Today camping out is a live stile. The days are gone when camping was only those simple minded, that could not afford to stay in hotels. There is a real trend: “back to the origins”. To return these styles of being human we and our ancestors are destined for: collectors and hunters. It seems to be one of the origins of mankind to live outside only barely protected against nature and wilderness. As part of a movement “back to nature camping is much more than a way to spend holidays. Developing skills to live outdoor entitles you to a more satisfying and prepared live.
Campers do not need much equipment. It has to be functional and reliable. It has to serve the basic needs only. But has to do this most consistently. The most basic equipment to live outdoors is the tent.
Keep in mind when buying a tent…
For a long time tents where small, in fact: very small. Serving two maximal three campers at a time. It is only lately, that the larger tents, including floors and walls and so providing rooms and intimacy to campers are available. Meanwhile producing tents is an important part of the camping market. The more skills and money is invested in tents the higher the expectations of consumers get. Tents should be easily to be set up and stored. The materials the tent is manufactured of should be consistent and durable. Even a better insulation against heat and cold today no longer is and neglect able issue, when it comes to buying a tent.
Shopping for a tent is more a professional duty than a pleasure if you want to keep all these importance’s in view. One of the most important questions quality- and price wise when buying a new tent: should you buy a tent for three or for four seasons?
A Tent for 3 seasons
This tent is not suitable for the winter. But it will serve you well during spring summer and fall in all regions. 3 season tents are much less expensive then 4 season tents. The most important single feature of a 3 season tent is the way it handles moisture. The better quality 3 season tents allow air into the tent but keep all humidity out. Like with every other tent another important question is whether to shop locally or hunt discounts while buying online.
A Tent for 4 seasons.
4 season tents are more expensive than 3 season tents. One of the most important differences between tents for 3 seasons and those for four seasons is the floor quality. It comes a few inches up from the ground and is much more robust. In fact it builds kind of a bathtub. However strong the winter may be: these tents are there to stay. At least four aluminum poles support them. Some 4 season tents feature much more. Because in the winter they have to soak up heat easier most 4 season tents are produced in darker colors.
Comparison of 3-Season and 4-Season tents
The 3 season tent is still preferred by many campers. It is less heavy. Does not heat up so much during the summer and carries less weight.

I spring summer and fall it protects its users reliable and consistent. Unreliability begins with strong snow, really strong winds and enduring rain. In no way they can be considered suitable for an Alaska outing in January.
On the other hand the 4 season tent might be to insulated in the summer season. So it will most likely only purchased by those who who want to liver in the wilderness in Winter too.

Lennart Kolberg, 55 is a journalist from Swedish origin. He lives in the US, Sweden and Germany. Lennart creates niche websites like: Large Camping Tents, Outdoor Bench Cushions, or (in German): Digitalkamera wasserdicht.