So you’ve decided that you’re going on an outdoor adventure. Fantastic!
We know there’s a lot to consider when you’re planning your first camping experience, and a good place to start is deciding what tent is best for you.
Winfields Outdoors is here to help windle it down to the tent that is perfect for your very own outdoor adventure. Read on to find out what to consider and our advice on the best tents for first-time campers…
Once you determine what kind of camping trip you’re going on, it’ll make it much easier to decide what tent you need. The most common types of camping trips include:Â
This entirely depends on the type of camping trip you’ve chosen, along with how many are going with you.Â
Tent berths are measured by how many people the tent can fit side by side, which is why you should always go for a little bigger than you think you need. It’s easy to be caught out by this, as berths and sizes don’t take into account any personal items such as rucksacks, footwear, or luggage.
So with this in mind, when you’re in the process of choosing a tent – consider these factors:
If you’ve opted for a campsite stay, it’s worth finding out whether there are size restrictions in place. Some campsites will charge the price of two pitching areas if you have a very large tent.Â
This can often be overlooked, but how you plan on arriving at your camping destination will be an influencing factor.Â
Do you plan on driving or are you being dropped off via car? If this is the case, you can most likely afford to take a larger tent. If you’re travelling via public transportation, something smaller may be more suitable such as a weekend tent due to the limitation of shared space. If you’re already close to your camping destination and you’re starting on foot, the most important factor to consider is portability. Making sure your tent is lightweight will be beneficial.
Here at Winfields Outdoors, we offer an extensive selection of tents, suitable for rookie campers as well as seasoned campers. In fact, upon first glance – we wouldn’t blame you for finding this overwhelming. That’s why we’ve decided to break down the different kinds of tents you’ll find.
Tunnel tents are great for first-time campers as they are easy to pitch and can withstand tough weather conditions, making them highly reliable. The tunnel design usually offers sleeping areas towards the rear of the tent, with living space at the front.Â
Dome tents tend to be smaller than your average tent, although you can find dome tents that accommodate up to 12 people. Dome tents offer great durability and sturdiness, as their design consists of poles that cross over in the middle of the tent.Â
Polycotton tents are great if you’re planning an outdoor adventure in the rain. This is because the material is made up of polyester and cotton, which works by absorbing water to block it from entering the inside of the tent. Once dry, the material then opens up – making the tent highly breathable. This material also acts as a protective layer against harmful UV lighting, making it perfect for shelters.Â
If you’re determined to get a good night’s sleep on your camping trip, then a blackout tent could be the perfect type of tent for you. Blackout tents are sometimes referred to as ‘lights out tents’, or ‘sleep tite’ tents.Â
Blackout tents are normally designed with light-resistant fabric fully sewn into the sleeping areas. At Winfields Outdoors we stock a wide range of blackout tents including Coleman blackout tents which block out 99% of daylight.Â
Pop-up tents are a great option for first-time campers because pitching requires minimal effort. All you have to do is lay them out and peg them to the ground. Pop-up tents save a lot of time due to their simplicity, and have multi-use as some prefer to use these tents as a shaded sitting area!Â
Pop tents come in all shapes and sizes, so there will be one to suit any outdoor adventure.Â
Festival or weekend tents are great for a hassle-free camping trip. Ideal for a short-term camping voyage due to being lightweight, compact, and reliable. These kinds of tents also tend to be much more affordable than other options out there.
Great for solo camping or couple camping as they will be on the smaller side. Very easy to assemble and require little time to do so.Â
Tents that are designed for backpacking will be lightweight, compact, wind-resistant, durable, and easy to assemble. Most will come in a tunnel or geodesic design. Great for not only hiking trips but also for when you’re planning on visiting many new places due to their lightweight features.Â
If you’re swaying towards a family tent then chances are you want a large space that will accommodate multiple people.Â
Most family tents feature a living and leisure area, which is great for when you’re bringing the kids along. There will be plenty of room for storage and sleeping arrangements, with most hosting a variety of extras to add a touch of comfort to your outdoor holiday.Â
Family tents are reliable and will provide you with protection from the elements. This is a great option if you want optimum comfort, with space and protection.Â
Inflatable tents are a step up from your traditional tent with poles. Some people will prefer the original-style tents, but there’s no denying that with the introduction of inflatable variations – setting up a home outdoors has never been easier.Â
Inflatable tents, also known as ‘air tents’, require you to attach a pump and that’s all. Your tent will fill with air and take its final form within minutes, leaving you with more time to enjoy the scenery whilst it puts itself up!Â
The air-filled beams form a strong but lightweight structure that acts like a normal tent without posing any danger, unlike a snapping tent pole.Â
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of tents that are available, we thought it may be helpful to show you a few options that we believe are suitable for first-time campers.
