Intended use
Your first question should concern intended use for the answer will go a long way to help make the decision regarding size and design of the tent to purchase. Approach the pros and cons of a tent – don’t just go on looks. For instance, if you have children, or like space, then a large multi-bedroom tent is perfect. Tents, like our new Outwell Vermont 7SA, provide plenty of room in which to play and lounge around. However, if you intend to include overnight or weekend camping then you may decide that the easy-to-pitch-and-transport features of a smaller tent are more suitable.
After all, an awning or extension can be added to provide the extra space needed for longer holidays. And smaller tents, like our Privilege Collection are easier to work with when touring.
Tent design
It is worth spending some time getting familiar with basic tent styles and design features – they do affect outdoor living.
We use tunnel designs (right) for their ease of use and inherent stability Tent designs are many but not all transfer easily to a larger tent. For instance, geodesic and semi-geodesic designs are more suitable for smaller technical tents, as the long flexible poles of larger tents complicate pitching. Generic shapes tend to be based around the dome and tunnel design. However, large tunnel tents are far easier to pitch in all weathers compared to a family dome that has to be raised into the wind before it can be secured. The tunnel’s quick-pitch characteristics are a real advantage for family campers who may have to split their attention between pitching and looking after children.
The Outwell Wind Stabilizer and Easy Pegging Systems that have been applied to the majority of our Collections enable a correctly pitched tent to withstand gale force winds.
Key design features, like our Rear Ventilation System above, enhance performance
Features
These fall into a number of categories. Design features, like those mentioned effect structure and performance. Some, like high visibility guys and extra exterior doors, enhance safety. Others improve the experience, like our panoramic, tinted windows and large, well-placed vents that create a light, airy interior while minimising condensation. Versatility also improves camping.
Examples include our Universal Inner that balances bedroom and living space.
Tent materials
One of the common questions that we are asked at Outwell concerns the benefits of different tent fabrics and how they compare. But surely the question should be: How do the pros and cons of a material fit in with our camping style?
All our materials – including groundsheets – will keep out wind and water. But materials do this in different ways and may require a different set of camping skills to ensure they do this efficiently.
Variables like time, money, use, space will also affect choice. You can read more about our Outwell tent materials here.
