Buying a big camping tent is not as easy as driving down your local store then quickly finding the biggest camping tent they have available and putting it on your credit card. Of course you can do that, but chances are you’re going to end up with a big camping tent and probably quite a few unhappy campers.
When it comes to buying a big camping tent, size does matter, but there are several other factors you need to take into account before deciding on the right tent for you. Tents are designed for different seasons, climates, and activities and just because a tent is large does not mean it’s going to meet your needs. You want to make sure your big camping tent is easy to set up, keeps you dry, keeps you warm or in some situations cool, and that if you have to carry your tent in to the campsite it is easily transportable. If you’re doing some light summer camping at lake, we certainly don’t recommend purchasing a three season winterized tent and vice versa if you’re planning a hunting trip in the cool fall and summer tent is good to keep your hunting party shivering through the night.
Big camping tents are also referred to as family camping tents or if you’re just looking for minimal cover family camping shelters. The minimum size we would consider a “big” camping tent would be a 4 to 5 person family tent, however typically when we refer to a big camping tent we are referring to six or more person family tents. Here are some of the categories you will want to consider when looking for a big camping tent.
Brand: Some of the top manufacturer’s brands for big camping tents are Coleman, Big Agnes, Eureka, Kelty, Mountain Hardware, MSR, NEMO, REI, Sierra Designs and The North face.
Rating: In our opinion before selecting a big camping tent is extremely important to look at how the tent is rated by other consumers. Only select a big camping tent with a minimum of a good rating, if you can afford it preferably excellent. In most outdoor situations your camping tents quality can make or break your entire experience.
Price: Big camping tents typically range in price from $100 to over $800.
Sleeping capacity: Any tent with less than a four person sleeping capacity should not be considered a big camping tent, most big camping tents are going to sleep at least six. If you need to sleep eight people you are going to be extremely limited with the amount of tents to choose from. The MSR Board Room Tent is a great example of a huge a person camping tent.
Seasons: they camping tents are offered in several season ratings. With a two season tent being the lightest weight and a four season the heaviest.
There are several types of big camping tents, a big camping tent can also be referred to as a base camp tent.
One of the most common styles is the cabin style big camping tent. A cabin style big camping tent is upright and offers the easiest and out access.
Dome style big camping tents are also very popular Dome style tents are a little more difficult to get in and out of but are typically stronger more weather resistant and less likely to be pushed over by wind.
The last main style of big camping tent or screen rooms & shelters. Typically these cover a picnic table and provide minimum shelter from the elements comprised of screen walls and lightweight construction.