Are Tents Waterproof?
Not all camping tents are completely waterproof. Some tents, such as polycotton tents, are water resistant, but will need sufficient weathering with a waterproofer to be able to fully repel water. However, there are many other types of tent from leading brands that are highly waterproof and use the best fabrics to keep you dry from rain.
Unless you are camping only in very dry climates, we would recommend buying a waterproof tent, or giving your tent a waterproof treatment. Even if you have bought a fully waterproof tent, the coating may wear away over time, and you will need to top it up.
How to waterproof a tent
It may be that you want to add some extra protection to a polycotton tent. Or maybe you are finding your once reliable camping tent is leaving you in the damp. Either way, you are probably going to want to waterproof your tent eventually to keep your camping experience at its best! Take a look at our guide on the best way to waterproof a tent to find out more.
How Do I Choose a Tent?
Choosing a new camping tent can be overwhelming, as there are so many sizes, styles and features to look at. Here are a few starting points for you...
1. Type of Tent
What are you going to be using your tent for? A family camping holiday tent with all the mod cons? Or a peaceful couples getaway? This will decide what type of tent you might want to get. If you are backpacking, you will probably want a lightweight tent. If you don’t want any hassle, an inflatable tent is a great option. For a festival tent, you might want something cheap and cheerful.
Find out more with our Inflatable Tent Buying Guide, see our best tents for festivals in our festival tents buying guide or find out what our top 10 family camping tents are.
2. Size of Tent
The size of your tent is the next thing to consider. We stock a range from 1 person tents to 7 person tents and over, so think about how much space you want. If you want a large living area or extra headroom, you could buy slightly on the bigger size. Though remember, larger tents take longer to put up and are a bit bulkier to transport, too. An oversized tent will also be harder to warm up when camping in cold weather.
3. Special Features
Today’s tents for sale boast an array of features to make your camping experience as enjoyable as possible. Here are some features to look out for:
- Waterproofing
- Large and clear windows
- Storage or light hanging points
- Sewn in groundsheet
- Mesh ventilation
You may also need to buy tent accessories to make your camping tent as comfortable as possible.
How Much Does a Camping Tent Cost?
The cost of a camping tent depends on the size, style and features. A small budget 1-2 person tent can cost less than £100, while large tents featuring the latest technology can cost in excess of £1,000. There is also plenty of middle ground, including 3-4 person and 5-6 person camping tents, costing whatever suits your budget!
What is the Best Brand of Tent?
At Winfields Outdoors, we have camping tents for sale from some of the leading brands in the industry. Vango tents are one of the most popular, and for good reason thanks to their exceptional quality. Nevertheless, our Coleman, Kampa, Outdoor Revolution and Zempire tents are also all outstanding in terms of quality.