How to choose the right tent?

Picking a tent is a bit like choosing the best partner for an adventure. It needs to be reliable, durable and ready for whatever nature throws at it. To help you choose the right companion for your outdoor adventures the first time, we've put together a complete guide to choosing one.

Contents

• Basic questions to ask when choosing a tent
• Types of tents by shape and capacity
• Types of tents by use
• Types of materials and durability
• Other parameters to choose from

Basic questions

In order to choose the right tent for you, it's a good idea to answer a few basic questions about using it. The answers will guide you in your choice and prevent possible disappointment with your purchase.

How big a tent will I need?

The first thing you need to figure out is the number of people who will be sleeping in the tent. If you are planning romantic trips for two or even solo, a tent for two will do. Remember that a bigger tent = more space inside, but also more weight to transport and a more complicated set-up that takes significantly more time. Sometimes it can be more convenient to get two smaller tents for the family - you'll be significantly more flexible that way.

How often will I use the tent?

If you're going to be camping once a year at a summer festival, you probably don't need a super expensive high-tech model. On the contrary, if you plan to spend every weekend in the mountains, investing in a quality, durable tent will pay you back in comfortable nights and happy sleeping arrangements.

What conditions will I be camping in most often?

Are you going to the high mountains, a lakeside campsite, or will you be wandering the countryside "the hard way"? The tent should be designed and built to withstand the conditions in which you will be using it. The mountains will place much greater demands on the construction and durability, while normal wanderings through the countryside require a lightweight and compact solution.

How will I travel with the tent?

It's important to think about whether you'll mostly carry the tent on your back when hiking, or take it by car when camping. Lightweight and compact tents are great for trekking, while larger and sturdier models are suitable for longer stays in one place and transport by car.

Do I need a vestibule and two entrances?

The vestibule is handy for storing shoes, backpacks and cooking when it's raining outside. Especially with small and lightweight tents, the extra space is often essential. But think carefully about how big a vestibule you really need. After all, you won't be sitting at a coffee table on a trek underneath it.

A second entrance is handy for larger tents, avoiding the hassle of climbing over sleeping companions every time you go in and out of the tent. However, a second entrance means additional weight and also additional access to the tent for the uninvited.

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Types of tents by shape

Bath

Bullet tents are the most popular design, and rightfully so. That's why you'll also find the largest selection of them on the market. The base consists of crossing rods - usually two, but more advanced models have more. The more poles, the better the stability, which means your tent can withstand strong winds. Tents of this type usually don't require many anchor points and are easier to set up in a hurry. Some models are even completely self-supporting and the stakes are just there to keep the wind from taking your tent away. The only downside may be the less usable space, where the walls converge quite quickly in the middle and take up space if you need to sit in the tent.

PLUSES: Stability in wind, easy to erect (sometimes without the need for anchoring), relatively ample space inside, many options to choose from

DOWNSIDES: less usable space due to sloping walls, sometimes difficult to deploy outer sail in case of rain

Stan monodome for 3 persons with anteroom	Simple tent for 2-3 people

Tunnel

Tunnel tents excel primarily in large interior space while keeping the weight of the entire tent low and the overall simplicity of the construction. As standard, two or three poles are used to give the tent its typical tunnel shape. Tunnels always need to be well anchored, which can be a disadvantage in difficult terrain with hard ground or snow. However, when properly routed and anchored, tunnels also resist wind very well.

PLUSES: Very roomy tents while keeping the weight down, small volume of a collapsed tent

MINUSES: More sensitive to wind (must be pitched downwind), need to anchor firmly in all situations

Family Tent - Tunnel for 4 people

Daddy

Tents of an older type, erected with two poles in the middle of the tent. They have recently made a comeback to prominence in the form of ultralight shelters (tarps) that can be easily erected with trekking poles.

PLUSES: Ultra-lightweight emergency solution, ideal for saving weight, easy and quick to erect

MINUSES: Limited rain protection and zero insect protection, less space inside

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Other tents by use

Shelters and mosquito nets

Recently, the increasingly popular basic overnight shelters, called tarps, come in many shapes and attachment methods. Very often it is possible to build a tarp using trekking poles. This makes it a very simple emergency shelter for dealing with bad weather, when you can no longer sleep "under cover".

Mosquito nets mainly protect against insects that would otherwise disturb a restful sleep. They function as an ideal and unobtrusive addition when sleeping "under the stars", where they do not restrict contact with the surroundings in any way, ventilate perfectly, but add at least basic comfort and the feeling of being away from all insects.

Ultralight tents

For minimalist backpackers who make every gram count. These are very lightweight tents ranging from 1.5 to 2 kg that are very easy to carry over longer distances. Their durability in harsh conditions, however, is usually a compromise between weight and insulation.

