Tent Styles: Different Types of Tents for Every Situation
Who knew there were so many different types of tents?
There are numerous kinds of tents available – from one you can throw in your backpack weighing only a few ounces to ones designed for large families – and if you can imagine the perfect type of tent there is a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for!
Factors such as price, space, ease of setup, weight, and versatility will all come into play when choosing the right style of tent for you.
A tent provides one of the most basic human needs: shelter. Did you know the oldest tent discovered was found in Russia, dating back 40,000 BC?! For centuries, tents have been a convenient and portable means of shelter.
Since then, tent innovation has come leaps and bounds ahead as camping became popular during the 20th century. Now a staple for campers and hikers alike, tents became lightweight, durable, and waterproof, and have allowed us to get back to our roots and immerse ourselves in nature while still maintaining some modern comforts.
Tents come in all shapes, sizes, and styles and it can definitely be overwhelming! Not only do you want it to be a shelter, but also a place to get comfortable and cozy for the night.
Here’s a guide to the different types of tents and their features to take into consideration. Find your perfect style of tent and get outdoors!
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Which type of tent is right for you?
Depending on your needs, the kind of tent you need will vary. Do you need something to accommodate just yourself or a family? Something to withstand harsh elements? A tent you can travel light with?
Fortunately there are numerous options when it comes to picking the right kind of tent to head outdoors with.
Dome Tent
Dome tents are the most common tent style today, and are shaped like a dome. It’s one of the easiest to set up and has two poles crisscrossed in the centre that forms two semi-circles to anchor four corners of the tent.
A rainfly sits on the top of the poles for added protection from the elements. Come tents have a decent amount of space, with its relatively high centre point, along with its domed roof to shed water.
They’re mostly made out of breathable mesh with a waterproof floor and can accommodate anywhere from two people to twelve people.
You’ll also come across some dome tents with a vestibule in front of the entrance to act as a makeshift mudroom to keep out dirty gear and to dry out.
Dome Tent Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to pitch
- Lighter than other tents
- Good amount of head space
- Comes in a variety of sizes
Cons
- Tends to catch wind
A-Frame Tent
A-Frame tents were extremely popular at one point because of its simple design and durability. They’re shaped like a capital A, or a wedge, and were originally made of canvas supported by a steel pole on each end. Once made from canvas, A-Frame tents were durable and lasted for years.
The main structure consists of heavy-duty poles with ropes that are tied into stakes to each corner of the tent, forming its shape. Often there will be a centre pole that goes between the two, giving the tent its signature look.
While stable, A-frame tents are bulky and can be heavy when packed.
A-Frame Tent Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Stable
- Comes in a variety of sizes
Cons
- Bulky
- Not a lot of headroom
- Heavy
Multi-Room Tent
As the best option for large families, multi-room tents – also known as cabin tents – are more similar to a house than a tent. They’re designed to have more room for added privacy and extra gear storage. Multi-room tents are separated by a divider and range from 2 rooms to 5 rooms.
Since Multi-Room/Cabin tents are larger, it makes them more difficult and heavier to carry. Pitching them takes practice and more people, but provides the added space and privacy you won’t find in other tent styles.
Multi-Room Tent Pros and Cons
Pros
- Privacy
- Lots of space
- Great for families
Cons
- Heavy
- Requires more effort to set up (more than one person)
- Unstable in strong winds
- More expensive than other tents
Backpacker Tent
Long-distance hiking on your mind? Finding an ultralight tent that is able to withstand the elements is crucial; the last thing you’ll want to do is lug around a heavy tent!
Backpacker tents are small in size, lightweight, and extremely durable. They’re also less expensive than the typical tent design, but you’ll find the materials used are high-quality and therefore impacts the pricing.
Backpacker tents are made of high quality materials and have a lower profile than other tents and can accommodate one to two people.
Backpacker Tents Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ultra-light and takes up minimal space
- Fewer poles
Cons
- Not a lot of headspace
- Only made for one to two people
- Not made to withstand harsh conditions or weather
- Not designed for long-term camping
Geodesic and Semi-Geodesic Tents
As a variation of the dome tent, geodesic and semi-geodesic tents offer increased support. The tent poles cross over each other many times and intersect to form triangles, giving maximum stability from the weather and wind.
Geodesic tents are commonly used by mountaineers and long-distance backpackers who expect to encounter high winds, heavy rain, and snow.
Geodesic and Semi-Geodesic Tent Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely stable
- Good amount of headspace
- Better than dome tents for holding up in inclement weather
Cons
- Can be difficult to pitch
- Limited sizes
- Large packed size
Pop Up Tent
As a somewhat new kind of tent, pop-up tents have grown in popularity over the last few years, and for good reason: they can be set up instantly! These instant pop-up tents are designed with spring-loaded poles that form into shape within seconds. They’re lightweight, convenient, and quick to set up.
