Ah, camping—where the stars are your ceiling, the ground is your mattress (unless you’ve got an OZtrail beauty), and the great outdoors is your playground. It is undeniable that your tent can make or break a camping trip. Choose the wrong one, and it’s mozzies and soggy sleeping bags. Choose the right one, and you’re living the best life outdoors. So, what’s your pick of the different types of tents?
Dome Tents: The All-Rounder Legend
Dome tents are the reliable and easygoing mates of the camping world. With their dome shape and flexible poles that cross at the top, they’re sturdy enough to handle a stiff breeze and roomy enough to fit the crew (or just you and all your gear). These common tents are a staple for family camping and weekend getaways.
Why You’ll Love It: Quick to pitch, light to lug around, and solid as a rock when the weather gets cheeky. It’s the kind of tent style you’d take anywhere—from a beach tent to a rugged outback adventure like the Genesis II 3V Tent.
And here’s the kicker: dome tents and other geodesic tents come in all sizes. Even two-person tents or multi-room tents with spacious interiors make setting up camp a breeze.
Fast Frame Tents: Blink, and It’s Up
Don’t have the patience for pole wrangling? Fast Frame tents are your ticket to instant tent camping glory. These frame tents go up quicker than you can make a cuppa, thanks to fewer poles and a pre-assembled structure. They’re the perfect choice for family camping or car camping trips.
OZtrail Favourite: The Fast Frame BlockOut Lumos 10P Tent—a multi-room tent and a castle for campers. With BlockOut tech to keep the sun from waking you up too early, it’s got all the bells and whistles.
Fast Frame tents offer ample space for big groups, standing room, and features like awnings and inner tents for added comfort. They’re designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, truly one of the best.
Roof Top Tents: Take the High Road
Sleeping in a rooftop tent on your car? Roof top tents are a game-changer for anyone who wants to camp with a bit of altitude (and zero creepy crawlies). Just park, pop it open, and enjoy the best views at your camping location.
Perfect For: Overlanders, road trippers, and anyone who reckons sleeping on the ground is overrated. Tarkine 1400 RTT is great for newbie rooftop campers.
Roof top tents are especially handy for wild camping in extreme weather conditions, with better airflow and portable shelter for rugged terrains. They’re also lightweight compared to heavier tents, making them a favourite among overlanders.
Stretcher Tents: Sleep Like a King
Why rough it when you can stretch out (literally)? Stretcher tents combine a comfy bed with all the perks of a tent. With their rigid poles, often made from metal poles or wooden poles, these camping tents keep you elevated and away from damp ground.
Must-Try: The Easy Fold 2P Stretcher Tent. It’s as comfy as your bed at home but with way better views.
Stretcher tents provide spacious interiors, perfect for campers who want comfort without lugging around anything bulky. They’re great for summer camping trips or as emergency shelters for quick getaways.
Swags: The Aussie Classic
Compact, comfy, and tougher than ever, swags are perfect for solo adventurers or anyone who likes to keep it simple.
OZtrail Icon: The Sundowner 900 Swag. A cushy built-in mattress, durable tent fabric, and the kind of design that you can simply chuck in the ute without problems.
Swags are the ultimate portable shelter, designed for one-person tents or bivy tents. They’re built to handle the Aussie outback and protect from extreme weather conditions while being lightweight enough for backpacking tents.
Hiking Tents: Lightweight Legends
For the trekkers and bushwalkers out there, a hiking tent is your best mate. These backpacking tents are built to handle tough conditions with ease.
Pick of the Pack: The Nomad 2P Hiking Tent. Easy to carry, quick to pitch, and tough as nails.
Hiking tents are perfect for solo or duo trips, constructed with wooden or metal poles and designed to withstand wild camping conditions while remaining easy to carry. Their compact tent size makes them the ultimate choice for remote campsites.
Pop-Up Tents: Because Who’s Got Time?
Pop-up tents are like magic—throw it on the ground, and BOOM, temporary structures. They’re great for family camping, festivals, or anyone who’d rather not wrestle with pole tents after a long day.
Best Bet: The Pop-Up Pod Tent. It’s ready when you are—no instructions, no worries.
Pop-up tents offer simplicity and convenience, perfect for casual camping adventures or as a beach tent. Despite their ease, they’re durable enough to handle the weather.
Ensuite Tents: Camp Comfort 101
Need a bit of privacy at the campsite? Ensuite tents are here to save the day. A bush shower, a quick change, or a makeshift loo—what can't it do?
Top Choice: The Fast Frame Ensuite Single Tent. Quick to set up and a total game-changer when nature calls.
Ensuite tents are particularly handy on longer trips or for family camping setups. They’re lightweight, portable, and provide a luxurious private space for our fancy campers.
How to Choose the Right Tent for Your Adventure
Alright, you’ve got the lowdown on all the types of tents, but how do you pick the one that’s just right for you? It’s not just about how your tent looks in the photos—there are a few key factors to think about to make sure your tent ticks all the boxes. Let’s break it down:
Group Size
How many people are camping with you? Tents come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to pick one that’s roomy enough for everyone—plus a bit of extra space for your gear. If you’re camping solo, a swag or hiking tent might do the trick, but for families or groups, a spacious dome tent or Fast Frame tent is a better bet.
Pro Tip: If it says “4-person tent,” it’ll fit four sleeping bags snugly—but if you want a bit of elbow room, go for a size up.
Weather Conditions
Is your trip to the sunny beaches or the chilly mountains? Different tents handle weather differently. Look for waterproof materials, sturdy poles, and good ventilation for those warmer nights. If you’re expecting wind or rain, you’ll want something with a bit more grunt (definitely not an inflatable tent), like a dome tent with guy ropes for extra stability.
OZtrail Feature to Look For: Many tents, like the Fast Frame BlockOut, have UV protection and BlockOut tech to keep you cool and shaded in the heat.
Portability
Will you be driving straight to your campsite, or are you hiking through rugged bushland to find that perfect spot? If you’re carrying your tent on your back, weight and size are key. For instance, cabin tents and bell tents are usually bulky. Hiking tents, pyramid tents, and swags are lightweight and compact, while roof top tents and stretcher tents are better suited for car campers.
Ease of Setup
Let’s be real—no one wants to spend hours fiddling with poles and instructions. If you’re not a fan of the setup process, don't go for a ridge tent; instead, go for a Fast Frame tent or even a pop-up tent. They’re designed for quick and easy assembly, so you can spend more time actually enjoying the camping itself.
Features and Comfort
Do you like your creature comforts, or are you happy with the basics? Some tents come with all the bells and whistles—built-in mattresses, extra storage, BlockOut coating, and more. Think about what matters to you: ventilation, storage pockets, power access, or maybe just a comfortable night’s sleep.
Budget
Let’s not forget the wallet. Tents come in a range of prices, so decide what you’re willing to spend before you start shopping. A high-quality tent is an investment, though—it will last you for years and handle whatever adventures you throw at it.
So, Which One’s Your Pick?
Camping is more than just picking tents—it’s about the stories you’ll tell, the laughs you’ll share, and the adventures you’ll never forget. With OZtrail, you’ve got the perfect tent for every kind of adventure, from epic family escapes to spur-of-the-moment weekend getaways. Gather your crew, load up the car, and choose a tent that fits your style. Adventure is waiting—don’t keep it waiting too long!
Learn more about camping shelters with our complete guide on how to choose the best camping shelter for your next trip.