Buying tents can be confusing. Get the right tent, and you can expect years of leakless shelter from any storm you might encounter. Get a tent that isn't durable enough for your needs, or one that is so overbuilt you could use it on K2, and you'd probably be financially better off if you had opted for expensive hotels instead of camping.

The tent you buy depends on where, when, and
with how many people you'll camp.

Outdoor enthusiasts are accustomed to dropping big money on Gore-Tex jackets, double plastic Telemark boots, and sleek new skis with radical side cuts. But for some reason, people tend to balk at investing in tents. Sure, a backyard nylon or canvas tent can be bought for around $100, but take it into the backcountry, and you're courting a world of misery. A fierce wind, a flash hailstorm, or a drenching downpour tests the mettle of any tent, especially if it is not built to take abuse. Smart shoppers know that a tent is a capital investment, not good for just one or two seasons, but if properly treated, capable of years of service.

Camping can be one of life's most simple pleasures. Unless you have a bank account to rival Midas, you probably want to buy a single tent that will work for a broad range of camping needs. Plan on spending $200 - $500 for a three-season tent. More money buys additional durability, as well as roomier vestibules and more high-tech poles. All tents have pros and cons, so you need to consider your camping needs carefully before you buy.