When you hear “tent,” you probably picture camping trips, roasting marshmallows, and sleeping under the stars.
While that’s also true, tents have come a long way from just being for camping these days.
While camping Tents are made to handle the great outdoors, non-camping tents focus on different stuff and are usually lightweight, super easy to set up and give you tons of space inside.
Curious?
Let’s check out how they work for different activities and budgets.
Where Can You Use Non-Camping Tents?
If you’ve been reading about camping, you’re probably a bit confused with all the different words and models. But worry not, because we’ve got you covered.
So what’s really the main difference between non-camping tents, car camping tents, and backpacking tents?
Non-camping tent setups can be front and center, giving you shade, shelter, and all the amenities for your big outdoor party, while camping tents are (you guessed it) just for camping.
Throwing a Backyard Party? Bring on Your Party Tent
Imagine hosting a backyard BBQ or a family get-together, and the weather’s not looking great. You don’t need to be there to know that it sucks.
The good news? Instead of canceling or postponing your event, you can just pop up a party tent for a dry and comfy space for your guests.
In these cases, you’ll often go for canopy tents or pop-up tents.
They’re designed to be super quick and easy to set up, with features like multiple doors for easy access and a huge interior space to fit tables, chairs, and even a dance floor if you’re feeling it.
Outdoor Events Made Easy with Event Tents
From weddings to corporate shindigs, outdoor events are where it’s at these days.
Got a scenic dream spot in mind for your venue? Event tents offer a versatile solution to make it happen.
Most high-quality ones come in all kinds of sizes, from cozy 3-person tents to massive structures with multiple rooms that can hold hundreds of guests. There’s really no excuse.
With their near-vertical walls and tons of room, event tents provide a blank canvas for event planners to transform into whatever setting they’re imagining, so definitely keep an eye out for these ones if you’re planning an event!
Backyard Campouts
Who says you have to venture out into the wilderness to go camping?
Backyard camping has become a really popular thing, especially amongst families with little kids or for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of packing up and traveling somewhere.
Your best-budget camping tent will work just fine for a backyard campout.
Choosing the Right Non-Camping Tent
With so many tents out there that aren’t meant for traditional camping, it can be difficult to pick the right one for your needs.
Here are some key things you should consider:
Purpose
Are you looking for a party tent, an event tent, a 4-season tent, or just a basic backyard camping tent?
Always figure out the main purpose of your desired tent first.
Understanding how you’ll actually be using it will help narrow down your options and ensure that you find one that ticks all the boxes.
Size and Capacity
Consider the number of people you’ll need to accommodate and the amount of floor space you’ll need for your activities.
A family tent? 6-person tent? 2-person tent? Or a one-person tent? You need to think this through.
Always remember: a larger tent is often more expensive and may require additional setup effort.
Setup and Portability
This is always important even if you’re choosing a camping tent.
Look for tents that are easy to set up, with pop-up designs or really clear instructions. If you plan on moving it around a lot, pay attention to the weight and how portable it is.
Materials and Durability
Pay attention to the materials used in the tent body, tent poles, and stakes for long-term use.
Unlike aluminum poles, fiberglass poles, and polyester or nylon tent bodies are common since they are lightweight and cheaper.
However, they may not be as durable as the materials used in high-end camping tents during heavy wind and rain.
Budget and Value
As with all things, non-camping tents range from cheap basic models to decked-out expensive ones.
Think about your budget, but prioritize the features that really matter to you: a higher price doesn’t automatically mean better quality, so always read some reviews and compare value across different brands.
Setting It Up
While non-camping tents are generally designed to be easy to set up, it’s still important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Here are some setup tips:
Choose a Level Surface
Before you start setting your tent up, find a flat, level surface free of any debris or sharp objects that could puncture or damage the tent floor.
Read the Instructions
You should always take some time to read through the instructions from the manufacturer before you rush and start setting up your tent.
Following the proper steps will save you a headache.
Ask for Help
Why not ask a friend to help out with setting up your tent?
An extra pair of hands will make things way easier and faster, especially for bigger or more complicated tents.
Stake it Down
Most non-camping tents come with stakes or anchors to secure them to the ground.
Be sure to properly stake it down, especially if it’s gonna be windy: this will prevent your entire tent from taking off like a kite.
Popular Non-Camping Tents
When it comes to non-camping tents, there are a few well-known brands that have made a name for themselves in this specific market niche.
While this isn’t a full buyer’s review, we wanted to give you a sense of some of the existing popular options out there:
REI Co-op: known for their high-quality outdoor gear, they offer a range of non-camping tents like party and event shelters
REI’s tents are designed to be durable and user-friendly, making them a solid choice for outdoor gatherings and events
Coleman: a household name in this world, they also manufacture good non-camping models, like screened canopies
They’re considered budget tent options best suited for casual, fair-weather use
Ozark Trail: if you’re looking for an inexpensive option, Ozark Trail (a Walmart brand) offers a variety of affordable models
They may not be as feature-packed as higher-end options, but they can be a great choice if you’re on a tight budget and just need something for occasional use
Core Equipment: this brand specializes in outdoor gear, including a wide selection of non-camping tents
From basic pop-up canopies to bigger event tents, their offerings cover different needs and budgets
North Face Wawona: aside from a freestanding tent and a car camping tent, they also offer non-camping tents, providing shelter and enough interior storage for various purposes
These tents offer features like ease of setup, solid weather protection, and plenty of room inside.
How We See The Future
If you were involved in the camping world years ago, you know that tents were pretty much just associated with camping.
But things have changed.
Nowadays they’re being used way more for outdoor living and events in general, and the demand for these just keeps increasing.
Here’s what we believe we will see in the near future:
Sustainable, eco-friendly options: Brands are exploring more environmentally-conscious options for their non-camping tents
We may start seeing tents made from recycled or biodegradable materials to reduce their environmental impact
Smart tech: As technology advances, we can probably anticipate some smart features making their way into non-camping tents too
Imagine tents with integrated lighting systems or climate control – pretty cool eh?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Difference Between a Camping and a Trekking Tent?
A camping tent is made for camping – it’s bigger, roomier, and heavier. A trekking tent is designed for backpacking trips – it’s smaller, lighter and more compact.
What is a Backyard Tent Called?
These tents – specifically made to be set up in your backyard or other small outdoor spaces – are usually called backyard tents or backyard shelters.
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