Compare tent capacity or maximum occupancy. Read tent labels for the suggested number of occupants, but read reviews to decipher the actual number of people who can sleep in the tent comfortably. Consider the ages of your family members. If you are traveling with young children, your family may fit comfortably inside a tent marked for that number of people. If you are traveling with teenagers or adults, choose tents that allow for at least two occupants more than your family size so that you can can comfortably lounge around in the tent and have room for storage as well.
Compare ease of use both in pitching the tent and in taking down the tent, especially if you do not have previous experience pitching tents. Look at tent instruction manuals to determine if setting up the tent requires any special skills.
Compare seasonal tent rating. Choose one- and two-season tents for warm-weather traveling as these optimize ventilation. Choose a three-season tent for cool-weather traveling and a four-season tent for cold-weather travel as these contain features for harsh winter weather such as full water-proofing and ability to seal the tent completely.
Compare tent ventilation. Tents ventilate through doors and top and side windows. Ventilation areas are often covered in a mesh material to protect from mosquitoes and other insects. Consider ventilation for summer months where ventilation assists in cooling the tent and for winter months where condensation can develop if the tent does not display proper ventilation. Winter tents should enable you to seal off outside air completely when necessary.
Compare tent durability including type of poles, tent material and quality of sewing and zippers.
Compare tent weight. Consider tent weight as a minor issue if you are traveling by vehicle and will simply place the tent in the back of your car or van. If you plan on backpacking, choose a tent that weighs the least in comparison to its capacity. In addition, if you plan on backpacking, compare minimum tent size and compactness when the tent is folded.
Compare internal tent height. While height generally increases along with capacity, tents with the same capacity may vary in height by a foot or more. Look for taller tents if you plan to spend time in your tent beyond sleep time.
