Advice: Purchasing Your First Tent

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My wife has never been camping before and I haven’t been proper tent camping in years. The Francis Marion National Forest is really close to where we live, and it seems like a perfect place for us to get away and immerse ourselves in nature for a bit. I’d like to start very simply with a one-night camping trip. I can borrow most supplies we’ll need from friends but I’d like to look at getting us a tent. Tent shopping is pretty daunting, as there are SO many options. Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for buying a first tent? We certainly don’t mind spending money for quality, but it’s hard to know where to start.

This is a fantastic question and a great into to begin discussing purchasing your first pieces of camping gear. A tent is the center of camping and it’s important to enjoy, trust and take care of your tent. I’ve compiled some research in addition to my personal experience and would start by recommending these three tents as great starters: the Big Agnes Fly Creek, the REI Quarter Dome and the Marmot Limelight.

In discussing tents there are two approaches to take: the short answer and the philosophical discussion. First, a few things you must consider when buying your first (or last!) tent:

• How many people will be sleeping in the tent? Even if you’re shopping for 2 people 3 person tents will give you both enough room to be comfy and not too crowded as you first get in to camping. But really, a 2 person is all you really need, and the savings in weight is a bonus.
• How big are you? Consider the tent’s square feet, length, and head room. Make sure you fit comfortably inside.
• What are the typical conditions of the places you plan to camp? Does the tent come with a waterproof rain fly, and does it have a vestibule for storing your gear out of the elements? Does it come with a protective footprint too?
• In what seasons do you plan to camp? 3-season tents are the most common and are very versatile. If you plan on doing deep winter or high-altitude camping you will need to do more research to be prepared for the elements.
• How do you plan to use the tent? If you’re backpacking, consider the total weight of the tent, stakes and fly. If you’re into car camping, you might sacrifice weight and packability for more space.
• Do you like feeling open to the sky or protected from the wild? Different tents have different amounts of mesh and nylon. Consider how you like to feel when you sleep and find a tent that makes you comfortable.
• What’s your price point? Consider all of your requirements in a tent and buy the best you can afford. This tent is an investment. It will last you a long time and take you through many life-affirming adventures.
• What if you need repairs? Take a look at the warrantee information before making your purchase. A lot of companies like Big Agnes and REI will repair or replace your tent for free.

A tent is a big purchase. It’s your home away from home – it’s your shelter, literally sometimes, from the storm. The decision of the which tent to buy shouldn’t be made alone. Go to the store with your partner and get their opinion. You both must like the tent, or at least compromise on it, to be satisfied and happy to sleep in it.

When you’re at the store, try each tent on! It must fit you, make you comfy, and just feel right. You’ll know your new tent when you see it. When you buy a tent you’re making an investment, and if you take good care of it and respect it, your tent will last for twenty years or more.

Readers: Thanks for making Advice happen! If you have comments about my advice in purchasing your first tent, or specific questions about tents, please leave a comment.