The umbrella shape is a great choice for larger groups because of its big windows and tall walls, which make it feel very spacious. At the end of a long, hard work week or an exhausting day of hiking, the last thing you’ll want to do is take a lot of time to set up shelter. You’ll be especially grateful for a tent that can be set up quickly when the rain starts pouring or the sun starts setting. Look for words and phrases such as “pop-up, “easy up,” “instant,” and “quick-opening” in the tent’s name and description. Whether you only camp in the hot summer or you camp every month of the year, you’ll need a tent that can provide the right weather protection. The kind of protection you need depends greatly on the climate of the areas you camp in, but rain is one form of weather that nearly every camper needs protection from.  Make sure that your tent has a full-coverage rainfly. Tub flooring prevents rain from entering the tent because one large seamless piece of material covers the entirety of the tent floor. While it may seem like a thrifty option at the time, buying a cheap tent can lead to rainwater getting into the tent and ruining your valuables. Especially if you’re planning on hiking a far distance while carrying your tent, you’ll need one that’s as lightweight as possible and that’s easily compactable. The lighter the material, the more expensive the tent. If you’ve got a lot of supplies, clothing, etc., getting a tent with at least one vestibule can really expand your storage space. These can be located at the front/rear of the tent or on one of the sides. They also make getting in and out of the tent a much smoother process. A square-shaped floor can also help maximize storage possibilities. A footprint is a cloth that goes underneath your tent. This will not only protect the tent floor from rocks and debris, but can also prevent ground condensation inside the tent from forming if you pitch your tent on a cold, damp site. Many tents are available with a matching footprint that can be snapped or clipped to the bottom of the tent. Most tents either fall under the category of single-wall or double-wall. There are good aspects and not-so-good aspects of each one, so consider both to see which one is worth it for you.  Single-wall tents are lighter and easier to set up but provide less protection and storage space. Double-wall tents provide more space and protection but are significantly heavier.

Summary:
Go with the umbrella shape if you want standing room. Choose a tent that’s easy to set up. Make sure the tent provides adequate weather protection. Prioritize weight and packability for backpacking. Maximize storage with vestibules. Be sure to buy a footprint to go with your tent. Weigh the pros and cons of single or double walls.