1. Bell Tent (1-8 Person)

A Bell Tent is a classic style of camping tent known for its distinctive bell-like shape, with a central pole supporting the structure and a large entrance supported by a secondary ‘A-frame’ pole. These tents are spacious, usually made of canvas, and feature a single large door and a circular footprint, making them popular for family camping trips, festival goers and ‘glamping’.

Pros:

• Spacious interior: Bell tents offer a roomy and comfortable living space, making them ideal for families and group camping.
• Easy setup: These tents are relatively easy to set up, usually requiring just one central pole, an entrance pole, and pegs.
• Classic aesthetics: Bell tents have a classic and charming appearance, adding a touch of nostalgia and beauty to your camping experience.
• Canvas: Canvas is the ultimate car camping tent fabric – it doesn’t rustle in the wind, feels natural, and unlike synthetic has no issues with condensation.
• Good ventilation: The design of bell tents includes several windows and vents for better airflow.
• Weather resistance: If pitched correctly Bell Tents are extremely sturdy and will withstand storm conditions.

Cons:

• Weight and bulk: Bell tents can be heavy and bulky, making them less suitable for backpacking or long hikes.
• Setup time: Although easier than some tent types, setting up a bell tent may still take more time compared to instant or pop-up tents.
• Mould: Just like any canvas tent mould can be a downer  – these tents need to be stored dry and are unforgiving if put away wet or damp.
• Price: High-quality bell tents can be expensive, and their price may deter budget-conscious campers.

2. Single Pole Tents (1-8 Person)

Single pole tents are available in a range of styles and dimensions, incorporating designs like tipis, laavu, and pyramid tents. Depending on the materials used, these tents can be very lightweight and are prized for their straightforward setup process, making them a preferred choice for solo campers, minimalist hikers, and individuals who appreciate the simplicity of their camping equipment.

Pros:

• Simplicity: Single pole tents are known for their straightforward and uncomplicated setup. They typically require only one central pole, making them easy to assemble, even for beginners.
• Lightweight: Depending on the materials used, these tents can be extremely lightweight, making them suitable for backpacking and camping trips where weight is a concern. They are easy to carry, making them an excellent choice for hikers.
• Compact design: Single pole tents have a compact design, which helps in minimizing the size of your camping gear. This is especially useful when space is limited.
• Quick pitching: With fewer components, these tents can be set up quickly, allowing you to enjoy more time at your campsite and less time on tent assembly.
• Affordability: Single pole tents are often more budget-friendly compared to larger and more complex tent designs, making them a cost-effective option for campers.

Cons:

• Limited space: Due to their simple design, single-pole tents often offer limited interior space. The sloping walls can restrict headroom, making it less comfortable for extended periods inside the tent.
• Single entry and exit: Most single pole tents have only one entrance and exit point, which can be inconvenient if you need quick access to the outdoors, and it may not be ideal for multiple campers. NOTE: The Homecamp Tipi Tent has two doors, one on each side of the tent.
• Less stable: While single pole tents are designed for all weather conditions, they may not be as stable or resilient in high winds or extreme weather compared to more complex tent designs like bell tents, geodesic or dome tents.
• Storage space: Due to their compact size, single pole tents may lack adequate storage space for gear and equipment, which could lead to a cluttered interior.
• Less versatile: Single pole tents are primarily designed for solo or small group camping and are not ideal for larger families or groups. They also may not have the versatility of features found in other tent types, like vestibules and multiple rooms.

3. A-Frame Tents (2-5 Person)

A-frame tents, also known as scout or pup-style tents, have a triangular shape and are supported by flexible pole frames. They strike a balance between simplicity and functionality, making them suitable for short trips and small groups.

Pros:

• Simplicity: A-frame tents are easy to set up and take down due to their straightforward design, making them great for beginners.
• Sturdy: Their A-shaped design provides stability, especially in windy conditions.
• Compact: These tents pack down into a small, compact size, making them easy to transport.
• Classic design: Traditional aesthetics with a nostalgic vibe (if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!)

Cons:

• Limited space: A-frame tents usually offer limited interior space and lower headroom, making them less comfortable for extended stays – See our A-Frame Cabin Tent for an exception to this!
• Lack of features: They may lack some of the features found in more advanced tents, such as vestibules, multiple rooms, or extensive storage options.
• Not Ideal for large groups: Due to their limited size, A-frame tents are better suited for solo or small-group camping

4. Rooftop Tents (2-4 Person)

Rooftop Tents (RTT) are an awesome innovation, offering a unique camping experience. Mounted on vehicles, these tents provide an elevated and comfortable sleeping space with a quick setup. They come in a variety of sizes and materials – soft top tents made from canvas or (the now more popular) hard top rooftop tents made of aluminium or fibreglass. They’re especially convenient for those who want to avoid ground-level camping and enjoy panoramic views and the best choice for touring, i.e. travelling the outback over vast distances where you need to set up and pack down camp daily.

