploring their unique features, and helping you understand what to heavily consider when making your next tent purchase.
To start, let's introduce the main categories of outdoor tents you'll encounter:
1. Outfitter & Wall Tents: The Robust Basecampers
First up are the heavy-duty outfitter tents and traditional canvas wall tents. These are the giants of the camping world, built for comfort and durability over portability.
Key Characteristic: Extremely heavy and large.
Best Use: Primarily for car camping where you can drive directly to your site, or for trips involving livestock (like horses or llamas) that can transport the considerable weight. Many hunters and large groups use these for establishing a long-term basecamp.
What to Expect: Offers ample space to stand up, set up cots, and even run a wood stove (which we'll discuss in a future episode!).
Not for: Backpacking! You simply cannot carry these on your back.
2. Dome Tents: The Versatile All-Rounders
The dome tent is arguably the most common and recognizable tent design. You'll find them everywhere, from budget-friendly options at your local Walmart to high-performance models at specialty outdoor stores.
Key Characteristics: Generally lightweight and relatively compact when packed down.
Best Use: Highly versatile for a wide range of camping, from car camping to lighter backpacking trips (especially 2-3 person versions). Their freestanding design makes them easy to set up.
What to Expect: Come in many variations to fit different needs, offering a good balance of protection, weight, and ease of use.
Considerations: Size ratings can be misleading (a "2-person" tent might only fit one comfortably with gear). We'll dive deeper into size, features, and quality in an upcoming episode.
3. Single-Wall / Floorless Shelters (e.g., Teepees): The Ultralight Specialist
For those who prioritize minimal weight and pack size above all else, single-wall, floorless shelters like teepee tents are a game-changer.
Key Characteristics: Uber lightweight and extremely compact. Most notably, they do not have a built-in floor, meaning you sleep directly on the ground.
Best Use: Designed for serious backcountry enthusiasts looking to put on significant miles, where every ounce shaved from their pack makes a difference.
What to Expect: While you sleep on the dirt, many allow for the use of a wood stove, offering incredible warmth in cold conditions. They come in various shapes and sizes beyond just the teepee.
Considerations: Requires different strategies for managing ground moisture, bugs, and critters due to the lack of a floor.
Finding Your Perfect Tent
Choosing the right tent is a significant decision that impacts your comfort, safety, and enjoyment outdoors. Throughout this "Everything Tents" series, we'll break down each of these categories in more detail, sharing our insights and experiences to help you make the best choice for your adventures.