Camping tents

• Size. The tent has to offer a minimum level of comfort to allow you to rest in it. Bear in mind that there should be enough space for sleeping bags and sleeping mats, as well as space for any belongings you need to store inside, which will vary depending on the activity you are engaged in, the length of the camping trip and the weather. Remember that inflatable mattresses take up considerably more space than mats, but provide better rest.
• Weight. The key factor when planning walking, mountain or cycling routes, since you will need to transport your tent and other equipment. In this situation, it is essential to opt for tents made of ultralight materials, which are low in weight and low in volume. You can also divide the contents among several people.
• Colour. Although it may not seem like an important factor, remember that for mountain or snow activities, it is advisable to use brightly coloured tents that are easy to find. If you are looking for inconspicuous camping, green and earth colours are the most suitable.

• Ridge. Gable tents, usually made of canvas, are quite heavy and are rarely used nowadays. However, they are suitable for rainy environments.
• Igloo. Inspired by Inuit homes, their half-sphere shape makes them highly resistant to wind and rain, and the absence of internal structural elements (poles) means that better use can be made of the interior space. Other advantages are that they are lightweight and easy to assemble.
• Tepee tents. It is the typical Native American pyramid-shaped tent. It offers little wind resistance and requires few components for assembly: a central pole, a canvas and a set of pegs to secure it to the ground, in some models the floor is added separately, although at Columbus you will find a double-roof Tepee, with a floor in the inner tent. The tents are quick and easy to assemble and offer more height in the living area, which is very welcome. Our Columbus Tepee Ul 2 tent offers ample living space and can be erected effortlessly.
• Tunnel tents: Most commonly used by walkers and cyclists, these tents offer space for both people and belongings. Their shape allows them to withstand almost any weather conditions. This model offers basic options without a porch and others that include a porch to be able to cook and store the equipment. In our shop you can see the Columbus Tunnel 2 UL model, especially for hikes and trails lasting several days, on foot or on 2 wheels.

The assembly system of a tent is a factor to be taken into account, especially if you will be setting up and taking down a tent on a daily basis or if you will be doing so in adverse weather conditions.

• Tents with poles and pegs: In addition to setting up the poles, these tents require a series of guy ropes or lines to be fixed with pegs, which give the tent its shape and structure when tensioned. Although it is usually sufficient to fix them with pegs, you can reinforce their anchoring by attaching them to trees or adding stones to secure them to the ground

• Self-supporting: As the best choice for quick assembly and dismantling, it has an internal rod system that allows it to be moved and lifted for relocation without being dismantled. They are quick and easy to assemble and can be used on any type of ground, be it a sandy beach or snowy or stony ground, as no pegs are needed to keep them upright. All tents in the Columbus Ultra range are self-supporting and you can use them with or without a double roof on hot days.

• Instant tents. Also known as Pop Up tents, these tents feature an internal system with flexible metal rods and are set up by simply throwing them up in the air. They take up quite a lot of space when closed and are not that easy to fold, so they are recommended if you are planning to travel by car or go to a campsite.

• 2 seasons: tents for spring and summer with stable weather, low rainfall.
• 3 seasons: for mid-season (spring/autumn) and summer camping, can possibly be used in winter if insulated sleeping bags are used and no adverse weather is expected: snow or strong wind.
• 4 seasons: can be used all year round. They provide better insulation from the cold and rain, although they are heavier and more expensive than 3-season tents, as they are made from tougher materials.
• 5 seasons: specific for expeditions in high mountains or in extreme climates, where cold, wind, rain and snow conditions are encountered.

Lastly, remember that it is important to assess other aspects such as the proper ventilation of the tent. Those models intended for trekking or rougher camping conditions will offer less ventilation to ensure greater protection from the elements, which means more condensation inside, while 2-season family camping tents will offer larger windows and vents to improve comfort in warmer climates.