[2024 Beginner Camping Gear Checklist] Beginner’s Camping Guide: How to Choose the Right Tent?

If you’re new to camping and unsure which tent to buy—or overwhelmed by rental options—check out the guide below!

Factors to consider when choosing a camping tent:

1. Capacity:

   • Determine the number of people it needs to accommodate, and consider extra space for gear.

2. Seasonality:

   • 3-season tent: suitable for use in spring, summer and autumn, well-ventilated.
   • 4-season tent: suitable for winter and harsh weather, more robust structure.

3. Weight and portability:

   • Backpacking: choose a lightweight tent
   • Car camping: heavier but more comfortable tents are acceptable

4. Ease of setting:

   • Beginners should opt for tents that are easy to assemble.

5. Waterproof:

   • Check the tent’s waterproof rating (e.g., coating, seam sealing).

6. Ventilation:

   • Ensure sufficient vents and mesh windows to prevent condensation.

7. Price:

   • Choose according to budget, durability, and frequency of use.

Common Tent Types & Their Pros and Cons: 

1. Dome Tent(Mongolian Tent)

• Pros:
  • Simple setup
  • Stable structure
  • Suitable for most weather
• Cons:
  • Limited space
  • Not very tall

2. Tunnel Tent

• Pros:
  • Efficient use of space
  • Great for family camping
• Cons:
  • Less resistant to strong winds
  • Requires secure anchoring

3. Instant Tent

• Pros:
  • Quick and Easy to set up
• Cons:
  • Usually heavier
  • Durability may be lower

4. Pyramid Tent

• Pros:
  • Retro look
  • Good vertical space
• Cons:
  • More complicated set up
  • Moderate wind resistance 

Freestanding Tent (Mongolian/momentary tent)

• Pros:
  • Can stand without stakes
  • Easy to relocate
  • Stable structure, easy to assemble
• Cons:
  • Slightly heavier than non-freestanding tents

Non-freestanding Tent (tunnel/pyramid tent)

• Pros:
  • Usually lighter and suitable for backpacking
  • Structural suits specific environments (such as tunnel tents)
• Cons:
  • Requires stakes for stability, more skill needed for setup
  • Harder to pitch on hard ground

How to Set Up a Dome Tent:

Material needed:

1. Tent poles: Usually fiberglass or aluminum.
2. Tent fabric: Includes outer tent and inner tent.
3. Ground spikes and ropes

Steps:

1. Choose a site:

   • Flat ground and remove sharp objects.

2. Laying groundsheet(if any):

   • Lay the ground sheet on the ground to protect the bottom of the tent.

3. Assembling the tent poles:

   • Connect poles to form complete rods.

4. Install the inner tent:

   • Slide poles through pole sleeves to form arches.
   • Fix ends in tent corners.

5. Raise tent:

   • Bend poles to make the tent stand.

6. Install outer tent:

   • Cover the inner tent.
   • Align the doors and vents, ensure edges cover the inner tent.

7. Secure tent:

   • Stake corners and tighten ropes for stability.

How to Set Up a Pyramid Tent:

1. Center support pole
2. Tent fabric: Including outer tent.
3. Stakes and ropes

Steps:

1. Choose a site:

   • Flat ground and remove debris.

2. Laying the groundsheet(if any):

   • Lay out the ground sheet to protect tent floor.

3. Spread tent fabric:

   • Ensure the corners are aligned.

4. Install the center support pole:

   • Stand the support pole upright in the center of the tent.
   • Make sure the poles are stable and support the top of the tent.

5. Fix the four corners of the tent:

   • Keep fabric taut, no wrinkles.
     

6. Tighten ropes:

   • Anchor and adjust for stability
     

For beginners, there’s no need to rush into buying camping gear. Equipment can be expensive and may not suit your needs.

Try renting first.

FunPeak offers a complete rental service with various packages and gear options. Staff provide detailed, easy-to-follow camping guidance, making it simple and convenient for beginners.

Beginner Camping Recommendation: FunPeak outdoor equipment rental package