| Family camping can be a great way to build great | | | | move around in a tent when you can stand |
| long lasting memories with your children. My kids | | | | upright. |
| are grown up now but they still talk about some | | | | 3) How many rooms do I need? - You can buy |
| of the great times we shared while tent camping. | | | | family tents with 1, 2 or 3 rooms. If you have |
| With so many different tents to choose from | | | | very young children you may only need a one or |
| where exactly do you start? A family tent which | | | | two room tent. Older children may want more |
| is perfect for you may not be perfect for | | | | privacy. Again these needs will very with each |
| someone else. Consider these 5 details when | | | | family. |
| contemplating your perfect outdoor home away | | | | 4) What features do I need/want? - Take into |
| from home. Before you even start looking | | | | consideration the ventilation, size and type of |
| through the hundreds of tents available ask | | | | windows, type of floor (a bathtub floor is |
| yourself these 5 simple questions. These | | | | recommended), storage pouches, color, vestibules, |
| questions will narrow the number of possibilities | | | | type of poles (aluminum or shock corded poles) |
| down and make your buying decision easier and | | | | (sleeves or clips), type of seams (factory taped |
| assure you get all the features you need to make | | | | seams are recommended) Some of these |
| your family camping experiences full of great | | | | features may come with an added cost so I |
| memories. | | | | would recommend looking at what is most |
| 1) How much can I spend? - First consider how | | | | important to you and your family first then add |
| much money you have set aside to buy a tent. I | | | | more features as your budget permits. |
| personally look for products in the mid price range | | | | 5) Where will I be camping most often? - Your |
| avoiding the most expensive and the cheapest. | | | | geographical location could be a deciding factor |
| This, however, will be your decision. Answering | | | | when choosing a family camping tent. Camping in |
| this one question will eliminate a lot of possibilities. | | | | the desert will be much different than camping in |
| 2) How much room do I need? - Consider the | | | | the north east. |
| number of people who will be using the tent, age | | | | Hopefully this will make choosing your tent a little |
| of children, type of beds. If you are using cots or | | | | easier. It is good to shop around and ask |
| folding air mattress beds you may want to | | | | questions. If you are a first time tent buyer you |
| consider a tent with more vertical sides. If you | | | | may even consider renting a tent or borrowing a |
| are planning for 4 people using the tent I would | | | | tent from a friend to make sure tenting is |
| recommend looking at a 6 person tent. Another | | | | something you want to invest in prior to spending |
| feature to consider is vestibules for added | | | | any money on equipment. Once you have some |
| storage space. You may also want to look at the | | | | camping experience you will have a better idea of |
| height of the tent. It is much easier to dress and | | | | what your need are. |