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It's the first thing you need to purchase for your camping trip because you count on it for the whole trip. What's it?
Yes! You guessed it right, A TENT!!
But most of the time, people make mistakes while buying their first tent. For example, they choose the wrong tent, which creates problems on the trip and gives them a tough time.
But worry no more; we have covered it all for you. We have put together a complete explanatory guide that will help you choose the right tent, and in the end, you will be able to make an informed decision.
Keep Reading.
However, before we get to all the nitty gritty of tent features, you need to answer a few questions. Your answers will help you choose your first tent.
What Kind of Camping will you be doing?
So, before you head towards buying the tent for your camping adventure, you should answer this question. Camping can generally be of two types: car camping and backcountry camping.
Car Camping is the most basic form of sleeping in a tent while keeping your gear accessible in a car nearby. It is commonly done in established campgrounds that have the facility of potable water and a bathroom. So, check out your local state parks, forest reserves, or national reserves to see what facilities they provide.
When you plan to go car camping, the size and weight of the tent are not an issue. Still, you can buy a bigger tent because at last, you will appreciate all the space you will have for your gear.
Backcountry Camping is an activity that usually involves hiking for miles into the wilderness and having all your gear accessible in your backpack. This camping style requires experience and knowledge of the trail you are hiking and your final destination. But it doesn't mean that beginners must stay away; instead, you should go out and explore nature. Backcountry camping helps you unleash amazing nature and create unforgettable memories.
So, if you choose backcountry camping, you must remember that you should get a tent that is one person bigger than you require. So, for example, if you need a tent for 5 people, you should buy it for 6 people, the extra space will be a bonus.
The Kind of Brand You Prefer and Your Budget
In this, you have to be honest with yourself. Do you require a top-of-the-line brand for your tent, or will a normal brand suffice?
Most people who go camping regularly, or more often, need branded tents because they are designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, and a normal brand is suitable for occasional weekend camping.
If you look for weight, the ultralight tents are great, but they are hefty in price; therefore, a little heavy tent will also work. Also, ensure that the quality of material used in the tent is not poor because it can wear out easily and quickly. So, if you are a regular camping person, spend a few extra bucks for your tent, and you won't regret it.
Regarding your budget, you should consider your paying capacity before buying the tent. It is because tents can go from AED 185 to AED 4000. But if you are a beginner, we recommend going for a mid-range to a lower-range tent.
Know the weather You will be Camping in
Camping is done all year long, so you should be aware of the weather in which you will be camping. There are 3 types of season tents, namely:
3-Season tents are popular among beginners. Also, they can withstand moderate rainfall, fairly strong wind, and even a little snow. These tents are equipped with mesh paneling and have a good balance of ventilation and insulation, preventing condensation inside the tent.
2-Season tents can be your preferred choice if you camp mostly in a warm and dry destination. These tents are designed for areas with less precipitation and cannot withstand heavy rainfall.
4-Season tents are recommended if you are going mountaineering or on serious winter camping. These tents are higher in price because of their high-quality material and specific design. In addition, they are constructed with extra insulation to keep the person warm in the tent.
Now that you have answered the above questions let's discuss the tent's features and designs.
Tent Design
Camping tents come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These designs are dome, cabin, and tunnel tents. But a new trend has made instant tents more popular among campers. Their ease of installation and quick setup are the reasons for their popularity.
Dome Tents:
These tents are traditional, but they have a popular design. They are freestanding and feature a cross-pole structure that provides better stability. These tents are designed to withstand snow and strong winds. These tents are tall from the center, and the walls are more sloped, resulting in less space. They are budget-friendly and capable of 2 or 4 people.
Cabin Tents:
Cabin tents are designed with near-vertical walls that maximize overall peak height. They are best suited for families or groups of 4 or more as it has plenty of space to move around. Due to their heavy weight, these tents are best for car camping.
Tunnel Tents
Tunnel tents are easy to set up and take down. They often have larger vestibules than dome tents, providing extra gear space. In addition, these tents have a uniform arch design that requires the support of guidelines for optimal performance.
Instant Tents:
An instant camping tent is a broader term for any tent built with quick pitching. These tents take 5 to 10 minutes to set up. These tents are built with user experience in mind. They have interlocking poles and a hydraulic system to help the tent stand up.
Other Important Features of Tents
A vestibule is an extension of the tent material that provides a protective cover outside of the tent. They are great for storing your shoes, backpack, or anything you don't want inside your sleeping area. Most tents come with a standard vestibule, but some have the optional add-on vestibule as it will supersize your tent.
If you have multiple people in a tent, you should go for a tent with more than one door. It will help you avoid stepping over people while entering or exiting. Also, make sure that you check the door zipper and check if it makes noise while opening and closing.
The tent pole's structure helps determine how hard or easy they are to pitch. Less poles helps to set up a tent faster. Also, it is easier to attach the pole to a clip rather than threading through the pole sleeves. Most tents use clips and short pole thread to provide strength, ventilation, balance, and ease of setup.
Most tents come with pockets and organizers for keeping your eyeglasses, headlamp, and other gear handy while you sleep. The tents generally have at least one or two pockets for your help.
Now Go and Buy Your First Camping Tent!
Now, we want you to use this guide as a reference to buy your first tent. With this guide, you will be confident buying camping tents in Dubai. Make sure you have fun while buying it and ensure that all the options don't overwhelm you. You don't need to buy a high price, luxurious tent; instead, make sure it fits your size and weight expectations.
You can buy tents online from one of the leading suppliers of all adventure accessories and products, Adventure HQ. We have an exclusive collection of tents from renowned brands like Oztrail, Core Equipment, and Companion. We aim to provide our customers with quality products at competitive prices.
So, visit our website Adventure HQ and explore our collection.
Happy Camping!