Looking to buy a camping tent? Yes, a discount store will have a cheap camping tent that you can purchase. But you may be less than satisfied with it when you actually take it out to the field. When you are deciding on purchasing a camping tent, there are a few types that you should consider. First, what kind of weather are you going to be camping in? If you plan on camping in cold inclement weather, a 3-season tent is probably not going to cut it. However, you shouldn’t have to buy an expensive 4 season camping tent if all you do is camp in summer months.

Mostly there are three different types of camping tents. Each one is rated for the time of year and conditions you plan on using it.

All-season or convertible – these are used year round but despite the name do not perform well in harsh winter weather. Weight is generally not an issue.

3-season – this type of tent works well for all but the harshest cold weather condition.

4-season – built for extreme cold weather climates.

Most camping tents are rated for three seasons which basically mean they are not great for winter camping. The 4-season camping tents are able to withstand the elements year round, but they will cost considerably more. 4 season tent are made for the harshest conditions and are light, small and typically very expensive.

You also have to consider the time of year you are camping. Camping in a tent that is built to keep the elements out may not be very comfortable if you mostly camp in the summer. Most decent camping tents have some kind of ventilation but those made made for winter conditions also are made to keep the heat in…not let it out like a summer weighted tent. If you are camping in warm to hot weather you will be comfortable in a 3 season tent. More options are provided for ventilation.

Most people would prefer to buy a cheap camping tent. Budget constraints are understandable but the problem with cheap tents is they may not be very waterproof. Ideally you want a camping tent that does an adequate job of keeping moisture from coming inside the tent but also allows adequate ventilation.

There are tents that have a water resistant coating which still allow for adequate ventilation. Most camping tents have a waterproof rain fly that attaches to the tent poles and still allows for ventilation. And lastly, many camping tents have floors sewn in to the bottom.