Tents also provide a place of privacy in the middle of wide open spaces, plus an intangible feeling of security once you're zipped inside for the night. It's impressive how much comfort and reassurance we humans find between a few well-stitched panels of nylon. Which model is right for you?

Super-sturdy four-season tents usually integrate one or two additional poles into their designs to fortify walls and help them stand firm against severe wind or heavy snow loads. Winter tents feature some type of rounded dome design, thus eliminating flat spaces on a tent's rainfly where snow can accumulate. Of course, these winter/mountaineering tents work just fine during mild conditions. Their extra poles will make them a touch heavier than their three-season cousins.

Lightweight three-season tents are intended for spring, summer and fall usage in temperate climates. They perform well in wind and rain, though their designs are not suited to handle significant snow loads. A three-season model won't collapse if two inches of snow fall on it, but 20 inches could be a problem.

Tent