A tent can make or break your next family canoe trip. It’s your most important gear as it protects you and your family from the harsh elements of the wind, rain, sun and sometimes, even snow.

The market seems flooded with an array of tents and endless options. To make sure you end up with a good quality tent, Canoeroots has compiled a list of things to consider when purchasing your next tent for that canoe trip into Algonquin Park or down the Madawaska River.

Considerations:

Quality

When choosing your next tent, look at the quality of the materials and workmanship. If you are being sold a section of fiberglass pole “just-in-case,” don’t proceed to the checkout counter. Take a look at the poles. Are they aluminum or fibreglass? Aluminum is stronger and less likely to break. And finally, look at the material of the tent. Is the tent’s fly made with a ripstop nylon or polyester? The key here is to make sure that it’s ripstop to ensure that at the end of your trip your tent isn’t a great housing unit for blackflies, mosquitoes and sandflies.

Waterproofing

Make sure the tent is fully seam sealed/taped. You can check this yourself by looking at the inside of the fly and the body of the tent and checking that the seams are waterproof. Some tents are ‘critically seams sealed’ by manufacturers, which is only a fancy way to saying that they didn’t seam seal everything. Be careful of language like that.

Design

When considering a tent for family canoe trips, keep in mind that they need to be smaller to fit in backcountry campsites. Two room tents often don’t fit. Many tents now have straighter walls and provide more living space without expanding outwards. Also, make sure the tent is freestanding, so it is easier to pitch.

Price

Treat this purchase like an investment. Remember, it’s one of your most important pieces of equipment.

Three Great Family Canoe Tripping Tents

Sierra Designs, Wu Hu 4

4 person

MSRP $329.95

Weight: 12lbs. 9 oz.

A revolutionary tunnel dome pole configuration lets the Wu Hu act a bit like a tunnel (big on the inside) and a dome, too (freestanding and easy to pitch). Number of Doors 2, Interior Area 54 sq ft., Vestibule Area 17 + 17 sq ft., Peak Height 66."

Marmot, Halo 4

4 person

MSPR $399.00

Weight: 13 lbs. 9 oz

The innovative Halo pole structure provides terrific head room to create a uniquely livable tent for family car camping and outdoor living. Floor Area: 64 sq. ft.

Mountain Hardwear, Habitat 5

5 person

MSRP $425

Weight: 12 lbs. 11 oz.

This spacious, two-door design fits people, dogs and gear for a multi-sport trip…with room to spare. Side storage nooks stash bags and extra gear, and the tall interior height allows standing up while changing clothes.

Photo Credit (first photo of numerous tents): Dan Kamminga