Types of Tents

It can be daunting trying to find the perfect tent whether you’re upgrading your old one or buying a tent for the first ever time. Here is a guide on the types of tents available to help you make the perfect choice!

Dome Tents

Dome tents are one of the most common type of tent you will see on the market. The name is self-explanatory with the tent featuring a dome shape. This is achieved by two flexible poles that crossover in the middle and are secured at the four corners at the base of the tent. They may also feature an extra pole to create a handy porch area. The construction of a dome tent means there is good headroom and the rounded edges prevent any buildup of rain water. This style of tent tends to be lightweight, easy to pitch and nicely packs away so is good for novice campers and festival goers. Dome tents aren’t well suited to large groups or families as the larger the size, the more unstable they become.

Tunnel Tents

Another popular style of tent are tunnel tents. Tunnel tents are easily recognisable and feature numerous flexible poles that curve from one side to the other to create the iconic tunnel shape. This construction means tunnel tents not only boast of stability but also a comfortable living space and excellent headroom. They may also feature large porches, multiple entrances and separate rooms for added privacy. This style of tent often requires guy lines and pegs to keep it secure but while it may take longer to pitch it remains simple overall. They are great for families or larger groups of campers but can be quite heavy so best suit camping trips with easy access to your vehicle.

Geodesic and Semi-Geodesic Tents

Geodesic tents comprise of several flexible poles that intersect multiple times to create a very strong and stable structure. Semi-geodesic tents share the design but with reduced poles, making them less sturdy than geodesic options, but still very effective in poor weather. Their construction does mean they can be more complex to pitch but they are often very well made and durable whilst remaining lightweight. As a result, they are a firm favourite of backpackers, hikers, climbers and mountaineers. They aren’t well suited to big groups as they typically don’t come in larger sizes and their emphasis on quality means they tend to be on the pricier side. However, if they suit your needs and you’re willing to invest in a high-quality tent then they are a great option.

Pop Up Tents

Pop up tents have integrated poles in the fabric that enable them to do what they say on the tin. When taken out of their bag the tent will easily spring up and pop into shape, so they are great if you want a hassle-free and speedy pitch. They tend to be lightweight and affordable and making them ideal for festivals and those on a tight budget. They do however lack the strength and stability offered by other types of tents and are best suited to infrequent use in good weather conditions.

Vis-à-vis Tents

The vis-à-vis tent name comes from its French meaning ‘face to face’. Vis-à-vis tents feature a central area and a bedroom on either side that face one another. The central area has ample space and headroom allowing for a multitude of uses such as a living area, dining area or simply for storage. They are great tents for families with kids as the separate sleeping areas offer privacy on your trip. The extra space that vis-à-vis tents offer does mean they can be trickier to pitch and they tend to be on the heavier side so are best suited for camping trips with easy access to your vehicle.

Inflatable/Air Tents

Say goodbye to traditional tent poles with inflatable tents! Tent poles are replaced with revolutionary air tubes to create a lightweight but strong and reliable structure. Inflatable tents are pricier than traditional tents but pitching your tent and packing it away has never been easier. Simply inflate with a pump and secure with guy lines and pegs. Even the larger sized tents will inflate in no time meaning fewer pitching disagreements and more time to relax and enjoy the outdoors. They come in all shapes and sizes to suit different needs and are great for a multitude of campers from couples to families to festival goers.

Octagon Tents

The Coleman Octagon tent boasts of ample living space in a single large room and comes with a removeable partition to create two separate areas. Six of the eight sides open up completely allowing air flow and light into the tent. It offers an amazing 360-degree view of your surroundings so you can make the most of your time in the great outdoors. The remaining two sides feature a unique hinge door that swings open and shut making getting in and out of tent a breeze. Remove the flysheet and enjoy a bug-proof screen room you can use at the campsite or in the garden. It is supplied with a wheeled carry bad for easy transportation making it a great choice for families and festivals.

BlackOut Tents

No more waking up at first light with Coleman’s BlackOut Bedroom range of tents, the winner of the Best Camping Innovation in the 2016 Camping Magazine's Editor's Choice Awards. BlackOut Bedroom Technology blocks up to 99% of daylight entering the sleeping area providing you with a restful night’s sleep and undisturbed naps on your trip. They come in numerous shapes and sizes and are perfect for festivals, families with children and those who are sensitive to light.

We offer a fantastic variety of tents on our website so you can be sure to find the right one for you. Don’t forget we always offer FREE Mainland UK delivery on our items. Happy camping!