Durability

Your family tent should be built to last but playful kids can jump around and put extra strain on the materials! While pop-up family tents are convenient and speedy to pitch, they won't be as long-lasting as a tunnel tent.

Make sure you choose a sturdy tent with strong zips and seams. If you're worried about your children tripping over the guy ropes, try to anchor them as close to the tent as possible, with the tent pegs flat against the ground. Long-term durability is also important; it could be worth spending a bit more money on a high-quality model if you'll be using your family tent every summer. Over time, you'll save on repairs and the inevitable replacement!

Comfort

Something that sets family tents apart from their smaller counterparts, like 2-person tents, is their comfort-focused features. Choosing a family tent with a porch, for example, leaves a little bit of extra space to store food supplies and mucky boots too.

If it's an extra-large family tent you need, look for models with internal compartments that divide the living space. This gives you and your family not only some all-important privacy but also somewhere to relax on a rainy day. For families camping with teenagers or older children, adding a smaller tent to your setup could help everyone feel more comfortable.

Do I need accessories for a family tent?

At Tiso, we also know that family camping comes with extra demands. To help you make the most of your trip, we'd recommend adding some handy gear to your setup. A few of our favourite family tent accessories include:

Shelter

From feeding hungry kids to keeping entertained in the evenings, your family tent should help you have a good time. Adding a shelter or porch is a great way to expand your setup and keep your sleeping space separate at the same time.

Groundsheets and footprints

If you're camping for a few nights, you want to stay as dry as possible. Using an extra groundsheet underneath your family tent gives you and your family another layer of protection against damp, cold ground.

Cooking equipment

Many family campsites offer washing-up facilities, so why not cook your own meals? With the right camping stove, it's easy to be self-sufficient on your family camping trip. Just don't forget the cutlery!

Camping furniture

Any good family tent needs tables and chairs next to it. How else would you want to eat a bacon butty together in the morning? If you've got enough space in the car, try to bring camping furniture with you.

How to take care of your family tent

With the help of experts from MSR, a world-leading outdoor innovator, we've shared some tips for a longer tent life to help you keep yours looking new for longer. However, there's one piece of advice that you need to know about first.

As tempting as it might be to keep your tent packed away after getting back from your trip, that's one of the worst things you can do. Our first tip, and perhaps the most important, is to hang up your family tent and let it air-dry after you get home. Even if it only rained lightly during your trip, you should never let your tent stay damp.

Find your new family tent with Tiso

Ready to set off on your next family adventure? Once you've found the best family tent for your plans, it's time to make sure you've packed all the right camping gear too.

At Tiso, we've been outdoor enthusiasts for over 60 years. With experience across all terrain in the most challenging conditions, we know how to recommend the best gear in the business. If you'd like some help choosing your new tent, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

You can browse our selection of family tents online now or visit your nearest Outdoor Experience to see them pitched up in person. Don't forget to check out the Tiso Instagram for our reviews of the latest outdoor gear, including tents.