Choosing the Right Tent for Summer Camping

When answering the question of how to choose a tent, ask yourself what kind of camping you’ll be doing. There are five performance markers for tents to be aware of:

• Space and comfort
• Weather resistance
• Ease of use
• Durability
• Family friendliness

As you can imagine, the higher the rank, the higher the price point and some of these can get pretty pricey – you pay for the added comfort, storage, functionality and more. This is why it’s a good idea to take the time to understand what kind of camping you’ll be doing, where and how long to find one that suits you in both functionality and budget.

Space and comfort are usually one of the most important factors campers focus on. What level of comfort and space you opt for will heavily depend on how you’re travelling; if you are driving a car or van, the weight and size of your tent will likely matter much less, if at all. Whereas if you’re using a bike, public transport or hiking, you might need to take a hit in space and comfort for convenience’s sake. Don’t worry, lightweight and transportable tents are still plenty comfortable, but you won’t reach the epitome of comfort for one that prioritises convenience above all.

Also, consider that comfort can mean many different things for different people; you might prefer a tight and cosy tent or enjoy an open area with more space. It’s a good idea to pop by your nearest Decathlon store to check out the tents in person before going for the purchase. Decathlon displays tents large and small in our showroom, which you can visit and explore at your leisure to get the real experience.

As we’re talking about the best tent for summer camping, weather resistance will hopefully not need to be top-notch, but UK weather is known for its unpredictability. So being prepared is key; make regular weather checks before your camping trip, research the conditions before jetting off and ask fellow campers about their experience, so you know what to expect.

Your biggest priority, however, will be dealing with some high temperatures. Your summer tent should be:

• Well-ventilated: Air flow will be low in warmer temperatures, so large windows, doors and vents will allow for enough ventilation

• Light colours: As not to absorb heat and increase the temperature in the tent

• Built-in rain fly: Fabric that protects your tent from rain

• Sleeping pads: Offering extra padding between the cooler tent floor and  yourself for chillier temperatures at night

Finally, if you are camping with a group of people, including dogs or children, there are a few extra things to consider, much of which goes back to comfort and storage.

If you’re weathering a summer storm, can everyone fit inside the tent comfortably for hours at a time? Can you cook and sleep and enjoy enough privacy? Vestibules and fly-offs will play an important role here. Generally speaking, for larger groups, it’s a good idea to opt for feature-rich, large family tents fitted with a sizable vestibule.

So, to finally answer the question of which tent is best for camping during the summer, the answer depends on your budget and the specifics of your trip. Ultimately, a spacious, user-friendly, and feature-rich tent will offer the most comfortable experience.

If you're seeking comfort and storage, larger tents are preferable, with ample compartments, rooms, and vestibules. The best tents will be durable, boasting robust stitching both internally and externally, ensuring the protection and comfort tailored to your camping experience.

Naturally, if convenience is your primary concern, the ideal tent for you might differ significantly. Therefore, it's crucial to personalise your choice based on your camping style.