Nowadays, when you look for a camping tent, many people will suggest you choose the blackout tent. Most of the reason is that blackout tents are cooler than other colors. Is it true? And why do more and more people prefer this kind of camping gear?
In this article, we will explain this to you, and also give some suggestions for the best blackout tent.
Let’s take a look!
Are Blackout Tents Cooler?
Yes, they are cooler than almost all the traditional ones on the market nowadays.
Traditional tents are told to do a poor job of blocking sunlight.
However, we have blackout tents as an effective option.
These ones block direct sunlight to give a cool, comfortable relaxing room at any time of day.
As a result, they are ideal for camping areas, festivals, or families with children.
While some traditional darkroom tents use normal darkened fabric, the blackout materials for tents can absorb and spread light.
They are told to block up to 99 percent of all incoming light.
They are also cooler than other types of tents.
To lower the indoor temperature, the better ones use climate control fabric and ventilation systems.
The best ones can be 10 degrees cooler or more than the outside temperature, depending on the type and the external conditions.
Source: parkedinparadise
Are Blackout Tents Cooler?: When You May Need Blackout Tents For Camping?
1. Go camping with children:
When it comes to camping with kids, the dark rest camping tent is the most suitable one.
When the children need a nap during the day, the darkness can be a good option.
So there is no need to worry about sunlight because it will prevent you from walking up to your kids in the early morning.
You will undoubtedly have a relaxing and enjoyable morning.
2. People who sleep lightly:
If you have a difficult time sleeping, dark rooms are the way to go.
Many sensitive sleepers prefer to camp in these types of tents.
Because they can feel safe and secure in the dark and pleasant environment with this style.
3. Camping in hot weather:
If you are thinking of camping in the desert, you will surely need a dark dome.
Camping in the desert or falling asleep in the hot summer might be dangerous.
Dark rest ones are well known for concealing the sun and keeping your surroundings cooler than a standard tent.
4. Stargazers:
If you want to spend some time watching the stars, it is a good option.
Many hunters and astronomers chose this type simply because they need to complete their job at night while sleeping in the sunlight.
5. Festival goers:
This camping gear is well-known among festival-goers.
Because the brighter lights, as well as the activities, can be blocked by these dark ones.
If you plan on spending time with other campers that sleep at a different time than you, it will come in handy.
This is the best blackout tent for 5 persons because it is very large. Moreover, it can be divided into 2 bedrooms and a living room. It is made of high-quality materials and has an SPF rating of 50.
Thus, it efficiently blocks the sun’s rays. Moreover, it is completely waterproof!
It only takes around two seconds to set up this as a pop-up tent.
Besides the standard sun filtering level, this one is waterproof and windproof.
The manufacturer says that it can withstand tropical rainstorms without leaking.
It can also stand in heavy strong winds. As a result, it is great for those who enjoy camping in the wild.
Can You Blackout A Tent?
Although blackout tents are cooler, if you do not want to buy a totally new one, here are some tips to cooler your tent on a camping trip:
1. Use a black liner:
The first and most efficient way to darken a tent is to use a sun-blocking lining inside the tent.
Clip or wrap your binding or blankets all the way around the walls.
If you still want air to circulate, don’t block windows or vents.
However, this will enable some light to pass through.
When compared to blankets or towels, a tarp is usually lighter and does not absorb as much heat.
Sheets may work, but they won’t be as effective in blocking light.
2. Hang a black material outside:
This method is similar to the previous one, but you will need a larger tarp to drape outside this time.
It is entirely up to you how many tarps you use, how you use them, and what you use them for.
You can hide much of the light while still allowing for decent airflow if you only tarp over the top.
You will block most or all of the sun by tarping the entire tent, but you will also tarp some of the hot air.
If you can leave some gap between the tarp and the tent, this will aid with ventilation and sun protection.
Overall, this method is the best, but it necessitates more work and props up parts.
3. Find a shadier area:
This is the simplest solution that can help one of the other options.
You can look for big trees with branches and leaves.
Watch this video from Decathlon UK to know how to choose the right camping dome for your family: (57) Decathlon UK: How to choose your family camping tent – YouTube
What Kind Of Tent Should I Get?
From left to right: Mountaineering type, camping type, backpacking type (Source: GearX)
People now pay a lot of attention to what they use for outdoor activities.
There are 3 main types: Backpacking, camping, mountaineering.
1. Backpacking type:
If you are going to hike a long distance to your campground, you will want to invest in a backpacking one.
Backpacking domes are designed to be both light and small, allowing them to be carried over long trips. Ideally, they should weigh around 2 pounds per person.
2. Camping type:
Get a camping tent if you are going straight to your campsite or putting up a basecamp.
When it comes to weight, camping tents throw caution to the wind, weighing anywhere from 4-6 pounds to 20 pounds for large-capacity family camping ones.
They are created with livable space and comfort in mind.
