Staycation. That’s the word that we’re all using now. Everyone is looking to get away after our extended time at home, but with traveling abroad still off of the menu for most people, looking into a staycation has become the plan for most people.
Thankfully, we’re beginning to open up a little bit more and there is still some of the summer left to enjoy a family holiday. Many people are now looking towards camping and RV trips for their family vacation this year, but choosing your options might seem like a minefield.
The Right Type of Tent
Getting an RV is a big commitment, especially for a family that has never camped before, but the middle ground is tent camping.
Tent camping has really come along in the past few years, especially for family camping. There are so many choices when it comes to the tent choice, from lightweight tiny bivvy tents right up to the bigger apartment-sized tents! Most families will want to go for size and space, so focus on best cabin tents in your research, as these types of tents will be a great option for most families.
Here are four things to consider when buying your next family tent.
1. Size
Size is important when it comes to tents. Everyone needs their space, especially after weeks of being cooped up. Bigger tents mean bigger bags, but for most of us who will be car or truck camping, this shouldn’t be a huge problem.
2. Weight
Bigger tents, bigger bags, more weight. For most families, the weight of the tent won’t be too much of a concern, but if you’re looking to do some backpacking or if there’s a long walk from your parking spot, you’ll want to consider the weight of your tent for manageability.
3. Material
Tents come in two main types of materials now: heavy cotton or canvas and polycottons and nylons. These types of materials each have their benefits and downsides. Canvas and heavy cotton are great for insulation, as well as being good for waterproofing. They are incredibly heavy, though, and take a long time to dry out when they get wet. Nylons and polycottons are much lighter and dry a lot faster; however, they can easily fail under heavy rain and they don’t provide much insulation against the cold.
4. Longevity
It’s a sad fact that many tents these days are designed for the occasional camper or festival-goer, and they don’t really stand the test of time for many family campers. If you want your tent to stand the test of time, you’ll need to be spending a bit more money on it and do a bit more research.
Due to the increased uptake of camping as a hobby and a fun family pastime, there are many people who are learning the ropes as a beginner. Get some advice, check out a few YouTube videos, and practice in your back yard first if it’s your first time camping.
