How much do you know! Recommended tents for family camping and how to choose them

If you're thinking about starting camping, one of the first things you'll probably consider buying is a tent.

When you go to a large retail store or online shopping site with your family, you'll find a huge selection of tents in the tent section. If you buy whatever the salesperson recommends, you'll have no idea how much your budget will be, and online reviews aren't really a deciding factor.

So this time, we'll talk about tents for family camping.We'll introduce the different types of tents, how to choose one, and our top 10 recommendations.I will.

Reading this article before going to the store will be helpful when making a purchase and will give you basic knowledge about tents.

Types of tents for family camping

What is a dome shape?

A dome-shaped tent is designed by bending two poles sharply, then attaching the tent to them and lifting it up.

The finished productIts shape is close to a circle, making it less susceptible to wind.It's made.
It's the same type used when climbing Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain.

What is a cross-dome type?

A cross dome is a type of dome-shaped structure where the poles are literally crossed.

Even for beginnersEasy to set up and allows for a spacious living area.That is its distinguishing feature.

From a design perspective, it's easy to increase ceiling height to improve livability, or conversely, lower it to increase wind resistance, allowing you to choose according to your purpose.

What is a Y-shaped frame type?

What is a Y-shaped frame?There is one pole in the ceiling, at the head of the bed when you lie down.And, or,The frame at the base is divided into two parts.It's my type.

Due to its structure, it cannot be made taller, and because there is only one frame at the top of the ceiling, the space above the head is narrow, and people tend to hit their heads when sitting.

However, compared to the Crossdome, it has less frame material, making it lighter and ideal for those who travel on foot or by bicycle.

What is a tipi tent type?

A tipi tent is a tentSet up a pole in the middle,Peg down the perimeterThese are cone-shaped tents, based on the dwellings of Native Americans.

It is characterized by its height and spacious interior.

Some models have a hole for inserting a chimney, and combined with their shape that allows snow to easily fall off, they are also suitable for use in winter camping.

Many models lack a floor, so they are used by placing only a freestanding inner tent (described later) inside, or by using a cot.

https://katecamp.net/cot/

What is a single-pole type?

The basic construction is the same as a teepee tent, but if we're talking specifically about single-pole tents,Instead of a cone, the floor is square or hexagonal.This often refers to the model.

Because it's compact, it's become very popular now, riding the wave of the solo camping boom.

What is a two-room type?

A two-room type is...Living area and tarp(Screen tarp type is common)ButThis is the type that has become.

It's more cost-effective than setting up a separate tent and screen tarp, and since the entrance and exit are connected, you won't get wet even if it rains.

While it does take up some absolute space when stored, it still takes up less space than having a tent and tarp together.

Popup&What is a pop-up tent?

Pop-up and one-touch tents are as close to as possibleEasy to set upThis is a tent.

A pop-up tent is one that you assemble by unfastening the bands that hold it together and then popping it open. It's kind of like the Hoi-Poi Capsules from Dragon Ball (maybe dads will barely remember that?).

However, it opens in an instant,I forget how to fold it.This is its weakness.

Let's do some preparation beforehand.

(The video title says "One-touch tent," but it actually refers to a pop-up tent.)

https://youtu.be/XacRCVIhleY

A pop-up tent works like an umbrella; you hold the starting point with one hand and pull the string with the other to set it up.

There are various types of tents available, ranging from those suitable for solo camping to those for family camping, depending on the length and number of the ribs (which are similar to those of an umbrella), making them easy to set up even for those who are unsure about pitching a tent.

Self-sufficient and non-self-sufficient

Freestanding

A self-supporting structure is one whose shape is created by the tension of the poles, and does not necessarily have a fixed form.No pegging requiredIt refers to the type or variety.

It can be set up anywhere, including hard ground or sandy beaches that are too soft for pegs to grip.

Most dome-shaped structures are classified as freestanding.

Non-freestanding type

In contrast, non-independent types arePegging down is required.This refers to a type of tent that cannot stand up on its own.