3. Mountaineering type:
Get a mountaineering tent if you’re going on a high-altitude mountain adventure or camping in the winter.
This type is typically single-walled, lightweight, and built to handle strong winds or heavy snow loads.
The first step in buying camping gear is to figure out what you will use it for the most, and then continue from there.
Keep in mind that while you can backpack and camp with a mountaineering one, you cannot actually backpack with a camping product.
Additionally, you should not try adventurous or winter camping with either backpacking or a camping tent.
After you have decided on the type of tent you want, you can start thinking about the other points.
How To Know The Right Size To Choose
1-person, 2-person, 3-person, 8-person; this is the size of regular domes at the surface level.
Taking up approximately 25 inches of space (about the width of a sleeping pad) will fit inside.
A good rule of thumb when shopping for camping houses is to go up one person to maximize your comfort: 1-person tents are usually tight for one person, 2-person tents are usually tight for 2, etc.
However, if you go backpacking, and want to save as much weight as possible, then you should try to deal with the tight space. It is all about striking a balance between space and weight.
The simplest way to evaluate if you have the right space is to look at two specs in particular: peak height and floor area.
The peak height is the distance between the ground and its highest point, measured in inches.
This, doubled with your height, is a crucial metric to consider when it comes to livability.
It specifies whether you will be able to sit up or stand (in some situations) within your dome.
Floor space is measured in square feet, and it is simple to figure out from specifications online.
You may even measure out the same area as at home to see whether it will be large enough for you to be comfortable.
If you are tall, make sure it has around 2 additional feet longitudinally so your head and feet do not touch its ends, which will get wet with condensation overnight.
Remember that the easiest way to see if you have enough room is to pitch one and get inside.
Are Blackout Tents Cooler?: Buying Guideline
Because this product comes in a lot of shapes and styles, there are many key factors you should consider before buying.
Thus, you can get the most suitable one.
1. Capacity:
When buying a camping tent, the most important factor to consider first is its capacity.
A small one is the better option if you go alone or with one other person because it will be easier to move and set up.
On the other hand, a sectional tent with room dividers is ideal for families or groups.
Furthermore, you can easily find products that can comfortably fit up to 10 people on the market.
2. Ventilation:
This factor is important for tents. Look for the ones with adjustable doors that allow airflow.
People usually use some panels to cover behind a light-blocking flysheet. However, you can still open it up to the sun if you want to.
3. Waterproof:
The best products should have awnings or other covering installed over any openings, such as windows and doors, to prevent water from dripping inside.
Also check for inverted seams and welded corners, as these are two key designs that will keep you dry.
4. Storage:
Consider a product with many places to store and hang your pieces of stuff if you are a camper who loves to stay organized.
Keeping personal things off the ground opens up the sleeping area and makes your tent feel bigger.
5. Electric access:
Some modern ones now allow you to run an electric line inside the tent without leaving it outside.
6. Easy to set up:
Most of us will find it hard to set up a dome at one time or another.
Single ones are simple to set up, but if you use a bigger model for families or groups, you will have to spend some time learning how to use them.
The larger your product, the more difficult it takes to set up.
Some manufacturers make things a little easier by providing color-coded poles and clear instructions, but the natural surroundings, weather conditions, and other external factors must still be taken into account.
Are Blackout Tents Cooler?: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do The Ability To Block Light Decrease Over Time?
Yes, it is possible. Special materials are used to filter light in high-quality tents.
Therefore, the chance of fading will be lower.
On the other side, cheaper ones have usually used a dye spray, which might be washed off over time. You should choose high-quality ones if you can.
2. How Much A Darkroom Tent Cost?
Depending on the brand, size, and style, this can vary.
Premium ones can cost up to $700 or more, but in terms of durability and materials, you get what you pay for.
However, the lower-cost variants can still be of excellent quality. You can get some fantastic ones for $50 and higher.
3. What Is The Safe Temperature For Camping?
For new campers with poor gears, nighttime temperatures of around 30 degrees Fahrenheit are considered too cold to go camping.
Camping is most enjoyable when the range is between 50 and 65 degrees at night.
4. Why Do My Camping House Gets Too Hot?
It can become very hot when being exposed to direct sunlight, has a poor ventilation system, or is used during the day.
Some features inside, such as a dark canvas or a tightly closed rainfly, may also contribute to the problem.
5. Can I Air Condition My Camping Tent?
It depends on how you set up the dome.
If it has an AC port, we recommend using a window AC and stand.
A portable air conditioner is a suitable option if there is no AC port or flap.
The exhaust hose will have to be routed via the door flap, which may be difficult.
Conclusion
Finding blackout domes that are suitable for you and your family does not have to be as difficult as it seems. Are blackout tents cooler than the others? Yes, and it is totally worth its price! With the help of this article, we hope you can figure out which sort of blackout tent would best suit your demands and what you want for your camping trip.
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