At WM Camping we understand that a tent is more than just fabric and poles; it’s your home away from home.  We also understand that choosing a tent can be a big investment and with so many different types, shapes, styles, sizes and features on offer the task to find just the right one can be quite daunting.

We love camping and have been selling camping equipment from our shop and showground in Kent for over 40 years. Here is our expert guide to buying the right tent, whether you’re a first-time family camper, weekend away enthusiast or an experienced camper.

In this guide, we will provide insights into various tent options, explain key features, and offer recommendations to match your camping style.

The ongoing debate between inflatable (Air) and poled tents offers campers a choice tailored to their specific preferences and needs. Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of both types to help you make an informed decision:

Inflatable Tents Pros:

1. Easy Pitching: Inflatable tents are incredibly easy to set up. Instead of traditional poles, you use air beams that can be inflated quickly, reducing the pitching time significantly.
2. Time-Saving: With rapid inflation and setup, inflatable tents save you valuable time, allowing you to enjoy your camping experience sooner.
3. Wind Resistance: Inflatable tents are designed to handle higher wind speeds without sustaining damage.
4. Touring Campers: Campers on the move will appreciate inflatable tents' convenience. They are especially popular among touring campers who frequently set up and take down their tents.
5. Size Variety: Inflatable tents come in various sizes, including large options suitable for families or groups, ensuring there's an inflatable tent to fit your needs.
6. Solo Setup: Setting up and taking down inflatable tents can often be managed by a single camper.

Inflatable Tents Cons:

1. Condensation: One drawback of inflatable tents is that they may experience increased condensation due to limited ventilation. Proper ventilation management is crucial to mitigate this issue.
2. Packing Challenges: Folding and packing away an inflatable tent may be trickier than with traditional tents, requiring careful methodology to ensure efficient storage.
3. Bulkier: Inflatable tents generally have larger pack sizes compared to their poled counterparts, which can be less convenient for campers with limited storage space.
4. Heavier: The air beams and associated components can add weight to the tent, making it less ideal for backpackers or campers who prioritize lightweight gear.

Poled Tents Pros:

1. Modular Design: Poled tents offer the advantage of separating the poles from the canvas. This design allows for lower weight when carrying the tent components separately, making it suitable for backpacking.
2. Cost-Effective: Poled tents are often less expensive than inflatable tents, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious campers.
3. Condensation Control: Poled tents tend to have better ventilation and condensation control, enhancing overall comfort during your camping adventure.

Poled Tents Cons:

1. Setup Complexity: Setting up poled tents can be more challenging and time-consuming, especially for campers with limited experience.
2. Wind Vulnerability: Poled tents may be more susceptible to damage in high winds, and their setup can be compromised in adverse weather conditions.
3. Multiple Campers Required: Erecting poled tents may require the assistance of multiple campers, as it can be physically demanding.

In summary, the choice between inflatable and poled tents ultimately depends on your camping style, preferences, and priorities. If you value rapid setup, wind resistance, and convenience, inflatable tents may be your best bet. However, if you prioritize cost-effectiveness, modular design, and condensation control, poled tents might be the ideal choice.

👉 Read our Blog on Air Tents or Poled Tents?👈

Polyester:

• Characteristics: Polyester is a popular choice for tent fabric due to its lightweight nature, durability, and ease of waterproofing. It's available in various deniers, with thicker fabrics generally offering greater longevity.
• Durability: Polyester tents are known for their resilience, making them capable of withstanding various weather conditions.
• Waterproofing: While polyester isn't naturally waterproof, it's treated with a waterproofing agent during manufacturing. Additionally, polyester tents feature taped seams to enhance water resistance.
• Portability: The lightweight nature of polyester makes it an excellent choice for campers who prioritise portability.
• Recommended Use: Polyester tents are suitable for a wide range of camping adventures, from backpacking trips to family camping. They offer a good balance between durability and weight.

Polycotton:

• Characteristics: Polycotton is a blend of polyester and cotton, typically consisting of 35% cotton and 65% polyester. It offers a unique combination of benefits.
• Breathability: Polycotton tents are known for their excellent breathability, making them comfortable in a wide range of temperatures.
• Durability: This fabric is durable and capable of withstanding extended use, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a long-lasting tent.
• Versatility: Polycotton tents excel in different climates, as they provide warmth in cold weather and remain cool in warmer conditions.
• Condensation Control: Polycotton helps reduce condensation inside the tent, especially when using internal beams, enhancing overall comfort.
• Recommended Use: Polycotton tents are ideal for campers who value comfort, durability, and versatility. They are well-suited for family camping and extended trips.

Cotton:

• Characteristics: 100% cotton tents are rare due to their weight and cost, but they offer unparalleled durability and adaptability.
• Durability: Cotton tents are incredibly robust, capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions and extended use.
• Adaptability: These tents are malleable to different weather conditions, making them a preferred choice for permanent pitching or year-round camping.
• Weight: Cotton tents are heavier compared to other fabrics, making them less suitable for backpacking or frequent relocations.
• Recommended Use: Cotton tents are a niche choice for campers seeking the utmost durability and weather resistance, especially in semi-permanent or seasonal camping setups.

In summary, the choice of tent fabric is a critical factor in determining your camping experience. Consider your camping style, weather conditions, and longevity expectations when selecting a fabric type. Whether you prioritize lightweight portability, exceptional durability, or versatile comfort, there's a tent fabric to match your preferences and enhance your camping adventures.

A tent’s lifespan is entirely dependent on how well the tent is looked after.  The lifespan can vary massively based on how often it is used, the rigours it is put under and the weather it is used in.

If you are careful when pitching and make sure the tent is clean and dry before putting it away each time you use it, your tent should give you many years of use.

👉 Read our Blog on How to Properly Care for Your Tent 👈

Berth - Used to describe how many people a tent can sleep. Important to note that this is calculated as people without luggage, so remember to include your bag and gear as a berth or person.  We usually recommend sizing up by two.  So if you’re a couple with camping gear then go for a 4 berth tent and a family of 4 go for a minimum of a 6-berth tent etc.

Hydrostatic head - Hydrostatic Head rating of a tent's waterproofness coating (known as PU).  To be classed as legally ‘waterproof’ a tent has to have a hydrostatic head of 1000mm.  Tents with 2000-3000mm hydrostatic head should cope with standard British rainfall; the higher the hydrostatic head, the better the water protection you have from your tent.  Our tents start at 3000mm and go all the way to 6000mm.

Sewn-in groundsheet - The groundsheet of the tent sewn onto the walls to prevent anything crawling in or out and keeps your tent draught free.

Flysheet - The outer fabric of the tent.

Tunnel tent - Tents with a tunnel design with a number of poles arched, usually taller tents.

Dome tent - Usually smaller tents, a traditional dome tent can be stable in winds due to the poles crossing in the middle of the tent.

Geodesic / Semi-Geodesic - With variations on how the poles cross, the geodesic and semi-geodesic tents are very stable against rough weather. This design is mainly used in backpacking/mountain tents.

Polycotton - Polycotton Tents are tents made from polyester/cotton mix instead of only polyester and feel more like the traditional frame tent canvas.  These tents are great in hot climates because the canvas keeps the inside of the tent cooler.