You can’t wait to get to your vacation destination and pitch your tent on your spacious pitch at our quiet campsite on the Ile de Ré. Problem: you’ve never been camping before. Discover the main buying criteria that will help you choose your tent and become a traditional camping expert.
The number of people
Small 2-person tents are ideal for couples on seaside vacations. The largest, which can accommodate up to 8 people, are ideal for large families and groups of friends who want to enjoy the unspoilt natural surroundings and friendly atmosphere of a campsite together.
Comfort
When we talk about comfort in a tent, we’re usually talking about space. A room is considered comfortable if its width is greater than 60 cm. Height is also a factor, especially if you’re tall.
The material
Material is a very important criterion if you intend to camp at altitude (mountains) or in low season, or if you plan to bivouac. There are three main materials:
- Polyester: polyester tents are the cheapest on the market, but also the least insulating and have a shorter lifespan (less than 10 years).
- Polycotton: mid-range, good insulation, capable of lasting more than 10 years.
- Cotton: the top-of-the-range tent. Excellent insulation and waterproofing for all weather conditions. UV-resistant and long-lasting (15-20 years).
Assembly and disassembly
The assembly with hoops is easy to understand, even for novice campers. But you have to be patient and keep your cool. If you prefer simplicity, look for an inflatable or self-deploying tent.
