The X-pole set up makes it easy to get the tent up in just a few minutes, but still provides reasonable stability for windy conditions. Thanks to the rectangular floor and two doors on either side, getting the tent properly oriented is a breeze. The Night Owl’s weight is middle-of-the-road and is probably not light or compact enough for the truly hardcore gram counters, but at just over 5 pounds, it’s not outrageous to hike with for several miles. As a reward for going a little heavier, you get super durable materials and a robust design. Upon first glance, a car-top tent may generate a lot of confusion, and for good reason. Like some sort of strange combination of a tent and an RV, car-top tents are certainly strange looking and will make you wonder how it works. An optional awning or canopy can provide protection from the sun and rain, creating a shaded area from which to enjoy the outdoors without having to stay inside your tent. 10) Extra features

Putting down Fence Posts on each side helps close the tent in and make it secure, while a Trapdoor will allow your character to get down to the ground and crawl in. Other Tent DesignsThe fabric is hard-wearing and waterproof. We appreciated the webbing guide straps, which make it extremely stable even in high winds, as well as the high levels of adjustable ventilation. It is also bug-proof, and the rain cover over one of the two side doors will help keep the worst of the British weather off the groundsheet. Over time, a lot of travelers develop a personal preference for tent material based on camping experience, season, and climate. There’s no absolute right answer to “the best” waterproof material for tents, but there are some obvious pros and cons to certain materials. Note that a 3 season tent may not offer enough waterproofing for heavy rain showers.

Fabrics are sometimes rated by denier, which is noted by a number followed by the letter D, as in 10D ripstop nylon. The lower the number, the smoother and more sheer the material. Imagine silk at the low end and canvas at the other. Since denier is also a measure of weight, you can use it to estimate how heavy a material might be. We love the MSR Hubba Hubba 3 for all the same reasons as the 2-person model mentioned above. This is a great tent for close friends, small families, or couples who want a little bit extra room.

Types of Tent Materials

A few Half Dome tents (2 and 3 person) among a sea of various MSR models including the MSR Hubba Hubba and MSR Zoic tent.