Vestibule/porch

All good car camping and family tents will have a large porch. And backpacking tents also usually have a small porch area. Gear is stored in this space to free up space in the sleeping area. It’s also a good area to cook and eat meals.

Outer tent/rain fly

A rain fly is a layer of tough waterproof fabric that is placed over the top of an inner tent (with a gap between). It’s main job is to keep the rain out. But it will also be windproof.

Inner tent

These sit underneath a rain fly and are either clipped to the poles or clipped to the fabric of the rain fly. Inner tents are not waterproof, but create an area for sleeping that is separate to the porch of the tent.

Pole hub

Some tents have pole configurations that connect in one central spot. These are either permanently attached (and collapsible) to a central fixing, known as the pole hun, or can be totally disconnected from it.

Guy lines

Guy lines that are staked to the ground ensure that tents withstand windy conditions. They also create tension across the outer fabric of the tent to prevent rain water pooling in saggy areas. Guy lines should have an adjustable mechanism that allows them to be tightened and loosened as necessary.

Pegs/stakes

To keep tents securely attached to the ground, tent pegs are used. They are usually metal.

Gear loft

Some tents make the most of the extra space in there ceiling by having a small ‘shelf’ to store small items of gear.

Storage pockets

Most tents have storage pockets that are integrated into the inner tent. These help keep the tent organised and are useful for storing personal items.

Groundsheet

This is the section of the tent that you walk and lie on. It is usually made of waterproof fabric that is highly durable, although lightweight tents often have thin groundsheets. Inner tents have integrated groundsheets, whereas rain flys often have a detachable groundsheet, or none at all.

Footprint

Tents that don’t have a durable or waterproof groundsheet can be pitched on a footprint. This is essentially a groundsheet that is designed for a specific tent, and is used as an optional extra.

Vent

All tents have vents. Usually in the rain fly as well as the inner tent. They are essential at keeping air flowing through the tent which in turn helps manage internal condensation.

Mesh door

Mesh doors are essential when camping in areas where bugs and insects are a problem. They are also very lightweight and often feature in backpacking tents where low weight is important.

Tent divider

Larger tents that accomodate 3 or more people sometimes have a removable divider in the inner tent. These are great if you need some privacy from your tent mates, or if you have kids that need to go to bed earlier that you. Dividers are usually made of lightweight fabric and are simply hooked into the ceiling of the inner tent.

Internal gear hooks

Gear hooks are positioned in various places inside both the inner tent and rain fly. They are useful for hanging up a washing line up between them for drying clothes. Or they can be used to hook lanterns and lighting up in the ceiling.

Door tie backs

All tents have door tie backs. They are usually a simple toggle and loop that holds the rolled up door in place and out of the way to keep the door open.

Pole attachment points

Most tents have a point at which the end of the pole attaches to either the outer or inner tent, depending on the tent design. The systems vary, but once in place they are very secure.

Storm flaps

Outer tent doors with zips usually have a strip of fabric that folds over the the zip to prevent rain (and wind) from coming through the teeth of the zip. Many storm flaps are secured at their base with a velcro tab to keep them in place.

Pole clip

These are clips or hooks that are used to attach the poles to either the inner or outer tent. They vary from tent to tent and should be easy to attach but very secure when in place.

Parts of a tent section with credit to Cool of the wild