Camping Tents
Frequently asked questions about tents
How do I know what size tent I need?
When choosing the size of your tent there are a few things you need to consider. Start with how many people will be sleeping in your tent. If weight & size are not major factors, then we recommend upsizing by 1. For example, if it's you & one other then we would suggest a 3-person tent. If you are looking for the most compact solution, then stay true to the occupants within your tent.How heavy should a hiking tent be?
Ideally as light as possible however there are a few factors at play. As a general rule of thumb, the higher your budget the more compact your tent can be due to the use of higher-quality materials. Your weight will also be dependent on the size you choose. If you are travelling by foot or bike then our recommendation is to go as light & compact as you can afford.Is an air tent better than a pole tent these days?
Air tents have become increasingly popular over the last few years; mainly due to the increased quality of the product resulting in increased reliability. Remember that air tents are heavy, but the tradeoff is an easy-to-erect tent with no poles and a huge list of other benefits. For a full rundown on the benefits of air tents read our complete guide to Air Tents here.How waterproof should my tent be?
All tents are rated with a 'MM' rating. This rating directly measures the water pressure the fabric can withstand. For example, a 2,000mm rating can endure 2,000mm (2 meters) of water baring down on the tent before it begins to leak. Hiking tents are generally rated between 800mm & 10,000mm - finding the right water rating is important when considering the conditions you intend to camp.Do I need a footprint for my tent?
Footprints are highly recommended for most tents but most definitely for hiking tents. Footprints take up minimal extra room in your pack but add a vast array of benefits. Here are some of the key benefits. Reduction in condensation, extra warmth, greater durability, additional waterproofing & aiding set up by acting as a template.Do I need an all-season tent for New Zealand conditions?
The most popular tents in NZ tend to be 3-season or 'all-season' tents due to the variable conditions. 3 season tents are designed to deal with Summer, Autumn & Spring conditions. 'All Season' or 4-season tents ensure you are kept safe & dry during winter seasons. If you intend to camp during the cooler months it is our recommendation to look at an 'all-season' tent.What are the best brands of tents for NZ conditions?
Let us take care of this for you. Our expert team have spent countless years either out camping or selecting tent ranges in partnership with the worlds best camping brands. Our buying team carefully select the best gear from the likes of Coleman, Kiwi Camping, Feldon, The North Face, Marmot & more to ensure only the best products are available for you to purchase. If it's not suitable for NZ conditions, we don't have it!What is the easiest family tent to put up?
Without a doubt, an air tent is the fastest & most convenient family tent to erect. Our pick of the bunch is the new weather master air tents by Coleman. These tents are available in 3 different sizes providing options for all size families.What are the best tents for a family camping trip?
Our recommendation is to consider tents of 6-Person or larger for family camping. As always our recommendation is to upsize one above the brand guidelines to provide more space. Consider the list of features you require & establish if you require an air tent or not. With modern technology, we lean towards air as a preference given the convenience.What tent is best for me if I get claustrophobic?
As above, our recommendation is generally to step up one size if & when possible. If you do happen to get claustrophobic, then this would be highly recommended. It may also be worth leaning towards a more dome-style tent for added internal space.