The requirement for setting up camp is that the pegs can be driven into the ground, but you can also do this by wrapping ropes around rocks or burying bags filled with sand, so it's not necessarily required to be a campsite in the woods.

Teepee tents and single-pole tents fall into this category.

Single wall and double wall

A double-wall tent has a flysheet placed over the inner tent, while a single-wall tent is made from a single piece of fabric.

Features of single-wall construction

Single-wall construction has fewer structural elements,Lightweight and compactin,Easy to set upWhile many models are available, they often have drawbacks such as being prone to condensation and lacking a vestibule. (These issues can be resolved by using a tarp.)

Features of double-wall construction

Double-walled tents are heavier than single-walled tents,It has a vestibule, which makes it less prone to condensation.These are some of its advantages.

If you're going to use it in Japan, where humidity is high and it rains a lot, you can't go wrong by considering a double-walled tent as the standard.

How to choose a tent for family camping

Size (for people)

In the case of a dome shape,Products that list a user capacity that is 1-2 people more than the actual number of users.Let's choose this one.
The number of users indicated on the product is based on the assumption that everyone will be sleeping side-by-side without any gaps, so there is no space to put luggage.

Even if you don't plan to leave your belongings in the living area of ​​a two-room tent with a spacious vestibule, you'll likely want to keep valuables and extra clothes by your bedside. Families with young children and lots of clothes to change into should take this into consideration.

In the case of a single-pole tent,Products with a capacity of 2-3 people moreLet's buy it.
Teepee tents and single-pole tents have a pole in the middle, so you sleep around it.
Therefore, there will inevitably be unused space, making it inefficient to actually use the space, and resulting in a difference between the stated capacity and the actual number of users.

weight

Popular items generally range from 6 kg to as heavy as 20 kg,Most people weigh in the low 0 kg range.is.

The size of the living space doesn't directly correlate to the weight; rather, the weight is classified by the type of tent.

Two-room>Dome-shaped > Y-shaped frame>One-touch tents > Teepee tents > One-pole tents > Pop-up tents

There is a tendency towards this.

Vestibule size

A larger vestibule allows you to protect your shoes from dew at night and store items you don't want to leave out while sleeping.

While the two-room tent is the ultimate form of this setup, even with a single-pole tent, you can secure a surprisingly large vestibule if you use only half of it as a sleeping area.

In the case of a dome shape, the depth is about 60 cm.These are the most common.

Ease of setup

Modern tents are much easier to set up than older tents.

Dome-shaped tents, especially those for 3-4 people, can generally be set up by one person.

If it's a non-freestanding tent, it requires that the pegs can be driven into the ground, but it is possible to set it up by one person.

Two-room tents tend to be large, making them difficult to set up alone. However, since they are often used by multiple people, they can be easily set up by working together.

Strength against bad weather

When it comes to resistance to bad weather, the water pressure resistance figures, such as 1500mm or 3000mm, are important.

While there are variations depending on the manufacturer and model, the stated length is generally 1500mm or more.
So, does that mean anything less is unacceptable? Not at all. The water pressure resistance of a typical umbrella is 450 mm,With 1500mm of water, there is no need to worry about flooding.is.

Even so, when setting up a tent, if the ground is sloped, it's important to pitch it as high up as possible and choose a spot where rain won't run in.
This is because even if water doesn't seep in from the floor, if water flows under the tent, it will float and become dangerous.
The ground becomes muddy, making it easier for the tent pegs to come loose.

Next is wind. Many people think that putting their belongings inside the tent will make it easier to stay warm, but this is a mistake.

Even dome-shaped tents, which are designed to withstand wind, will easily tip over in a slight breeze if they are not properly pegged down.

Even with people inside, the pole will bend, and in the worst case, it will break.

To prevent that,peg downdo,guy ropesOnce securely fixed,Prevent collapseYou can.

The tents used by Everest climbing teams are basically constructed using the same method, so the effect is tremendous.