Pros:

• Easy setup: Roof-top tents (RTTs) are incredibly quick and straightforward to set up. They unfold and are ready for use in minutes. Your bedding can be kept inside the tent ready for use.
• Off-the-ground camping: Being elevated on the roof of your vehicle provides safety from wildlife, better views, and a cleaner camping environment.
• Comfort: RTTs typically come with built-in foam mattresses, providing a comfortable sleeping surface.
• Portability: They are a great option for campers who want to be on the move frequently, as you don’t need to find a flat campsite.
• Built-In storage: Some RTTs have storage compartments or annexes for gear, keeping your campsite organised.
• Minimal ground impact: Camping on top of your vehicle minimises your environmental footprint.

Cons:

• Cost: Roof-top tents can be relatively expensive compared to ground tents.
• Size and weight: They can be bulky and heavy, making them less suitable or even dangerous for smaller vehicles or vehicles with low weight capacity. You will need to ensure that the RTT and other gear meet your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or Weight (GVW) rating – GVM refers to the maximum allowable weight of your fully loaded vehicle, as prescribed by the manufacturer.
• Toilet necessities: Many people don’t like going up and down a ladder during the night to go to the toilet.
• Limited interior space: The interior space is smaller than in some ground tents, restricting movement and storage.
• Setup restrictions: You need to be near your vehicle to set up the tent, which might limit your campsite options if you want to use your vehicle for a short trip you will need to pack away the tent.
• Weather sensitivity: In windy conditions, RTTs can be noisy and less stable. They may not perform well in extreme weather.
• Complexity: Some RTTs can be challenging to install and remove from your vehicle, especially for one person.
• Potential Fall Hazard: There is potential to fall from RTTs so care needs to be taken (especially for kids).
• Parking restrictions: care needs to be taken parking in height-restricted car parks – easy (and expensive) to forget that you have a tent on the roof!
• Storage: if you are not using the tent then you will need adequate storage space.

5. Lightweight Hiking Tents (1-3 Person)

Lightweight camping and hiking tents include various designs such as geodesic, single pole, dome etc. and are designed for portability. Constructed from synthetic materials like nylon, polyester and dyneema, they balance performance, size, and weight. These tents cater to backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts who value mobility and efficiency.

Pros:

• Portability: Lightweight camping tents are easy to carry, making them perfect for backpacking and hiking trips. They won’t add much weight to your load.
• Easy setup: Many lightweight tents are designed for quick and easy setup, so you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time struggling with your shelter.
• Maneuverability: Their compact size and low weight make lightweight tents easy to maneuver in tight or remote camping spots, giving you more flexibility in choosing your campsite.
• Fast drying: Materials used in lightweight tents are often quick-drying, allowing you to pack up your tent even if it’s wet, saving time and effort.
• Versatility: They are suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities, from backpacking and hiking to bike touring and kayaking.

Cons:

• Durability: Lightweight tents may not be as durable as heavier, more robust options, and they might not withstand extreme weather conditions or rough treatment.
• Limited space: They generally have less interior space, which can be a downside for campers who value comfort and roominess.
• Condensation: Lightweight tents may have less ventilation, leading to potential condensation issues in certain weather conditions.
• Cost: High-quality lightweight tents with advanced materials can be very expensive, and budget-friendly options may compromise on durability.
• Seasonal limitations: Some lightweight tents are designed for specific seasons, and they may not provide adequate protection in harsh winter conditions.

6. Swags (1-2 Person)

Swags are a classic Australian camping shelter, combining a canvas cover with a comfortable sleeping pad and sleeping bag. They are known for their simplicity and ruggedness, making them a favourite among traditional campers.

Pros:

• Simplicity: Swags are easy to set up and require minimal effort, making them ideal for quick camping trips – (some modern swags can be as time-consuming as a tent to set up).
• Compact: They are relatively small and lightweight, making them easy to transport and store (again, modern Swags are now much bigger, bulkier and heavier – something to note).
• Protection: Swags provide good protection against the elements – modern Swags are completely enclosed reducing the risk of critters and flooding.
• Quick sleeping arrangement: Swags come with built-in bedding, so you only need to roll them out to have a ready-made sleeping setup.
• Traditional camping experience: Using a Swag can offer a more traditional camping experience, similar to what early explorers and bushmen would have used.

Cons:

• Single person: Most swags are designed for single-person use, although there are doubles they are generally quite small for two large humans and are very bulky and heavy to transport.
• Limited space: Swags have limited interior space, making it challenging to sit up or move around inside. Some people complain about the ‘Claustrophobic’ interior.
• Not ideal for harsh weather: While they offer decent protection, swags may not be the best choice for extreme weather conditions
• Condensation: Depending on the materials used, there are potential issues with condensation forming which can lead to a damp swag and potentially mould.
• Minimal comfort: Swags often lack the comfort features of larger tents, such as being able to stand or sit upright.
• Versatility: Generally Swags don’t have awnings or outdoor space to be protected from weather.
• Storage: Rolled-up swags can take up a significant amount of space and be quite heavy, especially if you have multiple swags.