Buying a new tent is not a decision to be made lightly. There is the tent’s size, shape and price to consider for starters, not to mention the type of material, ease of erecting and weight.
Get it wrong, and your tent could be the cause of a failed camping trip. Check out our reviews of different types of tents so you can be sure you’re buying the right one for your purposes.
Dome Tents
You can’t really go wrong with a dome tent unless of course, you strike stormy weather. Designed to be lightweight, simple to erect and take down; the basic dome has two intersecting poles and a rectangular floor. These popular tents come in a number of sizes from two person, up to six to nine person. They are incredibly versatile and can be easily popped in the boot of your car for a weekend camping trip.
Main features:
- Simple structure.
- A wide variety of designs, sizes and prices.
- Freestanding with no guy ropes & pegs.
- Have to be pegged down in high winds.
- Easy to put up and take down.
Best for: couples on a weekend camping trip or large families on a camping holiday.
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Pop-up Tents
If you need a basic, free standing tent for a quick trip or a short stay, then a pop-up tent is ideal. They’re super easy to erect, making them the go-to tent for when you arrive at a campsite at night! Simply remove it from its cover and let it ‘pop’ open. You can choose to peg the corners and use guy ropes if you want more security from the wind. Pop up tents come in two to three person sizes, to larger family sized tents. Pop up tents are also perfect for sun and wind protection at the beach or festivals and events.
Main features:
- Super easy to set up.
- Provides some protection against the elements.
- Often used at the beach or sporting events.
- Smaller, temporary shelter.
- Can be a bit more expensive.
Best for: Couples, small to medium sized families on short camping trips, or an extra tent for the kids.
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Touring Tents
If you frequently head off in your 4WD with your mates on adventures, then you’ll be looking for a touring tent. These tents come with more comfort features, yet are sturdy in construction to protect against the weather. The easy set-up design caters to travellers moving from campsite to campsite after a few days. Touring tents can sleep up to eight to ten adults and can be used in all climates. They usually come with awnings for shade that can also be zipped in inclement weather, and mesh for insect control.
Main features:
- Tough canvas walls & roof.
- Waterproof.
- Long lasting & reliable.
- Good ventilation.
- Mesh for insect control.
Best for: groups of friends and families who frequently stop for short stays at a single campsite.
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Swags
Swags offer the sturdiness and protection of a touring tent but are smaller, easy to unroll and erect, and usually contain a built-in mattress. Modern swags are likened to a waterproof canvas sleeping compartment but hark back to the days of the ‘jolly swagman’ who travelled around on foot and had a bedroll. While you can do this if you want, a swag is also easily carried in the boot of your car for short camping trips, along with a pillow and sleeping bag.
Main features:
- All-in-one design.
- Heavy duty construction.
- Built-in mattress.
- Quick to setup.
- Sometimes insect proof.
- Lightweight & compact.
Best for: people that want a small, simple tent for a festival or a hiking/camping trip.
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Hiking Tents
Hiking tents are compact, lightweight and suitable to fit in a backpack. They can usually sleep one to four people at a pinch, and are made of durable material for protection from the elements and to keep occupants warm. They usually have extra weather protection features such as waterproof taped seams on the floor and fly, and insect protection mesh doors and windows. Hiking tents can be limited on interior space as they don’t use much material, but you should still be able to fit some personal gear inside. You can purchase hiking tents with additional storage features.
Main features:
- Lightweight.
- Compact.
- Durable.
- Waterproof.
- Insect control mesh.
- Easy to transport & set up.
Best for: hikers but also popular with bikers, kayakers and small vehicle campers.
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