Setting up a camping tent: Do you think it's as simple as setting up a mosquito net?

Camping tents can be used in park lawns, tourist attractions, grassland music festivals, and hiking trips. With more and more people enjoying hiking, learning to quickly set up a tent has become an essential skill for every outdoor enthusiast.

How do you set up a camping tent? Is it as simple as setting up a mosquito net? Of course not!

Below, TFO Outdoor shares some important considerations for camping tents:

First, it’s crucial to properly assess whether the tent you’re bringing is suitable before heading out. Choose a tent with the appropriate weight and style based on the travel environment and mode of transportation.

1. How to choose the right tent?

1. Choose a tent based on its waterproof rating

Tents with a waterproof rating of 800-1200 can withstand light to moderate rain; those with a rating of 1500-3000 can withstand moderate to heavy rain; and those with a rating above 3000 are typically treated with heat-resistant or cold-resistant technology, making them suitable for various environments. For recreational tents used in parks, a waterproof rating below 1000 is sufficient; family camping tents require a waterproof rating above 2000; and high-altitude tents require a waterproof rating above 5000.

2. Choose a tent based on its intended use

(1) Double-layer camping tents

These tents weigh approximately 3–3.5 kg, are about 1.8–2 meters wide, and can accommodate 3–4 people for leisure activities. They are suitable for activities such as self-driving tours, park picnics, and short-distance group hikes. The advantages of these tents include large capacity, ample resting space, and a double-layer structure that provides better wind resistance, waterproofing, and insulation.

For example, in rainy summer conditions, TFO Outdoor's double-layer tent uses 1901T polyester PU fabric to effectively prevent rain penetration. The seams of the tent body and floor are treated with waterproof tape to prevent water from seeping through the gaps. In sunny conditions, this double-layer tent from TFO Outdoor features a D-shaped dual-purpose double door design. The upper parts of the front and rear doors are fitted with D-shaped breathable mesh windows, while the left and right sides use 1/2 mesh window panels. This allows for cross-ventilation while also keeping out insects, snakes, and ants.

The downside of a double-layer tent is its weight, which exceeds 3 kilograms, making it unsuitable for long-distance hiking—unless it's a team activity with clear divisions of labor.

(2) Waterproof high-altitude tents

High-altitude tents are suitable for use in high-altitude regions, offering excellent waterproofing and wind resistance. High-altitude tents are typically single-layer structures, making them lighter than double-layer camping tents, weighing around 2 kilograms. Due to their portability, they are suitable as personal gear for various hiking activities.

Different high-altitude environments have varying requirements for tent specifications. For example, tents used in snowy mountain environments require higher waterproofing, windproofing ratings, and fabric thickness. For ordinary high-altitude environments, a waterproofing rating of 3,000–5,000 is sufficient.

For instance, TFO Outdoor's high-altitude tents feature a silicone-coated outer tent, achieving a waterproofing rating of 5,000mm, ensuring a comfortable sleep even in rainy conditions.