They’re awesome for spur-of-the-moment adventures and can accommodate between one to six people. They’re inexpensive and ideal for summer camping adventures.
Pop-Up Tent Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ultra-fast to set up
- No poles to fiddle with
- Small size when packed
Cons
- Unstable in wind
- Not designed for extreme temperatures
- Not intended for extended camping
Tunnel Tent
Similar to dome tents, tunnel tents are long and cylindrical in shape, just as the name indicates. They’re held up with a series of poles wrapping from one side to another, giving the tent its rounded shape.
Ideal for large groups of people, tunnel tents have high head clearance and offer more room than a regular tent.
Tunnel Tent Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight
- Identical pole lengths
Cons
- Not ideal for high winds
- Can sag in the middle if not pitched properly
Inflatable Tent
Inflatable tents are relatively new to the camping culture. Instead of standard tent poles that hold the tent up, air beams are inflated to help support the tent structure.
An air pump is required and due to the early stages of product design, their durability and ability to withstand extreme weather varies greatly.
Inflatable Tent Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy for one person to set up
- No metal poles
Cons
- Requires an air pump
- Heavy to carry
Teepee/Pyramid Tent
Teepee tents, or pyramid tents, are exactly what you think they are. They’re cone-shaped tents with a central pole acting as support and material draped around the centre, often canvas. Only a single pole is needed but it can be heavy to set up.
Teepee tents today are made of modern materials with guy lines (rope to tie the tent down).
Teepee Tent Pros and Cons
Pros
- High ceilings
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Flooring not always included
- Can be heavy
- High pitch point
Bivy Tent
A bivy tent or bivy sack are minimalist shelters made for a single person with an added layer of protection against the elements. It’s essentially a sleeping bag with a cover and resembles a cocoon.
Bivy tents are made of waterproof or water-resistant materials to protect against the wind and rain. They weigh much less than a typical one-person tent and are easy to transport and set up.
Bivy Tent Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy setup
- Lightweight
- Less expensive than a tent
- Keeps you warmer
Cons
- No space inside the bivy sack to do anything
- Will need a waterproof cover for your gear
Hammock Tent
Hammock tents provide an elevated living space that’s connected between two – four trees with suspension straps. They are versatile, comfortable, and provide a lump-free surface to sleep on.
There are a variety of hammock tent styles ranging from one to three person camping. Some styles are equipped with a platform. This kind of tent offers a lightweight option.
Hammock Tent Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides ground clearance against wet, uneven terrain and insects
- Lightweight
- Comes in a variety of styles and sizes
Cons
- Pitching hammock tents requires trees
- Can be difficult to set up
Car-Top Tent
Car-top tents are attached to the roof of your vehicle and provide an elevated sleeping space which is accessed by a ladder attached to the tent door (or vestibule).
These are typically quite robust and spacious tents that are lightweight and keep you off the cold and/or muddy ground. Car-top tents can accommodate up to roughly 650 lbs, making this a great option for families!
Being elevated also means you’ll have a better view! Some car-top tents come with built-in sky panels so you can sleep under the stars.
Car-Top Tent Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Sturdy and weather-resistant
- No lugging around involved!
- Often sold with inbuilt mattress
Cons
- Only suitable for roadside camping
- Expensive
- Aerodynamic drag can add fuel cost
SUV Tent
An SUV tent is a camping tent that attaches directly to the back of your SUV. This creates a combined dwelling space between the tent and the vehicle. Some SUV tents can also serve as a stand-alone tent if needed.
There is a entrance to the tent and also a large opening that attaches to the back of your vehicle. This allows the camper to choose between sleeping in the back of the vehicle or in the tent, and access items stored in the SUV.
SUV Tent Pros and Cons
Pros
- Versatile
- Variety of styles
- Easy to assemble and provides an off-floor sleeping option
Cons
- May not be an option for those with small vehicle sleeping spaces
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This is such a useful article – I had no idea there were so many varieties of tents!
This is a really thorough review of different types of tents and the pros and cons of each kind. Super hand for those of us who haven’t done a lot of camping in recent years – there were a couple tents I did not know about at all. Thanks for the comparison.
Great post! We are actually currently researching a tent for car-camping this summer! You don’t have it pictured, but it fits on the hatch of our SUV. I’m not much of a camper, but I’m willing to give it a shot because the kids think it’s cool! LOL
Thank you for that!! That’s a great addition to tent camping and I’ve updated this post. That’s a great idea for your family!
While I am no longer a tent camper, these are some great tips. Camping for me = a hotel room!
I have used many of the listed tents before but I did not know about the inflatable tents. Next time I go camping, I might need to purchase one.
Great post Sarah! I feel like a tent post really goes with your name. 😉
Tents are sooooo much lighter than when I was a kid! We actually have two now. I larger 3 person tent for car camping and a light one for backpacking… I do look with envy at the massive tents we see when we camp at provincial parks though – some are like tent palaces!