Tents come in every imaginable shape and size. Which tent is right for your needs? That is a very common question and is a matter of personal preference. Below is some information that should help you choose the appropriate tent for your needs.

When choosing the size of the tent don't go by the advertised 'two man, four man, etc'. The advertised size is simply the maximum number of average sized adults you can cram in there with no regards to comfort. Divide the advertised rate in half and this should give you the comfortable capacity of the tent. Also, try not to purchase a tent that is too large as there are some complications with this. It can be difficult to find a smooth and level spot large enough to set up larger tents. Larger tents are also quite heavy and the load and unload experience can be frustrating.

A three-season tent is ideal unless you're dealing with snow. For layout purposes, tents with square floor shapes are much more efficient. Tents with 'tub' floors, floors that turn up off the ground at the sides, will help keep out any water that happens to run underneath. Look for tents that provide extra repair links for the poles as a broken pole is common. Obviously, the thicker the fabric the better but also keep an eye on the seams; they should be reinforced with nylon tape. Take extra measures to waterproof these seams with a seam sealer which you should try to apply before the trip. Don't neglect the zippers when buying a tent; they should open and close freely.

A common misconception with using tents is that the footprint, or the tarp underneath, should be larger than the tent itself. This can actually serve as a funnel for water to flow under your tent during rainstorms.

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