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Outdoor Activities | July 2, 2025
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July 14, 2025
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Choosing your camping tent can be a real headache. With so many shapes, structures, and technical specs to consider, it’s easy to get lost in the options. Luckily, we’re here to help you find the right tent based on your camping style. Will you be going backpacking or car camping? Planning a summer outing by the lake or a winter expedition in the mountains? A solo trek or a family weekend? Once you’ve answered these key questions, you will be well on your way to picking the perfect model.
Bruno Clavette, camping specialist at SAIL, shares his expert tips to help you choose the best tent, whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just starting out.
IN THIS ARTICLE, YOU WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO CHOOSE A CAMPING TENT:
There are almost as many ways to go camping as there are campers. From those hiking the Gaspé Peninsula with a tent on their back to those who camp just once a year with family, the possibilities are endless.
So ask yourself, what’s your favourite type of camping?
If you’re able to drive to your campsite, you can opt for a heavier, sturdier, and more spacious tent. Weight and size won’t matter much when you only have a few metres to walk.
Recreational camping tents tend to offer generous living space and a good balance between fabric panels and mosquito netting. Your tent won’t feel too hot in summer, nor too cold during shoulder seasons and cooler days.
These tents are also more durable than backpacking models, which often include delicate mesh panels that are more prone to tearing. Brands like SAIL and Eureka offer great options for recreational camping.
Hikers setting out on long treks have two main selection criteria: weight and size. The tent must also be compact enough not to take up too much space in a backpack.
Be careful, though: lightweight tents typically have a higher ratio of mesh panels (around 70/30), making them more fragile and prone to tearing. Bring a repair kit or choose a model made with ripstop nylon.
When it comes to size, choose a hiking tent adapted to your needs. If you’re always camping solo, you have two options. A one-person tent will be lighter. However, some hikers will prefer a two-person tent to keep their equipment close by at night.
Most backpacking tents come with a separate rainfly, while some models have it built in. If you like the idea of falling asleep under a starry sky, the integrated models may not be your best bet. Brands like Marmot and Big Agnes offer excellent hiking tents.
The demand for car tents has increased dramatically over the past five years, but there are a few things to consider before taking the plunge. Rooftop tents fall into the higher price range. Expect to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 for gear that will last.
Roof tents are easy to pitch and made from highly durable fabric. However, they’re not for all campers—not everyone is comfortable sleeping high off the ground.
If you plan to use your car during the day, you won’t be able to leave your tent pitched, which can complicate day trips. Also, keep in mind that not all tents fit all vehicles. Be sure to check if the model you choose is compatible with your car. Pro tip: Start your search by looking at Tepui rooftop tents.
A tent’s capacity is based on how many sleeping bags and mats can fit inside—not how many people can sleep comfortably with their gear. If four people are in a four-person tent, there won’t be room for your backpacks. As a rule of thumb, count one “space” per person, pet, or gear load to choose the right size for your group.
Backpacking close to home, going on an overnight kayaking trip, or car camping solo? A lightweight two-person tent gives you room to move and space to keep your gear dry. That said, weight-conscious multiday hikers might prefer a one-person tent to cut back on weight. For two backpackers sharing gear, a two-person tent can also be lighter than carrying two separate tents.
Camping as a couple or with your dog in a national park? Canoe-camping with limited portage? A three-person tent offers extra space and room to store your backpack inside on rainy nights. It’s also a bit sturdier than ultra-light options, making it a great choice for outdoor adventures where durability matters more than saving a few grams.
Planning a family car camping trip? A four-person tent lets you stay cozy with friends, kids, or pets—all under one roof. Look for a model with two doors, so you can come and go without waking anyone up.
Sweltering heat, pouring rain, gusty winds, even surprise snow flurries… Your tent is your first line of defence against the elements. Choosing the right one comes down to the seasons and temperatures you’ll face. So the first question to ask yourself is: when are you going camping?
If you’re only camping on warm summer days, a summer tent will do the trick. These models are built for airflow, with plenty of mesh panels to keep mosquitoes—and heat—at bay. Just keep in mind that most summer tents aren’t very waterproof, so an unexpected downpour could quickly put a damper on your trip.
Still intended for summer camping, these tents offer slightly more protection than one-season models. With thicker panels and a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, they’re suitable for use from late spring to late summer. Keep in mind that while the DWR helps, it doesn’t offer the same protection as a separate rainfly, so in heavy rain, water may still seep through. That said, for short car camping trips in fair weather, these tents are a more affordable option than technical models.
Most tents on the market are three-season models, designed to protect you from wind, rain and cooler temperatures. With two layers, taped seams, and mesh panels for ventilation, they strike a balance between comfort and weather resistance. Many also include a separate rainfly, a footprint, and extra storage options for your gear. Ideal from early spring to late fall, three-season tents are a safe bet—especially if you’re not yet sure when or where you’ll be camping and want to be ready for anything.
