One of Go Gear Directs own has a growing family that is looking to get outdoors more. Their search for a better family tent inspired our search.

Pick the proper shelter for your next outing with the kids and make your overnight in the outdoors the best ever

Camping is one of the great American traditions. Not only is it a good excuse to break away from the modern world and live a simpler, quieter life (if even for just a few days), it’s a great way to make memories with friends and family that will last forever.

That said, one of the keys to a successful and enjoyable camping trip, is comfort, and comfort begins with a quality tent. Not only should it help you feel safe and protected from the elements, it should be lightweight, easy to set up, and have a layout and design that suits your family’s wants and needs.

Think About Size

Before you buy your next family tent, consider the overall footprint—how many adults and kids do you plan to house? If it’s several, you’ll want a shelter with a substantial amount of square footage, and likely a high ceiling for better headspace.

Think About Functionality

Next, think about the layout—how many storage pockets do you need, is there a mesh storage area on the ceiling or a fabric loop to hang a light? Most importantly, do you need some sort of divider? Many large, family-sized tents today come with one or more removable partitions that can turn a one-room tent into one with two or more individual rooms.

Examine The Quality

Finally, take a close look at the construction of the tent. The best ones are built with water-resistant fabrics, rigid poles, have large, screened windows for ventilation, and include a rain fly that blankets the majority of the tent all the way to the ground.

Written by The Editors for Field & Stream and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].