Recreational and family tents

Ideal for family vacations, long weekends at the campsite or relaxing trips with friends. They are not about overcoming extreme conditions, but about enjoying the outdoors in a relaxed way. The comfort of multi-person living is also paramount, not the comfort of travel. You wouldn't want to carry such a backpack on your back. Family tents in the kubisport.cz offer can be found here

PLUSES: Lots of space (often standing room), storage, often two bedrooms, spacious vestibules, more durable construction, ideal for longer stays in one place

MINUSES: Heavier and bulkier, not suitable for carrying on your back or placing on a bike rack, more difficult to build

Family Tent for 4 people - 2 bedrooms	Family Tent for 5 people - 2 bedrooms

Hiking and trekking tents

Ideal travel companions where light weight, easy handling and durability are important. They are made for frequent moves and different terrains. Hiking and outdoor tents in the kubisport.cz offer can be found here

PLUSES: Lightweight and stackable, easier to carry on your back and transport by bike, quick and easy to set up, good wind resistance and easier to set up in the field

MINUSES: Less space to stay longer (low ceiling), less room to store things, may hit its limits in extreme conditions and prolonged rain.

Two-Shell Hiking Tent for 3-4 people

Expedition Tents

Expedition tents are designed to withstand even the harshest conditions that nature has in store for you. They're suitable for tough expeditions in cold and hot weather, stand up well to strong winds, and are easy to set up with gloves on or in the dark.

PLUSES: High resistance to extreme weather (wind, rain), durable materials and superior insulation, easy to build in harsh conditions (cold, dark)

MINUSES: Higher cost, heavier and bulkier than hiking tents, durability can be at the expense of comfort

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Material types and durability

Polyester

Resists UV rays and has a waterproof finish, but can be heavier. It is most commonly used for the outer layers of a tent, where it stands up well to the sun and high heat.

Nylon

It is lightweight and very strong. It is most commonly used for the floor of tents and only on ultralight models also for the top layer of the tent.

Ripstop finish

It is a very important element in case of a light tear in the fabric, where it prevents the spread of the tear due to the special structure of the fibres. You can easily recognize it by the characteristic square network given by the use of fibers of different strengths.

Ripstop

The waterproofing of the tent is provided by polyurethane and silicone wraps. Polyurethane is usually found on the inside, while the silicone one is most often applied on the outside (only exceptionally on both sides - no need to tape the seams). Silicone effectively and long-lastingly repels water and also protects the fabric from sunlight, thus significantly extending its life.

Water column

Gives a measure of the water resistance of the tent material. A higher water column value means better resistance to rain. However, you can usually get by with lower values for tents because water usually just falls freely on their surface. Wind is not as important here. Even with very well-known manufacturers, the value often does not exceed 1200 mm. So you can rest assured, this is not a waterproofing competition!

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Other parameters to choose by

Number of entrances

Single-entry tents are lighter and easier to build, which is great for solo expeditions or couples. But if you're camping in a larger group or planning a longer stay, two entrances are literally a blessing. They make it easier to move around, provide better ventilation, and ensure you won't have to climb over sleeping roommates when you need to take a leak at night. The two entrances also offer more storage space and flexibility when it comes to arranging your belongings. So, whether you're a solo traveller or travelling with the whole gang, think about how many entrances will ensure you have a comfortable stay!

Ventilation

A well-ventilated tent greatly reduces condensation that can form on cold nights and cause an uncomfortably wet environment. Good ventilation also improves the overall air quality inside the tent. On hot summer days, you'll appreciate plenty of fresh air to help maintain a comfortable temperature inside. Look for tents with plenty of vents, windows or mesh panels to allow air to circulate but also protect you from insects. Proper ventilation is essential for a comfortable and healthy stay in the outdoors.

Seasonal use

3-season tents are suitable for spring, summer and autumn. 4-season tents are designed for use all year round and can withstand winter conditions including snow.

Speed of tent erection

Tents with poles attached at the couplers are quicker and easier to erect, but in poorer weather the shutdown may not be as perfect. Conversely, tents with poles in grommets require more patience to erect, but provide more stability and better shutdown in bad weather.

Equipment pockets

There are never enough pockets inside a tent. But don't forget to clear them out before you pack the tent. At night, you'll appreciate being able to stow your headlamp or watch in the netting near the tent's ceiling. This also makes it easy to light up the tent like a chandelier.

Openings for electrical wiring

Allows you to safely route electrical cable into the tent.

No matter what your adventure, it is crucial to choose a tent that will protect you and provide shelter. Consider all these aspects to find one that will meet your expectations and last you for many seasons. Remember that the right tent can make all the difference to your well-being during your travels.

And if you are simply not sure, feel free to contact us by email or phone. We will be happy to advise you.

Your KUBIsport team