Not all tents are built for winter, and not all winter tents are suited for summer. If you plan on camping in sub-zero temperatures, it’s important to choose a tent designed for harsh conditions. Winter tents have minimal ventilation—great for retaining heat, but uncomfortable in warm weather—and rely on extra-sturdy poles that add weight to your pack. That said, they offer excellent protection against wind, snow, and extreme cold, making them a reliable choice for serious winter adventures.
Check out our guide to winter camping for more tips and tricks.
If more than one person sleeps in the tent, having at least two doors makes it easier for everyone to get in and out without disturbing others in the middle of the night. However, be aware that tents featuring two doors tend to be a bit heavier than those with just one. Larger, more spacious models—where weight isn’t a concern—may also include windows for added ventilation and light.
A vestibule also boosts your overall comfort during camping weekends. It provides a sheltered space to store your gear outside the tent, protecting it from the elements and freeing up valuable room inside—especially when your tent’s capacity closely matches the number of occupants. Vestibules can be a lifesaver on rainy days, offering a dry spot to sit outside the tent rather than being stuck inside.
Saving a few minutes on tent setup means more time to enjoy your surroundings. That’s why ease of assembly is a key factor when choosing your camping tent.
Some tents—self-setting or instant setting—provide ultra-fast setup, which is perfect for those hoping to set off quickly the next day. Other models use a classic pole system, which offers compressibility once the tent is packed.
Camping tents can also be separated by shape and structure. There are different types for different uses (trekking, glamping, backpacking, etc.). Nowadays, most tents are freestanding, meaning they stand up on their own without requiring stakes. Plus, freestanding tents can be repositioned without taking them down, unlike traditional tents.
When it comes to shape, you have plenty of options. Choose based on your camping style and experience. Tunnel and chalet tents tend to be taller and more comfortable but offer less wind resistance. Dome tents—the most common type—are better at withstanding wind and bad weather. At the extreme end, geodesic tents are designed for the harshest conditions.
If you’re backpacking or hiking for several weeks, weight becomes a central concern. This matters much less if you’re camping right next to your car.
The weight of a tent depends on many factors: capacity, materials used, number of poles, presence of a vestibule, and number of doors.
Your tent shouldn’t feel like a burden. Rest assured, a good-quality tent for two or three people typically weighs less than 3 kg (6.5 lb.).
There’s nothing worse than a leaking tent. You definitely don’t want to sleep on a wet floor, especially on a cold night. Waterproofing is therefore crucial when choosing your tent, particularly if you camp during the shoulder seasons.
Models with flysheets are the most suitable. Ideally, the rainfly will come down to the ground to keep the tent fully dry. Opt for a tent with a coated outer layer and taped seams. If necessary, you can also apply a waterproof coating yourself.
Note that the waterproof rating is indicated for each model. This is based on an international standard, which makes it much easier to compare tents’ performance.
A ground sheet is a protective layer placed under your tent to shield you from moisture. Your tent may come with one, but if not, buy one separately, as it can make a big difference. You can also use a tarp or what’s called a footprint to create a dry surface on which to place your tent.
Having storage and pockets in your tent saves you from having to turn everything over to find your flashlight or pair of warm socks. These small additions allow you to store everything easily so you stay organized, even in the dark.
The amount of storage space varies greatly from one model to another. Naturally, more comfort-oriented models have more pockets.
Once you’ve settled on a tent model, there’s only one choice left to make: buy new or second-hand. If you plan on camping for years to come, you may want to invest in a new model. But if you’re just trying out camping, or if you’re not quite sure what kind of trips you’d like to take, a second-hand tent may be a more affordable option while you figure out whether you’re a hardcore backpacking fan or an occasional car camper.
The environmental impact is also an important consideration. Buying new leaves a carbon footprint, while using second-hand platforms like reSAIL helps keep products in use longer—and out of landfills.
Whatever your preferred camping adventure, the perfect tent is the one that best matches your needs and budget. Ideally, you’ll make as few compromises as possible.
And remember to check out our list of camping equipment to make sure you don’t forget anything on your next outing.
If your camping tent is new, practice setting it up in your backyard or a park before your trip. You do not want to do this for the first time when arriving at the campsite in the rain or when it’s dark.
Make a list and check that you have everything you need before you leave; do not assume everything is in the tent bag. Also, bring a few spare pegs just in case. Check out our camping guide to make sure you are as prepared as possible.
If you are backpacking, skip the tent bag and use a stuff sack to carry the fabric portion of your tent. This should take up less space. You can then redistribute the other parts of the tent (like pegs and poles) in your backpack more efficiently.
