The Different Styles of Tents Available

The dictionary defines a tent as 'a portable shelter usually of canvas or other cloth stretched over poles or supports and fastened to the ground with pegs and ropes'. That definition covers a wide variety of structures in many sizes, shapes and styles. Whether you're looking for family shelter on a camping trip, a pavilion for a wedding or a beach canopy, there's a tent to suit your needs.

When choosing a tent for camping, you'll need to consider how it will be used, how it will be carried, how many people will be sleeping in it, and how easy it will be to set up. The following descriptions of broad styles of tents should help you decide what kind of tent is best for your camping trip.

FRAME TENTS - Frame tents are generally regarded as an older style of tent. They use aluminum or steel poles to form a frame over which the tent cloth, usually canvas, is draped. The newer styles are often made of cotton or a synthetic fabric with fiberglass frames. Frame tents can be elaborately designed and offer a great deal of room and structure inside. The biggest disadvantage is that they are often difficult to erect.

DOME TENTS - Dome tents are among the most popular styles. Dome construction is used in tents as simple as children's bed tents. They generally consist of a fabric tent and flexible fiberglass or plastic tent 'poles' that slip through sleeves in the fabric. The poles are shaped by the fabric and give the tent its rigidity. They're easy to set up and collapse, lightweight, and often offer a great deal of head room and comfort. Their major disadvantage is that they may be unstable in high winds.

GEODESIC TENTS - Geodesic tents are a variation of dome tents, modified for improved stability. They are framed and set up the same way, but the framing poles cross and interconnect at various points for strength and stability. The advantages are the same as those offered by dome tents, though they may be a bit more difficult to set up.

EXPEDITION TENTS - Also known as touring tents, these tents generally combine a ridge and dome tent into one. They are ideal 'settling in' tents, and often include a large 'porch' area for shade and shelter. They will often have windows as well. Expedition tents are roomy and comfortable, and designed to allow easy standing inside.

FAMILY TENTS - family tents are composite tents that usually include sleeping compartments on either side of a central living area. The main tent area may be either ridge construction or dome construction. The side areas allow privacy for sleeping.

FESTIVAL TENTS - For special occasions like a wedding or large party, festival tents can provide shelter from the weather for guests. Generally, they are rented by the day for the event, and are often assembled by the rental company. They're available in a wide variety of colors and styles to fit any event and most budgets.

BEACH TENTS - Beach tents come in almost as many varieties as tents themselves. Most are lightweight, of ripstop nylon and fiberglass pole construction. The newest are 'pop-up' tents that store flat and open out in seconds to a full size shelter from the sun and weather.

Ian Wide has produced many articles on tents and camping accessories.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Top Five African Safari Destinations

Any vacations in Africa will not be complete without going... Read More

The Royal Barge Procession ? Splendor on the Chao Phraya River

The Royal Barge Procession in Bangkok, conducted on very rare... Read More

Traveling To and Around Hawaii, A First-Time Visitors Primer

Six different islands in Hawaii are open to tourism. Most... Read More

African Safari Gear Packing List - What To Take Along

The last thing you want on an African safari is... Read More

How Are Minerals Formed?

HOW ARE MINERALS FORMED?MINERALS are naturally occuring, inorganic solids, with... Read More

Cochin - Cocktails of Cultures

Eulogised as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin, Kerala's... Read More

Going it Alone: The Waterfall at Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska

I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More

Japanese Garden of Monaco

Have you ever seen an authentic Japanese garden? Well, I... Read More

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Trekking Poles

How to get the most out of your trekking poles... Read More

The Different Styles of Tents Available

The dictionary defines a tent as 'a portable shelter usually... Read More

Bird Watching Tips

Simply sitting and watching birds is a popular hobby around... Read More

Packing a Backpack - A Guide

With so many different designs, packing a backpack will vary... Read More

Holidays in Goa

Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More

Unforgettable White Mountains Vacations ? The Most Scenic 100 Miles in New England

This amazing drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire... Read More

Kerala Backwaters - Gently Down the Stream

The quaint little balcony was large enough to accommodate two... Read More

Whitewater Rafting Trip

For the dedicated water sport enthusiast there can be no... Read More

Yachats, OR: An Outdoor Lovers Paradise on the Oregon Coast

There is something about a town tucked between the mountains... Read More

Ultralight Backpacking Skills - A Three Day Test

On Lake Michigan, at the end of the Stonington Peninsula,... Read More

Cycling in Europe: There?s More to the Tour de France than Lance

For the 92nd time, the Tour de France has started.... Read More

Mount Chimborazo: Climbing Glaciers Near The Equator

The climb up the glaciers to the summit of Mount... Read More

How to Save Money AND help the planet

Don't all of us love to have the money to... Read More

The Cast of Culture in South Africa

Drive along one of South Africa's scenic strips and you... Read More

Mammoth Cave: One of the Most Beautiful in Our National Park System

Directly south of Louisville, just off Interstate 65 and not... Read More

Whale Watching ? The Biggest Show on Earth

Whale watching is a spellbinding, entertaining, and thought-provoking adventure trip.... Read More

PaintBall Gun Buying Tips

There are so many selections available when it comes to... Read More

Going it Alone: The Waterfall at Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska

I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More

Its an Alien World in Every River

When you look at a river, what do you see?... Read More

Visiting Croatia

Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good... Read More

Beach Vacation Photo Tips ? Make Your Vacation AND Photos Memorable

Most people, who go on a family beach vacation, take... Read More

The Wandle Trail - Map and Illustrated Guide

The Wandle offered wonderful trout fishing up to the latter... Read More

Lake Winnipesaukee ? The Smile of the Great Spirit

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest and one of the deepest... Read More

Survival in the Wilderness: What to Do, What You Need

Summer is for picnics, hikes, outdoor concerts, barbeques ... and... Read More

Bird Watching Mecca ? 338 Species At Acadia National Park

When it comes to birding, Acadia National Park is a... Read More