Camping tents are classified in one of two groupings. The 1st is three season tents and the 2nd is four season tents. Their names are pretty self explanatory, the latter is able to withstand all four seasons of the year and the first one is able to withstand 3 of them: spring, summer, and fall. The good news is most campers don’t need to worry about these classifications because they aren’t going to be camping during snowy conditions. However, if you aren’t sure which you need, here is a little help in understanding which tent you should get.
3 season tents are the most common you will find, and they can endure the majority of weather they face, as long as you buy a camping tent that is properly weatherproofed. What is properly weatherproofed? A good tent will have double seams and waterproof repellent sprayed on it. Often times, these things have already been incorporated into your tent. However, sometimes it isn’t done well enough to keep water out. That is why it is always helpful to get some seam sealer for a couple of extra bucks and apply another coat yourself before using your tent.
You also want to make sure it comes with an adequate rain fly. This is the covering that goes over the top of the tent and ensures that water doesn’t get in. Most likely this will come with whatever tent you purchase. You also might want to consider getting a groundcover or tarp to put under your tent. This will make sure the water doesn’t get in at the top of the tent or at the bottom.
A good choice for a 3 season tent option is Coleman Weathermaster Tents . They have been put through numerous tests to insure they will survive whatever they may come up against. You will find these tents are available in a variety of sizes.
4 season tents, on the other hand, are made a little sturdier so that they can survive much harsher winter weather. You will want one if you know you will be camping in snowy conditions. They also are able to resist the wind much better. You really don’t want to be caught in really wintry conditions without a proper tent.
However, as said before, most campers don’t need to be overly concerned about whether or not they have a 4 season tent since they probably will be doing their camping in under relatively mild weather conditions. Most 3 season tents will do an adequate job of protecting and keeping you comfortable and cost far less than the investment required for the sturdier 4 season models.
