tent/tarp
Types of camping tents and how to choose them
A tent is an important item for enjoying outdoor time such as camping, mountain climbing, and touring, as it allows you to create a comfortable space that feels like home even in the field.
However, when you decide to buy one, there are so many types, sizes, and designs, and there is a wide range of prices, so you may be confused as to which tent to choose.
Therefore, for those who are thinking of buying a tent from now on, we will introduce the basic knowledge and types of tents that you should know, as well as important points to keep in mind when choosing a tent.
Please use this as a reference and choose the ideal tent that suits your purpose.
Why is a tent essential for camping?
First of all, what role does a tent play?
Tents are mostly seen at campgrounds, but they are also used in a variety of other places, including mountains, parks, rivers, beaches, and events. Although the size, material, design, and structure of a tent vary depending on where it will be used and how many people will be using it, the basic role of a tent is the same in all situations.
Below are the main roles of tents.
As a place to stay
The most common role of a tent is as a place to stay outdoors. If you don't have a tent when you go camping, you'll end up sleeping exposed to the outside air. A tent is a must-have item if you want to sleep peacefully while feeling nature.
As a place to cool down or take a break to warm up.
When enjoying a picnic in the park or an outdoor barbecue, a tent can be used as a place to cool off from the sun, a place to warm up in cold weather, or a place to take a nap. With a tent, you can take a break from the harsh sun and cold outside, so you can spend long periods outdoors with peace of mind.
As a shelter from the rain and wind
When you spend time outdoors in nature, you are often exposed to sudden rain and wind. A tent is also a great place to take shelter in such situations. Tents serve as a comfortable shelter for sleeping, as well as temporary shelter from heavy rain.
As a place to store luggage or change clothes
The tent can also be used as a place to store your belongings while enjoying a barbecue or playing sports outdoors. You can create your own private space while being outdoors, so you can safely store your belongings. It's also a great place to change your clothes while on the river or at the beach.
In this way, tents have a variety of functions other than accommodation. With a tent, you can enjoy the outdoors with peace of mind while protecting yourself from the rain, wind, and temperature. A tent is an essential item for outdoor activities in order to enjoy nature safely.
Types of tents used for camping
A wide variety of tents are available from domestic and foreign manufacturers. Each tent is suitable for different purposes, so it is important to first know what kind of tent is best suited for your purpose.
Below are the basic tent types.
dome tent
When most people think of a tent, they imagine a dome-shaped tent. Dome tents are very popular due to their simple structure, light weight, and compactness when stored. It's easy to set up, and many have structures that are resistant to rough weather, so it's worth having one. It comes in a wide range of sizes, making it a versatile tent that can be used by everyone from soloists to families.
2 room tent
A two-room tent is one where the inside of the tent is divided into a living room and a bedroom. You can create a living room by extending the dome-shaped outer curtain and projecting it outward.
The biggest appeal is that you can secure a relaxing space without having to put up a tarp. Although it takes a little more time to set up than a dome-shaped tent, it is ideal for families and group camping because it is comfortable to live in.
one pole tent
It is a cone-shaped tent that is supported by a single pole in the center. Also called monopole tent or Indian tent. The secret behind its popularity is that it looks stylish and is easy to set up and take down.
Although the living space is a little small, it is easy to set up, so it is recommended for beginners. It's perfect for those who want to stick to a stylish camping style.
shelter tent
A shelter tent is a tent without a floor. This tent has only a roof and walls, so it has a more open feel than other tents. Many are relatively easy to set up and take down. Since there is no floor surface, there are many areas that can be ventilated, so it can be used coolly even in the summer. Even in winter, if you place a heating item, you can safely use it while providing ventilation.
In addition, by using it in combination with a tarp, you have more freedom when assembling it, so this tent is recommended for those who want to set it up according to their own preferences.
solo tent
As the name suggests, a solo tent is a compact tent for one person. There are various types, including hanging types that are easy to set up and types that can be stored compactly. It is compact and can be carried for solo camping, solo mountain climbing, solo touring, etc., so it is recommended for those who often enjoy outdoor activities alone.
lodge type tent
A lodge-type tent is a tent that is shaped like a mountain hut and has a large living space. Because the walls are almost vertical, the interior is spacious and there is little dead space. It is suitable for camping with a large number of people as it allows you to create a spacious space that feels like a home.
Lodge-type tents also have a stylish appearance, making them perfect for those who want to enjoy stylish camping with a large number of people.
one touch tent
One-touch tents are extremely easy to set up. There are different types of one-touch tents, such as pop-up tents that can be set up as soon as you take them out of the bag and dome-shaped tents that are set up by expanding the frame like an umbrella.
It's easy to set up and carry, so it's perfect for picnics in the park, as a place to store your belongings while playing in the river or at the beach, or as a place to rest. This tent is recommended for people who want to casually enjoy the outdoors.
As mentioned above, there are many different types of tents. Please think about your purpose and find out which tent is best suited for you.
Three important points when choosing a camping tent
When you are wondering which tent to buy, it is important to consider the types of tents mentioned above, but there are other important points to consider when choosing a tent. Below, we will explain the points you should always check when choosing a tent.
・Check the size of the tent
・Check the functionality of the tent
・Confirm how to set up the tent
I will explain each one in turn.
① Check the size of the tent
First and foremost, the most important thing is the size of the tent you are using.
The number of users varies depending on the person, such as solo camping, two couples, or a family of four. What kind of outdoor scenes will you go to and with whom? Imagine this and decide on the optimal size. It is important to check the number of people the tent is intended for before purchasing.
However, the "number of users" displayed on official websites is often just the maximum number of people that can be accommodated. If you want to relax in a tent, we recommend choosing a size that accommodates 1 to 2 people plus the number of people who will actually be using it. For example, if you want more space for your family of four, buy a tent that can accommodate up to six people.
② Check functionality
In order to enjoy the outdoors comfortably, the functionality of the tent is also important. The functionality you should especially check is waterproofness, breathability, strength, etc. that suit the purpose of use. Be sure to check the material and structure of the tent before purchasing.
Basically, if you want to enjoy the outdoors on a sunny day, we recommend a tent that has good ventilation inside the tent and is strong enough to withstand dirt and friction. On the other hand, if you are just using it as a place to take a break or store your belongings during a day-long BBQ, picnic, or river trip, you won't need a lot of advanced functionality, so something that is lightweight and easy to install is best.
Think about how you want to enjoy the outdoors and choose a tent that has the functionality that suits your needs.
③Check whether it is possible to assemble it yourself
One thing to keep in mind when choosing a tent is whether or not you can assemble it yourself without difficulty. In order to store and transport the tent compactly, it is necessary to actually set it up outdoors. Even if you purchase a stylish and highly functional tent, when you try to assemble it outdoors, it is difficult to set up, and in the end, you cannot set it up. Therefore, it does not function as a tent.
The optimal tent will differ depending on each person's experience, such as those who are new to assembling a tent or those who have been camping for a long time and are accustomed to setting up tents.
It is best to choose a tent that you can easily set up, take down, and transport. If you are a beginner or are not confident in setting up a tent, we recommend choosing a tent with the simplest structure possible.
Choose the tent that's right for you and enjoy the outdoors
A tent is an essential item for enjoying the outdoors. If you want to enjoy camping a lot in the future, we recommend getting at least one tent.
There are many types, functions, and designs of tents. When purchasing, we recommend that you first check the intended use, number of users, and other features before purchasing. Please choose the tent that is perfect for you and enjoy a comfortable outdoor time.
