Family Tent

Family tent (4 people ~)

What exactly is a family tent?

A tent serves as a sleeping area or a relaxing space for a family during camping. Among them, "family tent" is a general term for "larger tents" where a family can spend a relaxing time.

Of course, it is useful not only for family camping, but also for group camping where you can have fun with a large number of friends.

How to choose a family tent that you won't regret

Tents are among the most expensive types of outdoor equipment. When choosing a family tent, keep in mind the following five points so that you don't regret it after using it.

Check the shape of the tent
If you choose based on the number of people using +1 ◎
Choose by material
Recommended for use in all seasons
Pay attention to functionality

I will introduce each point in detail.

How to choose ① Check the shape of the tent

Tents are divided into several types depending on their shape. The following five are the most common types of tents.

dome tent
2 room tent
shelter tent
Teepee type (one pole tent)
Lodge type

Usability, advantages, and disadvantages vary greatly depending on the type. Be sure to understand the characteristics of each type and choose the type that suits your family's camping style.

	merit	Demerit
dome tent	・Easy to set up	・A tarp is required
2 room tent	・No tarp required ・Separate living space and bedroom	・Large storage size ・Slightly heavy ・Difficult to set up by one person
shelter tent	・Various arrangements ・No tarp required	・An inner tent may be required for overnight stay.
Teepee type (one pole tent)	・Easy to set up ・Cute appearance	・A tarp is required ・There is a feeling of confinement near the ceiling.
lodge type tent	・High livability ・Cute appearance	・A tarp is required ·heavy

dome tent

A "dome tent" is a framework made by crossing two poles.

It is easy to set up and take down, so even beginners can use it. Since it can be set up by one person, it is also recommended for family camping with small children who need to be kept an eye on.

2 room tent

As the name suggests, this is a 2-room tent with two rooms: a bedroom and a living space. You can enjoy camping without needing a tarp.

The advantage is that the bedroom and living space are docked, making it easy to keep an eye on small children.

The living space can also be fully closed, so you can stay comfortably even on windy and rainy days or during winter camping.

Disadvantages include the fact that it is large and heavy, making it difficult to transport and difficult to set up by one person. You will also need a large space to take care of it after returning home.

shelter tent

A "shelter tent" with no floor. The four walls can be opened and can be used not only as a tent but also as a tarp.

The shelter tent can be arranged in a variety of ways, such as as a living space for a large number of people, as a sleeping area using a cot (simple bed), or as a two-room tent by attaching an inner tent.

Teepee type (one pole tent)

A ``tepee-type tent'' whose only framework is a single pole installed in the center. Also called a one-pole tent.

The most attractive feature is the cute appearance of the pointed roof. It is easier to set up than it looks, and once you get used to it, even one person can set it up.

The disadvantage is that the ceiling inside the tent is sloping, so it feels a little closed in.

Lodge type

As the name suggests, this is a "lodge-type tent" shaped like a mountain hut. The retro and cute appearance is the most attractive feature. The ceiling inside the tent is high, giving you an open feeling that makes you feel at home.

The disadvantage is that depending on the material of the frame, it is heavy and difficult to carry.

How to choose ② Choose based on the number of users + 1 ◎

When it comes to tents, it is important to consider how many people will be using the tent.

Most tents have a set number of users. The number of users is set based on the number of people who can sleep, so if you actually use it with exactly the number of users, it will feel a little cramped.

If you want a spacious space while sleeping, you may want to choose a tent that accommodates 1 more people.

How to choose ③ Choose by material

The following types of materials are used for tents:

polyester material
nylon material
cotton material
TC material

Each material has its own characteristics and the comfort of use varies greatly. Learn the characteristics of each material and choose one that suits your family's camping style.

"Polyester material" available at a reasonable price

Polyester material is the most commonly used material for tents. The reasonable price is attractive for camping beginners who spend a lot of money.

Its advantages are that it is lightweight, easy to handle, quick-drying, and easy to maintain, but its disadvantages are that it is susceptible to sparks and is easily punctured.

Lightweight and strong nylon material

Nylon material is extremely lightweight, tear resistant and highly durable. It dries quickly and is easy to care for.

It is sensitive to heat, so care must be taken when handling fire. Another disadvantage is that it is expensive.

"Cotton material" that does not easily cause condensation

Cotton material has a good texture and is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It has good ventilation and is resistant to condensation, so you can enjoy comfortable camping all year round.

