Choosing the right size of camping tent is key for good comfort. The size of tents is measured by the number of folks it can hold, without gear. A four-person tent usually has space for four adults with sleeping bags.
Like this the label shows only how many people can fit side by side without other things inside
How to Choose the Right Tent Size
Four-person tents most commonly have floor space between 55 and 65 square feet. Here is half of the space needed for comfortable sleep of four campers on their backs. You commonly advise 20 square feet per person for a tight fit, while 30 to 40 is the ideal for more comfort and for gear.
Expert campers want even 40 per folk, although 30 is a good midle.
Makers usually over estimate the size of their tents. A 6-person model works for four, but six folks probably will feel tight. A 10-person tent maybe holds eight, but ten is hard unless all lie side by side in little sleeping bags.
So it is best to choose a tent for two more people than the number in your group.
When you choose tent size, mind three main parts: peak height, floor area and floor measures. Peak height matters only if you want to stand up straight inside. Because most people spend the hole day outside and use the tent only for sleep or cover against rain, it is a matter of personal taste.
For a family of four, a 4-person tent or bigger can work. Always think about going one size up for comfort. If you have much gear as a big tent stove, kitchen or thick sleeping bags, count the extra space.
For four folks with gear without feeling cramped, a minimum 8-person tent is wise. Packed, it matches the size of a duffel bag and is for car camping.
A 6-person tent gives great comfort for two folks, with a lot of space for sleeping gear and supplies, while you still can move freely. A tent of 10 by 12 feet, marked for ten folks, works best for six, and four of them should sleep on cots to stop walking on others.
If you do not plan backpacking or canoe camping, weight and size of the tent does not matter, if it simply fits in the car. At backpacking weight is important, because the tent is carried for miles. Newcomers that go alone best choose a 2-person 3-season tent.
