What to Look for When Buying a Family-Sized Tent
With spring just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about all those outdoor activities that you haven’t been able to take part in during the winter. For many people, top of the list is camping, something that isn’t exactly enjoyable in the dead of winter. If you’ve got big plans to enjoy some family camping trips this upcoming season, then now is the time to start looking at your gear and replacing or buying anything you’re missing.
Now if you happen to be in the market for a new family-sized tent this season, it’s a good idea to start doing a little research in advance, so that you can pick the perfect model for your needs. There is so much more to consider than just the size, which is why we’ve put together this list of things to look for when buying a family-sized tent.
Better to Have Extra Space than Not Enough
Let’s just go ahead and address one of the key factors in buying a family-sized tent – that’s the size. If you are a family of four, rather than just looking at the models meant for four people, try looking at models that sleep five or even six. Most people find that it’s better to have a little extra space than being crammed into a tiny tent.
Don’t forget it needs to sleep everyone in the family, possibly the family dog/cat, plus house all your gear. Plus if the kids bring a friend or two along, well then that extra space will really come in handy.
Consider What Season You Will Be Using the Tent
Did you know that not all tents are intended for all seasons of the year? They use different fabrics, are constructed differently, and even have different floor material. If you only want to use your tent during the summer months, then this will be a totally different model than a winterized tent. As myfamilytent.com points out, you need to be able to pick a tent that can withstand the elements in the season(s) you will be camping.
Do You Want Separate Spaces in the Tent?
Some family-sized tents aren’t just big; they also have different rooms, with “walls” that separate the spaces. This could give parents a space of their own, which can come in handy with young kids who need to go to bed earlier or be able to nap during the day.
Take a Close Look at the Windows and Door
Another feature that you want to focus on is the windows and door. Having too many or not enough windows can affect the comfort level of the tent (airflow, temperature, and the amount of natural light), and the door should always be easy to open and walk through. At the same time, doors and windows need to be fully sealed, including the zippers, so that you don’t have to worry about rain coming through.
Narrowing Down the Options
These are just a few of the tips you can use to help narrow down the options and find that perfect tent that will be perfect for your family’s camping needs.