Gear
How to Choose Your First Tent
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Your first tent doesn't need to be fancy. It needs to match the way you'll actually camp. Work through these questions.
1. Car camping or backpacking?
If you park next to your site, weight barely matters — prioritize space and comfort. If you'll carry it, weight and packed size matter much more.
2. Capacity
Tent ratings assume people packed in snugly. Many campers size up by one person for gear room, or for a dog.
3. Season rating
- 3-season — spring to fall; the right choice for most beginners.
- 4-season — built for snow load and strong wind; heavier and warmer than most people need.
4. Features that matter
- Full-coverage rainfly for wet weather.
- Two doors and vestibules if sharing — no climbing over each other.
- Freestanding design is easier to pitch on varied ground.
- Peak height if you want to sit up comfortably.
- Ventilation to reduce condensation.
5. Practice at home
Pitch it in your yard or living room before the trip. Learning in the dark or rain is no fun.