Are you in the market for a new camping tent?

Wait!

Before you buy, consider all these factors to help you get the right tent for your needs:

• Number of people in the camping party.
• Length of the camping trip and time spent inside the tent.
• Amount and size of gear, including items such as cots, airbeds and backpacks
• Distance to campsite where tent will have to be carried.
• Sleeping space desired per person.
• Headroom needed inside tent.
• Terrain, climate and expected temperatures.

Knowing these things will help with selecting a tent with the appropriate square footage, ceiling height, weight, fly coverage and more. Knowing what is needed or desired will ensure that the tent meets minimum requirements while also preventing "overbuying" or spending more for a tent than is necessary.