By Michael Hodgson

If you love sleeping outdoors beneath the sky, but want protection from creatures and the cold, a tent is a must.

Tents range from the one-person, laying-down-room-only styles to deluxe Bel-Air models complete with rooms, windows, and even skylights. But what type of tent is best for you, and what key features should you look for? A lot depends on when and where you'll be camping, with how many people, and for how long. With all the choices available, you are sure to find a tent that meets your needs.

A Tent for Every Season:

Summer Tents.  

Summer tents are designed for warm climates only. Plenty of mesh and lightweight materials help the breezes keep you cool and the tent well ventilated. Although lightweight minimalist designs ward off temporary rain showers, they don't fair well in high winds, colder weather, or extended rain.

Some key features to look for include:
Generous amounts of mesh in the tent body — the breezier the tent, the better it will ventilate.
Rain fly that stops several inches above the ground allowing for maximum protection combined with maximum ventilation.
Two pole construction for weight savings.

Three-season tents can be used in spring, summer, and fall.

Three Season Tents.

Three season tents are the most popular tent choice among backpackers. Designed for spring, summer, and fall, they're capable of handling most moderate weather outbursts. These sturdier designs usually weigh more than summer tents, but they still provide ample ventilation to keep the air flowing in warmer conditions.

Some key features to look for:
Three pole, high-strength aluminum construction to stand up to strong winds and heavy rains.
Full coverage rain fly.
Sturdy guy-out points sewn to the rain fly for tying down the tent.
Rain fly that pitches separately from the tent for the ultimate in lightweight cover.
Gear loft attachments to the inside roof for additional storage.
Large vestibule to add room for wet boots and damp dogs.
Two-door or extra-large door for easier access and exit without having to use your partner's face as a doormat.
Skylight window in the rain fly for additional light.

Convertible Tents

Convertible tents, three-season tents that convert to four-season use, are also designed to withstand bad weather. Unlike traditional three-season tents, however, windows and doors can zip closed to make the tent air tight and even more prepared to face the elements. Because the zippers and the extra material add some weight, convertible tents are slightly heavier.

Key features to look for:
Skylight window in the rain fly for additional light.
Four high-grade aluminum poles for freestanding construction with minimal staking required. One pole removable option for versatility.
Sturdy guy-out points sewn to the rain fly for tying down the tent.
Rain fly that pitches separately from the tent for the ultimate in lightweight cover.
Removable vestibules for additional weight savings.
Generous mesh with zip-out panels for added ventilation or full closure when maximum protection is required.

Four-season and mountaineering tents.

Four-season tents are built to handle all weather conditions. Often built with beefier materials, sturdy pole configurations, extra tie-down points, and low profiles, these tents are extremely stable when set up properly. Likewise, mountaineering tents are designed for use in harsh winter conditions. But what you gain in durability and weatherproofing, you lose in ventilation, increased weight, and higher prices. Some of these tents are built with a single wall of waterproof, breathable material, instead of the normal tent and fly. This saves weight and set-up time, but increases the price.

Key features to look for:
Four to five high-grade aluminum poles and freestanding construction.
Full coverage rain fly.
Steep sidewalls to shed wind and snow. Two doors on opposite ends or sides of the tent for entry and exit versatility.
Two vestibules for maximum gear storage options, each with their own poles for support.
Sturdy guy-out points sewn to the rain fly for tying down the tent.
A rain fly that pitches separately from the tent so you can use it as a roof for a modified snow cave shelter to save weight and space.