If it’s been a long time since you have been camping, or if you have never been before, the process of getting ready for your first trip can feel a little overwhelming. With all the options that you have for camping gear, and most of it very expensive, it can feel like you’re taking on a task that you’re not ready for. But by shopping around online, you are guaranteed to find the best choice for yourself and your family. It can be tempting to get caught up in all of the fun accessories that make camping great, like cozy chairs and cool flashlights, but we recommend you start your shopping excursion by finding the most basic tool you will need on every trip: shelter! By exploring tents first, you can make sure that this basic necessity is going to fit inside your budget and that you get the features you need for a great time.
So what should you look for when you are trying to find the perfect tent for your family? When you start shopping for tents, you are going to find that there are many, many different options to choose from. But the most important factor to consider to narrow down your options is always going to be size! Consider how many people are going to be camping with you and then also factor in how much gear each person is going to be bringing with them. You may be surprised at how much room you need! Typically, it is better to get a tent that has a little room to spare instead of trying to fit too many people and their stuff into a space that is too small. Once you have decided on the best size for your family, you can consider what other features are important. If you know you want to be able to stand up, make sure that you get a tent that’s tall enough to leave you plenty of headroom. If the kids want their own space, you can get a tent with partitions inside that separate the space into rooms. Some tents also come with screened-in front porches. The sky is the limit!
Once you have found the perfect tent for sleeping, you can also explore other tent options to create a cozy campsite. Explore canopies to cover your cooking space or your table to protect you from rain and sun, as well as privacy shelters for portable toilets and outdoor showers. You are certain to find the right fit for your first camping trip!