Your tent is your home away from home when camping, so choosing the right one makes a big difference to comfort. A tent that's too small, too hot or too hard to put up can spoil a trip. This tent buying guide explains how big a tent you need, the main types, and what to check for Australian conditions.
How big a tent do I need?
Tents are rated by the number of people they sleep, but that rating usually assumes everyone is lying shoulder to shoulder with little room for gear. For comfort, many campers size up.
| Who's camping | Suggested tent rating |
|---|---|
| Solo hiker | 1 to 2 person |
| Couple | 3 person |
| Couple with a child | 4 person |
| Family of four | 6 person |
| Larger families or groups | 8 person or more, or two tents |
Also check:
- Floor dimensions: Make sure your air mattress or stretchers fit.
- Peak height: Higher tents let you stand up to change.
- Number of rooms: Separate rooms give privacy for families.
- Vestibules: Covered areas outside the door for shoes and bags.
Types of tents
| Type | Best for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dome | All-round camping | Light, stable in wind and easy to pitch |
| Instant or easy-up | Quick setup and beginners | Pre-attached poles; heavier and bulkier packed |
| Tunnel | Families wanting space | Roomy; needs guy ropes for stability |
| Cabin | Long stays and families | Near-vertical walls and lots of headroom |
| Canvas | Long trips and harsh sun | Breathable and durable, but heavy |
| Hiking | Multi-day walks | Lightweight and compact; less space |
| Swag | Solo or couple, quick setup | Built-in mattress; popular for road trips |
Instant tents
Instant or easy-up tents have poles already attached, so they unfold and lock into place in minutes. They're great for beginners and short trips. Check the packed size, as they can be bulky.
Canvas tents
Canvas is breathable, so it stays cooler in sun and reduces condensation. It's also tough and long-lasting. The trade-off is weight, bulk and the need to dry it thoroughly before storing.
Season ratings
- Three-season tents suit most Australian camping in spring, summer and autumn, with good ventilation and rain protection.
- Four-season tents are built for snow and strong wind, and can be warm in summer.
For most family camping, a three-season tent is the right choice.
Waterproofing
Tent fabrics often list a waterhead rating in millimetres, which indicates how much water pressure the fabric can resist. Higher numbers generally mean better resistance. Also check:
- Taped seams, which stop water seeping through stitching.
- A full-length fly that covers the inner tent.
- A bathtub floor, where the floor fabric rises up the walls.
Heat and ventilation
Australian summers can turn a tent into a sauna. Look for:
- Mesh windows and doors.
- Roof vents.
- Reflective or sun-resistant fly fabric.
- A design that lets you open the fly on hot nights.
Pitch in the shade where safe (never directly under large branches), and add a tarp or shade sail over the tent for extra protection.
Poles, pegs and guy ropes
- Fibreglass poles are affordable but can crack.
- Aluminium poles are lighter and stronger.
- Steel poles are strong and common on canvas tents.
The pegs supplied with many tents are basic. Consider stronger pegs for hard ground and sand pegs for beach camping. Always use guy ropes, as they stabilise the tent in wind.
Practise setting up
Pitch your tent in the backyard before your first trip. You'll learn how it goes together, check all the parts are there and avoid fumbling in the dark at the campsite.
Floors, doors and storage
Small details make a tent easier to live in:
- Sewn-in floor: Keeps out insects, dust and water. Heavy-duty floors last longer on rough ground.
- Doors: Two doors mean nobody climbs over anyone else at night.
- Internal pockets and gear lofts: Keep torches, phones and glasses off the floor.
- Power port: A zippered flap lets you run a lead into the tent at powered sites.
- Colour: Lighter colours stay cooler in sun.
Weight and packed size
Check the packed size and weight against your car boot or backpack. Family tents can be heavy and bulky, so make sure you can lift and carry the bag comfortably. Hiking tents trade space for low weight.
Choosing a campsite
- Pick flat, even ground.
- Clear sticks and stones.
- Avoid dips where water collects.
- Never pitch under dead trees or large overhanging branches.
- Position the door away from the wind.
- Lay a groundsheet slightly smaller than the tent floor.
Caring for your tent
- Brush out dirt and sand before packing.
- Dry the tent completely before storing to prevent mould. If you pack up wet, set it up at home to dry.
- Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sun.
- Repair small holes with a patch kit.
- Clean with water and mild soap; avoid harsh detergents.
Other camping essentials
A tent is just the start. Our camping checklist covers sleeping gear, cooking and safety. Browse our camp furniture, camping lights, torches and headlamps and full camping and hiking range.
Tents to compare
Our tent range includes Caribee easy-up tents, pop-up tents and tarps. Every brand we stock is listed on our brands page.
Related guides: Camping Checklist Australia, Esky and Cooler Buying Guide, Shade Cloth Guide.
Frequently asked questions
How big a tent do I need for a family of four?
Many families choose a 6 person tent so there's room for mattresses and gear. Check the floor dimensions and peak height.
Are instant tents any good?
They're great for quick setup and beginners. They tend to be heavier and bulkier when packed than a standard dome tent.
How do I keep a tent cool in summer?
Pitch in safe shade, open mesh windows and vents, add a tarp or shade over the tent, and choose a tent with good ventilation.
Can I pack my tent away wet?
Only for the trip home. Set it up to dry fully as soon as you can, or mould and mildew can damage it.
