For most troop campouts, the troop will provide tents, so scouts do not need to bring their own. However, if you plan on doing family camping, high adventure trips, or personal outings, having a tent of your own can be a great investment. This page offers advice on how to choose a tent that fits your needs.
Considerations
Season Rating – Most tents are 3-season, meaning they’re designed for spring, summer, and fall use. These are suitable for most camping situations. 4-season tents are built for harsh winter conditions and snow, but they are heavier and more expensive — not necessary for typical scout camping.
Capacity – Tent sizes are usually labeled by the number of people they can sleep (e.g., 2-person, 4-person). Keep in mind that these are tight fits. A “2-person” tent will fit two people shoulder-to-shoulder with little extra room. For comfort, consider sizing up — especially if you want space for gear inside the tent.
Weight and Size – For car camping, weight and packed size are not critical. Look for a tent that’s roomy, easy to set up, and weather-resistant. For backpacking, look for a tent under 4–5 pounds (for 2 people), with a compact packed size. Backpacking tents are usually smaller and more lightweight but more expensive.
Setup – Freestanding tents (which hold their shape without being staked down) are the easiest to set up and move. Some ultralight tents require trekking poles and careful staking. For scouts, a simple freestanding, double-wall tent is the easiest to manage and most weather-resistant.
Weather Protection – Look for tents with:
- A full rainfly (covers the whole tent)
- Sealed or taped seams
- A bathtub-style floor (where the bottom material wraps up the sides)
- Good ventilation to reduce condensation
Durability – Tents for beginners or car camping should prioritize tough materials and easy setup over ultralight weight. Backpacking tents often use lighter, thinner fabrics — these save weight but require more care.
Options
Since tents vary so much depending on use, here are some general recommendations:
Family/Car Camping Tents – Look for 4–6 person tents with enough space to stand up, change clothes, and store gear inside. Good ventilation and weather protection are key. Examples:
- Coleman Sundome Series
- REI Camp Dome or Skyward Series
- Alps Mountaineering Meramac or Lynx
- Kelty Discovery Basecamp
Backpacking Tents – Compact, lightweight, and weather-resistant. Most are built for 1 or 2 people and emphasize weight savings. Examples:
- REI Trail Hut or Half Dome Series
- Big Agnes Copper Spur or Tiger Wall
- NEMO Dagger or Hornet
- MSR Hubba Hubba Series
Budget Tip: If you’re only camping occasionally, stores like Coleman, Alps Mountaineering, or REI Co-op offer good value tents that perform well without the premium price tag of ultralight models.
Where to Buy – Local
REI – www.rei.com
Eastern Mountain Sports – www.ems.com
LL Bean – www.llbean.com
Where to Buy – Online
Sierra Trading Post – www.sierra.com
Campmor – www.campmor.com
Hiker Direct (Alps Mountaineering discounts for scouts) – www.hikerdirect.com