Just say "camping out " and dreams of song birds, whispering breezes, pine scents and the proverbial pup tent. But some folks find there are so many tents to look at! And even a veteran tent camper can be overwhelmed by the bewildering variety of tents to buy. Each camper has unique requirements and that means the camping tent that is great for other people may not really be the best one for you and your friends. So you ask: "Which camping tent should I select?"

Contemplate Your Basic Requirements Pause before your family even begin to shop for a tent, give some thought to what you need in a camping tent. Right off the bat consider getting atent that is durable and that is watertight, has easy setup and take down and a lot of usable space. Lousy shelter from the elements can destroy a trip very easily. As the saying goes "Don't go camping without it"! Look at how many campers will be using the tent. If you are a large family you and your friends may want to take time to consider multiple 3-man tents instead of one large one.

Determine Sizes Of Tent Talk it over and use the following guide. This space includes your wood stove and some eating space. 8 foot x 10 foot measurements -- 1 person (and maybe a small dog)10 foot x 12 foot measurements -- 2 will fit

12 foot x 14 foot measurements -- 3 will fit
12 foot x 18 foot measurements -- 3 campers and possibly a fourth
14 foot x 16 foot measurements -- 4 campers
15 foot x 18 foot measurements -- 4 to 5 campers
16 foot x 20 foot measurements -- 4 to 6 campers

With the figures above in mind you should determine all the people who will be using the tent and the sleeping floor space desired for each person. A family with small kids may not need as much room. Some are simple single or double tents. Others will hold an entire family. Determining exactly what you need is hard because everybody has their own idea of "comfort".

Purchase A Tent With A Floor Be smart and get a camping tent with a "bathtub" floor. If you don't, every bug within 20 miles will seem to visit! Campers have woken up to visitors from rattlers, to ants to skunks sharing the sleeping space. Better yet buy a camping tent that also has a fully zippered screen door and screened windows with fully adjustable, zippered flaps. Guests like these can easily dominate your experience of being outside. Also having a "bathtub" floor made of heavy gauge, oxford nylon that extends about six inches up the walls before being sewn to the wall will make the tent waterproof. This keeps the seams off the ground. Buying a tent isn't rocket science, but just keep in mind the ruined tents seen every year in campgrounds, it's not a purchase you and your family should take lightly.

Your new tent will have a great deal of influence on your camping trip. Don't just buy the first one you see. Spend your money wisely. Then take the family to your next big adventure. And you can find places to do that everywhere. Try Daisy Barn Campground in Wilson, New York in the United States. Or how about Gosford Forest Park in Markethill, Ireland.

Visit our online store at Online Shopping Galore and buy a new camping tent.


Lee MacRae is a marketing specialist at Online Shopping Galore