Tent Size for Two

Packing two people into an undersized tent is a good way to ruin a camping trip. Tents are labeled with the number of people they will fit -- with no room to spare. However, sizes differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. According to "The National Outdoor Leadership School's Wilderness Guide," the floor space of a two-person tent ranges from 30 to 40 square feet. Although floor-level space is the primary factor used to determine how many campers will fit in a tent, several other factors also affect the overall comfort.

  1. Headroom and Storage

    • Tent sizes take into account only floor-level space. However, headroom is also important. The ability to sit up and play cards or change clothes inside the tent is a big plus. Compare peak-height measurements and volume of each tent. Hexagon-shaped dome tents rank well for peak-height and volume, but often don't fit tall campers. Some tents incorporate miniature storage hammocks to store clothes and other items off the floor.

    Vestibules

    • A vestibule is an extension of the tent's rain-fly, which provides a covered area to store gear and shoes. Some tents have one or two vestibules, while others have none. A vestibule makes a snug tent more comfortable by keeping the gear out of the main area.

    Choosing a Tent

    • If weight isn't a major concern, buy a tent rated for more people than will use the tent. For example, two campers could use a tent rated for three to four people. This gives each camper more personal space and room for bags.

      Families should consider purchasing a tent rated for double the number of campers or separate into two tents. For example, a family of three may want a six-person tent. This way there is plenty of room for toys or even a portable crib. Backpackers, however, usually favor lightweight tents over extra space.

      Whenever possible, visit a store where the tents can be set up before purchased. This gives you a chance to get inside and "try-on" the tent. For a two-person tent, bring a friend to climb inside with you, and imagine the space filled with a sleeping-pads and -bags, pillows and clothes.

    Tents for Tall Campers

    • Adequate tent length is important for campers over 6 feet tall. Sleeping with your head and toes pushed against the tent wall is uncomfortable and may compromise the tent's rain resistance. A tent length over 90 inches is preferable. Tents designed for tall campers, such as the 92-inch, REI Quarter Dome T2 Plus, are a good choice.