The market is flooded with all kinds of tents. But you can narrow these down to your choice, depending on what your needs are and requirement. Here are large samplings of the different types of tents available now in the market: lean-to-shelters, dome, pup, hammock, canvass, mountaineering, bivy sacks with or without poles, the mosquito netting, the family size, and the multi-room. Actually, this list could go on and on but here’s a short rundown of the above listed types:
Dome tents are the free standing types. They are roomy inside and are easy to assemble. Dome tents are usually made of light-weight materials and are therefore very convenient to carry around in a backpack. Pup tents are lighter in weight than the dome model. They are not very useful though especially during rain or snow because of their open ends. Neither are they functional during trips to the lake nor swamp since they will obviously not be able to keep the mosquitoes away. Pup tents are strictly backyard or sleepover tents you can set up during light weather. The multi-room style can accommodate a large number of people and is the preferred tent by camping families or small groups. This type, however, is not good for backpacking since it is heavier and bulkier than the other models. But if you are out camping in the rain, the multi room 6 man tent will definitely keep you warm and dry inside.
If you’re serious about hiking and camping and all that stuff, what you should do is invest in a one-person, backpacking tent like the bivy sack. Bivy sack models are light and can weigh as little as a pound. The one drawback of bivy sacks, however, is that though they are light to carry around in a backpack, they actually offer little protection against the elements. These tents may not be good for heavy hiking but they are good enough to keep you rested and ready to go for another day.