The best information that you can receive is from your tent dealer. On this website we list tent dealers who have tents on display and are able to demonstrate the differences between the many types of tents. They are are usually experienced campers and they all have comprehensive knowledge of their products.
Types of Tent
| Frame Tent | Ridge Tent | Dome Tent |
 |
 |
 |
A tent supported by a rigid frame structure, usually with one or more hanging inner bedrooms. |
A tent supported on a central ridge frame. |
Dome shaped tents, often with multi-annexes, tightly fixed onto flexible poles. |
| Tunnel Tent | Utility Tent | Beach Tent |
 |
 |
 |
The same principle as a dome tent but in the shape of a tunnel. |
A tent used as a separate room, like a toilet tent, for example. |
A tent used halfway between a windbreak and a sun shelter. |
You may want to check out multi-room tents. If you're camping with the kids, a 2-room tent provides a little privacy. Multi-room tents come in 2-room styles, where the rooms are separated by an inside tent wall with a zippered door. There are 3-room styles that are like the 2-room ones but with an added screen room, which is nice for changing wet or dirty clothes before entering the other rooms, and which are great for setting up chairs or a table to use in case it rains. There are also 2-room tents, which have just one large sleeping area and an attached screen room. Tents with screen rooms attached are great for storing gear outside the sleeping area.
Click here to find out more about some of the major tent manufacturers, or use our Search facility in the panel to the right to find and compare tents from these manufacturers and then find a tent dealer
Tent Buyers Tips
Unless you are limited by weight and size, you should make sure that you have as much comfortable room as possible eg if there are 2 of you aim for a 4 berth so that you can stretch out and have space for your camping gear.
Try to imagine changing your clothes or dealing with wet clothes and then drying them out.
It is important to see a tent erected or have it demonstrated from the bag. You need to know that you can easily erect your tent irrespective of conditions. Always erect your tent in your garden or nearby park before using it afar.
Ensure that your tent has good ventilation is easy to enter and exit and zips easily.
Check that the polework is simple and effective.
The tent dealers listed on this website are very knowledgeable and will happily help you.
Important note : Always ensure that you store your tent clean and dry even if you have to pack it wet. open it as soon as possible and dry it out and give it a good shake.
Tent Safety
The main concern when using a tent is that you must be aware of your surroundings and not place yourself in danger. You should avoid putting up a tent near an unfamiliar beach or where there are hazards that are not apparent when you pitch your tent. Another consideration is that you should ensure that you have made sufficient provision for a drop in the temperature overnight.
All tent information supplied on this page is as a guide only. All facts should be and can be checked out on the websites of the the respective suppliers, which are shown on this page. Your local tent dealer is an expert on any aspect of tenting.