Buying a tent is a significant investment for hikers and campers. This is why it's important to carefully evaluate the type of tent you wish to acquire before making a decision. Dome tents are a common choice for campers because they're affordable, easy to set up and compact.
When choosing dome tents for camping you should consider several factors from size to materials.
How to Choose a Dome Tent?
When it comes to selecting a dome tent, there are a few key factors to consider. Dome tents are a popular choice for campers due to their affordability, ease of setup, and compact size. They are versatile and you can use them in various terrains and weather conditions. With a wide range of sizes and designs available, it's important to choose a dome tent that suits your specific needs and preferences. To make the selection process easier, we have put together a list of guidelines to help you find the perfect dome tent for your next outdoor adventure.
How Will You Use It?
This is a crucial question to consider because not all tents are suitable for every situation. Are you considering using it for long periods during the summer at a campsite? Do you need dome tents for camping for road trips or weekend getaways? Or are you looking for something lightweight you can easily carry in your backpack while hiking to a camping spot? Another factor to consider is the size of the tent you require. Each tent size has its advantages and disadvantages. Larger dome tents offer more living space but are heavier, bulkier, and take up more space at the campsite and in the car. Smaller dome tents have the opposite pros and cons. If you have a family of four, you might need a multi-room tent, but if it's just for one person, a smaller option could suffice. The size of the tent should be based on how much space you need to be comfortable during your camping trip.
Materials
Manufacturers usually make dome tents with flys (outer weatherproof shells) made from nylon, polyester, or a combination of both materials. Polyester is a cost-effective option that doesn't absorb moisture and has a high resistance to UV radiation. On the other hand, nylon provides excellent tensile strength but is prone to moisture absorption and chemical degradation from UV light. However, most fabrics now undergo coatings of Polyvinylchloride (PVC) or Silicone polymers, which have made the two materials more similar in terms of quality and performance. PU and Silicone coatings are more dominant in modern dome tents because PVC, although effective in preventing water vapour, is heavy and inflexible in low temperatures. Whether you choose a tent with a nylon or polyester fly, it doesn't make a significant difference as manufacturers often offer both options and may vary the fabric type based on new technologies, availability, and pricing.
Floor Fabrics
The floor fabrics of tents are typically made with heavier materials and have an additional waterproof coating to enhance durability and water resistance. Heavier-weight nylons and polyesters are commonly used in combination with a PVC coating. Only lightweight dome or adventure tents may have a PU or silicone-based polymer coatings, because they’re more expensive to produce and not so durable.
Conditions and Pitching
Not all tents are made the same when it comes to strength and durability, so it's important to consider the environmental conditions the tent will face. Larger tents aren't ideal for strong winds, as the bigger walls catch more wind and stress the frame. Dome tents can handle strong winds if pitched correctly on camping grounds but aren't suitable for alpine or wilderness conditions. If you need a tent for tramping or alpine conditions, check out our adventure tent category.
A Few Tips
• Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• It's best to position your tent with its back side facing a prevailing wind.
• If possible, avoid pitching under trees. The dripping from the trees and the risk of falling branches can disrupt your sleep and potentially damage your tent. Additionally, tree sap and bird droppings can cause irreparable harm to your tent.
• Make sure to securely attach the fly to the frame using Velcro (if applicable to the design). This will ensure that when all the guy ropes are pegged out, they effectively hold the tent frame in place. It also ensures that the guy ropes exert pressure on the frame, rather than just the fly.
• Always peg out the guy ropes to stabilize the tent, distribute pressure evenly on the frame, and prevent damage during strong winds. When inserting the pegs, angle them at 45 degrees for optimal stability.
• Before packing and storing your tent, be sure it's completely dry. Packing it away while damp can lead to rotting caused by rain or condensation.
• Avoid leaving your tent pitched unnecessarily, as exposure to UV light can shorten its lifespan.
• During the day, leave the tent windows open to promote a cooler interior.
• When removing the poles from the pole sleeves, gently bend them to keep them connected. This makes it easier and safer to push the poles in and out of the sleeves, ultimately benefiting the longevity of your tent.