Recommended family camping tents

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image	Product name	Manufacturer	Features	Price estimate	Number of people	type	kinds	Weight (kg)	size	Storage size	Vestibule size	Water pressure resistance
	Entry-level two-room Elfield	Snow Peak	4-season 2-room tent	80000	for 4 people	Double Wall	Crossdome	15.5	315*230*175	83*30*34	380*370*175	1800
	Tough Screen 2-Room House MDX+	Coleman	Blocks more than 90% of light	75000	for 4 people	Double Wall	Crossdome	17	300*250*175	74*Φ34	340*340*215	2000
	Amenity Dome M	Snow Peak	With a low overall height, it is less affected by wind.	40000	For 2 adults and 3 children	Double Wall	Crossdome	9.8	265*265*150	73*23*27	240*280*150 (modified)	1800
	BC Cross Dome 270	Coleman	With its simple design, it's perfect for your first tent.	20000	for 5 people	Double Wall	Crossdome	10.6	270*270*175	75*Φ25	100	1500
	Zeku M	Zane Arts	Overcoming the limitations of a single-pole tent	44000	for 4 people	Single wall	One-pole	11.5	440*380*250	79*27*27	none	1500
	Landlock	Snow Peak	The vestibule is spacious and offers high livability.	160000	for 6 people	Double Wall	Crossdome	twenty two	405*312.5*205	75*33*36	405*312.5*205	3000
	Amenity Dome S	Snow Peak	Enhance the sense of openness with a separately sold pole.	30000	2 adults and 1 child	Double Wall	Crossdome	9.8	220*150*120	73*23*27	205*230*120 (modified)	1800
	Gigi 2	Zane Arts	It has two poles and is spacious inside.	60000	for 4 people	Single Wall	Two-pole	7.5	700*400*220	70*20*25	none	1500
	Habitute 4	MSR	It has a simple design, but it's tall, making it easy to change clothes.	70000	for 4 people	Double Wall	Crossdome	5.75	2.41*2.41*1.85	58*Φ23	1.22	10000
	Chronos Cabin Type 4	Montbell	Its ease of setup and cost-effectiveness are its main attractions.	50000	for 4 people	Double Wall	Crossdome	6	260*260*140	57*Φ25	160*205*165	2000

My top recommendation is,Snow Peak Entry Two-Room Elfieldis.

This is because it can accommodate up to four people, meaning a couple and one child, or two people if the child is young, can use it.
It would also be great for couples to use as it has plenty of space.

In terms of weight, considering the average usage of this model, it's not heavy at all.

The ease of setup is due to the color-coded frames; by matching the frame color with the sleeve color and the color of the pins used to insert the frames, you can set it up without any confusion.
If you are concerned, instructions are available on the official website.
https://www.snowpeak.co.jp/sp/entryline/2room/

Its resistance to harsh weather is sufficient, as it has a water pressure resistance of 1800 mm.

Snow Peak's published water pressure resistance figures are based on the lowest point, not the average value, which provides greater peace of mind.

Snow Peak Entry Two-Room Elfield

• Number of people: For 4 people
• Type: Double Wall
• Type: Cross dome
• Weight (kg): 15.5kg
• Size: 315230175
• Storage size: 833034
• Vestibule size: 380370175
• Water pressure resistance: 1800mm

The Entry Two-Room Elfield, as its name suggests, is positioned as an entry-level model, but it's a solid model that you can use for a long time even if you get hooked on camping.

One of the reasons for this is the skirt attached to the flysheet.

This skirt not only prevents insects from getting in, but also prevents cold air from entering during chilly weather, making it suitable for autumn and winter camping.

You might hesitate because of the price, but it delivers performance that's well worth it.

Coleman Tough Screen 2-Room House MDX+

• Number of people: For 4 people
• Type: Double Wall
• Type: Cross dome
• Weight (kg): 17 kg
• Size: 300250175
• Storage size: 74Φ34
• Vestibule size: 340340215
• Water pressure resistance: 2000 mm

It has a function that cuts out more than 90% of the light that enters the tent.

