Turns out, you can learn a lot about yourself based on the tent you choose. Here’s what your camping shelter says about you.
All illustrations by Sarah Neuburger.
Hammock Tent
You don’t need a partner to be this kind of swinger! In fact, not only do you prefer to be solo but so high (above the ground). When given the choice between traditional and unconventional, you’re always climbing into whatever’s more fun. You love a BOGO deal—buy one hammock, get one chair/sofa/bed/swing free. Overall, you rock.
Classic Camping Tent
You are practical, stable and timeless. If you’re packing an REI Co-op Wonderland tent, you’re probably bringing your entire pack—so thankfully, you can easily zip a barrier between you and the kids. You’ve either been doing this camping thing for ages, or you put this tent on your wedding registry in 2017 and are on the way to use it for the first time. (You just Googled “how put up a tent” before your cell service disappeared.)
Large Group Tent
Dang, are you Neil deGrasse Tyson? Because you really love space. You might dig an eight-person portable studio apartment for two reasons: You want to transform the palatial pop-up into an all-you-can-sleep haven, or you’re an extrovert who wants to host the ultimate slumber party (or dance party) for you and your besties. Either way, you like your shelters the way you like your Stanley tumbler—as large as possible.
Backpacking Tent
You’re bringing sexy back (yeah)—even when you’re sporting an unsexy backpack. You’re efficient, reliable and adventurous. Everyone counts on you; you’re easygoing, and you often surprise people with your unsuspecting mightiness. You also know, for a fact, that size does matter.
Roof-Top Tent
Much like a turtle that carries its home on its back, you’re sturdy, steady and slightly introverted—but you’ll come out of your shell for a stellar view. Making adventurous decisions on a whim? You’re on top of that! Nothing irritates you more than not having the freedom to not only go anywhere but stay anywhere. If you ever find yourself at the Large Group Tent’s dance party, we’ll likely see you raising the roof.
Tarp Shelter
You are resourceful, adaptable and plucky. You love puzzles, co-working with Mother Nature and you might even be a little knot-ty. You’re not afraid to throw caution to the wind because wind doesn’t stand a chance against your clever shelter. People say you’re very grounded—and not just because you have the fearlessness to be face to face with the earth in a floorless tent. Grommet-ly speaking, you’re the whole package.
Mountaineering Tent
You love nature unconditionally. Winter, spring, summer or fall—all nature has to do is call and you’ll be there. Your favorite childhood memory was being a Scout; your favorite adult memory is talking about being a Scout. There’s no such thing as “over”-prepared with you. Just like your tent, you’re built to weather any storm. You sleep well at night dreaming of summiting Denali or Everest, if you haven’t already. When someone says, “You’ve peaked!” they mean it as a compliment.
Glamping Yurt
You contain multitudes. You love the idea of camping, but you also love the idea of electrical outlets. You’re down to earth but you’re also down to keep a reasonable distance from the earth. You have no tolerance for anyone calling you high-maintenance when you are clearly medium-maintenance, at best. While you’ve only experienced this lodging once, we will find you dropping the words “glamping” and “yurt” into almost any conversation.
Circus Tent
You either just piled out of a compact car with 25 other clowns, or you’re 7 years old and this is going to be the best night of your life.
Hotel Room Tent
One layer of material between you and the elements just isn’t enough. You have reservations about camping, so you always just make reservations. You prefer pools and room service to poles and the National Park Service. The Great Outdoors are even greater to you when you can visit them and then plop into a plush bed and shut a door without a zipper. However, you wouldn’t be reading this piece if you weren’t a little tent-curious…