How to chose the right tent for you?

How to chose the right tent for you?

With so many tents out there, it is hard to choose the right one.  Tent manufacturers include EZ Up, KD Canopy, First Up Tents, Celina's Tent, Show Stoppers, Master Tent or Tent Crafts etc. 

Here are some factors to consider:

1) Durability. The first question you have to consider is how many times you want to use the tent.  The market is filled with cheap tents that work for a couple of uses. But if you are going to be using your tent more than 5 times, you will save money in the long run by buying a heavy duty tent, because a heavy duty tent will last you a long time. 

Splash Tents, Inc. only sells high quality tents.  If you are looking for a low quality tent for a couple of uses, you might be able to find one at Costco, Amazon.com, Dick's Sporting goods.  Be sure to read our blog about low quality tents before you do (coming soon!).

2) Easy set up.  The next question you should ask is how many people will be present to set up the tent.  Some tents that are SUPER heavy can require 8+ people to set-up.  EZ Up tents are really easy to set up (not more than 2 people). We really like the professional Eclipse II EZ Up Tents, because they have "pull pin auto sliders" for quick lock and release, "toggle leg adjustments for variable heights" with "finger friendly  push buttons that are soft on the fingers.  Other tent companies have "small push pins" that fall off in just a couple of uses.

3) Weight. You want to get a tent that is not too heavy and not too light (just like Goldilocks fairy tale). A tent that is very heavy (e.g. 100-150 pounds for a 10x10) is more like a semi-permanent structure and works well for party/wedding rentals, but is not ideal for trade shows  restaurants, athletic events and triathlon events.  A very heavy tent is not easy to set up.  On the other hand, a tent that is very light (e.g. 30-35 pounds) looks flimsy and, if you are using using it outdoors, will not last.

An optimum tent is the Eclipse II Professional Tent that weights 66 pounds.  It is a solid tent yet easy to set up and take down.

4) Indoor/Outdoor Use. If you are using a tent outdoors, then you need to think about the effect of wind.  You want to make sure that your tent (both the top and frame) are secure.  The best way to make sure your top does not blow away is to buy a tent with a "bolt-on top" -- a "bolt-on top" tent has easy to screw on/off bolts on the top of the frame that go over the top of the canopy.  Please see a picture below of a tent with the bolt on top. With the bolt on top, your top is securely fastened to the tent. 

Close Up of the bolt-on top!

Also, if you have an outdoor event, it is important that you don't go with a light tents (e.g. 30-35 pounds).  And regardless of which tent you buy, we recommend our clients use a weight bag(30-40 pounds per leg) at all times.  You can purchase weight bags from any big box store or even use water ballasts that can be easily connected to the frames.

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us directly at sales@splashtents.com or at 214.432.4025.