Tents What to look for in a tent. For your first tent, I would not recommend an expensive one. A twenty dollar A-frame from Walmart is perfectly acceptable when starting out. However, you will need to purchase two additional items. Tarps. One will go on the ground before you set up your tent.  The second tent will act as an additional roof (there is a specific reason I will talk about later). Now on to purchasing the more expensive tent.  It needs to have a fly and proper ground cover built into the tent. Actually, if the fly will come out to cover a backpack, it is even better. Many of the tents have the shock poles. They are much easier to put up, however, eventually, they will wear. The A-frame option allows creative fixes for a broken pole.  With the dome tent, it is more difficult to jury rig a broken pole. Temperature is also important.  If you are doing most of your camping in the summer, a summer tent would be better for you.  If you go spring through fall, a zero degree tent should suffice.  I do not know that much about camping in the winter. Ventilation is another important factor. Poor air circulation creates a build up of your breathe condensating inside the tent. It is very uncomfortable.  Your sleeping bag, clothes, shoes, socks and underwear get clammy and cold.  The fly or tarp over your tent is what is supposed to catch the condesation and keep it outside.  Also, in the rain, you can keep you windows open with out worry.