Tent types — which type to choose?
When preparing for an expedition with an overnight stay in a tent and surrounded by nature, sooner or later you will have to face the choice of suitable equipment. You need to decide what size and type of tent will be most suitable for the number of people and the type of conditions you plan to camp in. On the market you will find various options to choose from - tunnel tents, igloos, mink, tipi, single or multi-person tents and many more. Which one should you choose?
In this article we discuss the different types of tents and their features. You will also find tips on what to look for when choosing a tent for a particular activity.
A good tent - what kind of tent?
A good tent is one that will keep you sleeping comfortably in a variety of conditions, including inclement weather. Whether you are looking for a tent for a multi-day expedition or a weekend camping trip, it must meet a few basic requirements. The most important features of a good tent include:
- Good protection against weather and insects
When choosing a tent for an expedition, the first thing to look out for is the type and quality of materials. Today, many companies produce low-quality tents that do not live up to expectations. At Militaria.pl you will find good tents that provide effective protection against water, wind and at the same time are equipped with efficient ventilation. A mosquito net to protect against insects is also an important feature.
- Durability and a good frame
Durability is a desirable feature of any tent, especially if you are going on advanced expeditions or various types of expeditions where the weather conditions are difficult.
- Appropriate weight and size of tent
The weight and size of a tent are some of the most important considerations when choosing the right model. In this case, it is advisable to be guided by your own needs. If you're planning a solo hike, a heavy four-person tent a small and lightweight tent will be unnecessary ballast, while a small and lightweight tent will be of no use to a large family, so it is worth choosing the size and weight of the tent according to the type of expedition and the number of people. A good tent is often a compromise between size, weight and price.
We also recommend paying attention to the quality of the stitching, the number of entrances or the colour of the tent cover. These elements will affect the comfort of the tent. Taped, strong seams will ensure that the tent is waterproof, more than one entrance will facilitate not only better ventilation, but generally make the tent more comfortable to use. The colour of the cover, on the other hand, can have an impact on finding (or hiding) the tent in its surroundings or reflecting the sun's rays. It is also worth paying attention to the presence of a vestibule - a vestibule is an extra space where you can store things (for example, when you don't want to keep them in the sleeping area) or even cook.
You already know what basic features a good tent should have and what to look for when buying one. Now it is worth looking at the different types of tent to decide which model to choose.
Division of tents according to construction
Choosing the right tent structure depends on a number of factors, such as the intended use, weather conditions or individual user preferences.
Are you camping alone or perhaps with your family? Planning a short or long trip? Travelling by car or on foot? The answers to these questions will have a decisive influence on which tent you choose.
We discuss popular tent designs below, so you can easily match the right model to your needs.
Free-standing igloo tents
Igloo tents are a very popular type of tent. They are characterised by a stable and sturdy construction with criss-crossing main frame elements, making this type of tent resistant even to gusts of strong wind.
Igloo tents are often chosen for their simplicity of pitching and free-standing design (it is nevertheless a good idea to attach the tent to the herrings just in case). Such a tent can be folded up quickly and easily moved within the encampment.
It is a good idea to position equipment in igloo tents at the edges (if there is no vestibule) to save space at the highest point in the centre of a tent of this design. This type of tent is usually found as a tent for two or three people.
Tunnel tents - for more space
The tunnel tent is a larger model whose construction is reminiscent of a tunnel. In such a tent you gain more usable space. Tents of this design often have two entrances, which not only make it easier to get in or out of the tent, but also to ventilate it.
Tunnel tents work best from spring to autumn. If you are planning an overnight camping trip when the air temperature is low and the soil is hard (e.g. in winter), choose an igloo tent.
Mink tent
A mink tent is a specialised type of tent that is generally designed for one person. Minimalist and lightweight, the mink tent is ideal for trips where you change accommodation frequently.
Mink tents most often consist of a simple frame and a single-layered tropic, which is both the walls of the tent and its waterproof covering. Double-layered models are also available, which consist of a bedroom and a tropic.
Depending on the model, mink tents can be additionally equipped with an inner layer with a mosquito net.
Conical tents (tipi) for children and more
Conical tents (otherwise known as tipis) usually consist of a central pole around which the tent sheet is stretched. Very often there is an adjustable vent at the top.
Thanks to its simple construction, a conical tent can be erected quickly and easily. Such tents are characterised by their stability and good wind resistance (if properly fixed to the ground). A central ventilation hole is also an advantage, allowing air to flow freely.