The Keswick II 600 is exclusive to Winfields Outdoors. The tent sleeps up to 6 people, offering storage space and an attached porch area that can also be opened up to make a sitting area. Pitch time – 20 to 30 minutes.
Another superb option for first-time campers, we have the Keswick II 600 DLX Air Tent. This is without a doubt a great value-for-money tent, sleeping up to 6 people.
This Vango tent features a patented TBS II stability system, darker lighted bedroom areas, pod extension, and living room storage pockets. This tent also has high and low ventilation to reduce a build-up of condensation, and inner doors that can be zipped up for privacy. Pitch time –Â 10 to 20 minutes.
Next, we have the Vango Lomond II 500 Family Tent – a Winfields Outdoors exclusive!
This superb tent offers campers the perfect balance between indoor and outdoor living space, and it will sleep up to 5 people comfortably.
The tunnel tent offers a pre-attached front extension and mesh windows to prevent insects from entering, along a covered side entrance. Suitable for wet weather, with also high and low ventilation points throughout and nightfall fabric in sleeping areas. Pitch time – 10 to 20 minutes.
Next, we have the Coleman Cortes Octagon 8 Family Tent – the perfect option for large families or a group of friends.
Perfect for first-time campers who love the idea of an outdoor glamping trip, this incredible tent will offer you a full 360° view of your surroundings with eye-catching distinctive styling and versatile usage.
The tent features a large single room design that maximises the living space, creating the feeling of an ultra-spacious environment. What’s more, the flysheet can be removed, helping this tent to transform into a bug-proof screen room.
So, if you’re looking for a tent that will add a touch of luxury to your outdoor adventure, this Coleman tent is the perfect solution for you. Pitch time –Â 10 to 20 minutes.
Find out more about the Coleman Cortes Octagon 8 Family Tent
Another Winfields exclusive that’s perfectly suitable for larger parties, the Kampa Kielder 6 Air Tent offers a functional tunnel design, with an array of handy features.
Sleeping up to 6 people, some of the key features of this tent includes a spacious and comfortable living space, bug-free ventilation, window covers, heavy-duty zips for enhanced durability and weather-protected ventilation at the front and rear. It’s also worth mentioning that this tent is also available in other sizes, including a 4 or 5 person tent. Pitch time – 10 to 20 minutes.
Last, but certainly not least, we have the Outdoor Revolution Airedale 5.0s Air Tent – a true all-rounder that you can’t go wrong with.
This lightweight Outdoor revolution tent is a fantastic contemporary option, taking quality and innovation to the next level – perfect for small families and couples who are looking to enhance their camping experience.
With a wealth of features, ventilation and flexible layout configuration, the high-specification Outdoor Revolution Airedale 5.0S remains a massively popular choice.
Find out more about the Outdoor Revolution Airedale 5. os Air Tent
Exploring the outdoors with your family is one of the best ways to spend quality time together. So, why not discover some of our favourite family tents here at Winfields Outdoors to get you started?
Camping in the summer (or any time of year) is amazing – but being awoken at the crack of dawn is not for everyone. Tents with darkened bedrooms, or blackout tents, are the perfect compromise that allow you more control over when you wake up on your holiday.
The right tent can make all the difference to your camping trip – and an inflatable tent is a superb option to save you time, energy, and headaches at the start and end of your trip. Keep reading this guide to learn more about inflatable tents, including some of our favourites here at Winfields.
