Camping tent selection - from the basics to what's right for you

Choosing your camping tent is a matter of comparing the basic designs and features to your outdoor activities. 

The first decision to make is when and where will you be camping.  If you will be doing any extreme weather or mountaineering then a 4 season tent is what you'll need.  If you'll never be in these conditions then eliminate the higher cost that 4 season tent's command and concentrate on All-season or 3 season models.  

The All Season is the tent for improved campsites and family outings.  Although called an "All Season", they aren't made for extreme conditions.   This is the tent we all remember as kids.  They are mostly 'A' frame tents and have the familiar tent poles and stakes that need to be pulled, stretched and assembled. 

The 3 season tent is the most versatile and is the tent of choice for most hikers and backpackers.  They are invariably dome tents designated by cubic footage and are listed as one person, two person...etc. Generally the bigger the tent the heavier it is if the fabric is the same. Get the smallest tent you're comfortable moving around in, they are lighter, take-up less pack space and are easier to heat.

Unless a tent is going to be used for an extended period time, the simpler it is and less complicated to pitch the better.   Backpacking tents need to be particularly simple with the least amount of extra parts that may be lost or damaged while on the trail. 

Pick a tent that has an extended fly (also known as a vestibule) to store packs and boots out of the weather without having to bring them into the tent.  The fly should close completely and have an overlapping seal to prevent rain and wind from entering.   A plus is having a additional screen fly so that on hot nights the tent can be left open yet not allow critters to enter.

The floor of the tent is a much neglected detail.  The floor, or bathtub, should be heavier than the siding, more durable and as water proof as possible.   Some manufacturers rubberize the bathtub or coat it with a similar material.

The majority of tents today are made from varieties of nylon.  Canvas tents are still available but are mostly designed to be used as long-lasting base camps or by car campers.   Make sure the stitching and zippers are of the highest quality, in most cases a seam will let go or a zipper will fail before a tent side is ever torn.