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Weight: This is a very important feature in a backpacking tent. An ideal tent should weigh no more than 1.5 Kg (3.5 lb.) per person or less. Weight may be distributed among those using the tent by having one person carry the tent, one carry the fly and another carry the poles (for a three-person tent).

Poles: Aluminum poles are preferable to fibreglass in that they are significantly more durable. Fibreglass tends to split over time and is difficult to repair. Aluminum may bend, but the poles can be repaired in the field by slipping a sleeve over the bent section. Neither material carries a significant weight advantage. In either case, poles should be shock-corded for ease of setup and to prevent pole sections from being lost.

Pegs: Small steel pegs come with most nylon tents. These are fine but susceptible to bending. Always carry a few extras. Thicker aluminum pegs are better but more expensive. Plastic pegs are too bulky and heavy. Titanium pegs are too expensive for most of us.

Quality of Construction: Once you have seen different qualities of tents, you will realize that there is a reason why that Zellers special is only one fifth the price of a better quality tent you see elsewhere. Buy the best tent your money can get you. Some of the features to look for in construction quality include:

Fly: This is an important feature to look for. It is usually the worst feature on cheaper tents. Remember, mom and dad's trailer will not be a few feet away for you to seek refuge in when the monsoon hits at 2 a.m.   Look for a fly that:

If your current tent does not have an adequate fly and you can't afford a new one , then you must consider carrying a large enough sheet of plastic or a light tarp to serve as a fly and extra tent pegs and cord to fasten it down.

Vestibule: A vestibule is an area enclosed by the fly but outside the tent. While it is not essential that your tent have a vestibule, this is a desirable feature. It allows you to protect gear and your boots from the elements. Some vestibules are even large enough to cover your pack(s). Many newer tents include a vestibule as an integral part of the tent fly. Others treat it as an add-on feature. Either way, if you are looking at purchasing a tent, a tent with a vestibule is worth paying a few extra dollars for.

Ground Sheet: Most tents do not come with a ground sheet, so you will have to buy or make one. To make one, simply purchase a length of 6 mil polyethylene and cut it to the size of your tent floor or slightly smaller. The ground sheet performs the following functions:

Note: When setting up your tent make very sure that the ground sheet does not extend beyond the floor of the tent in any way. If it does, it will act as a rain catcher, funneling water under your tent and making you wet rather than keeping you dry.

Stuff Sack: Your tent should have a stuff sack that allows you to either:

In either case, your stuff sack should be waterproof. This can be accomplished by wrapping a garbage bag around it or placing a garbage bag inside it before you stuff in your tent. The second method is more awkward, but it is preferable if you are going to have your tent on the outside of your pack. In this way, the garbage bag will not be ripped by branches or thorns if you are hiking through the bush. Remember that if you are carrying your tent inside your pack, you must be very careful that a wet tent does not get everything else in your pack equally wet.

Ease of Setup: When purchasing a new tent, this should be a consideration. Look for a tent with shock-corded poles and a clip or sleeve system to attach the tent to the pole structure. Also consider whether or not your tent (and fly) are self-supporting or whether your tent will only stand up if you can pound in pegs first. You may find camp sites which are simply too rocky to pound in pegs.

Use seam sealer to seal all seams in the tent fly and the tent floor. (Better tents do not have seams in the floor)

If necessary, apply waterproofing to the tent fly and the tent floor. (Better tents will come with waterproofed flies and floors.) Do not waterproof the tent walls, as this may inhibit their ability to breathe.

Learn how to set up your tent before you go on your first trip. Set it up several times and try it out in the back yard. Teach anyone who is going to use your tent with you how to set it up as well.

Avoid packing your tent near anything sharp which might damage it. This includes the tent poles and pegs.

Stuff the tent as tightly as possible in the stuff sack to conserve space.

If you are in camp for some time, and the weather is nice, remove your fly and air out your tent. This will prevent mildew from taking hold.

Clean out any dirt in your tent and brush it off.

Hang the tent and fly to dry.

Check for any damage which should be looked after before the next trip.

Stuff the tent and fly loosely in the stuff sack.

Never store your tent damp or wet. It will mildew, mould, and rot.

Never cook in your tent. Nylon is extremely flammable. In very bad weather, you may choose to cook in your vestibule, but do not close the vestibule, and do not have any nylon above or near the stove.

Never have any food in your tent or cook near your tent.  In bear country, the tent will absorb the smell and become a bear magnet.  In squirrel country (everywhere) you may find holes eaten into your tent.

Never take your boots into your tent. Always remove them first and leave them in the vestibule. If you do not have a vestibule, store them outside the tent in a garbage bag to keep them from being soaked by a midnight shower.