There are many different kinds of backpacking and camping tents on the market. However, many share some common design features. The following features are commonly found on tents.
Freestanding Tent Design
A freestanding tent uses a lightweight, flexible pole system to create a frame for the tent body. This system allows the tent to remain erect without the need to carry as many stakes. They can also simplify the setup process, which can be important in a rainstorm. An example of a freestanding tent is the MSR Hubba Hubba HP.
Non-Freestanding Tent Design
Basically a non-freestanding tent is the opposite of a freestanding tent. The tent poles need to be supported in order to keep the tent body upright. These kinds of tent designs can range from lightweight backpacking tents such as the MSR Carbon Reflex 2 to the heavy-duty, family-style car camping tents that have aluminum poles and sleep six people or more.
Lightweight Tents vs. Heavy Duty Tents
Weight can be a big factor when on the trail, and backpackers are always looking for ways to shed extra weight from their packs. How heavy a tent is can be a major selling feature that shoppers look for when buying a backpacking or camping tent for an upcoming trip, especially if the trip involves through-hiking the Appalachian Trail or other extended expeditions.
On the other hand, Heavy-duty tents are appropriate for car camping, such as a weekend family campout or a Scout camporee. These tents are roomy, able to fit 3 or more people inside, and can be a great idea for an organization looking to make a long-term investment in camping gear that will last for many outings and survive generations of kids.
Extra Features on Tents
Tents can come with lots of extra features, which are meant to sell the product or help it stand out from the competition. Some common and not-so-common extra features include:
- Heavy-duty zippers that will last many years of use.
- Custom-made tent stakes that come with the tent.
- A skylight made of see-through plastic that allows a camper a view of the stars or allow extra light inside during sunny days.
- A tent floor made of tough nylon that will resist punctures and rips.
- Factory-taped waterproofed seams.
- A nylon mesh net hanging from the ceiling to store extra stuff inside the tent.
- Clips which allow for easy pole setup.
By knowing the different kinds of designs and features, hikers can make an informed choice when buying a new tent.
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