Be it just you or with family and friends, there are numerous great tent options. Gone are the days of tent sleeves you had to thread through; many now feature hooks which snap directly into place.

3-season tents provide more protection in rain and windy conditions than their 1-season counterparts, including features like rainflys that provide more full coverage, such as covering windows and doors.

High-End

An expensive tent is one of the cornerstones of a camping kit, so when making this purchase it is essential that all relevant factors such as weather resistance, comfort and extra features be considered when shopping.

High-end tents like the Nemo Aurora Highrise 6 prioritize space and features for ultimate comfort. Its sleek design provides ample room to store two twin mats or sleeping bags comfortably while reaching up to 6’5″ height for optimal height clearance.

Other features to look out for when buying a tent include storage pockets, gear loops and other organizational options that help keep items tidy and clutter-free. Ventilation should also be carefully considered to prevent overheating and condensation problems; check for vents, windows or mesh walls which provide airflow; furthermore look out for tents with fully separate rainflies covering their entirety to provide additional protection from snow storms or cold temperatures; finally when storing your tent make sure the stuff sack is large enough for all its components!

Budget

Basic tents may give up some living space in exchange for packability, but they’re great at handling pleasant weather conditions. If camping with others, make sure your chosen model can accommodate them all comfortably.

If you plan to hike rugged winter trails or require thicker temperature regulation, four-season tents may be worth investing in. They feature thicker walls to account for temperature shifts while dome shapes offer extra weather protection while rain flies extend down towards the ground for added weatherproofing.

Make sure you use a footprint, or ground cloth, under your tent to protect it from punctures and facilitate easier repacking. Also remember to set up and take down your tent carefully without stretching fabric or forcing poles into position, to prevent cracking fiberglass or aluminum tent poles over time.

Crossover

Crossover camping tents combine comfort, weather resistance and extra features at an economical cost compared to premium backpacking or ultralight models. Examples like MSR Habiscape and REI Wonderland use dividers to maximize livable space while liberally applying mesh ventilation in hotter weather. They also provide ample exterior storage with full-coverage rainflies extending to front door openings creating vestibules where you can store gear or easily put on and take off boots.

These models, too, employ strong aluminum pole designs and thicker fabrics to withstand hot summer weather. REI’s Wonderland model boasts a dome shape for greater strength and wind resistance for use in mountainous regions or national parks.

Car camping tent space requirements should also be an important factor. Although the Gazelle T4 Hub packs down into an extra-large duffel bag, its bulk will still fill your vehicle’s trunk and take up considerable room when unrolled.

Ultralight

Ultralight backpacking tents favored by thru-hikers and weekend warriors must withstand months of hard use while remaining absurdly light in base weight. Cottage brands have met this immense challenge head on by pushing materials, weight and space limitations further than ever.

Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), known for its incredible strength-to-weight ratio, is often featured among the best ultralight tents for sale. While these DCF designs often cost more than comparable nylon- or polyester-based tents, many enthusiasts consider them worth purchasing as they provide exceptional protection in a compact package.

While selecting an ultralight shelter that meets your hiking needs, other important considerations include door styles and vestibule storage capabilities. Look out for guyline points to secure the tent during stormy conditions as well. Peak height and floor dimensions should also be taken into account to create the perfect ultralight shelter solution.