This product is perfect for those who are worried about sleeping well in an unfamiliar tent, or for those who can only sleep in complete darkness.

In addition, it helps to keep the temperature inside the tent down during the summer, preventing it from becoming like a steam bath.

Even tents without this feature can prevent the temperature from rising to some extent by using mesh on the door, but for privacy reasons, you'll probably want to keep the door closed while you sleep. This is where this feature really shines.

Snow Peak Amenity Dome M

• Number of people: 2 adults, 3 children
• Type: Double Wall
• Type: Cross dome
• Weight (kg): 9.8 kg
• Size: 265265150
• Storage size: 73twenty three27
• Vestibule size: 240280150 (modified)
• Water pressure resistance: 1800 mm

The Entry Two-Room Elfield tent I mentioned earlier is for four people, and while it might get cramped for two growing children, this one can be used comfortably by two people.

It weighs 9.8 kg, which is about 6 kg lighter than the Elfield.
This is a result of reducing the height, which improves its ability to withstand adverse weather conditions.

In addition to its dome shape, its reduced height allows it to better deflect wind.

While this does mean a decrease in livability, it's not a negative point if your goal is to "spend time in nature."

The variation in the vestibule section is that, when viewed from the inner tent, the exit of the tarp is slightly curved to the right.

This will help prevent some wind from entering.

Coleman BC Cross Dome 270

• Number of people: For 5 people
• Type: Double Wall
• Type: Cross dome
• Weight (kg): 10.6 kg
• Size: 270270175
• Storage size: 75Φ25
• Vestibule size: 100
• Water pressure resistance: 1500 mm

A very simple dome tent.

Because it's simple to set up, you won't have any trouble, making it perfect for your first tent.

It's not a two-room tent, but thanks to the subframe, the vestibule is larger than those without a subframe, and there's enough space to store shoes for everyone using it.

Furthermore, by using a separately sold pole to raise the curtain at the entrance, you can soften the sunlight.

Zein Arts Zeku M

• Number of people: For 4 people
• Type: Single Wall
• Type: Single pole
• Weight (kg): 11.5 kg
• Size: 440380350
• Storage size: 792727
• Vestibule size: None
• Water pressure resistance: 1500 mm

This is an easy-to-set-up, single-pole tent.

The subframe, called the extension pole, raises the sides, eliminating the poor space efficiency that is a weakness of single-pole tents.

The tent itself has many mesh panels, making it cool in the summer, and the extended fabric at the bottom of the flysheet, called a skirt, prevents cold air from entering, so it can also be used for winter camping.

Since it accommodates up to four people, it's just right for a couple or a married couple with one child.

Family camping with the popular ZANE ARTS "Zeku M"! What was the secret to our comfortable stay? | hinata https://t.co/3wzYcZSjnv

— na_fro (@na_fro) August 13, 2020

Snow Peak Landlock

• Number of people: For 6 people
• Type: Double Wall
• Type: Cross dome
• Weight (kg): 22 kg
• Size: 405312.5205
• Storage size: 753336
• Vestibule size: 405312.5205
• Water pressure resistance: 3000 mm

This is a large tent, measuring over 6 meters in length and 4 meters in width.

While the designated campsites might be a bit cramped in some cases, the extra space makes you feel even more relaxed and at ease.

The inner tent is a hanging type and can be removed, so when there are many people, you can prepare a separate tent for sleeping and use this as a place to chat.

Because the frame is located on the outside of the flysheet, you can create more interior space and make the most of the large size.

Since it accommodates up to six people, you can safely use it with around two children even as they grow older, and you won't need to buy a new tent as your children grow, thus reducing the number of times you need to replace it.

