Choosing a tent can be one of the most fun ways you prepare for camping. We've done it all, from family tents to small - in the rain, cold or sweltering heat. With friends along and bevy of children - it's all good if you have a good tent!

When you are ready to buy a tent, plan for it to last a long time. Then think about how many people you may be camping with at one time. Follow that with a picture of how much gear each person will be taking. THEN imagine it raining in the middle of the day. That is the time to choose which tent size is best for you. You can purchase 2-man tents on up to ten or more. If you purchase a 2-man tent, consider how close you plan to sleep next to the "other man," and how much you plan to store in the tent with you. Do you want an air mattress? Will gear fit along with the air mattress? Will your camp mat fit, and can you store your cooler in the tent?

Our family has a 10 man tent for big scout outings that always include a parade of children in and out of the tent. We can easily sleep 2 adults and four children in the tent, along with two large air mattresses and lots of room for gear and toys. For the camping outings when Grandma doesn't come and fewer friends are there, we use a three man tent and a two man tent - sleeping on mats and placing the food in the bigger tent. This allows for lighter camping and less to store.

In shopping for tents, you can certainly find a very reasonable priced tent. But is it the quality you need for camping? Your tent should have aluminum poles, should be equipped with a footprint (tarp that is placed under the tent), rain fly and possibly some storage nets that can hang equipment above you. Check the stitching as well. If the stitches are far apart, there is great chance for ripping and leaking. Better to spend more money for a tent that will last a lifetime. Look for a tent that is made of polyester, which breathes and can withstand the sun's rays. Do not purchase a nylon tent, which will be hot and may not last a season. Never purchase a tent that does not come with a rain fly. And if your tent does not come with seam sealer, be sure to purchase some before you camp.

There are several types of tents - from domes to cabin-style with many in-between. They are rated for three or four season camping. If you only camp in the spring, summer and fall, a three season tent is a good choice. Four season tents are a must for those who camp in the winter. They will withstand snow, wind and cold - they can also be converted to a three season tent with fewer poles and less weight. Never camp in the winter with a three season tent. 

Dome tents provide good head room, can withstand wind and don't pool rain water on the top. Cabin styles are excellent family tents, allow for more gear, head room and with a good rain fly, can also withstand rain. Your tent should have a footprint, which will protect the tent from rocks and moisture. Never use a tarp or footprint that extends outside of the tent - this will serve as a funnel for water to flow under your tent during rainstorms. If your tent has a vestibule, consider this a bonus. You can place a doormat inside the vestibule to catch dirt, and can store gear just within your reach. The vestibules in cabin style tents are wonderful areas to sit and enjoy the outdoors with fewer mosquitoes and flies to bother you. They are also nice areas to sit during the rain.

Your tent should have mesh windows on at least two sides, and preferably on top as well. These can be closed as it gets cooler, and a rain fly can be placed over these in wet conditions. Windows will allow for cross-ventilation, and will be much appreciated on hot, muggy days.

Obviously, the bigger the tent, the more weight you carry. If you are family camping and can drive to your site, a cabin style may be heavier, but is still a nice thing to have. If you are backpacking, purchase a light tent specifically made for that style of camping. Scouts do well with two man tents that have aluminum poles and can be strapped to a backpack when bagged.

Your tent can make or break a camping trip, so choose and spend wisely - then go enjoy the great outdoors. Happy Camping!