Premium camping tents often boast features to increase living space and weather resistance. The REI Wonderland, for example, features a tunnel-like design with dividers and vestibules to maximize living space; additionally it has strong aluminum poles as well as liberal use of mesh ventilation in hot or muggy weather conditions.

Weather-Worthy

If you plan on camping year after season, a tent that can withstand weather, wind and other forces that might threaten its existence is essential. Look for high-quality fabrics and pole systems that can withstand frequent thrashing as well as stakes that won’t bend or snap under pressure.

Consider your camping location and choose an appropriate seasonality rating (3- or 4-season). Additionally, look for tents with rainflys to prevent moisture seepage and condensation build-up while protecting from sun glare.

Rob Gaedtke is an IronMan race director, avid backpacker, and race director who has trekked across India, Jeeped through Africa, and backpacked across Western United States. Rob also puts all camping tents available for purchase through rigorous tests to make sure that they can become your home away from home; his top choices for best tents include MSR Habitude 4 and Snow Peak Alpha Breeze.

Comfortable

Premium camping tents prioritize comfort over all else. While these models may cost more, their sturdy aluminum pole designs and robust waterproof fabrics offer much-needed peace of mind in wet camping grounds. Furthermore, many come equipped with full coverage rainflies to provide more ventilation during hot days or nights without compromising weather protection.

Evaluate a tent’s peak height, floor space and other dimensions in order to gauge its comfort potential and determine which extra features might enhance your camping experience. Likewise, camping with children or animals requires easy-to-clean tarp flooring with built-in storage space such as vestibules. Last but not least, take time to ensure the stated capacity of any tent will accommodate everyone camping with you while leaving enough room for sleeping bags, board games or star-gazing. Also consider durability – for instance crossover backpacking tents have thinner floors that save money while dedicated camping tents such as REI Wonderland X feature heavier fabric to provide resilience.

Durable

Camping means relying on your tent as the first line of defense against the elements. For optimal performance, look for tents designed with durable fabrics that can withstand strong winds and heavy rainfall while offering adequate ventilation to minimize condensation inside your tent. Features like mesh roofs, vents and storage pockets may help provide adequate airflow while offering privacy and peace.

Some tents use a hybrid design combining nylon and polyester that’s more resistant to abrasions and moisture than traditional nylon-only structures, providing more protection from mildew and UV rays while keeping temperatures down inside the tent. They often come coated with waterproof silicone-based finishes designed to prevent mildew formation as well.

While these tents offer plenty of durability, they’re relatively heavy and require additional skill for setup. If you’re going backpacking, lighter tents might be preferable.

Budget

An investment in a high-quality camping tent is a sound decision. Although most will last several seasons with proper care and maintenance, some tents may wear out faster due to poor stitching or lower quality materials or designs not tailored specifically for your region. To find its true worth and save yourself money in the long run, it pays to shop around as prices vary significantly from store to store and doing some research can save time and money over time.

One key consideration when purchasing a tent is ease of use. When pitching alone or enlisting help from kids, a tent should be easy to set up quickly. Pop-up tents tend to be particularly simple while connecting poles can sometimes prove challenging when winds blow strongly; therefore it may be preferable to choose tents equipped with hub systems that make this process simpler.