Camping and camping offer wonderful opportunities to experience nature and enjoy sleep in the fresh air. Whether you are a beginner hiker or a seasoned adventurer, one of the most important pieces of equipment you should invest in is a decent tent. Choosing a tent can affect how comfortable and safe your trip will be, so it's important to consider some key factors before making a decision. In this guide, we go through the important aspects of choosing a tent.
Purpose of use
The first thing you need to figure out is the purpose of the tent. Do you intend to go on long hiking trips, camp with the family or head for more exotic adventures? Different tents are designed for different purposes, so define your needs clearly before buying.
Size and weight
Next, you should consider the size and weight of the tent. This is of course strongly linked to the previous point, i.e. the purpose of use. If you are planning long hikes alone or in a group of two, a light and compact tent is the recommended choice. In this case, we also recommend considering a hammock that packs into a small space! A larger and heavier tent can be a good option for family camping and situations where you can drive a car near the camping site.
The materials used in the tent also have a significant effect on its weight, i.e. two tents of the same size can weigh distinctly different amounts. So remember to compare.
Weather conditions
Think about the weather conditions in which you will use the tent. Tents are classified for a reason as suitable for summer use, three-season use and winter use. Choose a tent that will certainly provide the necessary protection from rain, wind and cold. In Finnish conditions, the weather may surprise you, so it is often necessary to equip yourself with a waterproof tent. You shouldn't play with this thing, because when things and sleeping bags get wet, they no longer heat up, and then the risk of frostbite increases.
The tent's water column value is a measure that describes the waterproofness of the tent fabric. It indicates how much water pressure the tent fabric can withstand before water starts to seep through it. The water column value is measured in millimeters (mm). If the tent's water column value is high, for example more than 3000 mm, it means that the tent fabric is very waterproof and will last a long time in rain or damp conditions. The 1500 mm value means that the tent can withstand light rain or drizzle, but not necessarily continuous rain throughout the night.
However, the water column value is not the only decisive factor, the correct treatment of the tent's seams, good erection and appropriate protection measures are also important in terms of waterproofing.
Structure and erection
The tent's structure and erection system affect its stability and ease of use. Dome tents are usually easy to set up and offer good wind resistance. Tunnel tents, on the other hand, offer more space, but they can be a bit more challenging to set up, as they need ground wedges for support.
The easiest option of all is a pop-up tent, which stands up by itself when the package is opened. However, the packaging of the pop-up tent is often a bit larger, and it is therefore suitable for destinations that can be reached by car or other means of transport.
Materials and durability
High-quality materials make the tent durable and long-lasting. Check that the tent has reinforced seams and good waterproofing. The outer and inner fabric of the tent must be durable and strong enough. The utility net is almost a mandatory piece of equipment so that the tent can be ventilated if necessary. Pay attention to the durability of the tent floor, especially when you plan to camp in rocky terrain.
Price and budget
Prices for tents can vary considerably. Set a budget and consider how much you are willing to invest in a tent. However, remember that a good quality tent will last for many years and offer better protection and comfort, so it can be worth the investment in the long run. It's also worth thinking about how often you use the tent, if you go camping almost every weekend, the cost of one use will decrease even with a more expensive tent. Those who camp once in the summer will probably get by with a cheaper option.
Choosing a tent can seem like a daunting task, but when you consider these key factors and explore the different options, you can make a well-informed decision. Also remember that the tent is an investment in your camping experience, so invest in quality and comfort. A good tent provides protection and comfort during nights spent in nature and makes camping even more enjoyable. You can browse our selection of tents from here and you can find all our camping supplies from this link.
If necessary, you can get help choosing a tent from our customer service. You can reach us by email customer service@trainikamat.fi or from the number 050 466 7269 (weekdays 10-18).