Snow Peak Amenity Dome S

• Number of people: 2 adults, 1 child
• Type: Double Wall
• Type: Cross dome
• Weight (kg): 9.8 kg
• Size: 220150120
• Storage size: 73twenty three27
• Vestibule size: 205230120 variations
• Water pressure resistance: 1800 mm

This is the smallest size in the Amenity Dome series.

Although it's small, it's designed for use by two adults and one child, so if you have a young child, it's possible for Mom and Dad to spend time together.

On sunny days, you can use a separately sold pole to lift up the entrance, creating a more open and pleasant atmosphere.

Like the L and M models, this model is also designed to be relatively low in height, and the entrance is slightly angled, suggesting a design philosophy that allows it to be used even on bad weather days.

Zane Arts Gigi 2

• Number of people: For 4 people
• Type: Single Wall
• Type: Twin pole
• Weight (kg): 7.6 kg
• Size: 700400220
• Storage size: 7020twenty five
• Vestibule size: None
• Water pressure resistance: 1500 mm

It's a twin-pole tent, not a single-pole one.

The absence of a central pole allows for smoother movement within the living space.

Having a pole in the middle inevitably hinders movement and can be a major source of stress for some people.

The tent itself is very large and makes a great place to chat, but having a pole in the middle is incredibly annoying in those situations.

I solved that problem by splitting the pole into two.

Since there's no floor, I use a cot or a solo inner tent to create a sleeping space (this is called the kangaroo style).

Fumotoppara Tent Edition. It's so spacious that I don't feel guilty even when setting up the huge Gigi 2 tent.😅#ZaneArts #zanearts #Gigi2 #gigi2 #ZaneArtsGigi #TCRouteTent pic.twitter.com/GPikqjUutp

— Kanayama (@tukinuketa) November 19, 2020

MSR Habitute 4

• Number of people: For 4 people
• Type: Double Wall
• Type: Cross dome
• Weight (kg): 5.75 kg
• Size: 241241185
• Storage size: 58Φ23
• Vestibule size: 122
• Water pressure resistance: 10,000 mm

This is a simple, double-walled, cross-dome tent.

It's simple, but tall enough to make movement inside easy. The 185cm height is especially sufficient for a man to stand and change clothes, reducing stress when spending time in an unfamiliar tent.

It's not a two-room tent, so you might think it's inconvenient on bad weather days, but thanks to the sub-poles, it has a depth of 122 cm, so you can cook by yourself and then have your family eat inside.
Of course, you can also store shoes for the whole family.

The poles are connected by joints called hubs, and they are also color-coded, so you won't get confused when setting it up.

Montbell Chronos Cabin 4

• Number of people: 2 adults, 1 child
• Type: Double Wall
• Type: Cross dome
• Weight (kg): 6 kg
• Size: 260260140
• Storage size: 57Φ25
• Vestibule size: 160205165
• Water pressure resistance: 2000 mm

This model of the Chronos Dome, which is well-known for its ease of setup, features an added pole for an awning and a larger vestibule.

At just 6 kg, it's lightweight for this category, making it easy for women to carry.

The tent frame is connected with sockets, so you won't have to worry about which pole goes where.
It's designed to be safe even for first-time campers.

Because the entrance to the front room has a steep slope, it feels smaller than the actual dimensions when closed. However, on sunny days, you can use a separately sold pole to prop up the entrance and create a more open space.

Even so, there's enough space to stick your body out of the inner tent entrance and cook.

summary

In summary, my top recommendation is the Snow Peak Entry Two-Room Elfield.

The Elfield tent accommodates up to four people, so it's spacious enough for a couple to use comfortably, and it can also be used as your children grow older, making it a product that offers long-term value for the price.

While I've mainly introduced two-room tents, if you already own a tarp, choosing a cross-dome tent and continuing to use your tarp is also a viable option.

For those transitioning from solo camping to family camping, one option is to purchase a single-pole tent and use it in a "kangaroo style" setup to maximize the benefits of your solo tent.

All the products I've introduced so far are from top brands, so they are somewhat expensive, but they are built to last.

Please consider this option based on your budget and family needs.