Rant: People keep buying the wrong size tent for their actual group

I've seen three friends this summer get a '4-person' tent that barely fits two people and their gear because they didn't check the floor dimensions. Has anyone else had to help a buddy squeeze into a tent that was clearly mislabeled?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_thea1d ago

Oh man, that is the worst! I swear tent sizes are just a hopeful suggestion from the manufacturer. You really have to look at the actual square footage or you'll be sleeping on top of your backpack.

avery_ross1d ago

Actually, the tent size ratings are pretty accurate if you know how to use them. A two person tent means it fits two sleeping pads side by side, nothing more. People pack way too much gear inside instead of using the vestibule. I've used the same Alps Mountaineering two person for years and it fits exactly as described. The problem is expecting living room space from backpacking gear.

violaramirez1d ago

Last time I trusted the label, my hiking boots ended up in my face all night.