Tips to help choose a tent.
There’s something very special about Camping in Australia. It’s got a whole range of stunning landscapes from snow-capped mountains, rainforests, deserts, sun kissed beaches to picturesque lakes and let’s face it, there’s nothing better than getting back to nature.
Not only is camping refreshing for the soul, it’s a cheap and economical way to get away on a well deserved holiday break, recharge and connect with loved ones.
Need a tent for your next camping trip? That’s great! Our guide will help you find the best one for you, whether you’re after a large or small, cabin or dome style.
Here’s what you need to know to buy a new tent for camping, hiking/backpacking, along with tips on features, storage, and sizing.
Camping can be a fun getaway for anyone who loves the great outdoors and who loves to save a buck on holiday accommodation.
Enjoy!
10 Best Camping Tents 2023.
 |  | UNP 10-PERSON FAMILY CAMPING TENT Spacious & deal for Family Camping - Easy Up Tent. Attach FRP Poles thru sleeves. Patented foot sleeves make it convenient to set up. Set up in 10 minutes. Great ventilation, large view, 2 Rooms, Outdoor Cinema Hang, Privacy Divider Curtain, 2 Doors. High quality material - Secure & Windproof. Weatherproof Polyester 185T PU1000mm. Extended awning design in rainfly prevents rain from coming inside. |  |
 |  | KAZOO 2-PERSON WATERPROOF BACKPACKING TENT Ideal for hiking, ultralight and spacious room. Liner is made from B3 Mesh & 190T breathable Polyester, Rainfly is made of 210T Ripstop Polyester. This high performance tent has two separate porches to provide extra storage. Designed with 2 doors and ceiling vents for excellent ventilation. Ideal for hiking, fishing or relaxing. | |
 |  | COLEMAN ELITE WEATHERMASTER 6- PERSON SCREENED TENT 6 Person with built-in illumination for family or group trips. LED system offers three brightness settings for overhead light. Attached 9 x 6ft screen room offers bug-free area for relaxation. Spacious interior has room for 2 queen airbeds. Weathertec system and rainfly keep interior dry. | |
 |  | BRUSHNELL SHIELD SERIES 9-PERSON INSTANT POP-UP CABIN TENT Instant 60 second set-up technology. Poles come pre-attached for quick assembly. Unfold and extend leg poles until they click into position. Waterproof/Rainfly. Durable 150 Denier fabric is tougher than average. Built to handle wear and tear. | |
 |  | COLEMAN 3-PERSON COASTLINE 3 PLUS TENT Compact 3 Person tunnel tent w/ spacious vestibule for separate living & sleeping. Well designed, easy to pitch, highly flexible, lightweight fibreglass poles to withstand strong winds, two ventilation flaps, inside pockets, integrated cable slot. 100% Waterproof with taped seams & fully sewn-in ground sheet. Includes carry bag, guy ropes & pegs. | |
 |  | COLEMAN UNISEX ADULT DARWIN 4-PERSON DOME TENT Lightweight & easy to pitch. Well designed with ventilation flaps for optimal air circulation, mosquito net & inner pockets. 100% Waterproof with taped seams, fully sewn-in ground sheet and bug free. UV Guard 5+ offering high protection from sunlight. Practical storage with vestibule for equipment and shoes. Includes carry bag. | |
 |  | CORE 9-PERSON EXTENDED DOME TENT Sleeps 9 People, fits three queen air mattresses, Centre Height 72", H20 Block Technology & adjustable ground vent. Features gear loft with lantern hook, pockets & electrical cord access port. Includes, Tent, Poles, Rainfly, Stakes & Carry Bag. Equipped with water resistant PU coated fabric & taped seams. | |
 |  | CAMPROS 9-PERSON CAMPING TENT Roomy for 9 People. Fits 3 queen air mattresses. Made with durable, high quality material - Water Resistant. Easy Set Up in 10 minutes. Breathable & separated room. 1 Large Mesh Door, 2 Mesh Windows & Mesh Top. Comes with separated curtain to provide divided rooms. Includes carry bag. | |
 |  | MOON LENCE 8-PERSON FAMILY CAMPING TENT Spacious with high quality material - 190T polyester, fabric at bottom 150D, waterproof to PU2000mm. Spacious - 98.43*(82.68+70.87+82.68)*78.74 inches. Breathable with 2 large net doors, including 2 separate inner tents to provide separate rooms. Installation & assembly is very easy & convenient. | |
 |  | MSR ELIXIR 2-PERSON V2 TENT Lightweight, Zipper, Rainfly, Unique pole geometry optimises headroom & fits two mats, adaptable rainfly allows for excellent views. Built-in gear lofts & glow-in-the-dark zipper. Colour-coded poles, clips & webbing. Fast & easy set-up, great ventilation. Includes footprint. | |
How many people can fit in a tent?
