Ultimately, you should look to combine as many useful features as possible in a tent you can afford. There are almost always trade-offs, however, like size for weight. The categories below will help you explore the features which are important to you, and help you make the best possible buying decision. When you are finished, return to the main tent page , where we have sorted our tents into useful categories.
Poles are crucial to the performance of any tent.
Modern poles are shock-corded for convenience, and are generally made of two materials, either aluminum or fiberglass. The variables dictated by your pole choice are price, strength and weight. Aluminum poles are lighter, stronger, and cost more than fiberglass poles. Since both types of poles have different benefits, it is important to choose the right type for your camping style. These aircraft grade poles are expensive, but offer longevity and a high strength to weight ratio.