How to Choose a Tent for Solo Camping

If you're heading off into the mountains, desert, or other wilderness alone, and you're planning to camp overnight, you're probably going to need a tent. Even in extremely dry climates, you never know what kind of weather phenomena might pass through, so you'll appreciate a dry and safe spot to spend the night.

(When you're traveling by yourself, it's important to get a tent you can set up and tear down on your own. Also, if you're backpacking in to a campsite, then weight will be a big consideration. When you're "car camping" (driving to a campsite), then weight isn't usually a big issue, but you'll still want something that's practical to set up by yourself. Even though there are lots of fellow campers out there willing to help, if you're like me, you're probably traveling alone because you value your independence. You don't want to have to rely on others!

There are plenty of guides out there that can help you choose and buy a tent for solo camping, but let's cover a couple of the basic considerations.

First off, figure out what time of year you plan to go camping. Are you a summer-only kind of guy or gal? Do you prefer to camp out only when the weather is good? If you're only going to be camping in late spring, summer, and early fall, then a three-seasons tent is sufficient. These tents are usually good enough to keep out the rain, but they're not going to stand up to the weight of a snow storm.

For those of you hardcore campers who want to be able to take adventures all year around, then you'll want a four-seasons tent. These are a bit heavier and a bit more durable, and they're also designed to slough off snow incase you get a few inches of the white stuff overnight. Because four-seasons tents tend to be heavier, they aren't as popular with backpackers (unless those backpackers are skiing into their campsites!).

The other big thing to consider is the size of your tent. When you're traveling solo, size is a huge factor. As we mentioned, you don't want to pick up a tent that is too heavy to carry for the necessary distance or that is too awkward to set up by yourself.

Remember, when you're setting up your tent, you won't always have ideal conditions. Just because you can put that two-man (or larger) tent up without trouble in your backyard doesn't mean the set-up will be so hassle free at the actual camp site. There could be rain, wind, or other inclement weather conditions, and if you get delayed, you might even be trying to set up in the dark.

This is why it's a good idea to stay minimalist on the size of your tent. Pick something that is big enough for you to be comfortable in and to keep your gear out of the rain, but don't go overboard unless you know you'll only be car camping in ideal conditions.

When it comes to tents for solo campers, there are one-person tents, two-person tents, and ultra small bivy (bivouac) sacks that are little larger than a sleeping bag.

The bivy sacks can be just what you need for backpacking. If you're car camping or planning an extended stay and want some actual living space, choose something larger. Many one person tents are roomy enough that you can sit up and move around inside.

If you're traveling with a dog or two (and they prefer to sleep inside with you), that is also something to consider when choosing a tent.

There are doubtlessly many tents that will work well for you. Just remember to choose something suitable for the weather and the climate and that you can set up comfortably. Also remember there is a big difference between backpacking into a campsite and car camping, so what your intended travel style is will also play a big role in tent selection.

Plan ahead and you'll make a good tent purchase and have a good time camping!