It has excellent flame retardant properties, and one of its benefits is that it does not easily become punctured by sparks from a wood stove or bonfire.

The disadvantage is that it is heavier than other materials. When choosing, consider the fact that it is difficult to dry and takes time to care for.

"TC material" combines the best features of polyester and cotton.

"TC material" is a blended material of polyester and cotton. Also called "polycotton material".

TC material is a well-balanced material that combines the best aspects of polyester and cotton.

It's not as good as nylon or polyester, but it's lighter and dries faster than cotton. Although not as good as cotton, it is more flame retardant and breathable than polyester or nylon.

How to choose ④It is recommended that it can be used in all seasons.

There are three-season types of tents: spring, summer, and autumn, and all-season types.

All-season tents are made of materials that are highly resistant to the cold, such as a skirt at the hem to prevent cold air from entering, and a chimney hole for a wood stove.

If you are camping in the chilly seasons of spring or fall, or if you want to enjoy winter camping in the future, you may want to choose a tent that is suitable for all seasons.

How to choose ⑤ Pay attention to functionality

In order to enjoy camping comfortably, you also need to pay attention to functionality. Here are some of the features you should pay attention to.

Water pressure resistance

Water pressure resistance is an important factor when choosing a tent. If the water pressure is not sufficient, rainwater will seep into the tent.

If it has a water pressure resistance of around 1,500 to 2,000 mm, you will be able to enjoy camping comfortably.

If the water pressure resistance is too high, breathability will decrease. Summer camping can make you feel hot, so if you're going camping in the summer, choose a tent with adequate water pressure.

Scalability

A term I often hear when it comes to tents is "expandability." Expandability refers to the ability to not only use the tent normally, but also to arrange its shape and connect it with other tents or tarps.

For example, if you have a tent whose door panel can be flipped up with a pole to create a canopy, you can enjoy camping comfortably without a tarp.

Also, if the inner tent is removable, it can be used not only as a two-room tent but also as a living space for a large number of people.

If the tent can be connected to other tents, tarps, or cars, it will be easier to get to and from each other, and it will be convenient to stay dry even in the rain.

ventilation

Ventilation refers to the air vents in a tent.

If you have ventilation, the air won't get trapped even in summer and you can reduce the heat. Prevents condensation during rainy days and winter camping. It also helps prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when using wood stoves or kerosene stoves.

Easy-to-set-up features

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of products with features that make it easier to set up, such as tents that can be set up by pumping air into the tent, and tents that come with parts to assist with set up.

With such a function, even a large tent can be set up by one person, which is a great feature especially for families with small children who need to be kept an eye on.

mesh material

The main enemies of summer camping are insects such as mosquitoes, horseflies, and wasps. A tent that uses mesh material for the door panels, walls, and inner tent will keep you cool and keep unwanted insects out.

TOKYO CRAFTS outdoor tent for families and groups

TOKYO CRAFTS also has outdoor tents that are perfect for family and group camping.

From here, we will introduce the shelter tent " Wingfort " that can be arranged in a variety of ways.

wing fort

TOKYO CRAFTS's shelter tent "Wing Fort" is an all-round shelter that can adapt to any changes in season, weather, location, etc.

As a shelter tent, we have adopted a revolutionary double structure, which further expands the variety of arrangements.

You can further expand your lounging space by flipping up the double-walled outer panel using a pole (sold separately).

The main feature of the Wing Fort is that the main panel inside can be fully closed while the outer panel is flipped up. When sleeping or in case of sudden strong wind or rain, you can quickly create a closed space by flipping up the outer panel.

Furthermore, the main panel can be made into a full mesh specification while the outer panel is flipped up, so you can spend summer camping without worrying about unpleasant insects.

The outer panel can not only be flipped up, but also pegged down. It is also effective as a blindfold.

The tent itself has mesh panels on 8 sides, with ventilation at the top for excellent ventilation. It also helps prevent condensation during rainy weather or during winter camping. The ceiling is made of highly light-blocking fabric, creating a cool space even in summer.

The hem of the tent has a skirt to keep out cold air. You can also enjoy winter camping comfortably.

It comes standard with an inner tent that can sleep 4 adults comfortably, and can also be used as a 2-room tent. This tent is perfect for family camping or group camping.

TOKYO CRAFTS also has tenbi (shelters that can be used by solo travelers and families). Please check it out as well.