For casual campers or hikers pursuing longer excursions, the Springbar Highline tent provides ideal protection from summer rain and heat while regulating temperature regulation to maximize living space and provide enough ventilation. An optional footprint or ground cloth will further extend its life expectancy and protect its floor from dirt accumulation.

Budget Tents

As their name implies, budget tents are created with price in mind. Yet even the most affordable models still deliver impressive durability and comfort; many even feature more opulent features found on premium models, like color-coded components, hubbed pole structures, clip attachments or color coding for easy pitching by even novice backpackers.

Other features include spacious bathtub floors to protect against splash back and puddles and durable, 3,000mm seam-sealed fabrics that effectively block wind and rain – such as those found on Big Agnes models such as their High Denier Floor Fabric Rainfly; all while not compromising weight or interior volume.

This two-person tent is an excellent option for backpacking, bikepacking and car camping adventures. At just 3.05kg in weight and featuring an ample porch for gear storage and an incredibly sturdy design that can withstand strong winds – not forgetting its convenient ‘gear loft’ at the top of inner tent for extra space – this camping trip companion should make an excellent partner on any outdoor journey.

Mid- and High-End Tents

As their name implies, premium camping tents carry a higher price tag than budget models but offer many additional features and benefits. For instance, these models often boast full-coverage rainflys to withstand storms, large vestibules for gear storage purposes, and superior ventilation design to limit moisture buildup during hot days. Furthermore, premium models typically use stronger aluminum pole designs and more resilient materials (nylon instead of polyester) than budget tents.

REI Co-op Wonderland 6 and Marmot Limestone 6 tents provide ample livable space for up to six people, featuring double wall construction with weather-resistant fabric exterior designed to resist snow and wind – perfect for multiseason hiking adventures and backpacking trips. However, these heavier designs don’t pack away as easily or setup as quickly; nevertheless they make great choices for dedicated campers staying put for several days or weeks at once or group hikers looking for durable shelter that can withstand all conditions.

Premium Tents

If car camping is part of your regular family activities, consider upgrading to a premium tent that provides ample storage and weather protection. Eureka’s Space Camp 6 tent features 10 total pockets and can adjust airflow at both ends of the tent; similarly, North Face Wawona 6 has massive exterior storage in a vestibule area that doubles up as gear storage space as well as living area.

Other advantages include durable aluminum pole designs, robust seam sealing and full-coverage rainflies that keep wind and rain at bay. When looking at tents for sale, also pay attention to their livable space – view the floor plan and peak height as this will indicate whether or not there’s room inside for furniture and moving around freely.

Ultralight Tents

As backpackers know, cutting down your base weight can dramatically enhance the hiking experience. Your backpack, sleeping bag and shelter all account for significant weight savings; shaving off just one or two pounds from each will have the biggest effect on reducing overall pack weight.

Ultralight tent market encompasses everything from premium freestanding designs such as Nemo Hornet Elite and Big Agnes Fly Creek UL3 to stripped-down trekking-pole shelters from cottage brands like Gossamer Gear, Six Moon Designs and Mountain Laurel Designs utilizing lighter coatings, thinner fabrics, and sometimes forgoing features like peak vents to reduce weight.

As much as many gram-counters consider floorless tents to be the pinnacle of backpacking shelter, they do have some limitations. Nylon material absorbs moisture quickly, weakening its structure and increasing weight once wet. Also, floorless designs such as MLD DuoMid require more attention for proper setup than their counterparts and do not offer as much living space than traditional designs.