The exhilaration generated by the thought of going camping in the wilds is indirectly related to the choice of your camping tent. The joy emanating from the word "Wow!" is a coincidental suggestion to the acronym used to define the ideal camping tent. WOW stands for weather, occupants and weight. It signifies the importance of the climatic conditions, the number of people going on camping and the total weight that needs to be carried, in the decision to buy a specific camping tent.



The eventual choice of your camping tent will be based on a balancing act between the comfort and the limitations posed by the factors like weight, size and cost. If you're going camping in an RV, you can easily opt for an extra large size taking up huge space both inside and outside the vehicle. However, you may do well even with a smaller, lighter version of the camping tent that can easily be puckered into a backpack, in case you're more into solo camping.

1. Weather

Manufacturers usually classify the camping tents into three seasonal varieties, one-season tents, three-season tents and the four-season tents. One-season tents are meant for the summer season and accordingly feature light color fabrics, meshing for good air-flow and one-wall construction to shelter the camper from light rain.

Three-season camping tents are the most popular among the three varieties due to their all-season appeal. They feature breathable fabrics, well-ventilated mesh doors and windows to keep insects at bay and two-wall waterproof construction with either complete or partial rainfly, keeping one protected from heavy rain or even light snow. A well-pitched three-season tent will endure harsher winds any day better as compared to the one-season version.

The four season camping tents are normally used for specific terrains that are extremely challenging in nature. They are made up with solid fabrics, strong tent poles and zippered panels to protect the camper from harsh winds and heavy snow. Four season tents are most appropriate for mountaineering expeditions and are labeled mostly as "expedition" or "mountaineering" to indicate so. They perform the best in high altitude and extremely cold environs.

2. Occupants

Another classification method used for camping tents is the number of inhabitants. They are categorized as one-person, two-person and so on based on the number of people that can comfortably sleep inside them. It is recommended that you opt for an extra large tent just in case you may need to accommodate an extra person or require extra space for storing camping gear, food etc. However, please note, the bigger the tent, the heavier it is. This may not be suitable for the Backpackers. Normally, they prefer smaller one-person versions over the heavier ones.

On the other hand, the car campers have the option to pick larger rainflies, awnings and gazebos to extend their tent space. If looking for even wider space, they can choose from the tunnel-styled tent, 2 or 3 person dome or the modified dome type that has room enough to sit, stand or walk as well.

3. Weight

Lifting a heavy tent and walking with it for a small distance from ones car is an altogether different experience compared to going back packing with it. People normally cannot lug around more than a quarter or third of their body weight. Also, there may be additional accessories like sunshades and tarps for summers or bivy sacks and shelters for winters, besides a camping tent in the back packers gear. Hence it will be best to opt for a six-eight pound two-three person tent. That way, you can give the responsibility of carrying poles and rainflies to other people in the team and reduce your weight.

An ideal camping tent is easy to carry, pitch, maintain, repair and move around with. It is actually your extension and portrays your outdoor style. As long as you exclaim WOW!, you will never go wrong with your purchase of the camping tent.