So you have assembled a band of adventurers and are ready to begin the group’s forays into the wilderness. You have likely found that the four person tent is probably the most economical option in the current market, not to mention they don’t take too much maintenance and camping expertise to keep in good shape.
With this quality camping shelter as our prize, let’s take a look at a few of the things you will want to consider before settling on a perfect 4 person tent for your forays into the unknown.
Number of Occupants
The first thing you will need to consider is how many people you expect to fit into your 4-person tent. Yes, it sounds like a ridiculous question. After all, a four person tent should fit four people, right? Well it should and it does. But, “fit” and “comfortably accommodate” can be two different things that will make all the difference to your camping experience.
To assume that 4 people will comfortably fit in a four person tent, also assumes that there are only four bodies in the tent – nothing more – and even that is a tight fit. As a general rule of thumb if you hoped to comfortably fit four people, their gear, sleeping accommodations and possibly a dog in a single tent, it will have to be a 6-Person tent.
Realistically, a 4-Person tent can comfortably house two people, or three, if we are talking about a small family.
Interior Activities
Another important point to consider when choosing a 4-person tent will be what sort of activities you will be doing in the tent. For example, 3 medium-sized individuals who will be doing nothing but sleeping in the tent may be able to squeeze tightly into a 4 person tent in a colder climate. But, two very large people who will be spending time engaged in any number of in-tent activities might find that the 4-person tent is a bit too small for their needs.
Weather and Climate
Snuggling down together is not just space efficient it is also energy efficient in colder climates. By the same measure, too many people in the tent in a warmer climate can make things hot and uncomfortable.
Getting the Size Right
A good practice from expert campers is also a fun activity to try with your entire squad. Take note of the dimensions and floor space of any tent you are planning on buying. Use masking tape to mark down the dimensions of the tent on your living room floor. Then, gather all the gear and people you hope to fit inside the tent into the marked boundaries. You can then sit there and discuss how comfy the rooming will be in the great outdoors.
From your discoveries here you can make a couple of decisions. Firstly, you can opt for a larger tent if you find the boundaries a bit cramped. Or, you can try to economize on space by swapping out air mattresses for thick floor matting and compact sleeping bags. Finally, you can choose two 2-person tents. This is often the best plan as it provides a contingency if one of the tents should be rendered unusable or lost.