Getting back to nature can be a fun way to experience life. But finding out at 4 am that your tent can’t stand up to the elements is a lesson learned the hard way.

The first step to getting back to nature is buying a tent you can depend on. A good quality tent must be comfortable, easy to use and provide security for you and your family.

Tents needn’t be fancy, or expensive. They can be as simple as small, two-person pup tents, or as extravagant as full-size family models with three rooms and lighting. All that really matters is that the tent is durable and dependable enough to protect you from nature’s elements.

Choosing a tent is a task worthy of serious thought, and there are several factors that must be considered before making your final decision. The size and shape of the tent, the weight and the setup must all be taken into account. If you’re camping alone, assembly is a very important consideration. Shop at a reliable sporting goods or outdoors store, and ask the sales associate for help in choosing the best tent to meet your requirements.

Remember to consider the transportation of your tent. If you’re looking at a big, bulky tent that will take up the entire trunk of your car and leave no room for food and gear, keep shopping.

Size Matters

Size most definitely matters when it comes to choosing a tent. Make sure that there’s enough room for you, and your fellow campers. Everyone needs to have space to stretch out and to move around. You may be using air mattresses, so keep that in mind when judging the depth. The tent must be high enough to stand up, or at least sit up. Manufacturers tend to overestimate the number of people that can sleep comfortably in a tent. So, while it is possible to cram four fully-grown adults into a four-person tent, you’ll all sleep better in a six-person model. Similarly, a two-person tent might be able to hold two people, but they’re clothes and food will have to wait outside.

Weigh Your Options

Nothing takes the fun out of camping like trying to portage or hike to a remote camp while lugging a heavy canvas tent. If you plan to carry your gear an extended distance, be sure to pack light. Remember, you’ll also be carrying food, clothing and gear. Lightweight tents provide ample comfort and security, and there are many models to choose from. If, on the other hand, you’re loading a van with gear and driving straight to the campsite, then a heavy tent will do just fine.

Material

Lightweight nylon and taffeta and popular materials used by today’s tent manufacturers. These fabrics are strong and durable, and able to withstand all types of weather. The most important thing to look for in your tent material is a waterproof certification. Paying a little extra is worth every penny when you’re caught in a downpour.

Assembly

Ask to see the assembly instructions before you buy the tent. Then, try assembling the tent at home before you leave on your camping trip. The tent you choose should be easy to assemble with few or new tools required. You’ll have a lot to do when you reach camp, and you don’t want to spend a lot of time fighting with a difficult tent. Camping is about relaxing and becoming one with nature, not stressing and struggling with a tent.

For many, camping is an activity that’s meant to be fun. However, you mustn’t lose sight of the fact that choosing a tent is serious business. Your tent must be comfortable and easy to use, while offering protection from inclement weather and curious wildlife.