Camping is where the magic happens for boy scouts. A good tent can make the difference between a good camping trip and a bad one. Most boy scout troops don’t provide a tent. So it’s up to the scouts to bring their own tent.
There are many tents on the market and the choices can be confusing. A scout is thrifty but buying a cheap tent is not always the best option. Whether you are a parent looking to buy a tent for your scout or you are scout researching tents, here are the things you should look for in a good tent.
What scouts need to look for in a good tent
Size
The rule of thumb when it comes to tent sizes is that it’s good for half the number of people it’s recommended for. That is, a two-person tent is good for one person, and a four-person tent is good for two people. This will allow the scouts to sleep comfortably and have space to store all the gear they are taking to the camp, especially the weeklong summer and winter camps. I prefer to buy a four-person tent that my son can share with another scout. The four-person tent is lightweight. easy to carry, and doesn’t take up too much space at the campsite. They are also easy to set up for younger scouts.
Durability
Scouting is a 6 to 7-year journey for most scouts. They will attend dozens of camps during that time. The tent will be exposed to high winds, rain, and other weather elements. While there is no guarantee that a tent will last 7 years, you can improve your chances by choosing the right type of tent. Tent poles are made of aluminum or fiberglass. Aluminum tent poles hold up well in cold weather and fiberglass poles do well in windy conditions.
Cost
While there are $30 tents and $500 tents, you will be better off buying something in the $75-$200 range. That price range will give you a good quality tent that will last a while. Needless to say, boys are rough on the tents and you may have to buy more than one tent during their 5 to 7 years in scouting. I would rather buy a $150 tent and replace it in a few years rather than a $500 tent.
Best tents for scouts
Coleman Sundome Camping Tent
Coleman is one of the well-known names when it comes to tents. The Coleman Sundome Camping Tent is cheap enough that you can buy one every year. It has 4.7 stars on Amazon with more than 35,000 ratings. The tent is spacious and can be set up by scouts in 10 to 15 minutes. The four-person tent is spacious enough for two scouts and their gear for a weeklong camp. Large windows allow for good ventilation, especially in the summer. The tent has storage pockets to store flashlights, sunglasses, and mobile phones.
The height at the center of the tent is 48″, which allows scouts to move around in the tent without too much trouble. You can’t go wrong with a Coleman tent. They are very popular with scouts.
Moon Lence 4-Person Camping tent
Moon Lence 4-Person Camping tent is a high-quality tent that is easy to set up. It has a ground vent and two windows for fantastic ventilation. It holds up well in the wind and the rain. This 4-person tent will easily fit two scouts and all their camping gear. Interior mesh pockets allow you to store small items. The tent has a built-in hook to hang a lantern for nighttime lighting.
Bottom Line
Before buying a boy scout tent, you will need to do some research. 4-person tents are ideal for scouts and will easily accommodate two scouts and their gear. Go for a tent that’s value-priced – not too cheap and not too expensive. Remember that the sources are rough on the tents. In most cases, you will need to buy more than one tent during your scouting journey. So plan accordingly.
