Dome tents have increasingly grown for family camping, and you can get them in many different sizes. But is this tent really the right choice for you? Let’s take a look at the different types of family dome tents, especially the strengths and weaknesses of camping tent design.
dome tent styles
- Classic geodesic dome
- Half dome or tunnel tent
The classic design shows off a simple dome shape. There are also larger family tents consisting of several domes. Both are great for family camping which involves spending all the time in one place, since they are larger and offer more space. On the other hand, half dome or tunnel tents are very good for backpacking. By reducing the size of the dome, it reduces weight and results in a smaller package volume, making it more convenient to carry.
The main strengths of dome tents
- Great floor space This gives you plenty of sleeping space and enough room for your luggage.
- Extremely tough in harsh weather Instead of a fixed frame, stability is achieved by all the tent’s components working together, using poles made of flexible materials such as carbon fibre. The low, round shape of the dome tent allows it to easily shed rain and snow, and also makes it very windproof.
- Lighter than cabin tents of the same size – This is mainly because there is no heavy tent frame.
- Easy step – Dome tents often use shock rope poles. It unfolds easily to full length, and the color coding shows you where each column should go.
- independently Most family dome tents can be set up on any flat surface, for example your backyard. However, the rain fly does not need to be frozen. Also, it is generally advised that you pitch your tent, just in case strong winds appear.
Weaknesses of dome tents
- Less usable space – Family dome tents offer less space for camping furniture than equal sized cabin tents. Large items can only be set up in the middle part.
- Less freedom of movement – Because of the dome shape, headroom is often an issue. While larger tents may allow you to stand upright in the middle (if you are not very tall), smaller tents only allow you to sit up and make you crawl rather than walk. Half dome or tunnel tents may not allow a tall person to sit upright.
These considerations clearly show you what dome-style tents are, and when you should not choose them. Classic domes are a great choice for camping vacations that are likely to encounter extreme weather conditions, especially strong winds, but will find you most of your time outside. Half dome or tunnel tents are excellent options for backpacking or other types of camping and travel. Generally, family dome tents are for people who can do without less space and comfort, while those who travel with half of their family, or expect to spend a lot of time inside the tent, would rather opt for a cabin tent.
