Tents

Whereas tents that you take into the backcountry should really be compact and lightweight, people can get away with using a larger tent when car camping. Nowadays, some tents can measure eight to 10 feet by eight to 10 feet, with enough height to stand up in, says Jon Wynn of Gear Up for Outdoors, adding that they can come with “big, huge front vestibules and back vestibules [with] enough [space] to put a porch where you can put a picnic table, or a small table and a couple of chairs,” he says. Some campers will also pack a separate screen shelter as well, he says. Quality is still key, Wynn adds. “So many people buy an inexpensive tent, then the first rainstorm it leaks and your kids are floating on a mattress in your tent, and they’ll never go again.”