Generally, a rule of thumb is to discard 2 people in any given tent from its capacity rating. So, just say you plan on sleeping 4 people in a 4-person tent, it will be a much better choice to select a 6-person instead.
For example, A 4 person will generally be a very tight fit for 4 people, whereas the next size up will not only allow room for comfort, it will also allow extra space for baggage, backpacks and storage in general.
We all know that the weather can be unpredictable and bad weather will definitely keep the campers inside. But, when you have that little extra space, it will allow for board games and other activities until the bad weather has subsided.
It’s also important to consider the height of everyone. No-one will enjoy sleeping all curled up and restricted in an overcrowded space. Knowing the measurements is also the ideal solution for extra space.
Think about conditions of use.
Tents come in all shapes and sizes and suitable for different seasons. The fabric for summer designs come with a lightweight material, including plenty of ventilation.
The 3 season designs will handle stronger wind and rain, with added protection from the cold, although the winter designs are nowhere near as popular in Australia, compared to the northern hemisphere with colder climates.
However, if you’re planning on heading to the snowy Alps of New South Wales or Victoria in the winter time, then you’ll definitely appreciate the winter tent.
As we all know, the weather here in Australia can be quite unpredictable and can change very quickly, so you really need to consider how your purchase will perform should bad weather arise.
How long does it take to set-up?
At the shop, you’ll discover loads of fantastic camping gear that will appeal to you. But, have you thought about how long it will take you to you set up? Is a small army required?
This is something you really need to consider. The last thing you need is to spend hours setting up camp with tired and cranky kids.
Our recommendation would be to purchase an Instant Pop-Up Tent. This design is an excellent choice with its spring loaded poles that push the walls into place, without having to organise individual poles like the traditional ones.
Examine tent material.
Make sure to check the material closely as this could determine your purchase.
Tents made from canvas are waterproof, but it can become heavy and saggy when the fabric is wet. But, the beauty of canvas is that it’s long lasting compared to the nylon fabric ones.
The Waterproof Polyester and Nylon ones can deteriorate over time caused by the sun. It’s also a good idea to examine whether the seams are sealed too, as this will indicate whether they are waterproof as well.
Most these days are waterproof, although the cheaper brands are never as good. The superior ones will provide the rip-stop fabric.
The tent poles are manufactured from various materials, but if you’re dissatisfied with the quality, you can always upgrade poles with a better variety.
What is often overlooked is checking the zips. They should be of good quality, non rusting, move easily and won’t catch on the fabric.
It’s important that the fly is nylon waterproofed, including polyurethane and silicone coatings. The fly must cover the whole area that includes all doors and windows for maximum protection.
What weight is your tent?
How far will you need to carry your camping gear and will it be a great distance from your car?
Many of the larger designs can be very heavy. Will you be able to manage lugging it from your car to your campsite?
There are family ones out there that are simply so large that they can only be delivered by a trailer. So, you really need to consider this with your purchase.
Consider tent ventilation.
It’s a dreadful feeling when your belongings are totally saturated with condensation from the interior walls. Condensation can certainly impact your holiday, leaving your sleeping bags and mattresses very soggy and damp too.
It’s really important to choose a tent that has good ventilation with the rain fly on. Well placed ventilation is paramount to minimise it.
Be aware of additional features.
Always consider what is important for your camping holiday. Some other features may tempt you, such as the number of doors, windows, storage pockets, size of awning and the ability to purchase accessories to suit your tent.
Don’t overlook the flooring.
When buying a family tent or even hiking, we suggest getting a strong and durable floor. Make sure that the flooring does protect you and your belongings from the moisture seeping in from underneath.
It’s highly recommended to use a footprint which is either a tarp, or a piece of shaped fabric to place underneath the bottom of the tent. Most manufacturers will offer a footprint to protect it from wear and tear.
Have a price in mind?
We all have our budgets and the question is how much we’re prepared to pay.
Some people spend a small fortune, but others are dirt cheap with the same features? It may come down to the materials used and/or the manufacturer.
Other factors you may need to consider are the weather conditions and how long you expect it will last for.
If you camp in extreme weather conditions with high winds, ice and snow, then a cheap one definitely won’t do the trick.
You will need a reliable piece of equipment to save you from misery. It’s all about what you need it for.
See Also: Camping gear & Accessories vary from store to store, so feel free to browse our website.