As with an igloo tent, it is a good idea to place equipment at the base of the tipi walls. Large conical tents or those made of thick materials can be relatively heavy, which is worth considering when choosing a tent for an expedition.
Conical tents work well for camping in mild weather conditions, although versions made of more robust materials can also be used in harsher conditions.
Quick pitch tents - advantages and disadvantages
Quick pitch tents, or so-called pop-up tents, are tents with a modern design that makes pitching the tent quick and easy. Simply take the tent out of its carry bag and, thanks to its spring-loaded construction, the tent pitches itself.
Such a tent will work very well for people who have no experience in setting up tents or who need to organise an overnight stay in the field really quickly. However, it's worth bearing in mind that, in more difficult weather conditions, quick pitch tents may not be as stable as classic models. In addition, even when folded up, they take up a lot of space and are difficult to attach to a backpack.
If you are planning a spontaneous outing, a short trip or an outing to a festival, a pop-up tent will be a good choice.
Hanging tents
Hammock tents are a popular choice for those camping in the woods or in areas where suitable points for pitching a tent can be easily found. This type of tent will also work well in difficult conditions where isolation from the ground is important (for example, camping in wet areas). The procedure here is similar to hanging up hammocks or tarps. Usually two trees or two structures of similar height are needed, although models with more fixing points are also available.
Hanging tents are light and compact when unfolded, making them much easier to transport. It is also worth mentioning the insulation from the ground, making the user more comfortable when sleeping.
Classic gabled tents
Gabled tents with a classic shape are popular and sturdy shelters. Two sloping walls and two flat end walls create a stable structure, so such tents will work well on a variety of trips.
The good, classic pitched roof tents you'll find at Militaria.pl are made from durable materials, making the tents resistant to adverse weather conditions. Thanks to the pitched roof design, water runs off the roof surface, thereby eliminating the load and the risk of collapse.
Gabled tents can be heavier than other types of tents, which is something to consider when planning a hiking trip. It is also worth bearing in mind that the process of setting up the tent may take a little longer.
Elements of the tent to look out for
Before you buy a tent, take a look at its parts such as the flysheet, the frame and the bedroom. Among other things, the flysheet provides protection from rain, the frame influences the weight and sturdiness of the tent, and the quality of the bedroom is the quality of your sleep.
Tropic, or protection from the rain
The purpose of the flysheet is to protect the inside of the tent from rain, moisture and cold. It is important to know that the flysheet can be a separate component of the tent, which is placed over the sleeping section (in double-skin tents) or an integrated element (in single-skin tents).
Tropicals are very often created from nylon and similar resistant materials, which are still subjected to impregnation at the production stage. It is good practice to refresh this layer by applying special impregnants for tents.
Frame - carrying system of the tent
Among other things, the frame is responsible for the strength of the tent. When choosing a tent, you usually have several options to choose from:
- fibreglass frame,
- steel frame,
- aluminium frame.
The fibreglass frame is one of the most popular options available on the market is relatively cheap and very flexible. These types of frames are recommended for family and tourist tents, for use in the warmer months. When looking for a tent for use in the winter, it is worth opting for a different frame, such as aluminium, as fibreglass frames can break during cold weather.
Aluminium frames offer a good compromise between weight, strength and durability, although they can be slightly more expensive.
There are many more frame names on the market, such as ATLAS, Air Hercules (e.g. from Coleman) or DAC. These are frames that are based on different types of aluminium alloys with increased resistance.
Bedroom and sleeping comfort
The interior of the tent is just as important as its structural elements, as this is the part where you spend the most time. In the bedroom of the tent it is worth paying attention to the floor, it is important that it is strong, damage resistant and waterproof.
The second essential element is the ‘walls’. Of course, like the other elements, they should be weatherproof.
If you are choosing a tent for a summer outing, it is worth noting the presence of mosquito nets to protect the inside of the tent from insects. Other useful features are the interior pockets and the hook/loop for attaching a light at the top of the bedroom.
Tents on offer at Militaria.pl
Choosing the right tent depends on many factors, such as the purpose and length of your trip, the anticipated weather conditions, the number of people or your personal preferences. Whatever your requirements, Militaria.pl has a tent for every occasion. If you are looking for a durable tent that performs 100%, be sure to check out our range. Do you need additional accessories? You will also find the right accessories for your tent in our range.
