Comment choisir sa tente en fonction de ses besoins?

How to chose a tent for camping?

Planning a camping or hiking trip? Learn how to select the ideal tent that suits your needs. Consider factors like size, weight, weather resistance, ease of setup, and your budget. Prepare for your adventure with confidence and tranquility!

If you're shopping for a minimalist tent for camping along a wind-swept coastline in foul weather, you'll likely have different needs than someone looking for a model to shelter their entire family at a developed site. Additionally, a number of criteria will also guide your choice: season, number of people, weight and space, and of course, price.

Choosing the right tent size

It is important to make sure that you have enough room for everyone who will be sleeping in the tent. A family or group of friends should look for a tent that can comfortably fit all of those individuals, as well as any other necessary items such as sleeping bags and pillows. To optimize your comfort, don't hesitate to buy a roomier tent with a vestibule space for storing gear and moving around. You'll thank us later.

Regardless of your choice, we strongly suggest that you get a groundsheet to extend the life of your tent. Indeed, the groundsheet is designed to protect the tent floor against wear and tear of the ground as well as prevent water buildup underneath the tent from the rain.

1, 2, 4, 6-person tent or more

There is an array of quality tent models on the market for 1, 2, 3, 4... and even 12 people. Tent models for 1-3 people are practical for creating base camps that you can quickly set up and take down. These tents typically offer a small vestibule that allows you to store kitchen gear, boots, trekking poles and equipment, in addition to offering good protection in case of heavy rain.

Large family tents can accommodate 4 to 8 people and usually feature a vestibule and one or more separate bedrooms. A tent with two doors reduces the likelihood that you will have to climb over one (or two) person(s) to exit the tent in the middle of the night.

Choosing a family tent

Designed for the whole family, a larger tent usually offer enough space to stand up and stretch. In addition, some come with bedrooms and storage space for headlamps or accessories. Ideally, a family tent should have a vestibule to store boots and gear. This extra space also allows you to protect yourself from rain and strong wind.

Tip: Don't hesitate to go camping with several families, as the children can have fun together while the adults can take turns watching them

Choosing a Tent for Car Camping or Backcountry Camping (Hiking, Canoeing, or Biking)

Car Camping

Outdoor enthusiasts who like a certain level of comfort will opt for this type of camping, which involves sleeping in a tent while keeping your gear accessible in a nearby vehicle, or even sleeping in a rooftop tent. This style of camping is common in established campgrounds that typically have toilets and potable water. Check national and regional parks to see what services are available at their campgrounds.

If you plan on car camping or camping in rooftop car tents, the size and weight limit of the tent are not an issue. Additionally, car camping allows you to bring a considerable amount of extra clothing. Tip: Place your tent, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads in the trunk of your vehicle last, so you can set them up first when you arrive at the campsite. Choose a rooftop tent for even greater practicality!

Rooftop tents
Backcountry Camping - Hiking, Canoeing, or Biking Tents

Are you drawn to the great outdoors? If you're planning on going backcountry camping for several days on a hiking, canoeing, or bike packing trip, while carrying your tent and cooking gear in your backpack, it's best to opt for a lightweight and compact tent with a rainfly that offers weather protection. Futhermore, mesh panels provide protection from insects, without blocking cooling breezes and ventilation.

Even if you find the ideal backpacking tent, remember that this style of camping requires some outdoor experience and knowledge of your destination.

Pop-up tent for speed

The 2 Seconds tent sets up in a snap. This revolutionary tent unfolds in less than two seconds when launched into the air like a frisbee.

For those looking for a convenient and speedy option for camping, the pop-up tent is an ideal choice. Pop-up tents are designed to provide fast and easy setup in just minutes, allowing campers to quickly set up their tent and be ready to enjoy their camping trip.

Inflatable tent for simplicity

As the name suggests, an inflatable tent has integrated tubes into which air is pumped in just a few minutes using a manual or electric pump.

The main advantage of self-supporting tents is that they can be set up quickly on virtually any surface. Additionally, you can easily move them. Keep in mind that a self-supporting tent should be anchored to the ground with stakes or guy lines attached to a fixed and solid object.

Tents with poles, a classic

Poles tent, an enduring classic: Poles tents have been popular for decades, due to their ease of setup, reliable construction, and large size. Poles tents usually come with multiple poles that are connected to the tent fabric. They are typically very versatile and can be set up in a variety of shapes and sizes. They also offer excellent ventilation, thanks to the multiple openings that can be adjusted

Discover Fresh & Black technology for a comfortable vacation

Tents that rely on Fresh & Black technology also ensure a high level of freshness and darkness, even in broad daylight. Indeed, their fabrics are coated with a layer that makes the fabric opaque and filters out 99% of ultraviolet rays. The technology called Fresh & Black helps alleviate the discomfort of heat and light and provides a good level of comfort. Ideal for keeping cool and getting a good night's sleep after long hikes.

Choose your tent according to the weather and the seasons

The choice of a tent also depends on the time of year you plan to go camping. Are you going camping in mild weather, colder weather or rough weather?

The vast majority of tents on the market are 3-season models and are equipped with a double roof that provides protection against rain and moisture. A 3-season tent usually features mesh panels that allow air to flow through and help keep the interior cool in case of hot weather.

Furthermore, people who camp along a wind-swept coastline will rely on a 4-season tent. Keep in mind that 4-season tents are designed to trap heat. They are not designed for camping in the summer, as they will quickly overheat.

A 4-season Tent is a great option for those looking for a versatile, durable and weatherproof camping experience. These tents are designed to provide maximum protection from the elements in almost any environment. They feature waterproof fabrics, reinforced seams, solid poles, and sturdy construction that keep you warm and dry in bad weather, even the harshest conditions. They also usually come with additional features such gear loft and double Walls.

Rent or buy your tent? What is the best solution?

Consider renting or borrowing equipment before buying. This is a good way to save money and reduce your environmental footprint while you evaluate what works best for you.

In conclusion, choosing the right tent is important for a rewarding camping experience. Consider your specific requirements, including capacity, weight, seasonality, and ease of setup. Also, remember to prioritize high-quality materials and feel free to seek guidance from our Décathlon stores for expert advice. Embark on your adventure with confidence and excitement!