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Selecting the right tent

Buying a tent isn't something you should take lightly. There are many things to consider that often get overlooked.

If you're planning to go hiking or kayaking you may want a smaller tent that can easily be carried long distances. You'll also need decent water protection as you likely won't have any tarps above or below your tent.

If you're driving to your camping spot, the size shouldn't be a concern as long as it fits in your vehicle with the rest of your supplies. You will want to remember that your camping spot will likely have a picnic table, firepit, your vehicle, various supplies and rocks or trees which could limit the amount of room for your tent. These are all factors that you need to consider when selecting the size of your tent.

How large should a tent be?

Most tent descriptions often tell you how many people it is suitable for; 2-person, 4-person, 6-person, etc. However, this is often questionable as it doesn't take into account of the many accessories and essentials you might want or require. If you're only camping for a couple days, a smaller tent will be just fine in most situations. For longer trips, you'll want a 6+ person tent so that you have adequate room for your bed/cot, clothing bins and a side table for your lantern, drink containers, books, etc.

See Setting up your Camp or Camping Essentials for recommended accessories and supplies that may be important to you when deciding on your tent.

Recommended Tents from our partner Cabelas!

	Coleman® Legacy Weathermaster Coleman's exclusive WeatherTec™ features are guaranteed to keep you dry. They include a waterproof floor with welded seams and corners, taped fly seams, inverted stitching on internal wall seams to prevent leaks and a wind-resistant support system.
	Columbia® Cougar Flats II The Cougar Flats II has two rooms and is perfect for a family looking for a quality tent that can house them all comfortably. The GoBe Dry® System will keep water and moisture out, as will the fully seam-taped polyester fly with an 800mm waterproof-rated coating.
	Cabela's Outfitter Series ISQ The ultimate base camp for large groups of hunters or campers. This patented design features a large 10-ft. x 14-ft. outfitter-style tent with six zippered openings along the tent walls for attaching "Individual Sleeping Quarters (ISQ)" that can be closed off from the main tent with separate zippered doors.
	Cabela's Big Bear Family Tent A family tent you can depend on for years of outdoor experiences. The geodesic-style tent sleeps six comfortably. Easily set up this strong, weather-resistant tent's color-coded aluminum main frame and fiberglass support frame for luxury living away from home.