Tent Size Calculator
Enter how many people sleep in the tent and whether you carry it. The calculator applies the +1 rule - buy one rated size above your headcount - and shows the floor dimensions, packed weight and shoulder room to expect.
Shop pages quote the rating on the label. This one explains why the label lies gently: ratings assume shoulders only, no bags, no dogs - and prices the honest size in kilos you will feel.
How to use
- Count sleepers honestly (including the dog, who takes a person's worth of floor).
- Pick backpacking or drive-in; weight maths differ by an order of magnitude.
- Buy the rated size shown and check the floor dimensions against your longest sleeper plus 30 cm.
Frequently asked questions
What does tent capacity actually mean?
The number of shoulders that fit wall to wall - a 2-person tent is two 55 cm strips. Real camping wants bags, boots and the dignity of turning over, which is why the +1 rule is the first advice every experienced camper gives.
How much should a backpacking tent weigh?
Modern 2-person 3-season designs run 2-3 kg, ultralight under 1.5 at double the price and fragility. Family tents ignore weight entirely - drive-in camping buys comfort, not grams.
Is a 4-season tent worth it?
Only above the treeline or in snow: the extra poles and fabric handle wind and loading you rarely meet. A good 3-season tent plus a warm sleep system serves 95% of trips, in all three actual seasons.
Where should I pitch a tent?
Higher than the water line, away from dead branches, out of gully wind-funnels, and never with the door into the prevailing weather. The best tent pitch decision costs nothing and saves more nights than any gear upgrade.