Choosing the right Kiwi Camping tent

There are a lot of camping tents available. Before starting, decide what you are using your tent for, how many people will sleep in the tent? Will backpacks and gear stay inside or out? And what about the dog? Determining all this will help as you choose the proper floor area and vestibules.

Determine your requirements based on your choice or camping

Hiking – You will need to carry you tent for long distances
Short or Long-Term Camping – You drive to campsite and set up or be within 500m to set up your tent.

Consider material

Canvas (Single Wall) or Polyester (Double Wall)
Unlike the common double wall tents that feature a main section and rainfly, single wall designs do away with the rain-fly as they are breathable.

Consider the number of people sleeping in the tent

You need to know the number of people you are camping with as that is a determining factor as to how large you tent it.
Everyone wants a camping tents that are light and spacious. The challenge for you as a buyer (and us as tent makers) is that weight and space fight against each other. The roomier the camping tent, the heavier it is. If you need a two-person tent for backpacking or bike-camping, choose one that is light. Your back will thank you later. Camping tents carried by kayak can be a little heavier. And if you are car camping, don't worry about the weight at all.

3-season or 4-season camping tents

3 season camping tents (spring, summer, fall) are lightweight and tend to be cooler in hot weather.
4 season camping tents (winter) can withstand snow and high winds. They are also heavier and more expensive (usually). Many people who camp year-round have one tent for winter and another for the rest of the year.

Pick the proper camping tent floor size

Floor area (measured in square feet) tells you the size of the camping tent. If you need extra elbow room that includes space to store gear inside, choose a camping tent that has a floor area of at least 20 square feet (give or take) per person. For those looking to shave ounces (backpackers, bike campers) a camping tent that offers about 15 square feet per sleeper will work nicely, though it will be a tight fit.

Know about vestibules

A vestibule is a floorless storage space that is created by staking the rain fly out from the camping tent. Just 5 square feet of vestibule space will allow a camper to keep a full-size pack out of the rain. If you are forced to pick a small tent to save weight, a vestibule will come in useful.

Consider tent height

Camping tent height is measured from the ground up to the top of the tent's exterior. To calculate interior height, subtract 2 or 3 inches from the stated "peak height." 3 ft. 6 in. is usually enough to sit up in.

Consider the doors

While one door is of course enough, two might minimize nighttime jostling when you or your friend crawl outside to respond to the call of nature. An extra door does, however, add extra weight and cost to the camping tent.

Air flow

Consider ventilation via mesh walls, windows and doors. These features promote air flow, minimize condensation, and keep you cooler on hot nights.

Work our which of our tent range is right for you, follow our handy guide below:

Top Tips for Tents - Care and Maintenance

A good tent can provide you with years of enjoyable, comfortable camping holidays. But rough surfaces, sharp edges, dampness, and UV exposure can reduce your tent’s lifespan. Here’s how to ensure your outdoor home lasts as long as possible.

Make sure it's dry

Pack away a damp tent and you’re asking for trouble. Mildew is smelly and potentially harmful for fabrics. Mildew can build up in as little as 24 hours. To prevent it, let your tent lie flat in the sun before packing to eliminate any humidity or dampness. If you must pack up in the rain, remember to spread your tent out to dry as soon as possible.

Make sure it's clean

While it’s important to keep dirt and debris from the interior of your tent, it’s equally important to keep the exterior clean. If your tent gets dirty or muddy on a trip or if you have been at the beach, remember that salt can damage your tent, zips and frame. Wash it with a garden hose at a gentle pressure or If you need to, use a sponge or brush to clean it. Avoid using powerful household cleaners or soaps, as these can damage tent materials.
Once it’s clean, let it dry thoroughly, wiping down the frame with a cloth. Finally, wipe zips with a silicon spray to keep them running smoothly before packing it away.

Roll, don't fold

This is a big one. Folding a tent or fly on the same crease’s risks creating permanent lines over time. Creasing can negatively affect waterproofing and the durability of fabric coatings. Instead, carefully roll or gently stuff your tent into its sack. If you must fold a tent, be sure to fold it differently each time you pack it and try not to store it folded for long periods of time.

Tent care and repair

Repair any damage before you put your tent away as this will save time and potentially stress when you next want to use it. Once you put it away you just might forget it needs some TLC! Ensure you then replace any parts in your repair kit so you are always prepared for 'just in case'.

Let's not forget your sleeping bag

When you return from your holiday, clean your sleeping bag and hang it up as this stops the filling from sticking and importantly it airs out your bag. Use the cram bag only when you are packing up for your next break away.

Latest Deals & Offers

Our price guarantee

Scam warning!

Product recalls