Evaluate how well a tent meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a tent and you've learned about the different features of tents. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of tent - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the tents available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed tents to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well a Tent meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available tents in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any tents that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any tents that clearly exceed your price limit.
Before starting your shopping adventure, it is critical to evaluate how you will be using the tent. Designed for a variety of weather conditions, choosing the wrong type of tent could spell disaster on your next camping excursion. Because they serve as portable housing, a tent must be built to withstand the weather conditions in which it will be used. Tents are constructed with different seasons in mind and include summer, all season, winter / mountaineering and three season tents.
Summer tents are typically the lightest, and are designed to meet the needs of individuals who will only be camping in warm climates. This type of tent is manufactured with lightweight fabric and plenty of windows and screening. In order to keep them light, many are created with a two-pole construction. In addition, the rain-fly on this type of tent should not go all the way to the ground so that it remains breezy and ventilated.
Tip: In order to keep the tent even cooler, choose a unit that has a light coloured fabric. This will reflect more sunlight than a darker fabric keeping the interior cooler.
All-season tents are designed to meet the rigors of a variety of camping conditions. Although it is not designed for harsh mountain camping, it is able to handle most any weather condition. Many of these tents come with added vestibules to allow for gear storage outside the liveable area of the tent. In addition you can choose models with add-on or zip off panels that can be used when weather is harsh and removed when it is not. Be sure the model you choose has sturdy guy-out points that can be tied down if the weather becomes inclement. In addition, in order to let in extra light, look for an all-season tent with a skylight window in the rain-fly.
Tip: If you need to travel with less bulk, some all-season tents have a rain-fly that can be set up alone as a tent option.
Winter camping or mountaineering tents are designed to stand up to the harshest of weather conditions. This type of tent should include a full coverage rain-fly to ensure that the elements do not get inside. It should also have sturdy tie downs so that you can batten down the hatch should the weather become unruly.
Tip: To ensure that rain and snow do not accumulate on the roof, choose a tent with a steeper or sloped sidewall.
Three season tents are somewhere in the middle of the summer and winter models. They offer adequate ventilation for warm weather camping, but are sturdy enough to handle moderately inclement conditions.
When purchasing any tent, there are several things to keep in mind. First, be sure the unit you choose has sturdy zippers. Plastic zippers are better than metal as they do not rust. Also be sure that the zippers and the material around the zipper openings operate smoothly and do not jam. Many units also have zippers that can be easily accessed from both the inside and outside of the tent. Zippers should have flaps over them to protect from water leakage as well as insects.
It is also important to choose a model without a seam in the flooring. A one-piece floor is more water resistant. In addition, side seaming that is close to the ground can let in excess moisture.
Tent poles come in aluminium, fibreglass and carbon fibre. While the fibreglass design is the most lightweight, they can be less sturdy and are prone to splinter. Tent poles are normally connected together by an elastic shock cord, which makes them a snap to put together and alleviates the problem of losing a piece of the pole. In addition, choose a tent with the same length or colour-coded poles. This will make for easier set up, especially in poor conditions.
Tip: When choosing your tent, make sure you are able to see the model on display and step inside. This will allow you to see first hand the amount of floor space, head room and the quality of the craftsmanship.
When you were considering your requirements in a tent it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as type, size, materials and design, season rating and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various tents meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Tent types
- A-frame
- Dome
- Folding
- Geodesic
- Pop-up
- Screen house
- Truck
- Single hoop
- Umbrella
Usage Considerations
- Beach
- Bed
- Camping
- Cabin
- Crib
- Dining
Seasonality Considerations
- Summer
- All-season
- Winter / mountaineering
- Three-season
Material Considerations
- Nylon
- Rip-stop nylon
- Cotton
- Canvas
- Polyethylene
- Polyester
- UV-Protection
- Screening / Mesh
Zipper Considerations
- Metal, Plastic
- Anti-catch
- Zipper covers, two-way opening
Tent Body Considerations
- Light coloured
- Adequate ventilation
- Steep sides
- One piece flooring / taped seams
- Double sewn seams
- Mesh windows, zipper closure
- Durable stake loops / grommets
Pole Considerations
- Aluminium, fibreglass, carbon fibre
- Marked size, same size
- Collapsible design / Elastic shock cord
- Two pole tent construction
Rain-Fly Considerations
- Nylon, polyester
- 6 inches from ground - summer
- Even with ground - all-season / winter / three-season
- Water repellent
- Stake down / pole clips
Weight / Size
- 4 to 15 lbs
- 1 to10 people / 30 square feet per person
Warranty
- 90 days to 5 years limited
Other considerations
- Gear pockets / loops
- Room dividers
- Stakes
- Zip out panels / vestibules
- Skylight
- Two doors
- Carrying case
- Free standing
- Durable webbing
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your tent needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in a tent.
Once you have finished evaluating the tents available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the tents one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a Tent compares with competing Tents
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of tents that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of tents that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which tent on my short-list is better priced?
Which of these tents is more weather resistant?
Which tent is lighter in weight?
Which of the tents is the easiest to assemble?
Which tent seems of the highest quality?
Which of my short-listed tents best meet my various needs?
Which tent has the best warranty?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating tents that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the tent, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the tent is put together. Check the assembly - is the tent solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the tent from the perspective of ease of use. How easily are components removed for cleaning and maintenance? How easy is it to erect and to take down and stow away? Make sure the tent will accommodate the people and baggage you need it to, and that it is user-friendly - some tents look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Zips and fastenings - visible, easy to use, accessible
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits user correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as if you use a different cleaning agent to those recommended.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labour
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other facilities are required - do you need a ground sheet, for instance? What about a carrying case?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Compatibility issues - will it work in with your existing camping gear?
- Registration - what are the time frames and costs?
- Contracts or Service Plans - conditions, penalties, costs
- What else will you need to fully utilize this product?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of tents that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:ReviewsReview - Top 8 family tents